To Sankara

[Guest guest]

SRI SANKARDESIKASHTAM

(by Hastamalaka) 

       1. O ocean of the nectar of illumined knowledge of the whole Sastras!

Thou hast revealed the treasure of the meaning of the great Upanishads. I

meditate on Thy pure Lotus Feet in my heart, O Sankara Desika (Acharya), be

Thou my refuge.  

       2. O ocean of mercy! Protect me who am afflicted sorely by the pains of

Samsara; Thou hast expounded the truth of the various schools of philosophy, O

Sankara Desika, be Thou my refuge.  

       3. By Thee the humanity has attained happiness. Thou art endowed with a

fine intellect reflecting Self-knowledge. I meditate on Thee who expounded the

identity of Jiva and Isvara, O Sankara, be Thou my refuge.  

4. ³Thou art my God² - thus thinking my mind became full of joy. Remove the

great ocean of delusion in me, O Sankara, be Thou my refuge.  

       5. It is through various meritorious actions done by me for a long time

that I have got in me a love for the vision of Thy Lotus Feet. Protect this

humble self, O Sankara, be Thou my refuge.  

       6. For the redemption of mankind great souls like Thy Self move about

from place to place. Thou seemst to me like the pure and resplendent sun, O

Sankara, be Thou my refuge.  

       7. O best of Gurus, O Lord Siva! It is impossible for anyone to gauge Thy

mental poise. O Protector of the refugees! O Repository of Knowledge! O Sankara,

be Thou my refuge.  

       8. I have not been able to find any treasure worthy of possession except

Thee, O Preceptor! Have mercy on me which is Thy natural quality, O Sankara, be

Thou my refuge.

(From the introduction to Brahma Sutras, Swami Sivananda, Founder, The Divine Life Society

Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India )