Sloka 1
Sloka 1
Original Text:
सर्ववेदान्तसिद्धान्तगोचरं तमगोचरम् । गोविन्दं परमानन्दं सद्गुरुं प्रणतोऽस्म्यहम् ॥ १ ॥
- **Transliteration:**
Sarvavedāntasiddhāntagocaraṁ tamagocaram। Govindaṁ paramānandaṁ sadguruṁ praṇato'smyaham॥ 1॥
- **Translation:**
I bow down to Govinda, the embodiment of supreme bliss and a true guru, who is the subject of all Vedanta philosophies, yet beyond the reach of ignorance.
- **Word Meanings:**
* सर्व (sarva) - all * वेदान्त (vedānta) - Vedanta philosophies * सिद्धान्त (siddhānta) - conclusions or doctrines * गोचरं (gocaram) - subject, accessible * तम (tama) - darkness, ignorance * अगोचरम् (agocaram) - beyond reach * गोविन्दं (govindam) - Govinda, a name of Lord Krishna * परमानन्दं (paramānandam) - supreme bliss * सद्गुरुं (sadgurum) - true or perfect guru * प्रणतः (praṇataḥ) - bowed down * अस्मि (asmi) - I am * अहम् (aham) - I
- **Commentary:**
This verse encapsulates a deep philosophical reverence for Govinda, often identified with Lord Krishna. It beautifully highlights the dual nature of the divine — as both immanent and transcendent. The phrase "Sarvavedāntasiddhāntagocaram" indicates that Govinda is the essence of all Vedantic teachings, suggesting an intimate understanding of the ultimate truths depicted in the Vedanta. However, "tamagocaram" reinforces that while divine knowledge is approachable through the scriptures for the enlightened, it remains inaccessible to those in the clutches of ignorance, symbolized by "tama" or darkness.
The verse underscores the importance of a 'Sadguru', a perfect teacher who embodies divinity and stands as a guiding light for seekers. Such a guru not only imparts wisdom but helps transcend corporeal limitations to lead disciples beyond ignorance toward self-realization. It emphasizes the practice of surrender, humility, and devotion ('praṇato'smyaham'), which are seen as essential for spiritual progress in Vedantic tradition. This combination of reverence for divine wisdom and the importance of a spiritual teacher underscores the holistic approach of Vedanta towards knowledge and liberation.
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