Three Books on Panchikaran

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Three Books on Panchikaran
Pancikaranam and Sri Suesvaracharya's Varttikam	Panchikarana Vartika	Panchikaranam of Sri Sankaracarya

Preface

Sri Sankaracarya' s Pancikaranam is a short prakarana describing the essence of Vedanta. Several important topics are explained in this 'contextual text', including a Vedantic model of cosmology. Sri Suresvaracarya' s varttika is a commentary that elaborates on his teacher's text in 64 verses. This book is based on 17 lectures delivered by Pujya Swami Tattvavidanandaji in a Vedanta course conducted at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam a few years ago, where he taught both texts.

To understand Brahman, a seeker first needs to understand creation. The text begins with the well-known Vedantic model of creation, wherein Brahman appears as the five basic elements, which combine in different proportions and manifest as this phenomenal world. Sri Swamiji, a scientist in his purva-asrama, explains this model in scientific terms so that the modern mind can grasp these concepts easily. As Swamiji points out, the purpose of this exposition is not to establish the model per se, but to reveal Brahman as the substratum of creation. The text then describes the three bodies (the gross, the subtle, and the causal) and the three states of experience (waking, dream, and deep sleep). It uses the adhyatma-adhibhuta-adhidaiva prakriya to describe the 15 constituents of the waking state as being the five sense organs, the five organs of action, the four levels of the mind, and ignorance.

Om is explained next as corresponding to Brahman as conditioned by the three bodies and manifesting in the three states of experience, closely following a similar exposition in the Mandukya Upanisad, The text concludes with a description of liberation and, in the process, unfolds certain sadhanas.

This book is meant for all spiritual seekers who are interested in clearly understanding several important Vedantic topics and want to pursue the study of the Upanishads in their quest for Self- knowledge. This text is not meant to substitute serious study under the guidance of a competent guru, but is meant to supplement such a pursuit. This important text is also meant for those who want to pursue contemplation seriously. Besides describing the model of creation thoroughly from a modern scientific perspective, Swami Tattvavidanandaji explains the significance of Om, and elaborates on how to meditate on Om. In his characteristic style, Swamiji highlights the importance of vairagya, dispassion in one's spiritual pursuits. Swamiji's absolute command over the subject matter and his precise and powerful use of the language renders this exposition masterly and authoritative.

A manuscript was first prepared by transcribing and editing the lectures. Sri Swamiji subsequently revised the manuscript thoroughly and incorporated the Sanskrit text and verses, along with transliteration, word-to-word meanings and overall meanings. We are sure that this book will be of help to all seekers in realizing the true purpose of life, that of gaining Self-knowledge.

Contents

This book title 'Panchikarana Varttika' is a collated and critical version of two very old manuscript one of which was found in the archeive of The Asitatic Society, Kolkata (IM 918) and another imcomplete one (G9026A ) After searching long in other archeives and personal collections in India, it appeared to me that probably I shall have to work on a single manuscript till I found direction of another preserved at Bodlean Libreary, Oxford University (d567(6)27ff) under share Jung Nepalese manuscript collections. Fortunately, I was appointed as Shivadasani Fellow at the Center for Hindu Studies Oxford University, for Hindu Studies Oxford University, for Michaelmas Term in 2008. While working there, I spent most of my evenings and weeks-end in Bodlean Library to find surprisingly an exact copy of the manuscript found in the Asiatic Society collection.

This book contains two original texts. First one is the famous 'Panchikarana' written by Adi Shankaracharya and the second one is the Varttika by Sureshvaracharya on the first text. In between these two primary texts, two more texts have been found by me in these manuscript. In colophon they have been citied as 'Japa – paranamadi – kritya' and 'yoga – patta – vidhih'. These two additional texts elaborate only on how one should prepare himself to go into the traditional primary himself to go into the traditional priamary texts authorized by the 'Sampradaya – Guru's starting with Adi Shankaracharya and his senior – most disciple Suresvaracharya. It appears that these additional texts were documented for the purpose of teaching proper method of learning traditional texts. Specially the spiritual ones or 'Moksa – Shastra', meant for attainment of liberation from all pains through self – realization or knowledge about real nature of Self,i.e., 'Atma – jnana'

Dr. Piyali Palit, Professor, Department of Philosphy, Jadavpur University is well known for her works on traditional and classical Indian Philosophical texts. She had her training in interpretation of Sanskrit texts from long. Her latest interest in manuscripts of Indian philosophy in particular opened the door for many collaborative original research works in the area. She is also well-versed in recent trends in Indian Philosphical studies through interdisciplinary humanistic studies through she focused on Advaita Vedanta as the main subject for teaching and research, her interest spread in other allied darshana – shastra ,i.e., Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimasma, Vaisheshika Formal Outology, Philosphy of Languages and Manuscriptology. She was appointed as ICCR Chair of Professor in Sanskrit and Indian Philosphy for her expertise in the subject mentioned. She has authored another book titled Basic Principles of Indian Philosphy of Language apart from number of articles published in various books and Anthologies Professor Palit is also associated with Gaudiya Mission Paravidyapeetha Research Institute, Kolkatta and construction of Sri Chhaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum under Gaudiya Mission, Kolkatta.

This book titled 'Panchikarana – Varttika' is a critical edition of two very old couplet manuscript under the same title originally authored by Adi Shankaracharya and his disciple Sureshvaracharya. For the purpose of wide information of these texts and easy access to them, I have tried my best to translation invariably keeps the taste of the original literature at a bit lower tune. Keeping this in mind I have put the original text in Sanskrit attached in Devanagri script in this book, I also have picked up some folio, specially with colophons, in photographic image to get the readers touch of the texts in their original forms.

I express my gratitude to my family member and my students as constant source of inspiration while doing this difficult job. I am also grateful to my colleagues and members of Center for Advocate Studies in Philosophy, Department of Philosphy, Jadavpur University, for recommending my book for publication under UGC Publication Grant offered at the Centre.

My heartfelt thanks to Sm. Chaitali Das for her sincere assistance in collating the manuscript and other technical helps without which it would not have been possible for me to shoulder this extremely difficult job alone. I would also extend my thanks to the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, and, The Bodlean Library, Oxford University, for sending me Xerox and photocopy of the original manuscript preserved in their archeives.

Now, I offer my pranam to all teachers – Pandit Pancham Shastri, Pandit Srimohan Tarkatirtha, Pandit Sukhamoy Saptatirtha, Pandit Dinesh Chandra Shastri, Professor Gopinath Bhattacharya, Professor Sithanath Goswami, Professor Pradyot Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Prof. Krishnanath Chaterjee, Professor Karunasindhu Das and Professor Kalpika Mukhopadhyay – who raised my interest in studying Advaita Vedanta and other traditional texts of Indian Philosphy and taught me how to maintain their grace and authenticity through constant vigilance to safeguard from misunderstanding and misrepresentation. I have tried my best to follow their instructions in this regard. But as myself being a student with should be counted as my faults or limitations only and no one's else.

Finally, as we offer the holy water of Ganga while worshipping the Divine River, I offer this handful of reniditon of Advaita text to the incarnate of Paramaguru Shiva, seeking his blessing in his kripa – dristi.

In 2007, I was awarded with a UGC –Major research project titled 'Indian Philosphy & Research Methodology'. This project continued for three years from 2007 – 2010 AD. Key objectives of this project were –

1. Comutation of philosophical text in Sanskrit and Pali and usage of the languages in AI and ordinary level;

2. Handling and critically editing unpublished available original Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit texts and manuscript on Nyaya, Vaishesika, Vyaskarana, Purva Mimamsa, Vedantam, Buddhism and Jainism;

3. Inter – disciplinary studies in different areas, and development of Research Methodology in Indian Philosphy and text interpretation.

4. Genrating skills in student through rigourous training under experienced resource persons in the above mentioned area;

5. Associating retired teachers in academic pursuits as part – time resource persons for handling manuscript as well as publication of the same;

6. Facilitating emergence of a nodal center in North East region in collaboration with other eminent research institutes like the Asiatic Society, MRC, Calcutta University, Sanskrita Sahitya Parisat, CIIL, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, CDAC, National Information Center &c.

To fulfil the objectives of this project, which later turned to be a mission of my life, I spent hours in archeives in search of rare manuscripts, namely archeivs of The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, Sanskrita Parishad, National Council of Bengal, Navadwip Public Library, National Mission for Manuscript of Philosphical texts through this searching one of which took shape of the present book titled 'Panchikarana Varttika'

This book title 'Panchikarana Varttika' is a collected and critical version of two very old manuscript one of which was found in the archeive of The Asiatic Society, Kolkatta (IM 918) and another incomplete one (G 9026A). After searching long in other archeives and personal collections in India, it appeared to me that probably I shall have to work on a single manuscript till I found direction of another, preserved at Bodlean Library, Oxford University (d567(6)27ff) under Sher – e – Jung Nepelese manuscript collections. Fortunately, I was appointed as Shivadasani Fellow at the Centre for Hindu Studies, Oxford University, for Michaelmas Term, in 2008. While working there, I spent most of my evening and week – ends in Bodlean Library to find out surprisingly an exact copy of the manuscript found in the Asiatic Society collection.

Both the manuscripts are written on handmade papers (Tulot Kagoj) with black ink in a bit deep, flattened handwriting which indicates that both of them dates. Back to first stage of manus data. Both contains of thirty five all these thirty five folio were very clear, nearly written and preserved very well. Photocopy of some folio of both these manuscript will be displayed at at the end of the text of this book.

This book contains two original two texts. First one is the famous 'Pancikarana' written by Adi Shankaracharya and the second one is the 'Varttika' by Sureshvaracharya on the first text. In between these two primary texts, two more texts. In between these two primary texts, two more texts have been found by me in those manuscripts. In colophon they have been citied as 'Japa – pranamadi – kritya' and 'Yoga – patta – viddhi'. These two additional texts elaborate only on how one should prepare himself to go into the traditional primary texts authorized by the 'Sampradaya – Guru's starting with Adi Shankaracharya and his senior – most disciple Suresvacharya. It appears that these additional texts, were documented for the purpose of teaching proper method of learning traditional texts, specially the spiritual ones or 'Mokes – Shastra', meant for attainment of liberation from all pains through self – realization or knowledge about real nature of Self, i.e., 'Atma – jnana'

The first primary text 'Pancikarana' authored by Adi Shankaracharya is in prose style which is rare as most of his brief or short writing are in verse or 'Shloka'. In fact, it is only his Bhasyas on Brahmasutra, Ten Principal Upanishads and commentary on Mandukya – karika by Gaudapada, that Adi Shankaracharya wrote in prose. On the contrary, the 'Varttika' authored by Suresvaracharya on this text is complete in sixty four verses.

Contents

1. Introduction	1-12
2. Japapranamadyanusthanavidhih	13-16
3. Panchikarana by Sri Sankaracharya	17-24
4. Varttikapathe Paryankashauchavidhih & Yogapattavidhih	25-26
5. Panchikarana - Varttika by Sureshvaracharya	27-63
6. Glossary(Pathbheda)	65-77
7. Photoplates of Mss (select portions) Pancikarana - varttika Mss	79-123
8. Reference	125
9. Biblography	127-128

Sample Pages

Panchikaranam of Sri Sankaracarya (Text and the Varttika of Sri Sureshvaracharya

Back of the book:

This is one of the small treatises of Shankaracharya. Explaining the composition of the Universe, the work goes on to establish the Advaitic standpoint. Brief and sublime, the work's importance can be understood from the fact that Sri Shankara's great disciple, Sureshvaracharya has written a varttika on it.

 

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

This English translation of the valuable treatise on Vedanta, Pancikaranam of Sri Sankaracarya with Varttika of Sri Suresvaracarya, was first published by the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Vrindaban, in 1962. The book has been out of print for quite a while. At the request of the original publisher we are now publishing it in its present form.

We hope all lovers of Vedanta will welcome its republication.

Advaita Ashrama

 

Publisher

MAYAVATI ALMORA HIMALAYAS

September 29, 1971

 

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

It is a pleasure for us to place before the public Sri Sankara's "Pancikaranam" with Sri Suresvara's Varttika on it, both translated into English with suitable explanatory notes, wherever considered necessary.

Characterised by extreme brevity of expression on the one hand and marvellous sublimity of thought on the other, this work of Sri Sankara contains the quintessence of the Upanisads. Its subject-matter is the same as that of the Mandukya Upanisad, presenting as it does, the theoretical aspect of the One Reality and the practical way of realizing one's identity with It in Samadhi through the help of the time-honoured symbol, AUM.

The object of a varttika is three-fold, viz (1) to explain what has been said, (2) to mention what has been omitted, and (3) to point out what has been imperfectly stated in the original text. Sri Suresvara, famous for his monumental Varttikas on Sri Sankara's commentaries on the Brhadaranyaka and Taittiriya Upanisads, has written a Varttika on this small treatise, consisting of 64 slokas elucidating and amplifying the ideas contained in the original text.

This book is dedicated to the loving and revered memory of Srimat Swami Jagadanandaji Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Order, who passed away at the Ramakrishna Mission Sevasrama, Vrindaban, in December, 1951. Himself fully convinced of the standpoint of Sri Sankara's philosophy, he taught and preached almost to the last day of his life the message of Advaita. In fact, he used to recommend these two works of the great Teachers to beginners for the study of Vedanta. It is, therefore, a matter of no small satisfaction for us, that we have been able to dedicate this book to his sacred memory.

We hope that the translation, explanatory notes, the glossary of important terms and the Introduction will be of use to English-knowing people-spiritual aspirants, inclined to the path of Knowledge, as well as those who are interested in an intellectual understanding of this aspect of Indian Philosophy and sadhana.

Many have helped us in diverse ways in the publication of this book. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to all of them. We are especially grateful to Swami Hiranmayananda, Head of the Ramkrishna Mission Vidyapith at Deoghar and Purulia, for his nice Foreword and to Sri S. S. Raghavachar, M.A., of the Mysore University for having favoured us with a most valuable Introduction to the Pancikarana-Varttikam.

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION SEVASHRAMA

 

Publisher

VRINDABAN DT. MATHURA U.P.

January 28, 1962.

Sample Page