Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
by Lathika M. P. | 2018 | 67,386 words
This page relates ‘Means of liberation—Jnana marga and Marma marga’ of the study on the Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri: a renowned Sanskrit Scholar from the 19th century. The Bhagavatpada-abhyudaya is a Mahakavya (epic poem) narrating the life of Shankara-Acharya, a prominent teacher of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This essay investigates the socio-spiritual conditions of 8th century AD in ancient India as reflected in Lakshmanasuri’s work.
Means of liberation—Jñāna mārga and Marma mārga
As the above verses show Śaṅkarācārya followed the path of knowledge (jñāna mārga) for liberation (mukti). He firmly belived in the tradition of Vedic wisdom. Though the rituals are interpreted by him as the lower form of worship, they are not discarded. It is the Karma marga for the wise. Jñāna mārga, which emphasising on Brahman knowledge is the highest path for liberation. Karma mārga is a round about approach towards this method.[1]
Jñāna mārga (path of knowledge) consist of listening (śravaṇa) reflecton (manana) and mediatation (nididhyāsana) on the part of Brahman seekers. Performance of one’s duties without thinking about the result also make one eligible for the path of knowledge. The higher knowledge that the Upaniṣads speak of is the understanding and experiencing Brahman. It is the highest conception of Brahman without qualities. The finite mind of man cannot conceive the infinite Brahman. That is why lower types of Upāsanās are mentioned.