Shankara and Pasupati

[Guest guest]

Thank you Ramji for forwarding this beautiful verse and its translation from

Tamu.edu list. There have been so many posts rich with information and wisdom

posted on this list (Advaitin ) that I

have on several occasions taken the liberty of forwarding them (without first

seeking permission) to the list that I moderate and other lists as well. I hope

that is considered in good taste. I have been

forwarding the posts only because I do believe that many people will enjoy them

and perhaps even benefit from them. As always, I am greatly enjoying the posts

on this list and feel good about the general

atmosphere of amity and friendship which I think is a tribute to your gentle and

wise stewardship.

 

Love to all

Harsha

 

Ram Chandran wrote:

> Ram Chandran <chandran

>

> Greetings:

>

> Ravisankar Mayavaram <msr has posted the following

> beautiful verse from Sivanandalaharii in Advaita-L. I am posting this

> article (He has granted permission to post his

> in Advaita-L) .

>

> To a devotee of God, it does not matter what stage of life (s)he is in

> and what order (s)he belongs to. For a person whether he is a

> brahmachAri or a gR^ihasta or sannyAsi or some other thing, how does it

> matter and what use of it, if one had surrendered the lotus of one's

> heart to the Lord. Then the Lord belongs to that devotee and the devotte

> to the Lord. All the burdens of life are lifted by God instantly and HE

> bears it for the devoteee.

>

> vaTurvaa gehii vaa yatirapi jaTii vaa taditaro

> naro vaa yaH kashchidbhavatu bhava kiM tena bhavati |

> yadiiyaM hR^itpadmaM yadi bhavadadhiinaM pashupate

> tadiiyastvaM shaMbho bhavasi bhavabhaaraM cha vahasi || 11 ||

>

> shivAnandalaharii of shankara

>

> (The word pashupatI denote Ishwara. He is the Lord (pati) of all the

> jIvA-s (pashu).)

>

> Shankara’s knowledge of Shiva Sidhdhanta is quite clear from this

> verse. Hindu devotees consider Shankara an Avatar (reincarnation) of

> Shiva (Shankar is an alternate name of Shiva).

>

> Note: Pashu refers to Cows and is a subtle reference to Jiva. It is no

> wonder why cows (pashus) became sacred to Hindus. If we can understand

> the symbolism behind pashus, we can appreciate why pashus are being

> protected and worshiped by Hindus!

>

> --

> Ram Chandran

> Burke, VA

>

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