Post 1 Introduction To Summary of Dasbodha of Samarth Ramdas

Teachings of Sri. Dasboadh of Sri. Samarth Ramadas.

Written by:- Ravindra Phadke. Bangalore

1) Introduction:-

Few days back some of my friends who do not speak Marathi wanted to know about

Sri Samartha and his monumental work by name Dasboadh. Therefore I am venturing

to write the summary of this specific book as understood by me. In this introduction below given points are described since these are relevant to Dasboadh.

a) A few words about Samarth Ramdas.

b) Information about Dasboadh.

c) Information about four-fold aspects of any book.

and how these are applicable to Dasboadh.

d) Structure of the summary for future posts on the subject.

e) References used.

A) A few words about Sri. Samartha Ramdas.:-

Samartha Ramdas was a Hindu saint, philosopher, poet, writer and spiritual guide; born in 1608. He attained his samadhi in 1681. During his period the whole of India was ruled by Moghuls. The Hindu society had lost its all hopes for survival. Samarth Ramdas was the Guru and guide of the pioneer king of Marathas Shivaji Maharaj, in his adventurous efforts to establishing a Hindu kingdom in Maharashtra. These efforts became successful in the year 1674 A.D.when Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took place at Fort Raigarh.

Samartha Ramdas has produced a very vast literature in addition to Dasboadh; which gives messages of positive efforts, discrimination, determination, devotion and practical shrewdness in daily life. In this

context the teachings of Samarth Ramdas are quite different from other contemporary or earlier saints.

Observing the lamentable conditions of Hindu subjects under the reign of cruel Moguls, he infused the militant spirit in the masses by establishing monasteries where worship of Hanuman ( Hindu God of Power and Wisdom) was followed. These places developed by him were centers of physical and military training and religious revival of Sanatana Dharma which he named “ Maharashtra Dharma “. His biography indicates that 11000 monasteries called "MATH"; were spread all over India.

The basic theme of his writings is “ One can definitely attain Liberation,

by Devotion. The word “ Devotion” here indicates not only the worship of God but also doing services for the uplifting of masses, actions done with the spirit of Nationalism, etc.

His writings have inspired many political leaders like Lokamanya Tilak, Dr. Hedgewar. In the recent past, Swami Vivekanand had a similar mission.

b)Information about Sri. Dasboadh:-

Samarth Ramdas says at the end of the book that "This Dasboadh contains the statements. These are stated because of the Grace showered by Lord Sri Rama ".

Dasboadh is known in Maharashtra as “ Granthraj Dasboadh, “ Emperor among-st the books”.

The book was dictated by him and the narration was written in the text form by his dearest disciple “ Sri. Kalyanaswami”. The whole book was produced in a period spanning for about 10 years in a cave known as “ Shivatharghal” located in Raigad district in the state of Maharashtra, India.

The reason for the name “ Dasboadh”:- Sri. Samarth Ramadas was blessed by no other than Lord Shri Rama Himself. Sri. Rama Himself was his Divine Teacher. Therefore Sri. Ramadas calls the book “ Dasboadh which broadly means “ The Teachings that are understood and learned by the servant of the Lord ( Lord SriRama ).“

The book has 200 chapters which are addressed as “ Samasa”. These are categorized under 20 major parts which are addressed as “ Dashaka ( A group of 10 chapters)”. The whole book contains a total of 7751 numbers of Verses which are written in Meter called “ Owi”.

c) Information about four-fold aspects of any book.

Even though the next 4 points are rather technical in nature;

I request you to kindly go through the same. This is because,

these aspects bring out the important features, characteristics

of any book.

These aspects are as given below.

1. The subject of the book.
2. Expected gains; after reading the book.
3. For whom the book is written.
4. Relationship between Subject and Results( Gains)

Note:- These are called अनुबंध चतुष्ट्य( Anubandha Catushtya) in the Sanskrit language.

As applied to Dasboadh these aspects can be seen as follows.

4.1) Subject of the book:- The main subject addressed is “ The concept of God and our relationship with Him. How to realize “ Liberation from all the miseries forever “.

Incidentally this is the real goal specified for every Human being by Lord Ramakrishna in Sir Baghdad-Geeta too.

4.2) Expected gains (after following the guidance given in the book).

4.2.1 } Reader will experience and know his own real nature. In spirituality, this goal is called “ Moksha” or “ Liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

4.2.2) Dasboadh assures you that it can be attained only in this very birth as a Human being.

4.3 )For whom the book is written :

The book has been written for all kinds of readers ranging from a common person to knowledgeable highly learned persons. i.e. For everybody who is interested in achieving success in one's endeavors.

.

4.4) Relationship between the subject and the results:-

The book explains these relationships in two parts

4.4.1) Describes the indicators and signs to recognize for some facets of knowledge and different subjects.

4.4.2) Describes the Confirmatory aspects of some aspects of Knowledge and subjects.

D) The nature of the summary is broadly as given below.

The summary of each of the 20 Dashakas will be presented as described in the following manner.

D1) Introductory remarks will be given; explaining the name of the Dashaka and brief description of its contents.

D2) Summary of each individual chapter( Samasa) , will be given; bringing out its specific guidance for the readers.

D3)List and reference numbers of important verses, will be provided; for the benefit

of the reader who may be interested to read the full text from the book itself.

D4) Specific definitions and Theorems covered in the Dashaka. Will be given

separately.

D5)Sanskrit Terms used and their broader meaning in English will also be given.

Other points:- Some other important points are elaborated below.

1. Sri Ramadas swami firmly believes and preaches that “ In order to succeed in the day-to-day life as well as in one's spiritual endeavors; one need not abandon his duties towards his own family and for the welfare of his Nation as well. All one needs is to understand the meaning of “ Proper Discrimination” which is to be applied in our living.
2. The word used by Samartha Ramadas is “ Vivek” for this. He further asserts that by following the path of devotion alone ((based on the principles of the path of Knowledge ); God is certainly realized.
3. Therefore these teachings describe the Guidance for living this life fruitfully. Simultaneously Samartgh Ramadas also has rendered his advice in spiritual matters to achieve the spiritual goal successfully.

For this purpose, Samarth Ramadas emphasizes mainly on one's own experiences and then on the knowledge available in various scriptural books mainly Madrid Bhagavadgeeta and other forms of Geetas such as Uddhavgeeta, Gurugeeta, etc., different Upanishads, Sri.Bhagavatam etc.

However, the main emphasis is on personal experience and learning therefrom. Thus he does not advise the reader to believe in any hearsay matters. This is the special characteristic of his teachings as well.

Final words: In this introduction the main points addressed are 1)Information about Samartha Ramdas 2)Information about the structure of Dasboadh 3) What are the four characteristics of a good book and how these are applied to Dasboadh.4) How the summary will be presented in subsequent posts.5) Some other relevant points.

References :-

1) Sri. Dasboadh ( English Translation by Sari. Ghaisas, Keshav Bhikaaji Dhavale Publications.

2) Sri Dasboadh :- ( Marathi version edited by Sri. Belsare) Sajjanghadh publication

3) Bhavasumanjali ( Marathi book by Mrs. Leelatai Gadgil.Published by Mr. Vasantrao Gadgil, T3, Lakshminagar, Nagpur 447022

4) Sri, Dasboadh Bhavartha Tipan ( Marathi Book by Mohiniraj AA Sagade, published by Mr. Ramesh Sant, L9 Vidarbha Housing Colony, Mayande Square, Yavatmal 445001

A Note from the writer:-

I hope that this brief introduction gives the reader a fair idea about the book In the subsequent 20 articles; I will be writing the summary of each of the Dashakas. Also, I am going to write one more article about what Samarth Ramdas preached ( Political preaching about Nationalism) for building a strong nation and a society in his times. These are even applicable in the current times as well as in the times to come.

Jay jay Raghuveer Samarth.