Leap and fly! Verse 4

 From verses 1, 2 and 3, the path towards salvation through right actions and attitude has been laid out. This can broadly be said to cover Karma Yoga.  Let's see verse 4 now

திடமிது பூசை செப்முந் தியானம்

உடல் வாக்குளத்தொழில் உந்தீபற

உயர்வாகும் ஒன்றிலொன் றுந்தீபற

Meaning: This is certain; Worship, praise and meditation performed through body, speech and  thought, is each one higher (subtler) than the other.

The use of "திடமிது" or "this is certain" is very interesting, an uncommon assertion coming from Ramana. Makes us wonder if there is more to be understood from this verse than the literal meaning of worship, praise and meditation. The likely inner meaning, is the 3 step Jnana marga, which is Shravanam (assimilation), Mananam(introspection) and Nidhidhyasanam(absorption).

In this verse, the switch is made from Karma Yoga to Jnana Yoga. The usage of "உயர்வாகும் ஒன்றிலொன்று" or "higher than the other", is also an uncommon assertion coming from Ramana, who is rarely prescriptive, it is not his style to say one method is better than the other. I think of this as laying out the map in a very clear way to be understood starting from the first verse onwards

Verse 1: Karma is not a goal but a tool.to.move towards the goal

Verse 2: Actions with desires is a circular path of cause and effect

Verse 3: Desire free actions correct the path

and now in Verse 4, he shows the higher path of Jnana to leap and fly, onwards and upwards!








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