The Emergence of Braham Vidiya
4:43 PM
Below is an excerpt from Pandit Gulab Singh's version of Prabodh Chandra Natak [written in 1789 CE], which is a translation into Brij Bhasha from Sanskrit of the original Prabodh Chandra Natak written by Krishan Mishar. Famed to be one of the most intelligent writers of the 1700's, Pandit Gulab Singh translated numerous traditional Sanskrit texts into Brij Bhasha for the benefit of the masses who did not have the ability to learn Sanskrit. This deep philosophical text uses creative methods of personifying certain virtues and vices, allowing them to engage in discourse, to exemplify their strengths and weaknesses. The passage below describes the emergence of 'Braham Vidiya', the subtle knowledge of the Infinite. The conversation is between Kaam [lust] and his wife, giving their perspective on how 'Braham Vidiya' takes 'birth' in a devotee.
ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
ਵਿਦ੍ਯਾ ਕੰਨ੍ਯਾ ਰਾਖਸੀ, ਤਾ ਉਤਪਤੀ ਜੋਇ ॥
ਤੁਮਰੇ ਵੈਰੀ ਜਗਤ ਮੈਂ, ਕਿਹ ਬਿਧਿ ਚਾਹੈ ਸੋਇ ॥106॥
Oh Kaam Devta, that demon virgin named 'Vidiya', how will she be born from your enemies [Vairaag, Vivek etc] in this world?
ਸਵੈਯਾ ॥
ਸਾ ਦੁਹਿਤਾ ਸ਼੍ਰੁਤਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਵਿਖੇ ਖਲ ਰਾਇ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਪ੍ਰਿਯੇ ਉਪਜਾਏ ॥
My beloved listen, she is born from the mother Upanishad [sacred scriptures], and her father is the idiot king named Vivek [discerning intellect]. ਸਾ ਦੁਹਿਤਾ ਸ਼੍ਰੁਤਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਵਿਖੇ ਖਲ ਰਾਇ ਬਿਬੇਕ ਪ੍ਰਿਯੇ ਉਪਜਾਏ ॥
ਸੰਗ ਪ੍ਰਬੋਧ ਸ਼ਸ਼ੀ ਪੁਨ ਭ੍ਰਾਤ ਸੁ ਹੰਸਗਤੇ ਤਿਹ ਮਾਂਹਿ ਉਪਾਏ ॥
The one who walks like a swan listen, along with the help of her brother, Prabodh Chand [the name this Granth], she will take birth.
ਤਾਂ ਉਤਪਤਿ ਵਿਖੇ ਪਤਿਨੀ ਸੁ ਸਮਾਦਕ ਆਪ ਸਹਾਇਕ ਆਏ ॥
Oh wife, the birth of Vidiya will be assisted by the support of people like Sam [controlling of your senses], Dam [controlling of your mind] etc [along with the other virtuous qualities].
ਤੇ ਉਪਵਾਸ ਕਰੇਂ ਤਪ ਸਾਧਿਤ ਉਦਮ ਤੀਰਥ ਦੇਵ ਮਨਾਏ ॥107॥
Furthermore they all keep 'Vart' [fast, discipline in their food], perform 'Tap' [tapasya, penance or meditation], demonstrating great 'Udam' [effort] they visit and bathe at 'Tiraths' [sacred places of pilgrimage], and recognizing the Devi-Devtey they worship them.
Notes:
Braham Vidiya, personified as a female virgin, is called a demon [Raksh], by Kaam Devta's wife. This is because from their perspective, with the emergence of Braham Vidiya there will be no indulgence in Kaam [lust].
0 comments