Friday, October 30, 2020

SARASVATEE-RAHASYOPANISHAD AS MANTRAPUSHPAM

 

SARASVATEE-RAHASYOPANISHAD AS MANTRAPUSHPAM

(Extracted and Edited suitably for Chanting & Meditation, Nov. 2020)

The text opens with benediction unto goddess Saraswati. This benediction, also found in other Upanishads of Krishna Yajurveda, begins with "Do thou protect us, do thou preserve you?”. She is praised as the essence of truth, universal empress, who manifests in all things, nourishing minds and souls, and asking for her blessing. She is called the goddess of wisdom, radiant, resplendent in white, who manifests as syllables, words, sentences, meaning and understanding, thereby purifying and enriching the soul of man. She is, according to Sarasvati-rahasya Upanishad, the goddess of anything that flows, of music, of poetry, of voice, of language, of art, of imagination. The chapter 1 of the text presents the devotee's litany with words such as, "Oh Goddess, increase my understanding", "Sarasvati! Make me like yourself" and "Sarasvati, may we remain immersed in you!"

The text presents the conversation between Sarasvati and the devotee in the second chapter. Here, she is stated to be the power, inspiration and knowledge source for Brahma, and the latter credited with authoring the Vedas. Thereafter, the text presents its theory of changing reality (Maya) and unchanging reality (Brahman). Sixteen of the text's verses from this chapter are referenced and found in their entirety in Vakyasudha (literally "A Nectar of Sayings"), an Advaita Vedanta text, as verses 13, 15–20, 23–28 and 30–32. The theme of these verses, states Dhavamony, is that "Brahman, the Absolute, is the ultimate ground of the objective world, and the innermost self (soul) of the subjective consciousness structure of man". It is the Vedanta theology of spiritual unity in everything.

Sometime back I brought to your attention Sarasvati Sahasranama Stotram from Skanda Puranam that may not be suitable for daily chanting. But Sarasvati Rahasyopanishad is easy and equally effective for Parayana. Mantrapushpam of Ramakrishna Math that includes Sarasvati Rahasyopanishad has only confined to the devotional and sloka format of short text and does not cover the  long text of conversational philosophy portion.    In some opinion this is the 106th Upanishad among 108 Upanishads. All other Upanishads in Mantra Pushpa are in complete and full format including MNU that also has a short version.  I have therefore confined to the devotional text of Ramakrishna Math to which I have added transliteration of the Sanskrit   Sloka-Mantras and their meaning as found in the book published by The Theosophical Publishing House, Chennai, whose author is Dr. A.G.  Krishna Warier.   I believe these should be the most sacred 20 mantras for chanting daily and meditation too besides Sarasvati Sookta. If you wish to know about its philosophic content go through the Appendix. It echoes the same Advaita theme as in Skanda Purana:

Eko brahmaivaadviteeyam samastam satyam satyam netaracchaasti kinchit |

Eko rudro na vdviteeyo avatasthe tasmaadekam tvaam prapadye mahesam ||

We are familiar with this popular sloka below on Sarasvati, seeking her protection with the words “saa maam paatu sarasvatee”. There are several such slokas in Sarasvati Rahasypanishad ending with the same phrase.

Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala Ya Shubhra Vastravrita |

Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara Ya Shveta Padmasana ||

Ya Brahmachyuta Shankara Prabhritibihi Devaih Sada Pujita |

Saa Maam Patu Saravatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha Jadyapaha ||

 

I salute Mother Saraswati who is so pure and white like that of jasmine, moon and a garland of pearls; she is the one who is adorned with sparkling white garments ; whose hands are adorned with the Veena and boon giving staff; who is seated on a pure white lotus; Who is always worshipped by Brahma (the creator), Achyuta (Vishnu or the protector), Shankara (Shiva or the destroyer) and all the devas (gods);  Oh Mother Sarasvati, the divine one, protect me and dispel all my ignorance.

The Appendix added below includes more mantras and translation separately.   The mantra portion has only 13 additional mantras of philosophic intent for all of which there is no translation. The translation portion by Dr.A.G. Krishna  Warrier talks about 68 mantras on which I could not lay my hands.   I believe that may be the reason why Mantrapushpam of Ramakrishna Math’s short version has only 20 Mantras.

 

Sarasvati Mantras

 

नीहारहारघनसारसुधाकराभां

कल्याणदां कनकचम्पकदामभूषाम्

उत्तुङ्गपीनकुचकुम्भ मनोहराङ्गीं

वाणीं नमामि मनसा वचसा विभूत्यै 1

 

Neehaara-hara-ghanasaara-sudhaakaraabhaam

Kalyaanadaam kanaka-champaka-daama-bhooshaam |

Uttunga-peena-kuchkumbha manoharangeem

Vaneem namaami manasaa vachasaa vibhootyai || 1 ||

 

To win plenitude of speech, in my heart I salute the goddess Sarasvati, who shines like snow, pearls, camphor and the moon; who confers auspicious blessing; is decked with garlands of golden Champaka blossoms; and charms the mind by her figure with the lofty, rounded bosom

 

या वेदान्तार्थतत्त्वैकस्वरूपा परमार्थतः

 नामरूपात्मना व्यक्ता  सा मां पातु सरस्वती 2

 

 Yaa Vedaantaartha-tattvaika_svaroopaa paramaarthatah |

Naama-roopaatmanaa vyaktaa saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 2 ||

 

Her nature the essence of Vedanta's sense,
She the Supreme Sovereign,
Manifest as name and form -
May Sarasvati guard me!

 या साङ्गोपाङ्गवेदेषु चतुर्ष्वेकैव गीयते

अद्वैता ब्रह्मणः शक्तिः सा मां पातु सरस्वती 3 ||

 

 Yaa saangopaanga-vedeshu chatushvekaiva geeyate |

advaitaa brahmanah saktih saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 3 ||

 

The only one extolled in Vedas four
and their ancillaries; the non-dual
Potency of Brahman - May She, divine
Sarasvati, protect me!

 या वर्णपदवाक्यार्थ -स्वरूपेणैव वर्तते

अनादिनिधनानन्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती     4

 

Yaa varna-pada-vaakyartha -svaroopenaiva vartate |

Anaadi-nidhana-ananta saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 4 ||

 

Existing solely in the form of sense
of sentence, word and letter,
Without beginning and without end -
May She, infinite Sarasvati, protect me!

अध्यात्ममधिदैवं देवानां सम्यगीश्वरी

प्रत्यगास्ते वदन्ती या सा मां पातु सरस्वती 5 ||

 

Adhyaatma-madhidaivam cha devaanaam samyag-eesvaree

Prayagaaste vadantee yaa saa maam  paatu sarasvatee  || 5 ||

 

In the self, among the gods;
The Sovereign Mistress of the gods
Dwells inwardly, forth uttering -
May Sarasvati protect me!

अन्तर्याम्यात्मना विश्वं त्रैलोक्यं या नियच्छति

रुद्रादित्यारूपस्था   सा मां पातु सरस्वती | 6 ||

 

Antaryaamy-aatmanaa visvam trailokyam yaa niyachchati |

Rudraadityaa-roopasthaa  saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 6 ||

 

She as the inner controller
Rules over all in the three worlds;
Dwells as Rudra, the Sun and others -
May that Sarasvati protect me!

 

या प्रत्यग्दृष्टिभिर्जीवैर्व्यज्यमानानुभूयते

व्यापिनी ज़्नप्तिरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती || 7 ||

 

Yaa pratyag-drishtibhir-jeever-vyajyamaanaanu-bhooyate |

Vyaapinee jnapti-roopaikaa saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 7 ||

 

Being manifested, She is experienced
By sages looking inwardly;
Pervasive, one, form of awareness,
May Sarasvati protect me!
 

नामजात्यादिभिर्भेदैरष्टधा या विकल्पिता

निर्विकल्पात्मना व्यक्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती || 8 ||

 

Naama-jaatyaadibhir-derashtadhaa yaa vikalpitaa |

Nirvikalpa-atmanaa vyaktaa sNaa maam paatu sarasvatee || 8 ||

 

Being conceived in eightfold form
Of names, general and the like,
She as the integral is manifest -
May She, Sarasvati, protect me!

व्यक्ताव्यक्तगिरः सर्वे वेदाद्या व्याहरन्ति याम्

सर्वकामदुधा धेनुः सा मां पातु सरस्वती || 9 ||

 

Vyaktaavyakta-girah sarve vedaadyaa vyaaharanti yaam |

Sarva-kaama-dudhaa dhenuh saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 9 ||

 

Whom the Vedas and all others
Of distinct or indistinct speech
Speak forth - the cow that yields all desires;
May that Sarasvati protect me!

यां विदित्वाखिलं बन्धं निर्मथ्याखिलवर्त्मना

योगी याति परं स्थानं सा मां पातु सरस्वती 10 ||

 

Yaam viditvaakhilam bandham nirmathyaakhila-vartmanaa

yogee yaati param sthaanam saa maam paatu sarasvatee  || 10 ||

 

Knowing whom all bonds are cut
Along all paths the knower hikes;
To that supreme abode - (Freedom) -
May She, Sarasvati, protect me!

नामरूपात्मकं सर्वं यस्यामावेश्य तां पुनः

ध्यायन्ति ब्रह्मरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती 11 ||

 

Naama-roopaatmakam sarvam yasyaam-aavesya taam punah |

Dhyaayanti brahma-roopaikaa saa maam paatu sarasvatee || 11 ||

 

Vesting things of name and form
In Her, meditate they on Her;
Of whom the form is the One Brahman,
May that Sarasvati protect me!

चतुर्मुखमुखाम्भोजवनहंसवधूर्मम

मानसे रमतां नित्यं सर्वशुक्ला सरस्वती 12

 

Chaturmukhaam-bhojavana-hamsa-vadhoor-mama |

Maanase ramataam nityam sarva-suklaa sarasvatee || 12 ||

 

Female swan amidst the cluster
of the faces of the four-faced god -
May the all-white Sarasvati
Sport for ever in my mind!

नमस्ते शारदे देवि काश्मीरपुरवासिनि

त्वामहं प्रार्थये नित्यं विद्यादानं देहि मे 13

 

Namaste shaarade devi kaashmeera-pura-vasinee |

tvaam-aham praarthaye nityam vidyaa-daanam cha dehi  may || 13 ||

 

Bowing to Thee, Sarada!
Dweller in Kashmir's city;
The I petition for ever -
Grant me the gift of right knowledge!

अक्षसूत्राङ्कुशधरा पाशपुस्तकधारिणी

मुक्ताहारसमायुक्ता वाचि तिष्ठतु मे सदा 14

 

Aksha-sootra-ankusa-dharaa paasa-pustaka-dhaarinee |

Muktaahaara-samaayuktaa vaachi tishthatu may sadaa || 14 ||

 

Holding in Thy hands the string
Of beads, the goad, the noose, the book;
Wearing the necklace of pearls,
Reside Thou ever in my speech!

कम्बुकण्ठी सुताम्रोष्ठी सर्वाभरणभूषिता

महासरस्वती देवी जिह्वाग्रे संनिविश्यताम् 15

 

Kambukanthee  sutaamr-oshthee sarvaabharana-bhooshitaa |

Mahaa-sarasvatee devi jihva-agre sam-nivasyataam || 15 ||

 

Thy neck is as the conch; thy lip

Deep red; decked with all ornaments
Art thou, goddess Sarasvati!
Great One! Reside on my tongue-tip!

या श्रद्धा धारणा मेधा वाग्देवी विधिवल्लभा

भक्तजिह्वाग्रसदना शमादिगुणदायिनी 16 ||

 

Yaa sraddhaa dhaaranaa medhaa vaagdevi vidhi-vallabha |

Bakta-jihvaagra-sadanaa shamaadi-guna-daayinee || 16 ||

 

Faith, grasp, intelligence Thou art,
Goddess of Speech, spouse of Brahma;
Thy home, the tongue-tip of devout
Souls; Thou the giver of virtues,
Such as restraint of mind's movements.

नमामि यामिनीनाथलेखालङ्कृतकुन्तलाम्

भवानीं भवसन्तापनिर्वापणसुधानदीम् 17

 

Namaami yaaminee-naatha-lekhaalankrita-kuntalaam |

Bhavaaneem bhava-santaapa-nirvaapana- sudhaa-nadeem || 17 ||

 

Obeisance to Thee, O Bhavani!
Whose tresses deck the crescent moon:
Thou art the stream of nectar that
Extinguishes samsara's heat.

यः कवित्वं निरातङ्कं भुक्तिमुक्ती वाञ्छति

सोऽभैर्च्यैनां दशश्लोक्या नित्यं स्तौति सरस्वतीम् 18

 

Yah kavitvam niraatankam bhukti-muktee cha vaachchati |

So-abhairch-yainaam  dasa- slokyaa  nityam stauti sarasvateem  || 18 ||

 

Whoso the gift of faultless poesy,

And enjoyment and Freedom seeks,

With these ten verses, worshipping ever,

Bestows rich praise on Sarasvati,

 

तस्यैवं स्तुवतो नित्यं समभ्यर्च्य सरस्वतीम्

भक्तिश्रद्धाभियुक्तस्य षण्मासात्प्रत्ययो भवेत् 19

 

Tasyaivan stuvato nityam samabhyarchya sarasvateem |

Bhakti-sraddhaabhi-yuktasya shan-maasaat-pratyayo bhavet || 19 ||

 

To him who thus unfailingly

Worships and lauds Sarasvati,

Who has both faith and devotion

Conviction comes in six brief months

 

 

ततः प्रवर्तते वाणी स्वेच्छया ललिताक्षरा

गद्यपद्यात्मकैः शब्दैरप्रमेयैर्विवक्षितैः |

अश्रुतो बुध्यते ग्रन्थः प्रायः सारस्वतः कविः | 20 ||

 

Tatah pravartate vaanee svechchayaa lalitaaksharaa |

Gadya-padya-aatmikaih sabdair-aprameyair-vivikshitaih |

Asruto budhyate granthah praayah saarasvatah kavih || 20 ||

 

From him streams forth Sarasvati

Spontaneous, lovely-lettered;

In sounds of poetry and prose

Of import true and unmeasured.

A text unheard the poet grasps
Sarasvati's being he shares.

Om Hreem Aim Am Am Im Eem Vum Voom Rum Rumta Yem Aim Om Aoum/ Kam Kham Gam Gham Cham Chham Jam Jham Im Tam Tham Dum Dham Nam Tam Tham/ Dum Dham Nam Pam Pham Bham Bham Mam Yam Rum Lam Vam Sham Sham Sum Ham Lam/ Ksham Aksha maaley Akshara Maalikaa Sdamaalamkritey Vada Vada Vaagvaadini Swaaha  ||

 

Rihi Gtsamada adores Sarasvathi as the divine (Nadinam-asurya), the best of the mothers, the mightiest of the rivers and the supreme among the goddesses (ambitame nadltame devitame Sarasvati).   And, he prays to her:  Oh Mother Saraswati, even though we are not worthy, please grant us merit.

ऐं अम्बितमे  नदीतमे देवितमे सरस्वती अप्रशस्ता इव स्मसि प्रशस्तिमम्ब नस्कृधि  

Ámbitame nádītame dévitame sárasvati apraśastā ivasmasi praśastim amba naskdhi – (RV_2,041.16)

 

 

ADDITIONAL MANTRAS WITH MEANING OF SARASVATI RAHASYA UPANISHAD  NOT FOUND IN MANTRA PUSHPAM

 

Keynote Reflections of the Vedanta Part of Sarasvati Rahasya Upanishad

 

आत्मविद्या मया लब्ध्वा ब्रह्मणैव सनातनी

ब्रह्मत्वं मे सदा नित्यं सच्चिदानन्दरूपतः 22

 

Through Me even Brahma won Self-knowledge eternal; Ever being Truth, Knowledge, Bliss, Mine is perpetual Brahman-hood, without let or hindrance.

प्रकृतित्वं ततः सृष्टं सत्त्वादिगुणसाम्यतः

सत्यमाभाति चिच्छाया दर्पणे प्रतिबिम्बवत् 23

 

Thence through equilibrium of qualities, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, become I  Prakriti; in Me Chit's semblance shines, as reflection in mirror fair.

 

तेन चित्प्रतिबिम्बेन त्रिविधा भाति सा पुनः

प्रकृत्यवच्छिन्नतया पुरुषत्वं पुनश्च ते 24

 

Once more, Prakriti shines threefold wise, through that reflection of the Chit;
And as determined by Prakriti, am I Purusha too verily.

शुद्धसत्त्वप्रधानायां
मायायां बिम्बितो ह्यजः

सत्त्वप्रधाना प्रकृतिर्मायेति प्रतिपाद्यते 25

 

The Unborn, in Maya in which pure Sattva reigns,
Is reflected; Maya, Prakriti is, that has Sattva dominant.


सा माया स्ववशोपाधिः सर्वज्ञस्येश्वरस्य हि

वश्यमायत्वमेकत्वं सर्वज्ञत्वं तस्य तु 26

That Maya is adjunct, wholly subordinate to all-knowing Ishwara; For, His alone oneness,

over Maya lordship, and Omniscience are, in truth.

 

सात्विकत्वात्समष्टित्वात्साक्षित्वाज्जगतामपि

जगत्कर्तुमकर्तुं वा चान्यथा कर्तुमीशते 27

 

Being of Sattva made, in essence collective, of worlds the spectator, He is God who holds power to make, unmake or otherwise make the universe; He
Has virtues like all-knowingness.

तथा सर्गब्रह्मणोश्च भेदमावृत्य तिष्ठति  या शक्तिस्त्वद्वशाद्ब्रह्म विकृतत्वेन भासते
अत्राप्यावृतिनाशेन विभाति ब्रह्मसर्गयोः  भेदस्तयोर्विकारः स्यात्सर्गे ब्रह्मणि क्वचित् 

Tathaa sargabrhmanoscha bhedamaavritya tishthati   | Yaa  saktisvas-tvad -vasaad-brahma vikritatvena bhasate |

Atraapyaavrita-naasena vibhaati brahmasargayoh bhedastayor-vikaarah syaatsange na brahmani kvachit

In the same way, this power is used to conceal the distinction between Brahman and the phenomenal universe; by its efficacy Brahman appears as being of the nature of modification. Even in this case, with the destruction of concealing, the distinction between Brahman and the phenomenal universe becomes manifest. Therefore change can exist only in the phenomenal universe, but by no means in Brahman.

The text, after its ontological discussion, presents six methods of Dharana-Samadhi (concentration-union), and meditation is a means to self-knowledge and the realization of the Goddess within oneself as self-luminous, free from duality and endowed with "Being, Consciousness and Bliss".

स्वानुभूतिरसावेशाद्दृश्यशब्दाद्यपेक्षितुः   निर्विकल्पः समाधिः स्यान्निवान्तस्थितदीपवत्

Svaanubhootirsaavesaad- drisyasabdaadyapoekshitah | nirvikalpah samaadhih syaannivaantasthi-deepavat

Once the mind becomes freed from false ideas arising from the attachment to empirical objects, the mind becomes steady like a sheltered lamp and the practitioner experiences the highest bliss in realizing his true self.

Explanation of Seed (Beeja) Mantras  for Meditation

 

SHREEM (श्रीं)

पावका इति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्रीछन्दः सरस्वती देवता श्रीमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् इष्टार्थे विनियोगः मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

श्रीं पावका नः सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती यज्ञं वष्टु धिया वसुः ३॥

pāvakā na sarasvatī vājebhirvājinīvatī | yajña vaṣṭu dhiyāvasu || 1.003.10

May purifying Sarasvatī with all the plenitude of forms of plenty or life-powers (vājebhi), rich in substance by the thought, desire (to attend and energize) our sacrifice!

The purifier Sarasvati; Dispenser of nourishment; Treasure of intelligence -
May She accept our sacrifice!

BLOOM (ब्लू) 

चोदयित्रीति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ब्लूमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः अध्यात्ममधिदैवं देवानां सम्यगीश्वरी प्रत्यगास्ते वदन्ती या सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 

चोदयित्री सूनृतानांचेतन्ती सुमतीनाम् यज्ञं दधे सरस्वती ४॥

chodayitrī sūntānā chetantī sumatīnām | yajña dadhe sarasvatī || 1.003.11

She, the impeller to happy truths, the awakener in consciousness to right memorizing, Sarasvatī, upholds the sacrifice. Of this mantra (chodayitri), Madhucchandas is the seer; Gayatri, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; BLUM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

 

In the self, among the gods, the Sovereign Mistress of the gods
dwells inwardly, forth uttering -May Sarasvati protect me!

 

Inspirer of truthful words; Awakener of noble minds, Sarasvati receives worship.

SAUH (सौ)  

महो अर्ण इति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः सरस्वती देवता सौरिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः अन्तर्याम्यात्मना विश्वं त्रैलोक्यं या नियच्छति ।द्रादित्यारूपस्था यस्यामावेश्य तां पुनः ध्यायन्ति  सर्वरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 

महो अर्णः सरस्वती प्रचेतयति केतुना धियो विश्वा विराजति  

maho ara sarasvatī pra cetayati ketunā | dhiyo viśvā vi rājati || 1.003.12

 

Sarasvatī by the perception awakens in consciousness the great flood (the vast movement of Ritam) and illumines entirely all the thoughts.

 

AIM

चत्वारि वागिति मन्त्रस्य उचथ्यपुत्र ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ऐमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

 ऐं चत्वारि वाक् परिमिता पदानि तानि विदुर्ब्राह्मणा ये मनीषिणः गुहा त्रीणि निहिता नेङ्गयन्ति तुरीयं वाचो मनुष्या वदन्ति ६॥

chatvāri vāk parimitā padāni tāni vidur brāhmaā ye manīia | guhā trīi nihitā negayanti turīya vāco manuyā vadanti || 1.164.45

Four are the grades of speech (vāk) that have been measured; the wise thinkers, men of divine knowledge, know them. Three of them deposited in secrecy, make no motion. People speak only the fourth grade of speech (turīya vācha

KLEEM (क्लीं)

यद्राग्वदन्तीति मन्त्रस्य भार्गव ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता क्लीमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 यद्वाग्वदन्त्यविचेतनानि राष्ट्री देवानां निषसाद मन्द्रा

चतस्र ऊर्जं दुदुहे पयांसि क्व स्विदस्याः परमं जगाम ७॥

yad vāg vadanty avicetanāni rāṣṭrī devānā niasāda mandrā | chatasra ūrja duduhe payāsi kva svidasyā parama jagāma || 8.100.10

Uttering things which the thought has not distinguished, speech sits rejoicings the queen of gods. From the Four (the four higher worlds) she milks out their forces and the streams; But to what place unknown goes her highest (parama)!

She is the word of inert things; The Queen of gods dwells silently; Power milks four energy-streams; Whither has fled Her supreme form

 

SAUH (सौः)

 

देवीं वाचमिति मन्त्रस्य भार्गव ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता सौरिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

व्यक्ताव्यक्तगिरः सर्वे वेदाद्या व्याहरन्ति याम् सर्वकामदुधा धेनुः सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 

 देवीं वाचमजनयन्त देवास्ता विश्वरूपाः पशवो वदन्ति सा नो मन्द्रेषमूर्जं दुहाना धेनुर्वागस्मानुपसुष्टुतैतु ८॥

devī vācam ajanayanta devāstā viśvarūpā paśavo vadanti |
sā no mandre
amūrja duhānā dhenurvāgasmānupa suṣṭutaitu || 8.100.11

The gods have given being to speech; the herds (animals) utter her in all the forms that being has taken; the speech is the milch-cow (dhenu), full of rapture and milks out force of being and force of impulsion. May she (speech) come to us perfectly affirmed!

 Sarasvati shines splendidly - Vast sheet of water - who confers Wisdom and vivifies all thought.

SAM (सं)

उत त्व इति मन्त्रस्य बृहस्पतिरृषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः   सरस्वती देवता समिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः यां विदित्वाखिलं बन्धं निर्मथ्याखिलवर्त्मना योगी याति परं स्थानं सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 

उत त्वः पश्यन्न ददर्श वाचमुत त्वः श्रुण्वन्न श्रुणोत्येनाम्

उतो त्वस्मै  तन्वं विसस्रे जायेव पत्य उशती सुवासाः ९॥

uta tva paśyanna dadarśa vācamuta tva śṛṇvanna śṛṇotyenām | uto tvasmai tanva vi sasre jāyeva patya uśatī suvāsā || 10.071.04 ||

Those not knowing the inner sense of the Word, are as men who seeing, see not and hearing, hear not; Only to one, here and there, it reveals its body, like an eager (ushati) and caring wife, to her husband. [suvāsā: finely robed; the robe (vāsā) refers to both the physical dress as well as the psych.
Though seeing, one does nor behold Speech; though hearing one does not hear; To one She does reveal Herself; As does a well-robed wife in love

AIM (ऐं)

अम्बितम इति मन्त्रस्य गृत्समद ऋषिः अनुष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ऐमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

अम्बितमे नदीतमे देवितमे सरस्वती अप्रशस्ता इव स्मसि प्रशस्तिमम्ब नस्कृधि १०॥

ambitame nadītame devitame sarasvati | apra(śastā iva smasi praśastim amba naskdhi || 2.041.16

O Sarasvatī, most motherly, greatest among rivers (of inspiration), goddess most divine; we are like insignificant (unknown) beings; O Mother, give us Self.

 Dearest mother! Best of rivers! Greatest goddess! Sarasvati! Unbelieved are we, almost -Mother! Make for us great name!

Of this mantra (chatvari vak), the seer is Uchathyaputra; Tristubh, the meter; Sarasvati, the divinity; AIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

Being manifested, She is experienced by sages looking inwardly; Pervasive, one, form of awareness, May Sarasvati protect me!

 

OM! (ॐ)  

प्रणोदेवीत्यस्य मन्त्रस्य भरद्वाज ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः   श्रीसरस्वती देवता प्रणवेन बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् इष्टार्थे विनियोगः मन्त्रेण न्यासः या वेदान्तार्थतत्त्वैकस्वरूपा परमार्थतः

prao devī sarasvatī vājebhir vājinīvatī | dhīnāma vitryavatu || 6.061.04 ||

May Goddess Sarasvatī protect us in all aspects; she is full of plenitude, and with the steeds (life-force) of plenty; she is the guardian (avitri) of thoughts.

May the goddess Sarasvati, Dispenser of nourishment, Guardian of thoughts,
Protect us ever!

 

HRIM
ā no divo bhata parvatādā sarasvatī yajatā gantu yajñam | hava devī jujuāā ghtācī śagmā no vācam uśatī śṛṇotu || 5.043.11

From the vast heaven or from the mid-world, May the Goddess Sarasvatī come to our sacred yajna; May the Goddess, luminous with clarity, accept our call; (may she) hear with delight (uśatī) our words with power

From heaven, from the giant clouds, let holy Sarasvati come to our sacrifice; listening kindly to the call: May the Queen of Waters gladly hear our sweet word!


Prayer for Wisdom

पावका नः सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती  यज्ञं वष्टु धियावसुः ॥१..१०॥

Paavakaa Nah Sarasvatii Vaajebhir-Vaajiniivatii |  Yajnyam Vassttu Dhiyaavasuh ||1.3.10||
O Saraswati, You are the purifier (of our Intellect), and Your Strength (of Wisdom) grows within us with Sacrificial Offerings (inner and outer); May my offering in Yajnya strengthen Your Wisdom within me (i.e. May Your presence within me make me rich in Wisdom).

Acceptance of Prayer and Blessings
 
चोदयित्री सूनृतानां चेतन्ती सुमतीनाम्  यज्ञं दधे सरस्वती ॥१..११॥

Chodayitrii Suunrtaanaam Cetantii Sumatiinaam | Yajnyam Dadhe Sarasvatii ||1.3.11||
(Sarasvati Who) Inspires us towards Truth and awakens our Goodness (Sumati); (That Sarasvati) has (now) held this Yajnya (i.e. Has accepted my offerings);  Making the presence of Universal Wisdom felt!


Concluding Prayer

महो अर्णः सरस्वती प्र चेतयति केतुना धियो विश्वा वि राजति ॥१..१२॥
Maho Arnnah Sarasvatii Pra Cetayati Ketunaa |  Dhiyo Vishvaa Vi Raajati ||1.3.12|

Saraswati, that Great Wave (of Universal Wisdom) (Who has flowed as a River) and Who is the awakener of our Intellect, is (now) shining as the embodiment of Universal Wisdom (in this Yajnya).
 


  

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX

श्रीसरस्वतीरहस्योपनिषत्

 

प्रतियोगिविनिर्मुक्तब्रह्मविद्यैकगोचरम् अखण्डनिर्विकल्पं तद्रामचन्द्रपदं भजे

वाङ्मे मनसि प्रतिष्ठिता मनो मे वाचि प्रतिष्ठित - माविरावीर्म एधि वेदस्य आणीस्थः श्रुतं मे

प्रहासीरनेनाधीतेनाहोरात्रान्सन्दधामि ऋतं वदिष्यामि सत्यं वदिष्यामि तन्मामवतु अवतु मामवतु वक्तार  

मवतु वक्तारम् शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

 

हरिः ऋषयो वै भगवन्तमाश्वलायनं सम्पूज्य पप्रच्छुः

 

केनोपायेन तज्ज्ञानं तत्पदार्थावभासकम्

यदुपासनया तत्त्वं जानासि भगवन्वद १॥

सरस्वती दशश्लोक्या सऋचा बीजमिश्रया

स्तुत्वा जप्त्वा परां सिद्धिमलभं मुनिपुङ्गवाः २॥

 

ऋषय ऊचुः

कथं सारस्वतप्राप्तिः केन ध्यानेन सुव्रत

महासरस्वती येन तुष्टा भगवती वद ३॥

 

होवाचाश्वलायनः अस्य श्रीसरस्वतीदशश्लोकीमहामन्त्रस्य अहमाश्वलायन ऋषिः अनुष्टुप् छन्दः श्री वागीश्वरी देवता यद्वागिति बीजम् देवीं वाचमिति शक्तिः प्रणो देवीति कीलकम्

विनियोगस्तत्प्रीत्यर्थे श्रद्धा मेधा प्रज्ञा धारणा वाग्देवता महासरस्वतीत्येतैरङ्गन्यासः

 

नीहारहारघनसारसुधाकराभां

कल्याणदां कनकचम्पकदामभूषाम्

उत्तुङ्गपीनकुचकुम्भ -मनोहराङ्गीं

वाणीं नमामि मनसा वचसा विभूत्यै १॥

 

प्रणोदेवीत्यस्य मन्त्रस्य भरद्वाज ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः श्रीसरस्वती देवता प्रणवेन बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् इष्टार्थे विनियोगः मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

या वेदान्तार्थतत्त्वैकस्वरूपा परमार्थतः

नामरूपात्मना व्यक्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 

प्रणो देवी सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती धीनामवित्र्यवतु १॥

 

नो दिव इति मन्त्रस्य अत्रिरृषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ह्रीमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् इष्टार्थे विनियोगः मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

या साङ्गोपाङ्गवेदेषु चतुर्ष्वेकैव गीयते

अद्वैता ब्रह्मणः शक्तिः सा मां पातु सरस्वती

ह्रीं नो दिवो बृहतः पर्वतादा सरस्वती यजतागं तु यज्ञम्  हवं देवी जुजुषाणा घृताची शग्मां नो वाचमुशती श्रुणोतु २॥

 

पावका इति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः सरस्वती देवता श्रीमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् इष्टार्थे विनियोगः मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

या वर्णपदवाक्यार्थ -स्वरूपेणैव वर्तते

अनादिनिधनानन्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती

श्रीं पावका नः सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती यज्ञंवष्टु धिया वसुः ३॥

 

चोदयित्रीति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ब्लूमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

अध्यात्ममधिदैवं देवानां सम्यगीश्वरी

प्रत्यगास्ते वदन्ती या सा मां पातु सरस्वती

ब्लूं चोदयित्री सूनृतानां चेतन्ती सुमतीनाम् यज्ञं दधे सरस्वती ४॥

 

महो अर्ण इति मन्त्रस्य मधुच्छन्द ऋषिः गायत्री छन्दः सरस्वती देवता सौरिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः ||

 

अन्तर्याम्यात्मना विश्वं त्रैलोक्यं या नियच्छति

रुद्रादित्यारूपस्था यस्यामावेश्य तां पुनः

ध्यायन्ति सर्वरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती

सौः महो अर्णःसरस्वती प्रचेतयति केतुना धियो विश्वा विराजति ५॥

 

चत्वारि वागिति मन्त्रस्य उचथ्यपुत्र ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ऐमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः ।|

 

या प्रत्यग्दृष्टिभिर्जीवैर्व्यज्यमानानुभूयते

व्यापिनीज़्नप्तिरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती

ऐं चत्वारि वाक् परिमिता पदानि तानि विदुर्ब्राह्मणा ये मनीषिणः गुहा त्रीणि निहिता नेङ्गयन्ति तुरीयं वाचो मनुष्या वदन्ति ६॥

 

यद्राग्वदन्तीति मन्त्रस्य भार्गव ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता क्लीमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः ||

 

नामजात्यादिभिर्भेदैरष्टधा या विकल्पिता

निर्विकल्पात्मनाव्यक्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती

क्लीं यद्वाग्वदन्त्यविचेतनानिराष्ट्री देवानां निषसाद मन्द्रा चतस्र ऊर्जं दुदुहे पयांसि क्व स्विदस्याः परमं जगाम ७॥

 

देवीं वाचमिति मन्त्रस्य भार्गव ऋषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता सौरिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः ||

 

व्यक्ताव्यक्तगिरः सर्वे वेदाद्या व्याहरन्ति याम्

सर्वकामदुधाधेनुः सा मां पातु सरस्वती

सौः देवीं वाचमजनयन्त देवास्ता विश्वरूपाः पशवो वदन्ति सा नो मन्द्रेषमूर्जं दुहाना धेनुर्वागस्मानुपसुष्टुतैतु ८॥

 

उत त्व इति मन्त्रस्य बृहस्पतिरृषिः त्रिष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता समिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः

 

यां विदित्वाखिलं बन्धं निर्मथ्याखिलवर्त्मना

योगी यातिपरं स्थानं सा मां पातु सरस्वती

सं उत त्वः पश्यन्न ददर्श वाचमुत त्वः श्रुण्वन्न श्रुणोत्येनाम् उतो त्वस्मैतन्वं विसस्रे जायेव पत्य उशती सुवासाः ९॥

 

अम्बितम इति मन्त्रस्य गृत्समद ऋषिः अनुष्टुप् छन्दः सरस्वती देवता ऐमिति बीजशक्तिः कीलकम् मन्त्रेण न्यासः ||

 

नामरूपात्मकं सर्वं यस्यामावेश्य तां पुनः

ध्यायन्ति ब्रह्मरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती

 ऐं अम्बितमे नदीतमे देवितमे सरस्वती अप्रशस्ता इव स्मसि प्रशस्तिमम्ब नस्कृधि १०॥

 

चतुर्मुखमुखाम्भोजवनहंसवधूर्मम

मानसे रमतां नित्यं सर्वशुक्ला सरस्वती १॥

 

नमस्ते शारदे देवि काश्मीरपुरवासिनि

त्वामहं प्रार्थये नित्यं विद्यादानं देहि मे २॥

 

 अक्षसूत्राङ्कुशधरा पाशपुस्तकधारिणी

मुक्ताहारसमायुक्ता वाचि तिष्ठतु मे सदा ३॥

 

कम्बुकण्ठी सुताम्रोष्ठी सर्वाभरणभूषिता

महासरस्वती देवी जिह्वाग्रे संनिविश्यताम् ४॥

 

या श्रद्धा धारणा मेधा वाग्देवी विधिवल्लभा

भक्तजिह्वाग्रसदना शमादिगुणदायिनी ५॥

 

नमामि यामिनीनाथलेखालङ्कृतकुन्तलाम्

भवानीं भवसन्तापनिर्वापणसुधानदीम् ६॥

 

यः कवित्वं निरातङ्कं भुक्तिमुक्ती वाञ्छति

सोऽभैर्च्यैनां दशश्लोक्या नित्यं स्तौति सरस्वतीम् ७॥

 

तस्यैवं स्तुवतो नित्यं समभ्यर्च्य सरस्वतीम्

भक्तिश्रद्धाभियुक्तस्य षण्मासात्प्रत्ययो भवेत् ८॥

 

ततः प्रवर्तते वाणी स्वेच्छया ललिताक्षरा

गद्यपद्यात्मकैः शब्दैरप्रमेयैर्विवक्षितैः ९॥

 

अश्रुतो बुध्यते ग्रन्थः प्रायः सारस्वतः कविः

इत्येवं निश्चयं विप्राः सा होवाच सरस्वती १०॥

 

आत्मविद्या मया लब्ध्वा ब्रह्मणैव सनातनी

ब्रह्मत्वं मे सदा नित्यं सच्चिदानन्दरूपतः ११॥

 

प्रकृतित्वं ततः सृष्टं सत्त्वादिगुणसाम्यतः

सत्यमाभाति चिच्छाया दर्पणे प्रतिबिम्बवत् १२॥

 

तेन चित्प्रतिबिम्बेन त्रिविधा भाति सा पुनः

प्रकृत्यवच्छिन्नतया पुरुषत्वं पुनश्च ते १३॥

 

शुद्धसत्त्वप्रधानायां मायायां बिम्बितो ह्यजः

सत्त्वप्रधाना प्रकृतिर्मायेति प्रतिपाद्यते १४॥

 

सा माया स्ववशोपाधिः सर्वज्ञस्येश्वरस्य हि

वश्यमायत्वमेकत्वं सर्वज्ञत्वं तस्य तु १५॥

 

सात्विकत्वात्समष्टित्वात्साक्षित्वाज्जगतामपि

जगत्कर्तुमकर्तुं वा चान्यथा कर्तुमीशते १६॥

 

 यः ईश्वर इत्युक्तः सर्वज्ञत्वादिभिर्गुणैः

शक्तिद्वयं हि मायाया विक्षेपावृतिरूपकम् १७॥

 

विक्षेपशक्तिर्लिङ्गादिब्रह्माण्डान्तं जगत्सृजेत्

अन्तर्दृग्दृश्ययोर्भेदं बहिश्च ब्रह्मसर्गयोः १८॥

 

आवृणोत्यपरा शक्तिः सा संसारस्य कारणम्

साक्षिणः पुरतो भातं लिङ्गदेहेन संयुतम् १९॥

 

चितिच्छायासमावेशाज्जीवः स्याद्व्यावहारिकः

अस्य जीवत्वमारोपात्साक्षिण्यप्यवभासते २०॥

 

आवृतौ तु विनष्टायां भेदे भातेऽपयाति तत्

तथा सर्गब्रह्मणोश्च भेदमावृत्य तिष्ठति २१॥

 

या शक्तिस्त्वद्वशाद्ब्रह्म विकृतत्वेन भासते

अत्राप्यावृतिनाशेन विभाति ब्रह्मसर्गयोः २२॥

 

भेदस्तयोर्विकारः स्यात्सर्गे ब्रह्मणि क्वचित्

अस्ति भाति प्रियं रूपं नाम चेत्यंशपञ्चकम् २३॥

 

आद्यत्रयं ब्रह्मरूपं जगद्रूपं ततो द्वयम्

अपेक्ष्य नामरूपद्वे सच्चिदानन्दतत्परः २४॥

 

समाधिं सर्वदा कुर्याधृदये वाथ वा बहिः

सविकल्पो निर्विकल्पः समाधिर्द्विविधो हृदि २५॥

 

दृश्यशब्दानुभेदेन विकल्पः पुनर्द्विधा

कामाद्याश्चित्तगा दृश्यास्तत्साक्षित्वेन चेतनम् २६॥

 

ध्यायद्दृश्यानुविद्धोऽयं समाधिः सविकल्पकः

स्वानुभूतिरसावेशाद्दृश्यशब्दाद्यपेक्षितुः २८॥

 

निर्विकल्पः समाधिः स्यान्निवान्तस्थितदीपवत्

हृदीव बाह्यदेशेऽपि यस्मिन्कस्मिंश्च वस्तुनि २९॥

 

समाधिराद्यसन्मात्रान्नामरूपपृथक्कृतिः

स्तब्धीभावो रसास्वादात्तृतीयः पूर्ववन्मतः ३०॥

 

एतैः समाधिभिः षड्भिर्नयेत्कालं निरन्तरम्

 देहाभिमाने गलिते विज्ञाते परमात्मनि

यत्र यत्र मनो याति तत्र तत्र परामृतम् ३१॥

 

भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः

क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे ३२॥

 

मयि जीवत्वमीशत्वं कल्पितं वस्तुतो नहि

इति यस्तु विजानाति मुक्तो नात्र संशयः ३३॥

 

इत्युपनिषत्

 

वाङ्मे मनसि प्रतिष्ठिता मनो मे वाचि प्रतिष्ठित -माविरावीर्म एधि वेदस्य आणीस्थः श्रुतं मे मा

प्रहासीरनेनाधीतेनाहोरात्रान्सन्दधामि ऋतं वदिष्यामि | सत्यं वदिष्यामि तन्मामवतु तद्वक्तारमवत्ववतु मामवतु

वक्तारमवतु वक्तारम् शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

 

|| इति सरस्वतीरहस्योपनिषत्समाप्ता  ||

 

Sarasvati-Rahasya Upanishad
Translated by Dr. A. G. Krishna Warrier
Published by The Theosophical Publishing House, Chennai

Om! May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om! Let there be Peace in me!
Let there be Peace in my environment!
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me!

1. The sages, verily, with due reverence, asked the holy Asvalayana: How is that knowledge won which illumines the content of the word Tat? Tell us that, Holy Sir, by meditation on which you know the Truth.

2. Best of Sages! I won supreme perfection by exalting Sarasvati with the reciting of the ten verses on Her, as also the Ric stanzas with the 'seed-syllables'.

3. The sages said: How, by what meditation, Sage of Dedicated Life, is the truth of Sarasvati won? What pleases the great and sacred goddess Sarasvati? Speak.

4. Asvalayana then spoke: Of this great mantra of the ten verse on Sarasvati, I, Asvalayana, am the seer. The eight-syllabled Anustubh is the metre; the holy Vagisvari, the divinity; 'yadvak' is the seed; 'devim vacham' the power; 'pra no devi' the lynch-pin; the application (of the mantra) is for pleasing Her; the consecration of limbs is by (invoking) faith, intelligence, wisdom, memory, the goddess of speech and Mahasarasvati.

5. To win plenitude of speech, in my heart I salute the goddess Sarasvati, who shines like snow, pearls, camphor and the moon; who confers auspicious blessing; is decked with garlands of golden Champaka blossoms; and charms the mind by her figure with the lofty, rounded bosom.

6. Of this mantra (pra no devi), Bharadvaja is the seer; Gayatri, the meter; Sri Sarasvati, the divinity; OM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; its application is for gaining whatever is desired; consecration is with the mantra.

7. Her nature the essence of Vedanta's sense,
She the Supreme Sovereign,
Manifest as name and form -
May Sarasvati guard me!

8. OM!
May the goddess Sarasvati,
Dispenser of nourishment,
Guardian of thoughts,
Protect us ever!

9. Of this mantra (a no divah), Atri is the seer; Tristubh, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; HRIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; its application is for gaining whatever is desired; its application is for gaining whatever is desired; consecration of limbs is with the mantra.

10. The only one extolled in Vedas four
and their ancillaries; the non-dual
Potency of Brahman - May She, divine
Sarasvati, protect me!

11. HRIM
From heaven, from the giant clouds,
Let holy Sarasvati come
To our sacrifice; listening
Kindly to the call, may the Queen
Of Waters gladly hear our sweet words!

12. Of this mantra (pavaka nah), Madhucchandas is the seer; Gayatri, is the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; SRIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; its application is for gaining whatever is desired; consecration is with the mantra.

13. Existing solely in the form of sense,
Of sentence, word and letter,
Without beginning and without end -
May She, infinite Sarasvati, protect me!

14. SRIM
The purifier Sarasvati,
Dispenser of nourishment,
Treasure of intelligence -
May She accept our sacrifice!

15. Of this mantra (chodayitri), Madhucchandas is the seer; Gayatri, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; BLUM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

16. In the self, among the gods,
The Sovereign Mistress of the gods
Dwells inwardly, forth uttering -
May Sarasvati protect me!

17. BLUM
Inspirer of truthful words,
Awakener of noble minds,
Sarasvati receives worship.

18. Of this mantra (maho arnah), Madhucchandas is the seer; Gayatri, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; SAUH, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

19. She as the inner controller
Rules over all in the three worlds,
Dwells as Rudra, the Sun and others -
May that Sarasvati protect me!

20. SAUH
Sarasvati shines splendidly -
Vast sheet of water - who confers
Wisdom and vivifies all thought.

21. Of this mantra (chatvari vak), the seer is Uchathyaputra; Tristubh, the metre; Sarasvati, the divinity; AIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

22. Being manifested, She is experienced
By sages looking inwardly;
Pervasive, one, form of awareness,
May Sarasvati protect me!

23. AIM
Speech is confined to four groups of words.
These, intelligent Brahmans know.
Hidden in the cave, the three do not stir --
The fourth group men speak forth.

24. Of this mantra (yadvak), the seer is Bhargava; Tristubh, the meter; Sarasvati, the divinity; KLIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

25. Being conceived in eightfold form
Of names, general and the like,
She as the integral is manifest -
May She, Sarasvati, protect me!

26. KLIM
She is the word of inert things;
The Queen of gods dwells silently;
Power milks four energy-streams;
Whither has fled Her supreme form?

27. Of this mantra (devim vacham), the seer is Bhargava; Tristubh, the meter; Sarasvati, the divinity; SAUH, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

28. Whom the Vedas and all others
Of distinct or indistinct speech
Speak forth - the cow that yields all desires,
May that Sarasvati protect me!

29. SAUH
The gods, divine Speech engendered!
Her, beasts of all forms speak;
The cow that yields sweet drink and vigor -
To us may lauded Speech appear!

30. Of this mantra (uta tvah), the seer is Brihaspati; Tristubh, the meter; Sarasvati, the divinity; SAM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

31. Knowing whom all bonds are cut;
Along all paths the knower hies;
To that supreme abode - (Freedom) -
May She, Sarasvati, protect me!

32. SAM
Though seeing, one does nor behold
Speech; though hearing one does not hear;
To one She does reveal Herself,
As does a well-robed wife in love
Unto her lord.

33. Of this mantra (ambitame), Gritsamada is the seer; Anustubh, the meter; Sarasvati, the divinity; AIM, the seed, power and lynch-pin; consecration is with the mantra.

34. Vesting things of name and form
In Her, meditate they on Her,
Of whom the form is the One Brahman,
May that Sarasvati protect me!

35. AIM
Dearest mother! Best of rivers!
Greatest goddess! Sarasvati!
Unbelieved are we, almost -
Mother! Make for us great name!

36. Female swan amidst the cluster
of the faces of the four-faced god -
May the all-white Sarasvati
Sport for ever in my mind!

37. Bowing to Thee, Sarada!
Dweller in Kashmir's city,
The I petition for ever -
Grant me the gift of right knowledge!

38. Holding in Thy hands the string
Of beads, the goad, the noose, the book,
Wearing the necklace of pearls,
Reside Thou ever in my speech!

39. Thy neck is as the conch; thy lip
Deep red; decked with all ornaments
Art thou, goddess Sarasvati!
Great One! Reside on my tongue-tip!

40. Faith, grasp, intelligence Thou art,
Goddess of Speech, spouse of Brahma;
Thy home, the tongue-tip of devout
Souls; Thou the giver of virtues,
Such as restraint of mind's movements.

41. Obeisance to Thee, O Bhavani!
Whose tresses deck the crescent Moon.
Thou art the stream of nectar that
Extinguishes samsara's heat.

42. Whoso the gift of faultless poesy,
And enjoyment and Freedom seeks,
With these ten verses, worshipping ever,
Bestows rich praise on Sarasvati,

43. To him who thus unfailingly
Worships and lauds Sarasvati,
Who has both faith and devotion,
Conviction comes in six brief months.

44. From him streams forth Sarasvati
Spontaneous, lovely-lettered,
In sounds of poetry and prose
Of import true and unmeasured.

45. A text unheard the poet grasps;
Sarasvati's being he shares.

46. Sarasvati thus spake:
Through Me even Brahma won
Self-knowledge eternal;
Ever being Truth, Knowledge, Bliss,
Mine is perpetual Brahman-hood,
Without let or hindrance.

 47. Thence through equilibrium
Of qualities, Sattva,
Rajas, Tamas, become
I Prakriti; in Me
Chit's semblance shines,
As reflection in mirror fair.

48. Once more, Prakriti shines
Threefold wise, through that
Reflection of the Chit;
And as determined by
Prakriti, am I Purusha too verily.

49. The Unborn, in Maya
In which pure Sattva reigns,
Is reflected; Maya,
Prakriti is, that has
Sattva dominant.

50. That Maya is adjunct,
Wholly subordinate
To all-knowing Ishwara;
For, His alone oneness,
Over Maya lordship, and
Omniscience are, in truth.

51. Being of Sattva made,
In essence collective,
Of worlds the spectator,
He is God who holds power
To make, unmake or otherwise
Make the universe; He
Has virtues like all-knowingness.

52. Maya has forces two; one projection,
The other, concealment: the first projects
The world - all that is subtle and all gross.

53. The second veils, within, the gulf
Between the Seer and seen; without;
The gulf between creation and Brahman.
Maya causes endless cosmic flux.

54. Nescience appears in Witness-light,
To subtle body conjoined,
Spirit and mind co-dwelling there
Become jiva phenomenal.

55. His Jiva-hood;
Through ascription shines forth, also,
In Witness-light; together with
The fall of what conceals, and so,
The shining forth of distinction,
That (Jiva-hood) disappears, too.

56. So also, through subservience
Of Brahman to the Power which
Veils Its difference from cosmos,
Brahman shines forth in mutations.

57. Here, too, the difference that holds
Between Brahman and the cosmos
Shows not, once Maya's power which
Conceals falls low; their difference
Is in creation; in Brahman never.

58. Five factors are there here; being,
Shining, loving, form, and name, too;
The first three to Brahman pertain;
Two others constitute the world.

59. Leave aside the last two factors,
Be intent on the former three;
Either in the heart, or without,
Practice always concentration.

60-63. Twofold is concentration
In the human heart: with or without
Aspects; that with aspects is, then,
Twofold, conforming to 'word'
And 'object'; desire and its train
Are objects of the mind; of them,
As spectator, meditate on
Consciousness: that concentration
Conforms to objects. 'I without
Taints am; being, knowing, loving
I am; self-shining, devoid of
Duality': to 'word' conforms.
Thus concentration with aspects.
Abandoning 'objects' and 'words'
For joy of deep Self-experience,
One wins concentration without
Aspects: a flame in windless spot.

64. Like to concentration
In the heart, outside too, in some
Object twofold concentration
Takes place with discrimination
Of name and form from pure Being.

65. The third, as said above, takes place
When taste of bliss to silence leads;
Time may, without a break, be spent
In these six concentrations well.

66. With conceit in body gone,
And Supreme Self realized,
Wherever the mind may roam
There rests immortality.
The knot of heart is cut asunder
And all doubts are slain;

67. All modes of action dwindle away
When the Supreme Self is seen.

68. A finite soul, the supreme God -
These notions are to Me imputed.
They are not real - who knows this,
In truth, is free - doubt is there none.

This is the secret wisdom.

Om! May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om! Let there be Peace in me!
Let there be Peace in my environment!
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me!

Here ends the Sarasvati-Rahasyopanishad, included in the Krishna-Yajur-Veda.

 

Sarasvati Rahasya Upanishad (Complete)

श्रीसरस्वतीरहस्योपनिषत्

 

नीहारहारघनसारसुधाकराभां

कल्याणदां कनकचम्पकदामभूषाम्

उत्तुङ्गपीनकुचकुम्भ मनोहराङ्गीं

वाणीं नमामि मनसा वचसा विभूत्यै 1

 

या वेदान्तार्थतत्त्वैकस्वरूपा परमार्थतः

 नामरूपात्मना व्यक्ता  सा मां पातु सरस्वती 2

 

 या साङ्गोपाङ्गवेदेषु चतुर्ष्वेकैव गीयते

अद्वैता ब्रह्मणः शक्तिः सा मां पातु सरस्वती 3 ||

 

 या वर्णपदवाक्यार्थ -स्वरूपेणैव वर्तते

अनादिनिधनानन्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती    4

 

अध्यात्ममधिदैवं देवानां सम्यगीश्वरी

प्रत्यगास्ते वदन्ती या सा मां पातु सरस्वती 5 ||

 

अन्तर्याम्यात्मना विश्वं त्रैलोक्यं या नियच्छति

रुद्रादित्यारूपस्था   सा मां पातु सरस्वती | 6 ||

 

या प्रत्यग्दृष्टिभिर्जीवैर्व्यज्यमानानुभूयते

व्यापिनी ज़्नप्तिरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती 7 ||

 

 नामजात्यादिभिर्भेदैरष्टधा या विकल्पिता

निर्विकल्पात्मना व्यक्ता सा मां पातु सरस्वती 8 ||

 

 व्यक्ताव्यक्तगिरः सर्वे वेदाद्या व्याहरन्ति याम्

सर्वकामदुधा धेनुः सा मां पातु सरस्वती 9 ||

 

यां विदित्वाखिलं बन्धं निर्मथ्याखिलवर्त्मना

योगी याति परं स्थानं सा मां पातु सरस्वती 10 ||

 

 नामरूपात्मकं सर्वं यस्यामावेश्य तां पुनः

ध्यायन्ति ब्रह्मरूपैका सा मां पातु सरस्वती 11 ||

 

चतुर्मुखमुखाम्भोजवनहंसवधूर्मम

मानसे रमतां नित्यं सर्वशुक्ला सरस्वती 12

 

नमस्ते शारदे देवि काश्मीरपुरवासिनि

त्वामहं प्रार्थये नित्यं विद्यादानं देहि मे 13

 

 अक्षसूत्राङ्कुशधरा पाशपुस्तकधारिणी

मुक्ताहारसमायुक्ता वाचि तिष्ठतु मे सदा 14

 

कम्बुकण्ठी सुताम्रोष्ठी सर्वाभरणभूषिता

महासरस्वती देवी जिह्वाग्रे संनिविश्यताम् 15

 

या श्रद्धा धारणा मेधा वाग्देवी विधिवल्लभा

भक्तजिह्वाग्रसदना शमादिगुणदायिनी 16

 

नमामि यामिनीनाथलेखालङ्कृतकुन्तलाम्

भवानीं भवसन्तापनिर्वापणसुधानदीम् 17

 

यः कवित्वं निरातङ्कं भुक्तिमुक्ती वाञ्छति

सोऽभैर्च्यैनां दशश्लोक्या नित्यं स्तौति सरस्वतीम् 18

 

तस्यैवं स्तुवतो नित्यं समभ्यर्च्य सरस्वतीम्

भक्तिश्रद्धाभियुक्तस्य षण्मासात्प्रत्ययो भवेत् 19

 

ततः प्रवर्तते वाणी स्वेच्छया ललिताक्षरा

गद्यपद्यात्मकैः शब्दैरप्रमेयैर्विवक्षितैः 20

 

अश्रुतो बुध्यते ग्रन्थः प्रायः सारस्वतः कविः

इत्येवं निश्चयं विप्राः सा होवाच सरस्वती 21

 

आत्मविद्या मया लब्ध्वा ब्रह्मणैव सनातनी

ब्रह्मत्वं मे सदा नित्यं सच्चिदानन्दरूपतः 22

 

प्रकृतित्वं ततः सृष्टं सत्त्वादिगुणसाम्यतः

सत्यमाभाति चिच्छाया दर्पणे प्रतिबिम्बवत् 23

 

तेन चित्प्रतिबिम्बेन त्रिविधा भाति सा पुनः

प्रकृत्यवच्छिन्नतया पुरुषत्वं पुनश्च ते 24

 

शुद्धसत्त्वप्रधानायां मायायां बिम्बितो ह्यजः

सत्त्वप्रधाना प्रकृतिर्मायेति प्रतिपाद्यते 25

 

सा माया स्ववशोपाधिः सर्वज्ञस्येश्वरस्य हि

वश्यमायत्वमेकत्वं सर्वज्ञत्वं तस्य तु 26

 

सात्विकत्वात्समष्टित्वात्साक्षित्वाज्जगतामपि

जगत्कर्तुमकर्तुं वा चान्यथा कर्तुमीशते 27

 

 यः ईश्वर इत्युक्तः सर्वज्ञत्वादिभिर्गुणैः

शक्तिद्वयं हि मायाया विक्षेपावृतिरूपकम् 28 ||

 

विक्षेपशक्तिर्लिङ्गादिब्रह्माण्डान्तं जगत्सृजेत्

अन्तर्दृग्दृश्ययोर्भेदं बहिश्च ब्रह्मसर्गयोः 29

 

आवृणोत्यपरा शक्तिः सा संसारस्य कारणम्

साक्षिणः पुरतो भातं लिङ्गदेहेन संयुतम् 30

 

चितिच्छायासमावेशाज्जीवः स्याद्व्यावहारिकः

अस्य जीवत्वमारोपात्साक्षिण्यप्यवभासते 31

 

आवृतौ तु विनष्टायां भेदे भातेऽपयाति तत्

तथा सर्गब्रह्मणोश्च भेदमावृत्य तिष्ठति 32

 

या शक्तिस्त्वद्वशाद्ब्रह्म विकृतत्वेन भासते

अत्राप्यावृतिनाशेन विभाति ब्रह्मसर्गयोः 33

 

भेदस्तयोर्विकारः स्यात्सर्गे ब्रह्मणि क्वचित्

अस्ति भाति प्रियं रूपं नाम चेत्यंशपञ्चकम् 34

 

आद्यत्रयं ब्रह्मरूपं जगद्रूपं ततो द्वयम्

अपेक्ष्य नामरूपद्वे सच्चिदानन्दतत्परः 35

 

समाधिं सर्वदा कुर्याधृदये वाथ वा बहिः

सविकल्पो निर्विकल्पः समाधिर्द्विविधो हृदि 36

 

दृश्यशब्दानुभेदेन विकल्पः पुनर्द्विधा

कामाद्याश्चित्तगा दृश्यास्तत्साक्षित्वेन चेतनम् 37

 

ध्यायद्दृश्यानुविद्धोऽयं समाधिः सविकल्पकः

स्वानुभूतिरसावेशाद्दृश्यशब्दाद्यपेक्षितुः 38

 

निर्विकल्पः समाधिः स्यान्निवान्तस्थितदीपवत्

हृदीव बाह्यदेशेऽपि यस्मिन्कस्मिंश्च वस्तुनि 39

 

समाधिराद्यसन्मात्रान्नामरूपपृथक्कृतिः

स्तब्धीभावो रसास्वादात्तृतीयः पूर्ववन्मतः 40

 

एतैः समाधिभिः षड्भिर्नयेत्कालं निरन्तरम्

 देहाभिमाने गलिते विज्ञाते परमात्मनि

यत्र यत्र मनो याति तत्र तत्र परामृतम् 41

 

भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः

क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे 42

 

मयि जीवत्वमीशत्वं कल्पितं वस्तुतो नहि

इति यस्तु विजानाति मुक्तो नात्र संशयः 43

 

इत्युपनिषत्

 

वाङ्मे मनसि प्रतिष्ठिता मनो मे वाचि प्रतिष्ठित -माविरावीर्म एधि वेदस्य आणीस्थः श्रुतं मे मा

प्रहासीरनेनाधीतेनाहोरात्रान्सन्दधामि ऋतं वदिष्यामि सत्यं वदिष्यामि तन्मामवतु तद्वक्तारमवत्ववतु मामवतु

वक्तारमवतु वक्तारम् शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः

 

इति सरस्वतीरहस्योपनिषत्समाप्ता