In this third session on the Dakshinamurthy Stotram, we focus on the main shlokas where Adi Shankaracharya portrays Lord Dakshinamurthy as the supreme Guru. Through His silent presence, the Lord imparts the highest knowledge that removes ignorance, unravels the illusion created by Maya, and reveals the Self as pure, nondual consciousness. These verses serve as a guide for seekers on the path of self-realization and inner wisdom.
Embedded Files
Introduction Of Dakshinamurthy Stotram - Main Shlokas - Session 3
Introduction Of Dakshinamurthy Stotram - Main Shlokas - Session 3
Verse 1 - Translation
Verse 1 - Translation
In this verse, Adi Shankaracharya describes the Self as manifesting the eternal truth that transcends all distinctions—beyond existence and non-existence, beyond birth and death. The Self is pure, indivisible consciousness (cit), free from duality and mental constructs. Yet, through His grace, the Guru reveals this truth to seekers, dispelling ignorance. By His direct perception, one realizes that the cycle of worldly bondage does not affect the ever-free Self, and liberation is attained through the knowledge of non-duality.
Transcription
Transcription
Significance and Interpretation of the Shloka
Welcome to the practice of the third shloka of the Dakshinamurti Stotra, which is both thrilling and profound. First, listen to the recording of this shloka, then we will interpret it, and finally, we will practice it. This shloka provides deep spiritual knowledge, helping us understand the difference between truth and illusion.
Interpretation and Understanding of the Shloka
The first line says: “Yasham sada kam,” followed by the rest of the shloka: “Asat kalpa par kalpa kam bhate.” This means that from the radiant presence of which the truth of existence is revealed, even falsehood appears as truth. This is a profound statement that helps us understand the illusion and reality.
Following this, Shankaracharya refers to a Mahavakya (great saying) from the Vedas: “Tat tvam asi” – meaning "That thou art." This statement provides the direct experience of the Self. It is essential to practice this, as it forms the core principle of Advaita Vedanta.
Final Impact and Salutation
The third line says: “Yas ya sakshar sakshat kar ve punaravriti.” It means that those who acquire this knowledge will not undergo the cycle of rebirth. They will not return to the cycle of worldly existence. To such Dakshinamurti, we offer our salutations. This shloka guides us towards liberation and inspires seekers to attain freedom from the cycle of life and death through the experience of truth.
Practice of the Shloka
Welcome to the practice of the third shloka of the Dakshinamurti Stotra, which is indeed thrilling and meaningful. First, listen to the recording of this shloka, then we will interpret it, and after that, we will practice it.
The Path and Purpose of Achieving Eternal Bliss in Life
We can realize the truth, but it is only possible through practice. This is not a philosophical discussion but a practice-focused approach aimed at opening the path to eternal bliss. Every 45 minutes, a new path to eternal bliss should be revealed. The purpose of this journey is not to establish philosophical beliefs but to provide accurate guidance like a GPS. While traveling, you know the destination, but you need to determine the path from your current location. Similarly, on the journey to eternal bliss, understanding our mental state is crucial.
Mental State and the Illusion of Reality
We live in a mental state where the world appears real to us. For example, pain in the body feels like a reality. Similarly, even if a doctor assures us that there is no cause for concern, it still seems real to us. This illusion leaks our bliss. Family disputes and arguments, whether with siblings, spouses, or children, deeply distress us. When we perceive these issues as real, our eternal bliss is lost.
Leakage of Bliss and Its Solution
To attain eternal bliss, we must first understand where our bliss is leaking. Just as water flows through a pipe, if there is a hole in it, the water will leak out. Similarly, in life, we need to identify the source of leakage. To achieve eternal bliss, we must confront our suffering and illusions and choose the right path—one that leads us toward Sat-Chit-Ananda (truth-consciousness-bliss) rather than confusing us. Achieving eternal bliss requires practice, where we need to understand ourselves and direct our path correctly.
Source of Physical Pain and Suffering
When discussing eternal bliss, the first thing we need to examine is where this bliss is leaking from and where suffering is originating. Physical pain plays a significant role in this process. For instance, if we have a toothache, it becomes impossible to experience eternal bliss. Physical pain, such as dental pain, immediately causes distress, and we forget about spiritual joy. As long as the body is not healthy, the concept of eternal bliss also becomes challenging. Therefore, all body-related issues become the primary cause of leakage in our bliss.
Family and the Struggle of Desires
Family disputes are another major reason for the leakage of eternal bliss. Conflicts within the family or a lack of respect and attention from a family member can cause us distress. Often, our desires and expectations are not met, leading to internal conflict. For example, if a family member does not behave according to our expectations, it becomes a source of our suffering. We believe it is our right for the family to treat us in a certain way, and when this does not happen, eternal bliss moves away from us.
Impact of Wealth, Property, and Comparison
Wealth, property, and career also contribute to the leakage of eternal bliss. Losing what we have can cause us significant distress. For instance, if someone has two cars and has to sell one, they become very unhappy. Comparison is another factor that contributes to our suffering; we continually compare our wealth and status with others, which damages our eternal bliss. These are the causes of leakage that diminish our joy. However, these are general guidelines, and each person's suffering may have different reasons. Nonetheless, there is a fundamental element that is common to all forms of suffering.
Suffering and the Illusion of Reality
In our lives, suffering feels real because situations seem real to us. For example, if your spouse is angry with you and speaking loudly, it will feel real to you, causing you distress. This suffering is not imaginary but feels real to you. This is why everything happening in life feels real, resulting in both suffering and happiness feeling genuine. When a child does not get a job, there is sorrow, and when a job is obtained, there is happiness.
Maya and Illusion: Liberation from Life's Sorrows
Now, imagine for a moment that Shankaracharya's statement "Brahman is real, the world is an illusion" is true. This entire world is illusion, delusion, and magic. All your sufferings—whether from the past, present, or future—are mere illusions. Consider that the pain in your body, family issues, and financial problems are all illusions. If you sincerely accept in this moment that all these sufferings are illusions, you will be liberated instantly and enter eternal bliss.
Entering Eternal Bliss: Experiencing the Truth
The moment you believe that Shankaracharya is speaking the truth and that this entire world is an illusion, you will be freed from suffering and will enter eternal bliss. This experience will lead you to a new level of consciousness and peace. However, this state is not permanent, which is why people ask why the state of eternal bliss does not remain constant. This is where practice and meditation are required to maintain this state and establish it permanently in your life.
Natural Worries and the Reality of Life
During sessions, we feel joy and are energized for the entire week. However, as soon as distressing situations arise, we begin to forget the truth of Brahman is real and the world is an illusion. We become engrossed in practical life situations, and what happens around us starts to feel real, leading to anxiety and fear in our minds. Whether it's worry about a daughter's job, losses in the stock market, or concerns about the future, these issues seem real to us. During this time, we forget that everything happening is actually an illusion, and the truth lies elsewhere.
Evolution and the Duality of Joy and Suffering
When we become engrossed, we experience joy, but this same engrossment can also become the source of suffering. Evolving in joy often leads us to fundamental suffering because what brings us joy can later become a source of sorrow. For example, when a wife speaks sweetly, we feel joy, but if she says something bitter, we become unhappy. Similarly, we may find joy in our children, but when they act against our expectations, they can become a source of sorrow. This process of evolution pulls us toward both joy and suffering.
The Trap of Expectations and Assumptions
Gujarati people often believe that their children should marry someone of Indian or Gujarati background. This hope brings them joy. However, if their daughter marries an American, it shatters their expectations and causes them distress. This engrossment gives us joy, but when things do not go as we think they should, the same engrossment turns into sorrow. Thus, understanding the duality of joy and suffering and how to handle our thoughts and expectations teaches us how to manage these emotions effectively.
Part 1: Recognizing Truth and Illusion
"Brahman is the Truth, the world is an illusion" – this concept has the power to take us beyond the joys and sorrows of this world. When we understand that this world is an illusion, our engrossment and emotional attachment naturally diminish. For example, if you receive a million dollars, you will not feel extreme happiness or sadness. You will remain in eternal bliss because you understand that everything is transient.
However, why does engrossment arise? It happens because we are attached to the joys and sorrows of the world. But when we internalize the idea that Brahman is the only truth and everything else is an illusion, we naturally attain a state of lasting bliss.
Part 2: The Movie Example – The Secret Behind Joy and Sorrow
Imagine you are watching a movie. If there are no audience members in the theater, the movie is just a visual with no emotional response. But as soon as you sit in the theater, all your emotions connect with the movie – you experience both joy and sorrow.
There are three situations:
Standing Outside: When you are outside the theater, you remain fully aware of who you are. You know what is about to happen inside the movie.
Entering the Theater: You enter the theater and know that there will be different experiences – happiness, sadness, loss, and victory. During this time, you maintain self-awareness.
Fully Engrossed in the Movie: As soon as you become fully engrossed in the movie, you forget your identity. You feel happy with the hero's victory and sad with their losses. This is a sign of a good movie, which erases the sense of time.
Part 3: Understanding the Reality of Life
The three hours of the movie pass, and you step outside. As soon as the movie ends, you return to your real world. This example makes it clear that our life experiences are similar. When we become engrossed in the play of this world, we forget our true identity.
However, just as the movie ends and we step outside, we need to understand that this world is merely a play in which we are just actors. This realization leads us to eternal bliss, keeping us balanced and stable in every circumstance.
Key Point: Brahman is the Truth, and the world is an illusion. By understanding this, we can attain lasting happiness in our lives.
The Power of Making the Unreal Real
When you regain self-awareness, you realize that it was just a movie. You stand up, exit, and experience the three states. As long as you are outside the theater, you are in your own awareness. When you enter, what was unreal on the screen appears as the unreal in the theater.
The unreal and the imaginary are like illusions. Once you enter, you make the unreal real. Your power transforms the unreal into the real through your presence. As long as you were not there, nothing was real; it was just an unreal screen. Your presence makes that screen real.
Self-Forgetfulness and Enjoyment of the Movie
What happens next? The movie completes in the theater. You remind yourself that it was just a movie. There is no need to cry; all tears and regrets fade away. Family dramas or movies are all over.
Who reminds you that it was unreal? You remind yourself. Shankar says that the power of the Self is what reveals the truth and makes the unreal appear real. That power is within you. When you forget yourself, the unreal becomes real. To enjoy the movie, you have to forget yourself.
Self-Forgetfulness and Choices in Life
You forget yourself because you are enjoying the movie. To watch a three-hour movie, you have to forget yourself. If you don't forget yourself, the enjoyment of the movie is lost. Self-forgetfulness creates the entire world.
You choose to enter the theater; no one pushes you in. You choose to experience joy and sorrow. When you transform 60-70 years of joy and sorrow into bliss, it is akin to a three-hour movie.
When the movie is over, you will recall that everything has ended. This is all your choice. The power of self-forgetfulness makes the illusion appear real. When you remember yourself, the truth of existence becomes apparent.
Great Power and Self-Forgottenness
You possess such great power that you can achieve self-forgetfulness. This power is so influential that you can fit yourself into any role. You might say, "I am Indian, American, Hindu, Gujarati, or follow any other religion or identity." It is your strength that allows you to limit yourself based on identity and age. When you accept these roles, you forget yourself and fit into a dramatic role. It is up to you how long you remain in this role—whether it is a three-hour movie or half an hour. You can decide the duration of your involvement in this drama.
Understanding the Movie and Life
Just as you can sit with popcorn and samosas while watching a movie and stand up when it ends, similarly, in life, you can decide how much to enjoy and when to stand up. Life is like a movie where you play your role. If you understand that it is all a drama and has no real substance, you can enjoy it just like people enjoy cricket matches or movies. If you stand up midway and declare that everything is rigged, you will spoil your enjoyment.
You need to understand that by reaching the state of Sat-Chit-Ananda, you can create happiness or sorrow according to your mind and mood. It is your choice what kind of experiences you want in life. You can create joy or sorrow as you see fit.
Unlimited Power and Understanding Reality
You have such unlimited power that you can shape anything according to your will. When you say that something is untrue or not real, you can change your life and relationships in an instant. Just as people become ascetics and leave everything behind, you can also abandon your traditional identity and relationships. It is all in your hands, and there are no limits to your power. You can make as much truth or untruth as you wish.
Your power is so immense that you can change anything infinitely. Just as you can leave behind the culture and relationships of India, you can also abandon all your identities and move toward Sat-Chit-Ananda. It all depends on your choice and your power.
Your Power in the World
You possess such power that you can live your life according to your own decisions. When you are born on Earth and choose to watch a three-hour movie, fully enjoy this role of life. While playing this role, you will experience both defeat and victory. This is the game you have chosen, and you can accept it. Eternal joy can exist in all circumstances, whether it is loss or sorrow. When you realize that everything happening in the world is your choice, you can experience eternal joy in every situation.
Experience of Truth and Untruth
When you understand that this power reveals the truth and can also make untruth appear as truth, you will have an insight. In the Vedas, there is a story where Shvetaketu, the son of a sage, asks his father how a tiny seed becomes such a large tree. The father responds that the power within the seed is the same power that drives the world.
When you realize that divine energy or creative energy is everything, you understand that "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That). When you comprehend this, you realize that both truth and untruth are manifestations of your own power. It is through your power that you can experience the truth.
The Ocean of Existence and Identity
When you understand that one should not repeatedly return to the ocean of existence (the world), you must also understand what the truth of this world is. The ocean of existence does not only mean avoiding the world and its problems. You must also realize that as long as the world seems real to you, you will remain in the quest for identity.
You need to search for your identity, such as being a CEO, a wealthy person, a good parent, or a loving individual. As long as you are preoccupied with finding your identity, you will not be able to cross the ocean of existence. It is important to understand that your power creates reality.
Meaning of Life and True Contentment
You feel the need to be something because the world appears real to you. In this ocean of existence, no matter what happens, contentment remains elusive. In India, people often think that obtaining a green card for America will solve all their problems. There are 350 million people in America, yet suffering and distress persist. People think, “If I get a bigger house, a bigger car,” but despite all this, the ocean of existence continues. This ocean exists because there is a continuous cycle—a need to become something new each time.
If you become a president, then you need to become a prime minister. This cycle of becoming will continue as long as you perceive the world as real. When you realize that illusion and truth are the same, there is no need for becoming. You move out of the ocean of existence and understand that you are perfectly fine just as you are.
Recognizing Yourself and Experiencing Joy
When you realize that truth and illusion are the same, you no longer need to constantly strive to become something new. You will then express eternal joy. This expression brings happiness and provides completeness to every aspect of life.
As long as you are in life, you will continue your expression. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, as long as you exist, action will continue, and so will your expression. As seen in Jain initiation, people give money and other things unconditionally.
Infinite Joy and Expression
When you decide that this world is a dream, you will find that you have more—money, contentment, and joy. You are simply expressing. Once you understand that all this is not real, there is no need to return.
In relationships, people sometimes think, “I have called them many times, but they haven’t called me even once.” This is trivial. You have more, and you only need to express it. The way to find contentment in this world is to express your eternal joy and experience completeness.
Eternal Joy and the Art of Sharing
Forget about calling or not calling. You have more, so you share. If someone hasn’t done it, why should you? Since you have more, you should do it. Once you have decided and realized that you are eternal joy, you continue to share that eternal joy.
When you experience eternal joy, the question of the ocean of existence ceases to matter. Similarly, we pay our respects to Guru Dakshinamurthy, who has realized this and opened the path of experience for all of us. This guru shows us the way through the unreal and the truth and opens the path to eternal joy.
Recognizing and Expressing the Truth
Thus, we offer our salutations to Guru Dakshinamurthy. His third verse is remarkable. Your power is such that you can turn the unreal into the real. Your power is that whenever you wish, you can end this drama and recognize that you are eternal joy.
Remember that all of this is drama. Brahman is the truth, and the world is illusion. Keep laughing and smiling. I always smile because I promised to laugh.
"Awakening Through the Guru’s Wisdom"
"Awakening Through the Guru’s Wisdom"
The Dakshinamurthy Stotram is not merely a set of verses — it is a luminous doorway into the eternal knowledge of the Self.
Like the serene face of the Guru, it reflects the ultimate truth, unveiling the layers of ignorance and guiding us back to the reality that has always been present: pure Consciousness. This sacred space invites you to pause, listen, and allow the profound silence of wisdom to awaken the clarity within.
With each shloka, the veils of illusion gently lift — not by effort or struggle, but by the subtle, transformative power of recognition.
Here, you are not a seeker wandering in uncertainty.
You are received with infinite compassion.
You are acknowledged in your essence.
You are already on the luminous path of Self-realization, guided by the eternal Guru who dwells in the silence of your own heart.
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