Dasbodh Chapter 1, Sub-chapter 1: The Beginning of the Book

[Ram]

The Beginning of the Book


|| ShriRam ||

1. The listener asks, "What is this book, and what is contained in it?
What does one gain from listening to it?

2. The name of this book is Dasbodh. It is a dialogue between the
Master (Guru) and listeners. This is a book of knowledge, and in this
book, the path of Devotion (Bhakti) is explained in detail.

3. The explanation of the "Nine-Faceted Path of Devotion" (Navavidha
Bhakti), the "Path of Knowledge" (Jnana), as well as a narration of
the characteristics of Desirelessness (Vairagya) are contained here in
this book. But mostly, this text is an explanation of the "Spiritual
Science of Self-Knowledge" (Adhyatma).

4. The significance of this book is that is that it clearly states
that human beings can surely realize God through devotion.

5. Mainly, this book makes clear statements regarding devotion,
declarations as to the nature of Pure Knowledge, and indications as to
the nature of one's "Being," the Self (Atman).

6. Presented here is pure spiritual instruction (upadesha) regarding
the significance of attaining Liberation (Moksha), and the meaning of
obtaining "Liberation through Union" (Sayujya Mukti).

7. This book makes clear statements about Reality, the pure "True
Form" (Swaroopa; also translated as True Nature). Also given here is
confirmation of the formlessness beyond body-consciousness, and the
meaning of detachment is clearly explained as well.

8. Provided here are clear statements regarding the nature of God and
the nature of the devotee, as well as explanations regarding the
nature of the distinction between the "individual
consciousness" (Jiva) and "Pure Consciousness" (Shiva).

9. Explained herein are clear statements about Reality (Brahman), as
well as confirmed declarations and information that is provided from
many sources, as to the true nature of the Self.

10. The basic nature of the various ways to worship, many different
poetic styles, and many signs of wisdom are explained here.

11. The appearance of Illusion (Maya), the nature of the Five
Elements, and the explanation as to the nature of the true "doer" is
told here.

12. Many wrong notions are cleared away, many doubts and fears are
removed, and many questions are answered.

13. Comprehensive knowledge from many ancient scriptures, which forms
the main substance of this book, has been translated and is explained
herein. It is impossible to tell all that is contained in this book in
only a short introduction.

14. The complete Dasbodh is comprised of twenty chapters. Each chapter
clearly discloses and reveals knowledge about various subjects.

15. The knowledge presented here is in accordance with many ancient
texts, especially the Upanishads and Vedanta. Mainly this knowledge
has been passed down from word of mouth after listening, and has
resulted in "Self-experience" that is supported by spiritual
scriptures.

16. Many texts and scriptures agree with what is presented in this
book so it should not be considered to be invalid. However,
explanations are given so that what is presented can be verified and
confirmed in your experience.

17. Some say that what is said in this book is not true. In doing so,
they also deny the knowledge that is contained in ancient scriptures
and the teachings of God.

18. Many great texts (gitas) are referred to here such as Shivagita,
Ramagita, Gurugita, Gharbhagita, Uttaragita, and Avadhutagita, as well
as knowledge from the Vedas and Vedanta.

19. Other supporting texts referred to here are the Bhagavadgita, the
Hansagita, the Pandavagita, the Ganeshagita, the Yamagita, the
Upanishads, and the Bhagwat.

20. All of these texts with their various teachings are relied upon,
and the divine teaching of God, full of meaning, is presented here.

21. One who doubts and disbelieves the teachings of God contained here
can be said to be downfallen, as everything said in this text is
nothing other than God’s own statement.

22. Without first studying the complete text, one who finds fault with
it and criticizes it, does so out of pride and arrogance and will
surely suffer a downfall in life.

23. With pride comes envy, and with envy and jealousy, comes hatred.
This hatred then breeds anger, which continues to grow stronger.

24. In this way, one becomes spoiled and full of desire and anger, and
the false ego affects one's attitude. This can be clearly seen in
one's behavior.

25. How can it be said that one who is overwhelmed by desire and anger
can be considered a good person? In ancient legend, even Rahu the
demon (1) died after drinking the immortal nectar because of being
evil-minded.

26. For now, let this talk end. Everyone takes according to one’s own
capacity. However, the reader should know that the best thing is to
give up all pride.

27. The listeners have originally asked what is contained in this
book, so this short explanation has now been given.

28. The fruit of listening to this text is that there is an immediate
transformation in the activities of the listener, and that the root of
doubt is quickly cut.

29. Here, one comes to easily know the correct path, and the real
meaning of "Liberation through Union" (Sayujya Mukti). Difficult and
torturous practices are not required.

30. Here, ignorance, sorrow, and delusion are destroyed, and there is
an immediate acquisition of Knowledge (Jnana). This is the gain that
one receives from this book.

31. Desirelessness, which is considered the ultimate fortune for
yogis, can be acquired in one's life, and the development of skill in
correct understanding through discrimination (viveka) can be gained.

32. Even those who are deluded and who have many negative qualities,
understanding the importance of the wise utilization of time, become
logical, discerning, and virtuous.

33. The lazy become alert, the sinful repent, and even critics come to
worship on the path of Devotion (Bhakti Marga).

34. The ignorant become aspirants, the foolish become attentive, and
even non–believers can attain liberation through the path of
devotion.

35. Many defects are destroyed, the downtrodden become pure, and human
beings can attain the highest realization by listening to what is
contained in this text.

36. Many dangers of bodily identification, and many doubts and
miseries of the worldly life are destroyed by listening to what is
contained in this text.

37. These are the benefits derived from this book. By listening to its
contents, one can avoid downfall in life, and the mind will remain
pacified and content.

38. One will receive the benefits according to their own
understanding. Likewise, those who hold envy and malice in their mind
will receive the same.

Thus in Shri Dasbodh, a dialogue between the Guru and disciple, Sub-
Chapter 1 of Chapter 1, named "The Beginning of the Book" is
concluded.



1 In Hindu mythology the demon Rahu attempted to partake of the nectar
of immortality when it was being served to the gods, but he was
detected and beheaded by Lord Vishnu. In this story, the nectar could
not make him immortal because he was evil-minded.


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