PRABODHASUDHAKARA

[1] CENSURE OF THE BODY

I offer my salutations to the Eternally Blissful; Pure Consciousness; Self
Effulgent; The Supreme Being; The Unborn; The Lord of the Yadus {Sri
Krishna} |1|
EXPLANATION: In this Shloka, Sri Krishna, the Saguna Brahman (Brahman with attributes) is
described with the features like pure existence, consciousness, and bliss which are typically
the very nature of the Nirguna Brahman (non-dual Brahman, devoid of any attributes). Here
Sri Acharya hints at the idea that the Saguna and Nirguna Brahman are in truth one and the
same. This has been explained by the Acharya in detail in a later section.
Jayati Kuladevo Yadupathih (Victory to the Lord of Yadus, my family deity) - says Acharya
later in the text. Hence He offers His obeisance to His family deity, Lord Krishna while
commencing this wonderful treatise on Him.

In describing whom, the very Veda observes silence as though dumb; can
He ever come within the range of verbal description of human beings like
us?|2|
EXPLANATION: All secrets of nature are revealed in the Vedas. But the Vedas have no words

to describe the Supreme Brahman. They are only able to guide us by putting forth the theory
of negation neti neti. That is, what remains after negating everything as this is not
Brahman, this is not Brahman is only Brahman. So Acharya poses a question - when the
Vedas are themselves incapable in this matter, what can mere human beings like us do? How
can we human beings venture to describe That Supreme Brahman in words?

Even though known to be thus (inexpressible by words), He indeed stands

explained through the essence of the scriptures explaining the nature of
the Self, and through the practice of meditating and singing the praise of
Lord Sri Hari.|3|
EXPLANATION: In the previous verse, the indescribable nature of Brahman was elaborated.

But one need not get disheartened that one can never know the true nature of Brahman. Here
in this Shloka, two ways are being advocated by the Acharya to realize the truth. The first one
is Adhyatmashastra Saaraih i.e., through the quintessence of all those scriptures explaining
Brahman. By listening to the principles of Vedanta (Shravanam), by mentally reiterating the
idea conveyed in them (Mananam), and by contemplating on their import (Nidhidhyasanam),
one can realize the true nature of Brahman. The next path that Acharya says is HariChintana-Kirtanabhyasaih - that is, the path in which one practices singing the glories of Sri
Hari, and meditating upon him. One attains purity of mind through this. From Upanishadic
Statements like Drushyate tvagraya buddhya sukshmaya sukshmadarshibih-{IT is seen by
the seers who have a subtle and sharp intellect}, it can be concluded that those with a pure
mind can indeed grasp the nature of Brahman. And to attain this subtle and pure state of
mind, the only thing to be done is to constantly meditate on the Lord and adore Him. Lord
Krishna too proclaims in the Gita that His devotees have a steadfast vow for singing His
glories constantly (Satatam keertayanto mam 9th chapter). In this Shloka, the practice of
singing and meditating on the Lord has been advocated to know the true nature of Brahman.
The Acharya has composed this work only for singing the glories of the Lord. Such a practice
not only purifies our mind and speech, but also renders our lives fruitful. Thus, by treading
this path, Sri Shankara leads us too to the truth through this supreme path of devotion.