Verse 8.28

Verse 8.28: “Through (study of the) Vedas, through sacrifices as also through austerities and through gifts, whatever merit’s fruition has been pointed out (as attainable) the Yogin, knowing all this, gets beyond it (all), and gains the Supreme and Foremost Abode.” (261)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

The best fruit of the study of the Vedas or attainment of immense meritorious action through sacrificial works or through austerities and charity—all this, with all its abundant crop of merits is but a poor thing as compared to the glory of the Supreme Brahman. The Heavenly bliss, (which) when weighed in the balance does not weigh in any way lighter than the Supreme Brahman, to which the Vedas and the sacrifices are the pathvay, of which one never feels surfeit, nor can it ever come to an end—nay it widens the field of enjoyment according to the desires of the enjoyer, and with ever increasing richness it begins to be felt as not second to the Supreme Brahman.

That heavenly bliss is reckoned fit even to take the place of the Supreme Bliss, on account of the contentment felt outwardly (from it) by the senses. That heavenly bliss is insecurable even by performers of hundred sacrifices: such heavenly bliss when weighed by the great Yogins on their palms in the form of divine vision secured through the attainment of the knowledge of the Supreme, is found by them to weigh ridiculously light and consequently holding it to be worthless, the Yogins make of it only stepping stones, and raising themselves high up, by standing on these steps, they ascend the seat of the Supreme Brahman. Such (is) the united glory of the universe, composed of the moveables and immoveables, and (is) fit to be prayed for even by Gods Brahmadeva and Shiva. (It is) the thing of enjoyment by the Yogins and also the resultant bliss of that enjoyment.