________________
NandiSootra
Pratiprichhana - Once the lesson has started and one has listened to the text and meaning, to humbly ask questions if there are any doubts. Without removing doubts neither the meaning is clear nor is the knowledge perfect. Curiosity is its vital ingrediant.
Shravari - When the guru answers the questions, one should listen attentively. If some doubts still remain, one should repeat this process of questioning and listening with attention.
Grahan To commit to memory the knowledge acquired through the above
process.
Iha - To mull over and contemplate the lessons committed to memory so that the acquired knowledge becomes the subject of mind. In other words a complete command is gained over what has beenlearnt.
Apoha - To confirm the veracity and authenticity of the knowledge so received through analysis.
Dharana After authentication, commit the essence of the acquired knowledge to long term memory.
Samyak Acharan The essence of knowledge is conduct. The listened and memorized knowledge is transformed into conduct through right practices. Only when this is done, it becomes capable of destroying the karmas and leading to liberation. The ultimate quality of wisdom is to translate knowledge into right conduct.
The procedure of listening
In the fourth verse is given the process of listening from the teachers. Sit before the guru on a proper seat and in a humble posture with joined palms. When the guru gives his discourse the student should humbly behave in the following manner
Mooam When the guru speaks, the student should silently listen with rapt
Hunkar - In between the student should utter word of acknowledgment. Badhankar In between, at appropriate junctures the student should respectfully say Gurudev, indeed, what you say is true and factual.
Padipucchai In between, the student should ask questions to remove his doubts as and when any need arises.
attention.
Mimansa He should think over the words the guru has uttered and the meaning they convey.
Prasang Parayan Repeating this process the student absorbs shrut and gradually becomes an expert.
Parinitthia - Acquiring the knowledge from the guru this way, he continues to contemplate over it and acquires the capability of propagating the principles contained within it.
Therefore, those desirous of acquiring knowledge should listen to the scriptures from the guru following the said procedure.
The procedure of reciting the text and meaning
5th verse The scholarly acharyas and upadhyayas should follow this sequence while reciting a sutra before discipls
Sutrarth First teach the student the correct communciationof the sutra. After that, explain him the meaning.
Aagam- 44 -NandiSootra
~148~
Compiled by- Deepratnasagar
