Mahaprabhu himself did not compose any book but his teachings are contained in 10 aphorisms based on 8 verses known as Shikhsastakam given by him and held by his followers in the highest esteem. These ten aphorisms are known as Dasamaula and the principle of Sadhya Sadhana (The object to be achieved versus the mode of achieving the end) is described in coded form, here, through the analysis along the lines of Sambandha Abhideya Prayojana (Relation of Jivas with God, Duty to be performed commensurate to this relation, and Obligation of Jivas to perform this duty). Rendition of Dasamula is given in form of questions and answers.
Introduction to Dasamula :
Amnaya Praha Tattvam Harimiha Paramam Sarvashatim Rasabdhim
Tadbhinnangsangsca Jivan Prkrti-kavalitan Tadvimuktangsca Bhavat
Bhedabheda Prakasam Sakalamapi Hareh Sadhanam Suddhabhaktim
Sadhyam Tatpritimevatyupadisati Janan Gauracandra Svayam Sah
The sloka or verses mentioned above is called samasti sloka or combined verse which describes the ten verses in general.
Translation: Lord Gauracandra has given to respectful persons 10 aphorisms embodying 10 principles. The first one of these is called Pramana Tattva or Impervious Principle by which everything else is proved and the remaining nine are called Prameya Tattva or dependent Principles which need to be proved or established. This verse is the generalization of 10 aphorisms referred to above. After this we shall discuss the first sloka of Dasamula . 2nd to 8th verse describe Principle of relation of Jivas with God (Samvandha Tattva), the ninth verse describes the Principle of Duties to be performed by Jivas commensurate to its relation with God( Abhideya Tattva) and the 10th verse describes the Principle of Obligation of Jivas to perform this duty((Prayojana Tattva) . The meaning of the present verse is that Message of the Vedas received through disciplic succession is Amnaya or Impervious or bedrock of all sorts of proofs. Vedas and scriptures like Bhagavatam as also direct proofs, which follow therefrom, are the only proofs. It is decided from such proofs that Hari is the ultimate Principle , He is all powerful and reservoir of all mellows and nectars .Free and bound-both form of Jivas or living beings are His parts and parcels . Maya (Illusory energy of The Lord) enchants bound living beings whereas Maya does not enchant free-living beings. Spiritual or non spiritual ---all objects in this universe are unimaginable manifestations of Lord Hari ,being simultaneously different and non different from Him, Devotion is the only mode of achieving Him (Sadhan) & Love of God is the only thing to be achieved (Saddhya).
First Aphorism of Dasamula :
Svatah Siddho Vedo Haridayito bedhah Prabhritih
Pramanam Satpraptam Pramiti Vishayan Tannava Vidhan
Tatha Pratyakshadi Pramitisahitam Sadhayati nah
Na Yuktirstarkakshya Prvishati Tatha Saktirahitah
Translation: The self evident Vedas, which has been obtained through affiliates (Sampradaya) in disciplic succession starting from beloved devotees of Lord Hari like Brahma and others, is the only Impervious Principle which along with its succeeding direct proofs offer validity to nine fold Dependent Principles (Prameya Tattva) .The reasoning, which is based on logic only, is incompetent to penetrate into matters transcendental to material concept, and therefore, cannot enter that realm.
Q. Is there any sanction from Vedas of the teachings flowing from Brahma in disciplic succession ?
A. Yes there is.Mundak says (1/1/1)
Brahama Devanam Prathamah Sambabhuva Vishwasya Karta Bhuvanasya Gopta
Sa Brahmavidyam Sarva Vidya Pratistham Atharvaya Jyestha Putraya Praha
Translation: Brahma, the creator and maintainer of this universe first appeared on the lotus, sprouting from the navel of The Lord. He described Brahmavidya , which is the mother of all knowledge to his eldest son Atharva.
Again in Mundaka(1/2/13) ;
Yenaksharam Purusham veda satyam Provaca Tam Tattvato Brahmavidyam
Translation : A bonafide Guru who is well conversant with knowledge of Krsna will properly transmit Brahmavidya or that science (knowledge mixed with love of God) which reveals the infallible Lord as a principle to his disciple.
Q. Whatever is mentioned in the Vedas is also found in Smritisastra where Rsis make commentaries of the relevant subject. Have you found any such proof ?
A. Srimad Bhagavatam which is the mother of all scriptures says (11/14/3):
Kalena Nasta Pralaye Vaniyam Vedasanjnita
Mayadau Brahmane Prokta dharmo Yasyam Madatmakh
Tena Prokta ca Putraya Manave Purvajaya Sa
Translation : The Lord said , Oh, Uddhava, the knowledge which brings endearment unto me and which was spoken to Brahma at the beginning of this universe as the message of the Vedas (Veda rupa Vani) is impaired at the time of destruction (Pralaya Kale) by the nature of Kala (Eternal Time.
Q . Why were the affiliations (Sampradaya) formed?
A. Many people in this world are misled by the confused philosophy of Mayavada . So devotees who have kept themselves aloof from Mayavada
need some platform or affiliation without which association or interaction between themselves become very difficult. That is why Padmapurana says :
Sampradayabihina Ye Mantrante Biphala Matah
Sri Brahma Rudra Sanaka Vaisnavah Kshitipavanah
Translation : Mantras, unless given by the Acaryas or Gurus of some bonafide affiliations (Sampradayas) , do not bear fruit. The Vaishnavas belonging to the Sampradayas of Sri (Ramanuja) , Brahma(Madhva) , Rudra (Vishnuswami) and Catusvan (Nimvarka) can deliver the world . [Names in the parenthesis in the previous sentence give the name of Acaryas of the respective Sampradayas]
Of these Sampradayas, Brahma Sampradya is the ancient of all. Starting from Brahma it is continuing till this day . The relishable scriptures like Veda , Vedanta, Vedanga are continuing in disciplic succession in such a manner that there cannot be any contamination of any part. So undoubtedly all the Mantras of the Vedas are contained within compositions approved by bonafide affiliations (Sampradayas) . The process of affiliation is very necessary and therefore this system is continuing among sages from time immemorial.
Q. Has it been possible to keep track of these affiliations completely?
A. Names of great Acaryas are mentioned as track records of these Sampradayas
Q. What is the track record of Brahma sampradaya ?
A. Following is the track record
Name of the Acaryas Description
Brahma Disciple of Lord Narayana ofVaikuntha and
Creator of the Universe
Narada
Vyasadeva
Sri Sukadeva He took initiation from Vyasa for impairment
Of knowledge
Madhvacarya Highly famous Madhvacarya got Krsna Initiation
From Vyasa Deva
Narahari
Madhava Vipra
Aksovya
Jayatirtha
Jnanasindhu
Mahanidhi
Rajendra
Jayadharma Muni
Srimad Vishnu Puri He composed Bhaakti Ratnavali
Brahmanya Purushottam
Vyasatirtha He composed Vishnu Samhita
Sr Laxmipati He was the reservoir of nectar of Love to God
Madhavendra Puri Through him religion of pure devotional love
To God was propounded
Q. From the verse you quoted from Srimad Bhagavatam it is understood that proof from the Vedas have been accepted as only proofs, and direct proof or the like has been accepted in conjunction with vedic sanction. But in Philosophies like Naya (Logic) or Sankhya (Numerical Analysis), much other type of proofs have been accepted. Also, historians have accepted 8 proofs which are :Direct (Pratakshya), Assumption (Anuman) , Comparison (Upaman), Word (Sabda), Tradition (Aitihya),Anupalabdhi, Arthapatti and Sambhava . If we do not accept Direct proof and Assumption as valid proofs how can there be proliferation of knowledge? . Please explain this to me.
A. Direct proofs are dependent on our senses. Baddha Jivas or individuals enchanted by the illusory energy of The Lord suffer from 4 types of errors [viz. Bhrama, Pramada, Vipralipsa & Karanapataba] inherent to their senses. How can the knowledge that is brought about by these faulty senses be regarded as absolute? We can rather safely accept the absolute knowledge revealed in the hearts of sages and great men in trance, when God spontaneously appeared and gave them.
Q. What are the meanings of Bhrama, Pramada, Vipralipsa & Karanapataba ?
A. The fault in observation of matter arising out of incomplete senses is called Bhrama . Example: Delusion in Mirage etc. Material intelligence of an individual is naturally limited, and therefore, the principles, which are to be understood in reference to the infinity, will be faultily understood with such intelligence. Example: Limitation of Time & Space, Question about proprietorship of God etc.
Doubt is called Vipralipsa . The errors arising out of incompetence of our working sense consequent to circumstances is called Karanapataba
Q. Is there then no place for Direct proof or the like ?
A. What is there but Direct proof so far as material nature is concerned? But in case of Spiritual matter they are useless. Vedas offer the only proofs in those matters. If knowledge derivable from direct proofs is in accordance with self-evident Vedas then that proof should be welcomed. So, direct proof in association with that self evident Vedas is the only proof.
Q. Whether scriptures like Gita or Bhagavatam are sufficient proofs or not?
A. Since Gita is spoken by The Lord Himself , it is called Gitopanishada and therefore this may be regarded as Veda. Dasamula Tattva propounded by Sri Gauranga being spoken by him is also Veda. Srimad Bhagavatam being the collection of sum and substance of The Vedas is the bedrock of all proofs. Of course, if scriptures like Smriti are in accordance with Vedas then those can be regarded as proofs also. Tantra shastra is 3 fold being Satvik (In mode of goodness) , Rajasik (In mode of passion ), and Tamasik ( In mode of ignorance). Among them Tantras like Pancaratra describe the profound meaning of the Vedas and in that context Tan carries the meaning of description or explanation and so they are also regarded as valid proofs.
Q. Vedas is a collection of compositions. Which of them are acceptable and which are not , please tell me that.
A. In course of time many unscrupulous persons have cast many chapters, cantos and Mantras , in an unauthorized manner in the Vedas. So we cannot accept all parts of Vedas found here and there. Whatever have been accepted by Acaryas of bonafide affiliations in different ages are called Vedas. We cannot accept those parts, which have been rejected by them as contamination
Q. What are the volumes among Vedas accepted by the Acaryas of affiliations (Sampradayas) as authentic?
A. Isha, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya, Brihadaronyak, Sveatasvatar --- these 11 theoretical Upanishadas, Gopalopanishad, Nrisimha Tapani, and similar other Tapanis which are aids to prayer, along with Brahman, Mandal and similar volumes which elaborate cantos of Rik, Sam, Yaju and Atharva are accepted by Acaryas. Since these are obtained in disciplic succession through Acaryas these are accepted as impervious proofs.
Q. What is the proof that logic is powerless to enter the realm of spiritual matter?
A. Naisha Tarkena Matirapaneya (Katha 1/2/9) [Translation : Oh, Naciketah, do not waste your spiritual knowledge obtained through visualization of Brahma due to dry logic.] a famous verse from the Vedas and Tarkapratisthant ( Brahma Sutra 2/1/11) [Translation : No inference can be arrived at by logic alone. The inference arrived at by one person can be dislodged by another person with more talent and learning, and as such reasoning as a proof is considered inadequate.] a verse from Vedanta , will lend credence to this.
Prakritibhya Param Yacca Tadcintyasya Lakshanam (Mahabharata Bhismaparva 5/22) [Translation: Whatever is transcendental to nature is a principle beyond our imagination. So, that principle, beyond imagination, cannot certainly be subjected to logical discussion].is a verse from Mahabharata and this sets the limit of logical discussion or reasoning.
Therefore, Sri Rupacarya, who is the final word in matters of Devotional service says (Bhakti rasamrta Sindhu 1/32)
Svalpapi Rucireva Syat Bhaktitattvababodhika
Yuktistu Kevala Naiva yadasya Apratisthita
Translation : It is learnt from Scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam that even by slight affinity towards God earned through past deeds in previous lives one gets entry into devotional service to God, but the realization of devotional service is never possible by dry reasoning as the same is unestablished
That reasoning is unable to fathom absolute truth has been established in ancient verses ( As in Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 1/33)
Yatnenapaditohpyarthah Kushalairanumatribhih
Abhiyukta tarai ranyai ranyathai babopadyate
Translation : The inference arrived at by you by reasoning can be dislodged by another person with more talent and learning, So what is the basis of reasoning?
A. I understood very well the self evident nature of the Vedas as bedrock of all credence. Logicians needlessly try to disprove Vedas. Please, now tell me the 2nd aphorism of dasamula
Second Aphorism of Dasamula:
Haristvekam Tattvam Vidhi Shiva Suresha Pranamitah
Yadvedam Brahma Prakriti rahitam Tattvanumahah
Paratma Tasyamsho Jagadanugato Vishwajanakah
Sa vai Radhakanto Navajaladakantiscidudayah
Translation : Sri Hari who is worshipped by Brahma Shiva and Indra is the ultimate Principle. The powerless impersonal Brahma is only the bodily effulgence of Sri Hari. Lord of the universe who has permeated into the Universe as Supersoul or Paramatma is only a part of Sri Hari .That Sri Hari having the hue of newly formed cloud is Spiritual and Eternal consort of Sri Radha.
Q. In Upanishada Brahma which is transcendental to nature has been held as the Highest Principle.By what argument Srimad Gaurahari considered that Brahma as the bodily effulgence of Sri Hari?
A. Sri Hari is The God Himself. He is God by His 6 opulence. In Vishnupuran (6/5/84) it is mentioned:
Aisharyyasya Samagrasya Viryasya Yasasah Sriyah
Jnana Vairagyayoscaiva Shannam Bhaga Itingana
Translation : God who has unimaginable Qualities has following six Principles -----Total Wealth , Total Power, Total Fame, Total Beauty, Total Knowledge and Total Renunciation .
These Principles are dependent upon one another like a body and the bodily parts.. Now who is the body here and what are his bodily parts?
Body is that which holds the parts, for example Tree is the body and its branches are like its limbs or the bodily parts. The Beauty of the transcendental form of The Lord is Angi or the body and other qualities are like the bodily parts. Wealth, Power and Fame are like body parts , whereas Knowledge and Renunciation are radiant expansions of Fame, and appear as Bodily Effulgence of The Lord as they are expansions of a Quality but not Qualities themselves. Impersonal Knowledge and Renunciation --- these are the nature of Brahma – and as such Brahma is the bodily effulgence of Spiritual Being who is the originator of Brahama. Indifferent, Inactive, Formless, Impersonal Brahma is not an Independent Principle rather Dependent on Transcendental Form of The Lord. Outward manifestations of Fire are not Independent Principles but are Qualities dependent upon Nature of Fire.
Q. In several places in the Vedas, after mentioning the Impersonal Qualities of Brahma , Sri Hari has been pronounced as The Ultimate Principle in the words like Om Santih, santih, Harih. Om . Who then is Hari ?
A. Radha Krsna-Conjugate engaged in Spiritual Pastime is that Hari.
Q. We shall discuss it later, but first tell me how Supersoul (Paramatma) became part of God ?
A. The entire illusory world (Mayik Jagat) is made of expansion of 2 Qualities viz. Wealth & Power (Aisaharya & Virjya) of Lord. After its creation Lord has entered it as a part called Vishnu. A part of Lord is also complete in itself. In Vrihadaranyak (5/1) it is said :
Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudacyate
Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnamevavashisyate
Translation: Lord Himself is complete and His Expansion is also complete. Both are complete and all-powerful. Lord, Who is complete in Himself sometimes expands Himself into Purna Avatars ,who in turn are also complete in themselves, to perform some pastimes. Although Expansions are created out of God complete in Himself, His completeness is not affected even after such Expansion and also the Expanded being becomes complete.
So, Vishnu who is Naturally Complete and entered into the World and who is also the maintainer of this world is God. He has threefold expansions as lying in Karonodak(Causal Ocean) , Kshirodak(Ocean of Milk) and Garbhodak(Ocean of Creation ) The ocean separating the Spiritual World with the Material world is called Viraja or Causal Ocean (Karan samudra) . The Expansion of Lord that lies in this ocean is called MahaVishnu . By His vision only He created this world out of Maya. In Gita we find (9/10)
Maya Adhyakshena Prakriti Suyate Sa Caracaram
Translation: Nature is My Energy. My energy works under my authority. When I cast My glance out of Spiritual Pastime to Nature, it acts following my guidance. Influenced by my glance Nature unfolds this Universe with all its varieties.
In Vedas words like (1) Sa Aikshat(Aiteriya 1/1) or (2) Sa Iman Lokan Asrijat(Aiteriya 1/1/2) are relevant
Translation (1): That Male Person cast a glance
(2): That Supersoul after contemplating or casting glance created this universe.
The Powerful Glance which is entered into Maya or illusory Nature is called Garbhodak Shaiyee Vishnu (Vishnu, lying on the ocean of creation )
