Maneesha Panchakam- meanings given by different authors in the web.

Maneesha Panchakam- meanings given by  different authors in the web.

Compiled by

P.R.Ramachander

     Maneesha Panchakam    are   the answers given by Adhi Sankara   to God Shiva  about his beliefs  on the differences between man and man. Possibly it is the oldest  Hindu thought process  on the need for people to consider  the status of other people , based  on their thought personality rather than   the caste  which they belong to. Several translations of these five verses  are available  in the web including mine. I thought that   a serious reader would be  helped , if all these translations are available in one place. I have given only sage Sankara’s answers and not the Questions of the God Sankara. The  sources are :-

a.  http://sanskritdocuments.org/all_pdf/manishhaa5.pdf

b.  http://www.omjai.org/manisha%20panchakam

 c.   http://krishnabhakt.blogspot.in/2011/05/maneesha-panchakam.html

 d.    http://upanishadtattva.blogspot.in/2010/10/manisha-panchakam-sri-sri.html

 e.      http://www.geetham.net/forums/showthread.php?43649-Dr-K-Prabhakar-Rao-English-Poetic-Translation-of-MANISHA-PANCHAKAM

f.    http://ravimuddha.blogspot.in/2012/05/manisha-panchakam-part-1.html

g.    http://stotrarathna.blogspot.in/2013/04/maneesha-panchakam.html

       The meanings(translations ) given by these are :-

1.Jagrad  swapna  sushipthishu sphutatharaa   yaa samviddujrumbathe ,

Yaa Brahmadhipi  pilikantha thanushu  prothaa jagat sakshini,

SAivaham  na cha drusya vasthithvathi  druda prajapi  yasyathi  che,

Chandalosthu  sa thu dwijosthu  guru rithyesha maneeshaa mama.

a. If one is convinced firmly, that he is that very Soul which manifests

itself in all the conditions of sleep, wakefulness and dream, in all the

objects from the great Brahma (the creator) to the tiny ant and which is

also the vibrant, but invisible, witnesser of all, then as per my clear

conclusion, he is the great teacher/preceptor, be he a twice-born

(i.e higher castes) or an outcaste.

b. This indeed is my deep conviction: he who has realised that he is not the seen, but that he is the one Consciousness that illumines all experiences during the waking, dream and deep - sleep states, the one Consciousness that is the sole witness of the entire play of the universe, the one Consciousness which is the very Life Spark in all forms from the Creator down to the ant, he alone is my Guru, be he a sweeper, be he a braahmana.

c.If a person has attained the firm knowledge that he is not an

object of perception, but is that pure consciousness which

shines clearly in the states of waking, dream and deep sleep,

and which, as the witness of the whole universe, dwells in all

bodies from that of the Creator Brahma to that of the ant, then

he is my Guru, irrespective of whether he is an outcaste or a

Brahmana. This is my conviction.

d.Oh! Let’s learn that the indwelling (pratyag) atman is distinctly shining with in all the three states; namely the wakeful, the dreaming and the deep sleep states. It is the invisible thread embedded in us and it is the witness with in all from the Creator up to the tiny ant. It is not a cognizable object in spite of any amount of material intelligence. It is very much the same in one and all irrespective of any caste, creed or kind! My firm understanding is that the great one who inculcates this concept is the real preceptor.

e.
The one who is free of the illusion of outside world
And knows that the experiences while awake,
And while in sleep and also while in dream,
That Brahman is behind such all experiences and stakes
It manifests in each and every being from ant to Brahma
One who realizes these truths would be my teacher
Although he may be a Chandala or Brahmana or from any stream
And this is my firm resolve and final decision.

f.If one says with firm conviction, that he is the one who is present in all the states of wakefulness, dream and sushupti (deep sleep), and present in all beings and objects beginning from Brahma (the creator) to the tiny ant and who is vibrant as energy consciousness in everything and being witness of the whole cosmos, then this I say with my prudent reflection that, that individual is revered preceptor, be he a twice born (brahmin) or an outcaste. Do not see that person in any other way.

g.Whether one is awake  , dreaming   or sleeping , suppose one  realizes  that  ,

He is the soul  that is  invisible but which exists  and he is firmly  convinced that,

Brahma  the creator to the tiny   ant which are vibrant  are the witnesses   of  all activities of  the world,

That one whether he is  an outcaste or a Brahmin is my concept of a Guru.

2.Brahmaivahidama jagacha sakalam chinmathrivisthaaritham,

Sarva chaithadvidhyaya trigunayosesham kalpitham,

Idham yasya drudaa mathi sukhathare nithya pare  nirmalam,

Chandalosthu  sa thu dwijosthu  guru rithyesha maneeshaa mama.

a. I am quite convinced that he is the great Master, be he a Brahmin or an

outcaste, who, dwelling on the pure and infinite Brahman thinks of

himself as that very Brahman, of whose manifestation the whole Universe

is,though apparently the Universe is assumed to consist of different

things, due to ignorance and the three Gunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas).

b.He who, in his direct experience of the Immaculate Supreme - Bliss - Eternal, has come to the firm understanding that the entire universe is but an extensive play of Pure Consciousness, all projected by his 'ignorance' expressed in the three moods of his mind, while he himself is but that Brahman - he alone is my Guru, be he a sweeper, be he a braahmana.

c. “I am Brahman (pure consciousness). It is pure

consciousness that appears as this universe. All this is only

something conjured up by me because of avidya (nescience)

which is composed of the three gunas (sattva, rajas and

tamas)”. One who has attained this definite realization about

Brahman which is bliss itself, eternal, supreme and pure, is

my Guru, whether he is an outcaste or a Brahmana.

d.I am none other than a part and parcel of the Brahman (The Absolute). I am dwelling on the pure and infinite Brahman and I am the very Brahman. This universe is glittering with infinite glow by the power of the chaitanya or unlimited sentient energy of the Absolute. Apparently the universe is assumed (by us) to consist of diverse and different things, due to (our) ignorance (avidya or nescience) borne out of the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas). He who firmly believes with perfect understanding of this unity in diversity, for me, he is the adorable great Master, irrespective of whether he is a Brahmin or an outcaste. This is my perfect understanding.

e.
One that realizes the Brahman
Flawless, supreme, and eternal it is
Surely realizes that this entire universe we see
It is the manifestation of tiny Brahman and feels at ease
Such men realize that feeling of the world
As the result of ignorance owing to the three human traits within
He is my teacher; he may be a Chandala or Brahmana
Know this is my firm resolve and final decision.

f. If one says with firm conviction, that he is the one who is present in Brahma as the creator; he is pervaded in the whole cosmos as pure intelligence and consciouness; he who says that he has imagined this world with the three characteristics of sattva, rajas and tamas because of ignorance of the Truth; he who is pure, stainless, resplendent, always in that bliss; then this I say with my prudent reflection that, that individual is revered preceptor, be he a twice born (brahmin) or an outcaste. Do not see that person in any other way.

g. “The entire world is only Brahmam which is extended by the pure consciousness,

But imagined to be  different  due to the interplay   of one’s   three gunas(characteristics) ,”,

If one  with stable mind understands this and realizes that ,

Everything   is only bliss  which is eternal , divine and pure,

That one whether he is  an outcaste or a Brahmin is my concept of a Guru.

3.Saaaswan nasvarameva viswamakhila nischithya vaachaa guro,

Nithyam Brahma nirantharam vimrusathaa nivyajsanthathmana,

Bhootham bhavi cha dushkrutham pradahathaa samvinmaye paavake,

Prarabdhaaya  samarpitham swapuririthyesha maneesha mama.

a.I am fully convinced by the Preceptor’s words that the entire Universe is

a transitory illusion and that the human body is given to constantly

meditate on the infinite and supreme Being with a serene and unquestioning

mind and thus to burn in that sacred Fire the sins with which the

human is born.

b.He who has done long reflections upon his teacher's words that this world of change is permanently in a state of flux; he who has tamed his mind to a true state of quiet and poise; he who has brought his mind, devoid of all dissimilar thoughts, constantly to contemplate upon Brahman; he who has burnt up all his past and future residual-vaasanas in the fire of Pure Consciousness; he who has offered his body to live through and exhaust its present destiny he alone is my Guru, 'be he a sweeper, be he a braahmana.'

c. Having come to the definite conclusion, under the

instruction of his Guru, that the entire universe is always

perishable, he who, with a calm and pure mind constantly

meditates on Brahman, and who has burnt his past and

future sins in the fire of knowledge, submits his present body

to the operation of his prArabdha karma. This is my

conviction.

d.This entire universe, apparently continuing, is perishable and impermanent as per the decisive proclamation of the Lord. The Brahman, indeed, is permanent, everlasting and is undifferentiated and peerless, if one analyzed carefully with an untainted, unaffected, peaceful and tranquil intelligence. The differences in our physical bodies are the products of imprints of all our previous sinful/good deeds, pertaining to the past, present and future. The one who perfectly reduces these imprints to ashes in the flaming fire of knowledge is the best informed. This is my perfect conviction.

e
Those who realize from the teachings of a learned teacher
That world is not permanent and undergoes constant change
Those who control the mind and keeps it in peace and balance
And burn the past, present and acquired deeds in the fire of knowledge
Those who dedicate the body to the cause of knowing the truth
And strive hard to know the Brahman the supreme living within
He is my teacher; he may be a Chandala or Brahmana
Know this is my firm resolve and final decision.

f.I say with my prudent reflection and conviction through Guru’s words, that this entire Universe is transitory and only the Brahma or Supreme Spirit is permanent; the human body is delivered unto us as our praarabdha to meditate on that Absolute constantly with a calm and pure mind and after awakening with this fire of self effulgent intellect (wisdom), that individual burns his past and the future karma in that shining fire of knowledge and will just surrender his present body to the praarabdha.

g.Coming to the conclusion  that this world is entirely perishable  ,

And not  permanent   after hearing the words of the Guru,

And if one discusses   within his   mind and decides that  

The Brahmam Is forever and not perishable  ,

And burns in his fire of knowledge  the karmic load,

Earned  in   the  past  , present and future ,

Then it  is my decision  that  he is my guru.

4.Ya thiryag nara devathaabhi rahamithyaantha sphutaa gruhyathe ,

Yad bhasaa hrudayaaksha deha vishayaa bhanthi swatho chethanaa ,

Thaam bhasyai pihitharka mandala nibhaam sphurthim sadaa bhavayaa,

Nyogi nirvrutha manaso hi gururithyeshaa , maneeshaa mama.

a.In my considered opinion that Yogi is great who has clearly grasped within

himself the truth and quality of the supreme Being through which all our

activities are performed and whose effulgence is hidden by ignorance [of

an ordinary person] even as the sun’s halo is covered/hidden by the clouds.

b.A yogee with his hushed mind lives, meditating upon That, which expresses as 'I--I' the subjective individuality in all creatures: plant, animal, human and angels; That, by whose Light, mind and senses and body are all enlivened to activity, even though they are all made up of inert and insentient matter; That, which illumines everything as Sun from behind a bank of clouds - He alone is my Guru: this is my firm conviction.

c. The Self or pure consciousness is experienced clearly within

by animals, men, and gods as ‘I’. It is by the reflection of this

pure consciousness that the mind, senses and body, which are

all insentient, appear to be sentient. External objects are

perceived only because of this consciousness. This Self is,

however, concealed by the very mind, senses and body which

are illumined by it, just as the sun is concealed by clouds. The

yogi who, with a calm mind, always meditates on this Self is

my Guru. This is my conviction.

d.The Self or pure consciousness is experienced clearly within by all animals, human beings and the gods alike as the 'I'. It is by the reflection of this pure consciousness that the mind, sense organs and the body which are insentient, appear to be sentient. External objects are perceived only because of this. This Self is, however, concealed by this very mind, senses and body which are illuminated by it, just as the Sun is concealed by the clouds. A person of perfect realization and wisdom due to his complete and clear understanding ever meditates in his mind on this supreme consciousness. Such a person is the real preceptor. This is my perfect conviction.

e
Those who realize that the one manifesting in trees animals, men and gods
And being identified with the body and the fad of me and mine
Those who realize that the Brahman illuminates the idle, stale and minds
Like clouds brightened by sun that again cover up the sun
That yet remains self illuminated and that is Brahman
As realized by one and know he is my teacher;
He may be a Chandala of lower birth or Brahmana
Know this is my firm resolve and final decision.

f.I clearly arrive at the perception with my prudent reflection and say with conviction that, the one who sees the ever effulgent consciousness in all animals, human beings and gods; and the one who says that it is by the reflection of this effulgent consciousness that makes all the body, mind and sense organs as sentient even though they are insentient; who says that all the external objects are perceived only through this consciousness, which is hidden as the clouds hide the self-effulgent sun’s halo; the one who meditates always on that eternal consciousness and is always in that state of stillness, that great one is the Guru, preceptor

g.That which is understood  within themselves as the self  by men, devas  and animals,

And that which is illuminated by the self  within oneself as the mind  body and sense organs ,

Hides the real self  like  a dark cloud hides those lit by a sparkling sun,

And  that  Yogi   with emancipated mind who understands this  is considered by me as my Guru.

5.Yath soukhyam ambudhi lesa lesatha yime sakradhayo nirvruthaa ,

Yath chithe nitharaam prasantha kalane labdhwaa muni nirvruthaa,

Yasmin nithya sukhambudhou galthadhir brahmaiva na brahma vidh,

Ya kaschithsa surendra vanditha pado noonam maneesha  mama.

a.I am convinced that whoever has his mind dwelling upon the Great Being

who is being worshipped by Indra and other gods and is thus completely at

peace with himself has not only understood Brahman but he is himself that

great Brahman!

b.During its moments of utter quiet, a yogee's mind gains that Ocean of Bliss, a tiny droplet from which is sufficient to make Indra and others feel contented and happy. Such a one who has dissolved his individual intellect in this Eternal Ocean of Bliss, is verily Brahman, not a mere Knower of Brahman - That rare one, whose feet are worshipped even by the very King of Gods indeed, he alone is my Guru; this is my firm conviction.

c. The Self, which is Brahman, is the eternal ocean of supreme

bliss. A minute fraction of that bliss is enough to satisfy Indra

and other gods. By meditating on the Self with a perfectly calm

mind the sage experiences fulfillment. The person whose mind

has become identified with this Self is not a mere knower of

Brahman, but Brahman itself. Such a person, whoever he may

be, is one whose feet are fit to be worshipped by Indra himself.

This is my definite conviction.

d.The Self (Brahman) is the eternal ocean of Supreme Bliss. A minute fraction of this Bliss Supreme is adequate to satisfy the Indra and other celestials. Only by meditating with a perfectly calm mind on this Bliss Supreme, and not by any other special means, the sages experience adequate fulfillment. Whose intellect is ever unified with the eternal ocean of this Bliss Supreme, he is not a mere knower of the Brahman, but he is the Brahman itself. Such a person, whosoever he may be, and no matter at all, his feet are worthy to be worshiped by the Indra and all other gods. Definite, this is my firm understanding.

e.
The one under bliss realizes the truth
That God Indra and others derive happiness and satisfaction
That result from smallest fraction of happiness
The one who submerges his mind in eternal happiness
And becomes a Brahman and worshiped even by Indra the king of gods
Know! He is my teacher;
He may be a Chandala or Brahmana
Know this is my firm resolve and final decision.
Note. Chandala... Untouchable

f.It is my strong conviction that the person who is always in that ocean of eternal bliss is not a mere knower of Brahman, but Brahman itself. Even the minutest portion of that bliss is enough to satisfy the Indra and other gods. By meditating on that Supreme ever effulgent, permanent consciousness with calm mind melted in that ocean of bliss and is always in that awareness, he is completely fulfilled. Whosoever that individual, his feet are fit to be worshipped even by the lord of kings Indra himself. This is my prudent reflection and conviction.

g.The self is an ocean of eternal bliss and  a minute part of it would make Indra and Devas happy,

The sages meditating with a mind of peace on this self  and not  on any other aspect would attain  perfect bliss,

And he who identifies  himself with this  ocean of bliss is  not the knower of Brahman but Brahman itself,

And the feet of  such a person regardless of who he is, is fit to be saluted and this is my belief.

Epilogue

Dasastheham deha drushtyasmi shambho,

Jathastheso jeeva drushtyaa tridrushte ,

Sarvasyathman athma drushtyaa  thwameva,

Thwevam may dheernischithaa sarva sathrai  .

a. Oh Lord ! In the form of body I am your servant . In the form of life, O

three-eyed one, I am part of yourself . In the form of soul, you are

within me and in every other soul.I have arrived at this conclusion through

my intellect and on the authority of the various scriptures.

d.O! Lord, the three eyed one (who is the all knower of the past, present and future)! In the form of this physical equipment, the body, I am the servant of You and thus of all. In the form of the life principle with in me, I am the part and parcel of You and thus of all. In the form the soul, You are within me and similarly in every other being or animal or thing that I behold. I have arrived at this conclusion after thorough reflection in my intellect - illuminated by all the sacred texts.

g.Oh Lord! I am thy servant dressed in the form of this body. Oh three eyed one! I am a part of Yourself dressed in the form of life. Thou art alone who is present in the form of soul within me and without me; inside me, outside of me and in every other soul. I arrive at this conclusion with conviction through the intellect and based upon the authentic knowledge of all scriptures  that Thou Art the Only One.

Oh Lord  Shambhu,  who sees  the past,  present   and future ,

In this form of a body of mine which you see  , I am   your slave

In the form of  the soul , I am part and parcel of yourself,

You are within me and in all others  as the soul  ,

And I have come    to this conclusion  ,

Based on all scriptures and by deep thought.