Muni's Playशाण्डिल्य भक्ति सूत्रम्
Chapter 1: Section 1 (Prathama-āhnikam)
Sutra 1
Devanagari
अथातो भक्तिजिज्ञासा ॥ 1॥
Transliteration
- athāto bhaktijijñāsā
Translation
Now, therefore, begins the inquiry into the nature of Devotion.
Word-for-Word
अथ (Now), अतः (therefore), भक्ति (devotion), जिज्ञासा (inquiry).
Sutra 2
Devanagari
सा पराऽनुरक्तिरीश्वरे ॥ 2॥
Transliteration
- sā parā’nuraktirīśvare
Translation
That (devotion) is supreme attachment to the Lord.
Word-for-Word
सा (That), परा (supreme), अनुरक्तिः (attachment/love), ईश्वरे (in the Lord).
Sutra 3
Devanagari
तत्संस्थस्यामृतत्वोपदेशात् ॥ 3॥
Transliteration
- tatsaṃsthasyāmṛtatvopadeśāt
Translation
Because immortality is taught for the one who is firmly established in Him.
Word-for-Word
तत् (In Him), संस्थस्य (of one who is fixed/abiding), अमृतत्व (immortality), उपदेशात् (because of the teaching).
Sutra 4
Devanagari
ज्ञानमिति चेन्न द्विषतोऽपि ज्ञानस्य तदसंस्थितेः ॥ 4॥
Transliteration
- jñānamiti cenna dviṣato’pi jñānasya tadasaṃsthiteḥ
Translation
If it is argued that devotion is knowledge, it is not so; for knowledge can exist even in those who hate the Lord, but abiding in Him cannot.
Word-for-Word
ज्ञानम् (Knowledge), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), द्विषतः (in one who hates), अपि (even), ज्ञानस्य (of knowledge), तत् (that/abiding), असंस्थितेः (due to non-existence).
Sutra 5
Devanagari
तयोपक्षयाच्च ॥ 5॥
Transliteration
- tayopakṣayācc
Translation
And because worldly bondage is destroyed by it (devotion).
Word-for-Word
तया (By it/devotion), उपक्षयात् (due to destruction of worldly bondage), च (and).
Sutra 6
Devanagari
द्वेषप्रतिपक्षभावाद्रसशब्दाच्च रागः ॥ 6॥
Transliteration
- dveṣapratipakṣabhāvādrasaśabdācca rāgaḥ
Translation
Devotion is a form of attachment (Raga) because it is the opposite of hatred and because of the scriptural use of the word Rasa (nectar).
Word-for-Word
द्वेष (Hatred), प्रतिपक्ष (opposite), भावात् (from the nature), रस (joy/relish), शब्दात् (from the word), च (and), रागः (attachment/love).
Sutra 7
Devanagari
न क्रिया कृत्यनपेक्षणाज्ज्ञानवत् ॥ 7॥
Transliteration
- na kriyā kṛtyanapekṣaṇājjñānavat
Translation
It is not an action, because it does not depend on an effort of will, just as knowledge is independent of will.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), क्रिया (action/ritual), कृत्य (effort of will), अनपेक्षणात् (because of independence), ज्ञानवत् (like knowledge).
Sutra 8
Devanagari
अतः एव फलानन्त्यम् ॥ 8॥
Transliteration
- ataḥ eva phalānantyam
Translation
For this very reason (not being a temporary action), its fruit is infinite.
Word-for-Word
अतः एव (For this very reason), फल (fruit/result), आनन्त्यम् (infinity/endlessness).
Sutra 9
Devanagari
तद्वतः प्रपत्तिशब्दाच्च न ज्ञानमितरप्रपत्तिवत् ॥ 9॥
Transliteration
- tadvataḥ prapattiśabdācca na jñānamitaraprapattivat
Translation
And because the term “surrender” is used for a devotee, it is not mere knowledge, just as worldly surrender is not mere knowledge.
Word-for-Word
तद्वतः (Of one possessing that), प्रपत्ति (surrender), शब्दात् (from the word), च (and), न (not), ज्ञानम् (knowledge), इतर (other), प्रपत्तिवत् (like surrender).
Chapter 1: Section 2 (Dvitīya-āhnikam)
Sutra 10
Devanagari
सा मुख्येतरापेक्षितत्वात् ॥ 10॥
Transliteration
- sā mukhyetarāpekṣitatvāt
Translation
That (Devotion) is the primary path because all other paths depend upon it for their completion.
Word-for-Word
सा (That/Devotion), मुख्या (primary/main), इतर (others), अपेक्षितत्वात् (because of being required/depended upon).
Sutra 11
Devanagari
प्रकरणाच्च ॥ 11॥
Transliteration
- prakaraṇācc
Translation
And this is also evident from the context of the scriptures.
Word-for-Word
प्रकरणात् (From the context/topic), च (and).
Sutra 12
Devanagari
दर्शनफलमिति चेन्न तेन व्यवधानात् ॥ 12॥
Transliteration
- darśanaphalamiti cenna tena vyavadhānāt
Translation
If it is said that knowledge is the fruit of devotion, it is not so; because knowledge is merely an intervening factor (a means) to the final goal.
Word-for-Word
दर्शन (Vision/Knowledge), फलम् (fruit), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), तेन (by that), व्यवधानात् (because of intervention/distance).
Sutra 13
Devanagari
दृष्टत्वाच्च ॥ 13॥
Transliteration
- dṛṣṭatvācc
Translation
And because it is observed (in experience) that knowledge serves devotion.
Word-for-Word
दृष्टत्वात् (Because it is seen/observed), च (and).
Sutra 14
Devanagari
अत एव तदभावाद्वल्लवीनाम् ॥ 14॥
Transliteration
- ata eva tadabhāvādvallavīnām
Translation
For this very reason, liberation was attained by the Gopis, even in the absence of formal scriptural knowledge.
Word-for-Word
अतः एव (For this very reason), तत्-अभावात (due to the absence of that/knowledge), वल्लवीनाम् (of the cowherd women/Gopis).
Sutra 15
Devanagari
भक्त्या जानातीति चेन्नाभिज्ञप्त्या साहाय्यात् ॥ 15॥
Transliteration
- bhaktyā jānātīti cennābhijñaptyā sāhāyyāt
Translation
If you quote “By devotion he knows Me,” it does not mean knowledge is the end; rather, devotion uses knowledge as an aid for recognition of the Beloved.
Word-for-Word
भक्त्या (By devotion), जानाति (he knows), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), अभिज्ञप्त्या (by recognition/identification), साहाय्यात् (due to assistance).
Sutra 16
Devanagari
प्रागुक्तं च ॥ 16॥
Transliteration
- prāguktaṃ c
Translation
And this has been explained previously (that devotion is the ultimate end).
Word-for-Word
प्राक् (Previously), उक्तम् (stated), च (and).
Sutra 17
Devanagari
एतेन विकल्पोऽपि प्रत्युक्तः ॥ 17॥
Transliteration
- etena vikalpo’pi pratyuktaḥ
Translation
By this, the view that knowledge and devotion are equal alternatives is also refuted.
Word-for-Word
एतेन (By this), विकल्पः (option/alternative), अपि (also), प्रत्युक्तः (refuted/answered).
Sutra 18
Devanagari
देवभक्तिरितरस्मिन् साहचर्यात् ॥ 18॥
Transliteration
- devabhaktiritarasmin sāhacaryāt
Translation
The term “devotion” used for other gods is secondary, used only because of its association with the primary devotion to the Supreme.
Word-for-Word
देव-भक्तिः (Devotion to lower gods), इतरस्मिन् (in others), साहचर्यात् (due to association/common usage).
Sutra 19
Devanagari
योगस्तूभयार्थमपेक्षणात् प्रयाजवत् ॥ 19॥
Transliteration
- yogastūbhayārthamapekṣaṇāt prayājavat
Translation
But Yoga is required for both knowledge and devotion, acting as a preliminary aid like the Prayaja ritual in a sacrifice.
Word-for-Word
योगः (Yoga), तु (but), उभय-अर्थम् (for both purposes), अपेक्षणात् (because of requirement), प्रयाजवत् (like the Prayaja sacrifice).
Sutra 20
Devanagari
गौण्या तु समाधिसिद्धिः ॥ 20॥
Transliteration
- gauṇyā tu samādhisiddhiḥ
Translation
Through secondary (lower) devotion, the perfection of Samadhi (concentration) is achieved.
Word-for-Word
गौण्या (By secondary/instrumental devotion), तु (but), समाधि-सिद्धिः (attainment of Samadhi).
Sutra 21
Devanagari
हेया रागत्वादिति चेन्नोत्तमास्पदत्वात् सङ्गवत् ॥ 21॥
Transliteration
- heyā rāgatvāditi cennottamāspadatvāt saṅgavat
Translation
If you say devotion should be rejected because it is “attachment,” I say no; because its object is the Highest, just as good association is not rejected.
Word-for-Word
हेया (To be rejected), रागत्वात् (because of being attachment), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), उत्तम-आस्पदत्वात् (due to having the Highest as its object), सङ्गवत् (like association).
Sutra 22
Devanagari
तदेव कर्मिज्ञानियोगिभ्य आधिक्यशब्दात् ॥ 22॥
Transliteration
- tadeva karmijñāniyogibhya ādhikyaśabdāt
Translation
Devotion is indeed superior to rituals, knowledge, and yoga, as explicitly stated in the scriptures.
Word-for-Word
तत् (That), एव (indeed), कर्मि-ज्ञानि-योगिभ्यः (than those of rituals, knowledge, or yoga), आधिक्य-शब्दात् (from words indicating superiority).
Sutra 23
Devanagari
प्रश्ननिरूपणाभ्यामाधिक्यसिद्धेः ॥ 23॥
Transliteration
- praśnanirūpaṇābhyāmādhikyasiddheḥ
Translation
Its superiority is proved by the specific questions asked (by seekers) and the answers given (by sages).
Word-for-Word
प्रश्न-निरूपणाभ्याम् (From the question and the detailed answer), आधिक्य-सिद्धेः (superiority is established).
Sutra 24
Devanagari
नैव श्रद्धा तु साधारण्यात् ॥ 24॥
Transliteration
- naiva śraddhā tu sādhāraṇyāt
Translation
Devotion is certainly not mere “faith,” because faith is a general quality required for all actions, not just the supreme attachment.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), एव (certainly), श्रद्धा (faith), तु (but), साधारण्यात् (because of its common/general nature).
Sutra 25
Devanagari
तस्यां तत्त्वे चानवस्थानात् ॥ 25॥
Transliteration
- tasyāṃ tattve cānavasthānāt
Translation
If devotion were just faith, there would be no finality, as faith itself requires something else to be based upon.
Word-for-Word
तस्याम् (In that/Faith), तत्त्वे (in truth), च (and), अनवस्थानात् (due to lack of finality/infinite regress).
Sutra 26
Devanagari
ब्रह्मकाण्डं तु भक्तौ तस्यानुज्ञानाय सामान्यात् ॥ 26॥
Transliteration
- brahmakāṇḍaṃ tu bhaktau tasyānujñānāya sāmānyāt
Translation
The “Brahma-Kanda” (Upanishads) actually aims at devotion, using knowledge only to enable the recognition of the object of devotion.
Word-for-Word
ब्रह्म-काण्डम् (The section on Brahman), तु (indeed), भक्तौ (in devotion), तस्य (its), अनुज्ञानाय (for recognition), सामान्यात् (due to commonality).
Chapter 2: Section 1 (Prathama-āhnikam)
Sutra 27
Devanagari
बुद्धिहेतुप्रवृत्तिराविशुद्धेरवघातवत् ॥ 27॥
Transliteration
- buddhihetupravṛttirāviśuddheravaghātavat
Translation
Mental activities and rituals should be performed until the intellect is purified, just as one keeps pounding grain until the husk is removed.
Word-for-Word
बुद्धि (Intellect), हेतु (cause), प्रवृत्तिः (activity), आविशुद्धेः (until purification), अवघातवत् (like husking grain).
Sutra 28
Devanagari
तदङ्गानां च ॥ 28॥
Transliteration
- tadaṅgānāṃ c
Translation
This applies to all the subsidiary parts of practice as well.
Word-for-Word
तत् (Their/Purification), अङ्गानाम् (of the parts/members), च (and).
Sutra 29
Devanagari
तामैश्वर्यपरां काश्यपः परत्वात् ॥ 29॥
Transliteration
- tāmaiśvaryaparāṃ kāśyapaḥ paratvāt
Translation
Sage Kashyapa holds that devotion should be directed toward the Lord’s supreme Power/Glory.
Word-for-Word
ताम् (That/Devotion), ऐश्वर्य-पराम् (focused on Divine Glory/Lordship), काश्यपः (Sage Kashyapa), परत्वात् (due to being supreme).
Sutra 30
Devanagari
आत्मैकपरां बादरायणः ॥ 30॥
Transliteration
- ātmaikaparāṃ bādarāyaṇaḥ
Translation
Sage Badarayana holds that devotion should be directed toward the Self alone.
Word-for-Word
आत्म-एक-पराम् (Focused on the Self alone), बादरायणः (Sage Badarayana).
Sutra 31
Devanagari
उभयपरां शाण्डिल्यः शब्दोपपत्तिभ्याम् ॥ 31॥
Transliteration
- ubhayaparāṃ śāṇḍilyaḥ śabdopapattibhyām
Translation
Shandilya holds that it is focused on both (the Lord and the Self), supported by both scripture and logic.
Word-for-Word
उभय-पराम् (Focused on both), शाण्डिल्यः (Shandilya), शब्द-उपपत्तिभ्याम् (from scriptural evidence and reasoning).
Sutra 32
Devanagari
वैषम्यादसिद्धमिति चेन्नाभिज्ञानवदवैशिष्टयात् ॥ 32॥
Transliteration
- vaiṣamyādasiddhamiti cennābhijñānavadavaiśiṣṭayāt
Translation
If it is argued that the Lord and Self are different, it is not so; like recognition of an old friend, their essential nature is identical.
Word-for-Word
वैषम्यात् (From inequality/difference), असिद्धम् (not proved), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), अभिज्ञानवत् (like recognition), अवैशिष्टयात् (due to lack of ultimate difference).
Sutra 33
Devanagari
न च क्लिष्टः परः स्यादनन्तरं विशेषात् ॥ 33॥
Transliteration
- na ca kliṣṭaḥ paraḥ syādanantaraṃ viśeṣāt
Translation
And the Supreme does not become afflicted by worldly bonds, because of His distinct, superior nature.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), च (and), क्लिष्टः (afflicted/bound), परः (the Supreme), स्यात् (is/becomes), अनन्तरम् (thereafter), विशेषात् (due to distinction).
Sutra 34
Devanagari
ऐश्वर्यं तथेति चेन्न स्वाभाव्यात् ॥ 34॥
Transliteration
- aiśvaryaṃ tatheti cenna svābhāvyāt
Translation
If you say the Lord’s power is accidental or temporary, it is not so; it is His very nature.
Word-for-Word
ऐश्वर्यम् (Lordship/Power), तथा (likewise), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), स्वाभाव्यात् (from its natural state).
Sutra 35
Devanagari
अप्रतिषिद्धं परैश्वर्यं तद्भावाच्च नैवमितरेषाम् ॥ 35॥
Transliteration
- apratiṣiddhaṃ paraiśvaryaṃ tadbhāvācca naivamitareṣām
Translation
The Supreme Lordship is unhindered because it is His essence, unlike the limited powers of others.
Word-for-Word
अप्रतिषिद्धम् (Unhindered), पर-ऐश्वर्यम् (Supreme Lordship), तद्भावात् (from having that nature), च (and), न (not), एवम् (thus), इतरेषाम् (of others).
Sutra 36
Devanagari
सर्वानृते किमिति चेन्नैवम्बुद्ध्यानन्त्यात् ॥ 36॥
Transliteration
- sarvānṛte kimiti cennaivambuddhyānantyāt
Translation
If you ask “why practice if all is unreal?”, it is not so; because the potential of the intellect is infinite and its objects have relative reality.
Word-for-Word
सर्व-अनृते (If everything is unreal), किम् (what/why), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), एवम् (thus), बुद्धि-आनन्त्यात् (because of the infinity of intellect).
Sutra 37
Devanagari
प्रकृत्यन्तरालादवैकार्यं चित्सत्त्वेनानुवर्तमानात् ॥ 37॥
Transliteration
- prakṛtyantarālādavaikāryaṃ citsattvenānuvartamānāt
Translation
Consciousness remains changeless even while pervading Nature, as it is the underlying essence.
Word-for-Word
प्रकृति (Nature), अन्तरालात् (from the interval), अवैकार्यम् (changelessness), चित्-सत्त्वेन (by the consciousness-essence), अनुवर्तमानात् (from pervading).
Sutra 38
Devanagari
तत्प्रतिष्ठा गृहपीठवत् ॥ 38॥
Transliteration
- tatpratiṣṭhā gṛhapīṭhavat
Translation
The Lord is the foundation of the world, just as a pedestal is the foundation for a house.
Word-for-Word
तत्-प्रतिष्ठा (That foundation), गृह-पीठ-वत् (like a house on its pedestal/foundation).
Sutra 39
Devanagari
मिथोऽपेक्षणादुभयम् ॥ 39॥
Transliteration
- mitho’pekṣaṇādubhayam
Translation
Both (the Creator and the Creation) exist through mutual dependence (relative to our perception).
Word-for-Word
मिथो-अपेक्षणात् (From mutual dependence), उभयम् (both).
Sutra 40
Devanagari
चेत्याचितोर्न तृतीयम् ॥ 40॥
Transliteration
- cetyācitorna tṛtīyam
Translation
There is nothing other than Consciousness and its objects; no third category exists.
Word-for-Word
चेत्य (The object of consciousness), चितोः (and consciousness), न (not), तृतीयम् (a third).
Sutra 41
Devanagari
युक्तौ च सम्परायात् ॥ 41॥
Transliteration
- yuktau ca samparāyāt
Translation
And union with Him is attained upon liberation from the body.
Word-for-Word
युक्तौ (In union), च (and), सम्परायात् (from departure/liberation).
Sutra 42
Devanagari
शक्तित्वान्नानृतं वेद्यम् ॥ 42॥
Transliteration
- śaktitvānnānṛtaṃ vedyam
Translation
The world is not “unreal” in the absolute sense, because it is the Power (Shakti) of the Lord.
Word-for-Word
शक्तित्वात् (Because of being His Power), न (not), अनृतम् (unreal), वेद्यम् (the object of knowledge/world).
Sutra 43
Devanagari
तत्परिशुद्धिश्च गम्या लोकवल्लिङ्गेभ्यः ॥ 43॥
Transliteration
- tatpariśuddhiśca gamyā lokavalliṅgebhyaḥ
Translation
The purity of one’s devotion can be known through external signs, just as feelings are inferred in the world.
Word-for-Word
तत्-परिशुद्धिः (That purification), च (and), गम्या (to be known), लोकवत् (as in the world), लिङ्गेभ्यः (from signs).
Sutra 44
Devanagari
सम्मानबहुमानप्रीतिविरहेतरविचिकित्सामहिमख्यातितदर्थ- प्राणस्थानतदीयतासर्वतद्भा- वाप्रातिकूल्यादीनि च स्मरणेभ्यो वाहुल्यात् ॥ 44॥
Transliteration
- sammānabahumānaprītivirahetaravicikitsāmahimakhyātitadartha- prāṇasthānatadīyatāsarvatadbhā- vāprātikūlyādīni ca smaraṇebhyo vāhulyāt
Translation
Respect, high regard, joy in Him, separation-pains, and seeing Him in all are signs of devotion described abundantly in scriptures.
Word-for-Word
सम्मान (Honor), बहुमान (high regard), प्रीति (love), विरह (pang of separation), इतर-विचिकित्सा (disregard for others), महिम-ख्याति (praising His glory), तदर्थ-प्राण-स्थान (living for Him), तदीयता (feeling ‘I am His’), सर्व-तद्भाव (seeing Him in all), अप्रातिकूल्य (non-opposition), आदीनि (etc.), च (and), स्मरणेभ्यः (from scriptures), बाहुल्यात् (in abundance).
Sutra 45
Devanagari
द्वेषादयस्तु नैवम् ॥ 45॥
Transliteration
- dveṣādayastu naivam
Translation
Feelings like hatred are not signs of devotion.
Word-for-Word
द्वेष-आदयः (Hatred etc.), तु (but), न (not), एवम् (thus).
Sutra 46
Devanagari
तद्वाक्यशेषात् प्रादुर्भावेष्वपि सा ॥ 46॥
Transliteration
- tadvākyaśeṣāt prādurbhāveṣvapi sā
Translation
Scriptural context shows that devotion can also be directed toward the Lord’s incarnations.
Word-for-Word
तत्-वाक्य-शेषात् (From the rest of those scriptural passages), प्रादुर्भावेषु (in incarnations), अपि (even), सा (that/devotion).
Sutra 47
Devanagari
जन्मकर्मविदश्चाजन्मशब्दात् ॥ 47॥
Transliteration
- janmakarmavidaścājanmaśabdāt
Translation
The one who knows His divine birth and actions is liberated, as the Lord is truly ‘unborn’.
Word-for-Word
जन्म-कर्म-विदः (Of one who knows His birth and action), च (and), अजन्म-शब्दात् (from the word ‘unborn’).
Sutra 48
Devanagari
तच्च दिव्यं स्वशक्तिमात्रोद्भवात् ॥ 48॥
Transliteration
- tacca divyaṃ svaśaktimātrodbhavāt
Translation
His birth is divine because it arises purely from His own Power (not through karma).
Word-for-Word
तत् (That/Birth), च (and), दिव्यम् (divine), स्व-शक्ति-मात्र-उद्भवात् (arising only from His own power).
Sutra 49
Devanagari
मुख्यं तस्य हि कारुण्यम् ॥ 49॥
Transliteration
- mukhyaṃ tasya hi kāruṇyam
Translation
His primary motive for incarnating is indeed compassion.
Word-for-Word
मुख्यम् (Primary/main), तस्य (His), hi (indeed), कारुण्यम् (compassion).
Sutra 50
Devanagari
प्राणित्वान्न विभूतिषु ॥ 50॥
Transliteration
- prāṇitvānna vibhūtiṣu
Translation
Devotion is not directed toward ordinary living beings, even if they show some of His glory.
Word-for-Word
प्राणित्वात् (Because of being a living soul), न (not), विभूतिषु (in partial glories).
Sutra 51
Devanagari
द्यूतराजसेवयोः प्रतिषेधाच्च ॥ 51॥
Transliteration
- dyūtarājasevayoḥ pratiṣedhācc
Translation
This is also clear because things like gambling and serving worldly kings (over the Lord) are prohibited for a seeker.
Word-for-Word
द्यूत-राजसेवयोः (Of gambling and serving kings), प्रतिषेधात् (from prohibition), च (and).
Sutra 52
Devanagari
वासुदेवेऽपीति चेन्नाकारमात्रत्वात् ॥ 52॥
Transliteration
- vāsudeve’pīti cennākāramātratvāt
Translation
If you say Vasudeva is just a human form, it is not so; He is the Supreme in that form.
Word-for-Word
वासुदेवे (In Vasudeva/Krishna), अपि (also), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), आकार-मात्रत्वात् (because of being a mere form).
Sutra 53
Devanagari
प्रत्यभिज्ञानाच्च ॥ 53॥
Transliteration
- pratyabhijñānācc
Translation
And because He is recognized as the Supreme by the wise.
Word-for-Word
प्रत्यभिज्ञानात् (From recognition), च (and).
Sutra 54
Devanagari
वृष्णिषु श्रैष्ठ्येन तत् ॥ 54॥
Transliteration
- vṛṣṇiṣu śraiṣṭhyena tat
Translation
He is mentioned as the “Best of the Vrishnis” to highlight His supremacy.
Word-for-Word
वृष्णिषु (Among the Vrishnis), श्रैष्ठ्येन (by being the best/chief), तत् (that).
Sutra 55
Devanagari
एवं प्रसिद्धेषु च ॥ 55॥
Transliteration
- evaṃ prasiddheṣu c
Translation
This applies to all other well-known divine manifestations mentioned in scripture.
Word-for-Word
एवम् (Thus), प्रसिद्धेषु (in well-known things), च (and).
Chapter 2: Section 2 (Dvitīya-āhnikam)
Sutra 56
Devanagari
भक्त्या भजनोपसंहाराद्गौण्या परायै तद्धेतुत्वात् ॥ 56॥
Transliteration
- bhaktyā bhajanopasaṃhārādgauṇyā parāyai taddhetutvāt
Translation
Because worship concludes in devotion, secondary acts of worship are meant for the supreme devotion, as they are the means to it.
Word-for-Word
भक्त्या (By devotion), भजन (worship), उपसंहारात् (because of the conclusion), गौण्या (of the secondary), परायै (for the supreme), तत् (that), हेतुत्वात् (being the cause).
Sutra 57
Devanagari
रागार्थप्रकीर्तिसाहचर्याच्चेतरेषाम् ॥ 57॥
Transliteration
- rāgārthaprakīrtisāhacaryāccetareṣām
Translation
Glorification and other practices are associated with devotion because they aim to produce attachment to the Lord.
Word-for-Word
राग (Attachment), अर्थ (for the sake of), प्रकीर्ति (glorification), साहचर्यात् (from association), च (and), इतरेषाम् (of others).
Sutra 58
Devanagari
अन्तराले तु शेषाः स्युरुपास्यादौ च काण्डत्वात् ॥ 58॥
Transliteration
- antarāle tu śeṣāḥ syurupāsyādau ca kāṇḍatvāt
Translation
Other acts of worship are intermediate steps because they belong to the practical section of spiritual discipline.
Word-for-Word
अन्तराले (In the interval), तु (but), शेषाः (the remaining/subsidiary), स्युः (should be), उपास्य-आदौ (in worship etc.), च (and), काण्डत्वात् (because of being a section).
Sutra 59
Devanagari
ताभ्यः पावित्र्यमुपक्रमात् ॥ 59॥
Transliteration
- tābhyaḥ pāvitryamupakramāt
Translation
Purity of mind is attained through these practices from the very start.
Word-for-Word
ताभ्यः (From them), पावित्र्यम् (purification), उपक्रमात् (from the beginning).
Sutra 60
Devanagari
तासु प्रधानयोगात् फलाधिक्यमेके ॥ 60॥
Transliteration
- tāsu pradhānayogāt phalādhikyameke
Translation
Some teachers hold that the result is greater when these acts are joined with supreme devotion.
Word-for-Word
तासु (In them), प्रधान (the supreme), योगात् (from joining), फल (fruit), आधिक्यम् (greatness), एके (some teachers say).
Sutra 61
Devanagari
नाम्नेति जैमिनिः सम्भवात् ॥ 61॥
Transliteration
- nāmneti jaiminiḥ sambhavāt
Translation
Sage Jaimini holds that liberation is possible through the Name of the Lord alone.
Word-for-Word
नाम्ना (By the Name), इति (thus), जैमिनिः (Sage Jaimini), सम्भवात् (from possibility).
Sutra 62
Devanagari
अत्राङ्गप्रयोगानां यथाकालसम्भवो गृहादिवत् ॥ 62॥
Transliteration
- atrāṅgaprayogānāṃ yathākālasambhavo gṛhādivat
Translation
In this path, subsidiary acts are performed as time permits, just as one manages the various duties of a household.
Word-for-Word
अत्र (Here), अङ्ग (subsidiary), प्रयोगानाम् (of applications), यथा-काल (according to time), सम्भवः (possibility), गृह-आदि-वत् (like a house etc.).
Sutra 63
Devanagari
ईश्वरतुष्टेरेकोऽपि बली ॥ 63॥
Transliteration
- īśvaratuṣṭereko’pi balī
Translation
Since the goal is to please the Lord, even a single sincere act is powerful enough.
Word-for-Word
ईश्वर-तुष्टेः (From the pleasure of the Lord), एकः (even one), अपि (also), बली (powerful/sufficient).
Sutra 64
Devanagari
अबन्धोऽर्पणस्य मुखम् ॥ 64॥
Transliteration
- abandho’rpaṇasya mukham
Translation
The essential quality of an offering to the Lord is that it leaves no karmic bondage.
Word-for-Word
अबन्धः (Absence of bondage), अर्पणस्य (of dedication), मुखम् (the primary part).
Sutra 65
Devanagari
ध्याननियमस्तु दृष्टसौकर्यात् ॥ 65॥
Transliteration
- dhyānaniyamastu dṛṣṭasaukaryāt
Translation
The rules regarding meditation are intended for the sake of mental ease and concentration.
Word-for-Word
ध्यान (Meditation), नियमः (rule), तु (but), दृष्ट (perceived), सौकर्यात् (from ease/facility).
Sutra 66
Devanagari
तद्यजिः पूजायामितरेषां नैवम् ॥ 66॥
Transliteration
- tadyajiḥ pūjāyāmitareṣāṃ naivam
Translation
The term ‘sacrifice’ in this context refers to worship; it is not the same as the rituals meant for other purposes.
Word-for-Word
तत् (That), यजिः (the word ‘sacrifice’), पूजायाम् (in worship), इतरेषाम् (of others), न (not), एवम् (thus).
Sutra 67
Devanagari
पादोदकं तु पाद्यमव्याप्तेः ॥ 67॥
Transliteration
- pādodakaṃ tu pādyamavyāpteḥ
Translation
‘Padodaka’ refers specifically to the water used to wash the feet of the Lord or the holy.
Word-for-Word
पाद-उदकम् (Foot-water), तु (but), पाद्यम् (water for washing feet), अव्याप्तेः (from non-pervasiveness).
Sutra 68
Devanagari
स्वयमर्पितं ग्राह्यमविशेषात् ॥ 68॥
Transliteration
- svayamarpitaṃ grāhyamaviśeṣāt
Translation
What is offered by oneself to the Lord should be accepted back (as prasad), as there is no distinction.
Word-for-Word
स्वयम् (Self), अर्पितम् (offered), ग्राह्यम् (to be accepted), अवशेषात् (from lack of distinction).
Sutra 69
Devanagari
निमित्तगुणाव्यपेक्षणादपराधेषु व्यवस्था ॥ 69॥
Transliteration
- nimittaguṇāvyapekṣaṇādaparādheṣu vyavasthā
Translation
In case of errors, the remedy is determined by the sincerity of the devotee, regardless of external causes.
Word-for-Word
निमित्त (Cause), गुण (quality), अव्यपेक्षणात् (from non-consideration), अपराधेषु (in offenses), व्यवस्था (regulation).
Sutra 70
Devanagari
पत्रादेर्दानमन्यथा हि वैशिष्टयम् ॥ 70॥
Transliteration
- patrāderdānamanyathā hi vaiśiṣṭayam
Translation
Even a simple leaf can be offered; otherwise, the path would favor the wealthy and distinct.
Word-for-Word
पत्र-आदेः (Of a leaf etc.), दानम् (giving), अन्यथा (otherwise), हि (indeed), वैशिष्टयम् (distinction/value).
Sutra 71
Devanagari
सुकृतजत्वात् परहेतुभावाच्च क्रियासु श्रेयस्यः ॥ 71॥
Transliteration
- sukṛtajatvāt parahetubhāvācca kriyāsu śreyasyaḥ
Translation
Devotional acts are superior to all other actions because they spring from merit and lead directly to the Supreme.
Word-for-Word
सुकृत-जत्वात् (From being born of merit), पर-हेतु (cause of the Supreme), भावात् (from the state), च (and), क्रियासु (among actions), श्रेयस्यः (superior).
Sutra 72
Devanagari
गौणं त्रैविध्यमितरेण स्तुत्यर्थत्वात् साहचर्यम् ॥ 72॥
Transliteration
- gauṇaṃ traividhyamitareṇa stutyarthatvāt sāhacaryam
Translation
The threefold division of secondary devotion is used to praise the path by association with different temperaments.
Word-for-Word
गौणम् (Secondary), त्रैविध्यम् (threefold nature), इतरेण (with others), स्तुति-अर्थत्वात् (for the sake of praise), साहचर्यम् (association).
Sutra 73
Devanagari
बहिरन्तस्थमुभयमवेष्टिसववत् ॥ 73॥
Transliteration
- bahirantasthamubhayamaveṣṭisavavat
Translation
Both external and internal worship are valid, much like the Aveshti and Sava rituals.
Word-for-Word
बहिः (External), अन्तः (internal), स्थम् (situated), उभयम् (both), अवेष्टि-सव-वत् (like specific Vedic sacrifices).
Sutra 74
Devanagari
स्मृतिकीर्त्योः कथादेश्चार्तौ प्रायश्चित्तभावात् ॥ 74॥
Transliteration
- smṛtikīrtyoḥ kathādeścārtau prāyaścittabhāvāt
Translation
Chanting and remembrance serve as atonement for any lapses in spiritual discipline.
Word-for-Word
स्मृति (Remembrance), कीर्त्योः (and glorification), कथा (narrative), आदेः (etc.), च (and), आर्तौ (in distress/failure), प्रायश्चित्त-भावात् (as a form of atonement).
Sutra 75
Devanagari
भूयसामननुष्ठितिरिति चेदाप्रयाणमुपसंहारान्महत्स्वपि ॥ 75॥
Transliteration
- bhūyasāmananuṣṭhitiriti cedāprayāṇamupasaṃhārānmahatsvapi
Translation
If it is said one cannot do everything, the answer is that these practices continue until death, even for the great.
Word-for-Word
भूयसाम् (Of many), अननुष्ठितिः (non-performance), इति चेत् (if it be said), आ-प्रयाणम् (until death), उपसंहारात् (because of continuation), महत्सु (in great ones), अपि (also).
Sutra 76
Devanagari
लघ्वपि भक्ताधिकारे महत्क्षेपकमपरसर्वहानात् ॥ 76॥
Transliteration
- laghvapi bhaktādhikāre mahatkṣepakamaparasarvahānāt
Translation
Even a small act of devotion can destroy great sins because it implies an absolute reliance on God above all else.
Word-for-Word
लघु (Small), अपि (even), भक्त-अधिकारे (in the devotee’s domain), महत् (great [sin]), क्षेपकम् (destroyer), अपर (other), सर्व-हानात् (from abandoning all).
Sutra 77
Devanagari
तत्स्थानत्वादनन्यधर्मः खलेवालीवत् ॥ 77॥
Transliteration
- tatsthānatvādananyadharmaḥ khalevālīvat
Translation
Since devotion takes the central place in life, the devotee has no other worldly duty, like the central post of a threshing floor.
Word-for-Word
तत्-स्थानत्वात् (From taking that place), अनन्य-धर्मः (having no other duty), खलेवाली-वत् (like the post in a threshing floor).
Sutra 78
Devanagari
आनिन्द्ययोन्यधिक्रियते पारम्पर्यात् सामान्यवत् ॥ 78॥
Transliteration
- ānindyayonyadhikriyate pāramparyāt sāmānyavat
Translation
Everyone, including those of the lowest birth, is eligible for devotion, as confirmed by tradition and natural right.
Word-for-Word
आ-निन्द्य-योनि (Down to the lowest birth), अधिक्रियते (is eligible), पारम्पर्यात् (from tradition), सामान्य-वत् (like common rights).
Sutra 79
Devanagari
अतो ह्यविपक्वभावानामपि तल्लोके ॥ 79॥
Transliteration
- ato hyavipakvabhāvānāmapi talloke
Translation
Therefore, even those whose devotion is not yet fully mature eventually reach His divine abode.
Word-for-Word
अतः (Therefore), हि (indeed), अविपक्व-भावानाम (of those with immature feelings), अपि (even), तत्-लोके (in His world).
Sutra 80
Devanagari
क्रमैकगत्युपपत्तेस्तु ॥ 80॥
Transliteration
- kramaikagatyupapattestu
Translation
But the ultimate goal is reached through successive stages of spiritual progress.
Word-for-Word
क्रम (Succession), एक-गति (single goal), उपपत्तेः (from the proof), तु (but).
Sutra 81
Devanagari
अत्क्रान्तिस्मृतिवाक्यशेषाच्च ॥ 81॥
Transliteration
- atkrāntismṛtivākyaśeṣācc
Translation
This is also confirmed by scriptural texts regarding the soul’s departure.
Word-for-Word
उत्क्रान्ति (Departure), स्मृति (scripture), वाक्य-शेषात् (from the remaining text), च (and).
Sutra 82
Devanagari
महापातकिनां त्वार्तौ ॥ 82॥
Transliteration
- mahāpātakināṃ tvārtau
Translation
For great sinners, devotion often begins with a state of intense distress and sincere turning to God.
Word-for-Word
महा-पातकिनाम् (Of great sinners), तु (but), आर्तौ (in distress/sincerity).
Sutra 83
Devanagari
सैकान्तभावो गीतार्थप्रत्यभिज्ञानात् ॥ 83॥
Transliteration
- saikāntabhāvo gītārthapratyabhijñānāt
Translation
That is the state of exclusive, single-minded devotion, as recognized in the message of the Bhagavad Gita.
Word-for-Word
सा (That), एकान्त-भावः (exclusive state), गीत-अर्थ (meaning of the Gita), प्रत्यभिज्ञानात् (from recognition).
Sutra 84
Devanagari
परां कृत्वैव सर्वेषां तथा ह्याह ॥ 84॥
Transliteration
- parāṃ kṛtvaiva sarveṣāṃ tathā hyāh
Translation
Indeed, the scripture says that by making devotion supreme, all are liberated.
Word-for-Word
पराम् (Supreme), कृत्वा (having made), एव (certainly), सर्वेषाम् (of all), तथा (so), हि (indeed), आह (it says).
Chapter 3: Section 1 (Prathama-āhnikam)
Sutra 85
Devanagari
भजनीयेनाद्वितीयमिदं कृत्स्नस्य तत्स्वरूपत्वात् ॥ 85॥
Transliteration
- bhajanīyenādvitīyamidaṃ kṛtsnasya tatsvarūpatvāt
Translation
This whole world is non-dual with the Lord, because He is the essential nature of everything.
Word-for-Word
भजनीयेन (By the Object of Worship/Lord), अद्वितीयम् (non-dual), इदम् (this world), कृत्स्नस्य (of the whole), तत्-स्वरूपत्वात् (because of being His essence).
Sutra 86
Devanagari
तच्छक्तिर्माया जडसामान्यात् ॥ 86॥
Transliteration
- tacchaktirmāyā jaḍasāmānyāt
Translation
Maya is His divine power, which appears as the material world due to its inert nature.
Word-for-Word
तत्-शक्तिः (His power), माया (Maya), जड-सामान्यात् (due to commonality with inert matter).
Sutra 87
Devanagari
व्यापकत्वाद्वयाप्यानाम् ॥ 87॥
Transliteration
- vyāpakatvādvayāpyānām
Translation
He is the cause of all because He is the pervader of all pervaded objects.
Word-for-Word
व्यापकत्वात् (Because of being the pervader), व्याप्यानाम् (of the pervaded objects).
Sutra 88
Devanagari
न प्राणिबुद्धिभ्योऽसम्भवात् ॥ 88॥
Transliteration
- na prāṇibuddhibhyo’sambhavāt
Translation
The creation does not result from the individual intellects of living beings, as that would be impossible.
Word-for-Word
न (Not), प्राणि-बुद्धिभ्यः (from the intellects of living beings), असम्भवात् (due to impossibility).
Sutra 89
Devanagari
निर्मायोच्चावचं श्रुतीश्च निर्मिमीते पितृवत् ॥ 89॥
Transliteration
- nirmāyoccāvacaṃ śrutīśca nirmimīte pitṛvat
Translation
Having created the diverse world of high and low forms, He reveals the Vedas for the guidance of souls, just like a father.
Word-for-Word
निर्माय (Having created), उच्च-अवचम् (the high and the low), श्रुतीः (the Vedas), च (and), निर्मिमीते (He constructs/reveals), पितृवत् (like a father).
Sutra 90
Devanagari
मिश्रोपदेशान्नेति चेन्न स्वल्पत्वात् ॥ 90॥
Transliteration
- miśropadeśānneti cenna svalpatvāt
Translation
If it is argued that the Vedas contain mixed (impure) teachings, it is not so; those portions are minor and intended for specific relative contexts.
Word-for-Word
मिश्र-उपदेशात् (From mixed teachings), न (not), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), स्वल्पत्वात् (due to insignificance/smallness).
Sutra 91
Devanagari
फलमस्माद्बादरायणो दृष्टत्वात् ॥ 91॥
Transliteration
- phalamasmādbādarāyaṇo dṛṣṭatvāt
Translation
Sage Badarayana holds that the fruit of actions comes from the Lord Himself, as is observed in the scriptures.
Word-for-Word
फलम् (The fruit/result), अस्मात् (from Him), बादरायणः (Sage Badarayana), दृष्टत्वात् (as it is observed).
Sutra 92
Devanagari
व्युत्क्रमादप्ययस्तथा दृष्टम् ॥ 92॥
Transliteration
- vyutkramādapyayastathā dṛṣṭam
Translation
The dissolution of the world occurs in the reverse order of its creation, as is observed in nature and scripture.
Word-for-Word
व्युत्क्रमात् (In reverse order), अप्ययः (dissolution), तथा (so), दृष्टम् (seen/observed).
Chapter 3: Section 2 (Dvitīya-āhnikam)
Sutra 93
Devanagari
तदैक्यं नानात्वैकत्वमुपाधियोगहानादादित्यवत् ॥ 93॥
Transliteration
- tadaikyaṃ nānātvaikatvamupādhiyogahānādādityavat
Translation
Oneness with Him is realized when multiplicity and unity are understood through the removal of limiting adjuncts, just as the one sun appears many in different water pots.
Word-for-Word
तत्-ऐक्यम् (Oneness with Him), नानात्व-एकत्वम् (multiplicity and unity), उपाधि-योग-हानात (from the removal of limiting adjuncts), आदित्य-वत् (like the sun).
Sutra 94
Devanagari
पृथगिति चेन्न परेणासम्बन्धात् प्रकाशानाम् ॥ 94॥
Transliteration
- pṛthagiti cenna pareṇāsambandhāt prakāśānām
Translation
If you say souls are separate from the Lord, it is not so; the individual lights (souls) have no existence independent of the Supreme Light.
Word-for-Word
पृथक् (Separate), इति चेत् (if it be said), न (not so), परेण (with the Supreme), असम्बन्धात् (due to non-relation), प्रकाशानाम् (of lights).
Sutra 95
Devanagari
न विकारिणस्तु करणविकारात् ॥ 95॥
Transliteration
- na vikāriṇastu karaṇavikārāt
Translation
The soul itself is not subject to change; the apparent changes are only due to the fluctuations of the internal instruments (mind and senses).
Word-for-Word
न (Not), विकारिणः (subject to change), तु (but), करण-विकारात् (due to change in the instruments/senses).
Sutra 96
Devanagari
अनन्यभक्त्या तद्बुद्धिर्बुद्धिलयादत्यन्तम् ॥ 96॥
Transliteration
- ananyabhaktyā tadbuddhirbuddhilayādatyantam
Translation
Through exclusive devotion, the intellect eventually dissolves into Him, and the devotee becomes one with the Divine.
Word-for-Word
अनन्य-भक्त्या (By exclusive devotion), तद्-बुद्धिः (the intellect becomes That/Divine), बुद्धि-लयात् (from the dissolution of the intellect), अत्यन्तम् (completely/finally).
Sutra 97
Devanagari
आयुश्चिरमितरेषां तु हानिरनास्पदत्वात् ॥ 97॥
Transliteration
- āyuściramitareṣāṃ tu hāniranāspadatvāt
Translation
Those who are fixed in Him gain eternal life, while others face destruction because they lack a divine foundation.
Word-for-Word
आयुः-चिरम् (Prolonged life/existence), इतरेषाम् (of others), तु (but), हानिः (destruction/loss), अनास्पदत्वात् (due to lack of foundation).
Sutra 98
Devanagari
संसृतिरेषामभक्तिः स्यान्नाज्ञानात् कारणासिद्धेः ॥ 98॥
Transliteration
- saṃsṛtireṣāmabhaktiḥ syānnājñānāt kāraṇāsiddheḥ
Translation
Bondage is caused by a lack of devotion, not by mere ignorance, for ignorance alone is not proved to be the root cause of suffering.
Word-for-Word
संसृतिः (Worldly bondage), एषाम् (of these), अभक्तिः (lack of devotion), स्यात् (is), न (not), अज्ञानात् (from ignorance), कारण-असिद्धेः (since that cause is not proved).
Sutra 99
Devanagari
त्रीण्येषां नेत्राणि शब्दलिङ्गाक्षभेदाद्रुद्रवत् ॥ 99॥
Transliteration
- trīṇyeṣāṃ netrāṇi śabdaliṅgākṣabhedādrudravat
Translation
These devotees possess three “eyes” (means of knowledge)—Scripture, Logic, and Direct Perception—much like the three eyes of Lord Rudra.
Word-for-Word
त्रीणि (Three), एषाम् (of these), नेत्राणि (eyes), शब्द-लिङ्ग-अक्ष-भेदात् (due to the difference of Scripture, Inference, and Perception), रुद्र-वत् (like Lord Rudra).
Sutra 100
Devanagari
आविस्तिरोभावा विकाराः स्युः क्रियाफलसंयोगात् ॥ 100॥
Transliteration
- āvistirobhāvā vikārāḥ syuḥ kriyāphalasaṃyogāt
Translation
All changes are merely manifestations and disappearances resulting from the union of actions and their fruits, while the underlying Reality remains constant.
Word-for-Word
आविः-तिरोभावाः (Manifestation and disappearance), विकाराः (changes), स्युः (are), क्रिया-फल-संयोगात् (due to the union of action and result).