Section 2 9
साधन चतुष्टय | Fourfold Qualifications
Summary (in English)
The selected passage from the Vivekachudamani elucidates the essential qualifications for embarking on the inquiry into Brahman, known as the *sādhanā catuṣṭaya* (fourfold qualifications). Sloka 17 highlights the core virtues required: *viveka* (discrimination), *vairagya* (detachment), along with *śama* (calmness) and *mumukṣutva* (intense desire for liberation). These set the stage for an aspirant who seeks the ultimate truth. Sloka 18 stresses the indispensability of these four qualifications for successful spiritual attainment, as defined by the wise (*manīṣibhiḥ*). Sloka 19 outlines a progressive approach starting with *viveka*, leading to *virāga* (dispassion), followed by the sixfold virtues and culminating in *mumukṣutva*. These structured stages enable a seeker to methodically progress towards self-realization.
सारांश
इन श्लोकों में ब्रह्म के विषय में जिज्ञासा रखने के लिए आवश्यक अर्हताओं को प्रतिपादित किया गया है, जिन्हें साधन चतुष्टय कहा जाता है। श्लोक 17 में विवेक, वैराग्य, शम तथा मुक्तिवांछा को आवश्यक गुण बताया गया है। श्लोक 18 में इन चारों गुणों की अपरिहार्यता का उल्लेख किया गया है, जैसा कि मनीषियों ने परिभाषित किया है। श्लोक 19 में एक क्रमिक प्रक्रिया का वर्णन है, जो विवेक से प्रारम्भ होकर वैराग्य और तदुपरांत षट्क सम्पत्ति की प्राप्ति में ले जाती है, और अंत में मुमुक्षुत्व में परिणित होती है। ये पद्यति साधक को सूचित करती है कि कैसे वे आत्म-साक्षात्कार की ओर व्यवस्थित प्रगति कर सकते हैं।
Important Concepts (महत्वपूर्ण अवधारणाएँ)
Topics
- Qualification for Brahman inquiry
- Importance of fourfold qualification
- Structure of spiritual progression
Categories (वर्गीकरण)
- Listing characteristics (of a concept)
- Stages of spiritual practice
- Teaching a method
S-V-O Tuples or Propositions as Text
| Subject | Verb | Object |
|---|---|---|
| One with discrimination and detachment | is considered fit for | inquiry into Brahman |
| Success | rests upon | the four qualifications |
| Discrimination between the eternal and non-eternal | is understood as | the first step |
| Dispassion for fruits of actions | follows | discrimination |
| Sixfold virtues and yearning for liberation | manifest | post dispassion |
Slokas & Translations
Sloka 17
विवेकिनो विरक्तस्य शमादिगुणशालिनः। मुमुक्षोरेव हि ब्रह्मजिज्ञासायोग्यता मता॥ १७ ॥
Translation: Only one with discrimination, detachment, and virtues like calmness, who is also eager for liberation, is considered fit for inquiry into Brahman.
Sloka 18
साधनान्यत्र चत्वारि कथितानि मनीषिभिः । येषु सत्स्वेव सन्निष्ठा यदभावे न सिध्यति ॥ १८ ॥
Translation: The wise have mentioned four means here, upon which success rests solely; without them, it cannot be achieved.
Sloka 19
आदौ नित्यानित्यवस्तुविवेकः परिगम्यते । इहामुत्रफलभोगविरागस्तदनन्तरम्। शमादिषट्कसम्पत्तिर्मुमुक्षुत्वमिति स्फुटम् ॥ १९ ॥
Translation: Initially, the discrimination between the eternal and non-eternal is understood, followed by dispassion for the fruits of actions here and hereafter; then the sixfold virtues like tranquility, and finally, the yearning for liberation clearly emerges.