Panchadasi or Panchadashi (
Devanagari
Devanagari ( ; , , Sanskrit pronunciation: ), also called Nagari (),Kathleen Kuiper (2010), The Culture of India, New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, , page 83 is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental Writing systems#Segmental syste ...
:
पञ्चदशी IAST
The International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST) is a transliteration scheme that allows the lossless romanisation of Indic scripts as employed by Sanskrit and related Indic languages. It is based on a scheme that emerged during ...
paṃcadaśī) is a simple yet comprehensive manual of
Advaita Vedanta
''Advaita Vedanta'' (; sa, अद्वैत वेदान्त, ) is a Hinduism, Hindu sādhanā, a path of spiritual discipline and experience, and the oldest extant tradition of the Āstika and nāstika, orthodox Hindu school Ved ...
written in the fourteenth century CE (1386-1391) by
Vidyaranya
Vidyaranya (IAST: Vidyāraṇya), usually identified with Mādhavācharya (not to be confused with Madhvacharya, Madhvāchārya (13th c.)), was Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from ca. 1374-1380 until 1386 - according to tradition, a ...
, previously known as
Madhavacharya.
Pancha (पञ्च) is five and dasi (दशी) is ten, are the total fifteen chapters divided into three quintets the three aspects of
Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part X ...
,
Sat
The SAT ( ) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and scoring have changed several times; originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, it was later called the Schol ...
(सत्, Truth),
Chit
Chit may refer to:
*Chit (board wargames), a type of wargame counter
*Chit (name)
*Chit, a voucher or certificate with monetary value
*Blood chit, document requesting safe passage and assistance for military personnel stranded in enemy territory
...
(चित्, Consciousness) and
Ananda (आनंद, Bliss) aspects of
Reality
Reality is the sum or aggregate of all that is real or existent within a system, as opposed to that which is only imaginary. The term is also used to refer to the ontological status of things, indicating their existence. In physical terms, r ...
. It elaborates Advaita (non dual),
Consciousness
Consciousness, at its simplest, is sentience and awareness of internal and external existence. However, the lack of definitions has led to millennia of analyses, explanations and debates by philosophers, theologians, linguisticians, and scien ...
,
Jiva
''Jiva'' ( sa, जीव, IAST: ) is a living being or any entity imbued with a life force in Hinduism and Jīva (Jainism), Jainism. The word itself originates from the Sanskrit verb-root ''jīv'', which translates as 'to breathe' or 'to live'. ...
,
Maya
Maya may refer to:
Civilizations
* Maya peoples, of southern Mexico and northern Central America
** Maya civilization, the historical civilization of the Maya peoples
** Maya language, the languages of the Maya peoples
* Maya (Ethiopia), a populat ...
,
Prakriti (Prakṛti, Nature)
Mahat(universal mind),
Buddhi
:''In Hindu mythology, Buddhi is one of the wives of Ganesha.''
Buddhi (Sanskrit: बुद्धि) refers to the intellectual faculty and the power to "form and retain concepts, reason, discern, judge, comprehend, understand".
Etymology
''Budd ...
(
Intellect
In the study of the human mind, intellect refers to, describes, and identifies the ability of the human mind to reach correct conclusions about what is true and what is false in reality; and how to solve problems. Derived from the Ancient Gree ...
),
Ahamkara (Ego),
Avidya (Ignorance), and
ananda (Bliss).
Dating
Panchdasi was written during the later years of Vidyaranya's life around 1386 CE.
About Vidyaranya
Vidyaranya
Vidyaranya (IAST: Vidyāraṇya), usually identified with Mādhavācharya (not to be confused with Madhvacharya, Madhvāchārya (13th c.)), was Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from ca. 1374-1380 until 1386 - according to tradition, a ...
was born around 1300 CE in South India. Madhava Madhavacharya, Madhavamantri, Madhavamataya were the names which Vidyaranya was known before his turning into recluse.
His father was Mayana (मायण) and Mother Srimati (श्रीमती), two brothers
Sayana (सायण), and Bhogantha (भोगनाथ). He had two Gurus Sarvagyvishnu (सर्वज्ञविष्णु) and Bhartiteerth (भारतीतीर्थ). He established
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire, also called the Karnata Kingdom, was a Hinduism, Hindu empire based in the region of South India, which consisted the modern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and some parts of Telangana an ...
in 1335 with the help of Harihara Raya and Bukka Raya. He was also Prime Minister of the Vijayanagara empire.
Vidyaranya
Vidyaranya (IAST: Vidyāraṇya), usually identified with Mādhavācharya (not to be confused with Madhvacharya, Madhvāchārya (13th c.)), was Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from ca. 1374-1380 until 1386 - according to tradition, a ...
, was also the spiritual head of Sringeri Math in 1377 to 1386. He died in 1391.
Vidyaranya
Vidyaranya (IAST: Vidyāraṇya), usually identified with Mādhavācharya (not to be confused with Madhvacharya, Madhvāchārya (13th c.)), was Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from ca. 1374-1380 until 1386 - according to tradition, a ...
, who was the spiritual head of Sringeri Math in 1377 to 1386, and also wrote ''
Drk-Drsya-Viveka'', ''Sarvadarsana Samgraha'', Sri Sankara Digvijaya'', ''Jivanmukti Viveka'', ''Anubhuti Prakasa'', Vivaranaprameyasamgraha'' and ''Upanishad Dipika''
has been identified with Sayanacharya, the commentator on the Vedas, whose brother he most likely was.
He was closely connected with the foundation of Vijayanagara kingdom. He was the minister of Bukka-devaraya of the Yadava Dynasty, his younger brother was
Sayana, and Bhogantha, father was Mayana and Mother Srimati. He had two Gurus Sarvavishnu and Bhartiteerth. He died in 1391.
Theme
The Panchadasi is a basic text which introduces into central doctrine of Advaita Vedantic philosophy. Deeper concepts are dealt in more advanced treatise- the
Upanishads
The Upanishads (; sa, उपनिषद् ) are late Vedic Sanskrit texts that supplied the basis of later Hindu philosophy.Wendy Doniger (1990), ''Textual Sources for the Study of Hinduism'', 1st Edition, University of Chicago Press, , ...
, the
Brahmasutra
The ''Brahma Sūtras'' ( sa, ब्रह्मसूत्राणि) is a Sanskrit text, attributed to the sage bādarāyaṇa or sage Vyāsa, estimated to have been completed in its surviving form in approx. 400–450 CE,, Quote: "...we can ...
s and the
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita (; sa, श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता, lit=The Song by God, translit=śrīmadbhagavadgītā;), often referred to as the Gita (), is a 700- verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic ''Mahabharata'' (c ...
.
The purpose of the life is the realization of the experience of Absolute Existence, which is the highest fulfillment all the aspirations of the whole of creation.
Panchdasi as the name suggest this text, "consisting of 15 Chapters grouped into three quintads. This is very much like the three aspects of Brahman – ''sat'' (existence), ''cit'' (consciousness) and ''ananda'' (bliss), respectively.
# ''Viveka-panchaka (''विवेक-पञ्चक, viveka-paṃcaka) (dealing with the discrimination of the real from the non-real): Understanding the nature of reality (
Viveka
''Viveka'' ( sa, विवेक, viveka) is a Sanskrit and Pali term translated into English as discernment or discrimination. Viveka is considered as first requirement for the spiritual journey. The next requirement in the joureny in Vedanta, ...
) which distinguishes from external world (जगत, jagata) consist of the five elements -Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth and individual (Jiva) consisting of the five sheaths – Annamaya (अन्नमय, annamaya, Physical), Pranamaya (प्राणमय , prāṇamaya, Vital), Manomaya ( मनोमय, manomaya, Mental), Vijnanamaya (विज्ञानमय, vijñānamaya, Intellectual) and Anandamaya (आनन्दमय, ānandamaya, bliss). Pure spirit is encased with five sheaths to delude individual soul as self. Cosmology of creation is described similar to
Samkhya
''Samkhya'' or ''Sankya'' (; Sanskrit सांख्य), IAST: ') is a Dualism (Indian philosophy), dualistic Āstika and nāstika, school of Indian philosophy. It views reality as composed of two independent principles, ''purusha, puruṣa' ...
(सांख्य,''sāṃkhya)'' philosophy stating the relationship between pure consciousness (Brahman) with material universe.
# ''Dipa-panchaka'' (दीप-पञ्चक, dīpa-paṃcaka) (expounding the nature of the Self as pure consciousness) : The second set of five chapters through light (Dipa) on the Pure Consciousness (Brahman) as the only Reality with Existence (Sat). God (Isvara), World (Jagat) and Individual (Jiva) are described in detail with their mutual relationship. Theory of perception and process of the ascent of the Jiva to its supreme goal, liberation from Maya (illusion) to unite with Brahman the Absolute. Meaning and method of meditation the way to contact with Reality is also described in very lucid and candid discourse.
# ''Ananda-panchaka'' (आनन्द-पञ्चक, ānanda-paṃcaka) (dwelling on the bliss-nature of
Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part X ...
): The last five chapters go into details of Brahman as pure Bliss (Ananda). This is not worldly happiness but complex dissolution into eternal pleasure. Duality of Jiva and God merging into one Consciousness and Existence. This Atman ( Brahman) is the source of ultimate happiness the purpose of human life.
Vidyaranya has succeeded in an eminent way in setting forth the essentials of
Advaita
''Advaita Vedanta'' (; sa, अद्वैत वेदान्त, ) is a Hindu sādhanā, a path of spiritual discipline and experience, and the oldest extant tradition of the orthodox Hindu school Vedānta. The term ''Advaita'' (lit ...
which holds that the direct means to release is the path of knowledge (jnana), and as ''moksa'' is the very nature of the Self, it is not an experience which is to be brought about through works (''karma'') ".
Content
''Viveka-panchaka'' (विवेक-पञ्चक)
Chapter 1 Tatvaviveka (
तत्वविवेकप्रकरणम्) – The discriminative knowledge of the ultimate Reality (main article
Tatvaviveka
Tatvaviveka (Sanskrit तत्वविवेक, IAST; tatvaviveka) is the first chapter of the first quintads ''Viveka-panchaka (''विवेक-पचंक, viveka-pacaṃka) of Vidyaranya Panchadasi dealing with the discrimination of knowle ...
)
Chapter 2 Mahabhutaviveka (महाभूतविवेकप्रकरणम्) – The discriminative knowledge of the five elements
Chapter 3 Panchakosaviveka (पन्चकोशविवेकप्रकरणम्) – The discrimination of the five sheaths
Chapter 4 Dvaitaviveka (द्वैतविवेकप्रकरणम्) – Discrimination of Duality
Chapter 5 Mahavakyavivekaya (महावाक्यविवे)कयप्रकरणम्) – Understanding the import of the Mahavakyas
''Dipa-panchaka'' (दीप-पञ्चक)
Chapter 6 Chitradeepa (चित्रदीपप्रकरणम्) – The Picture on Pure Consciousness
Chapter 7 Triptidipa (तिृप्तिदीपप्रकरणम्) – Fulfillment on Realization of Pure Consciousness
Chapter 8 Kutasthadipa (कूटस्थदीपप्रकरणम्) – The Immutable Consciousness
Chapter 9 Dhyanadeepa (ध्यानदीपप्रकरणम्) – Meditation on pure Consciousness
Chapter 10 Natakadipa (नाटकदीपप्रकरणम्) – The lamp of the theatre
''Ananda-panchaka'' (आनन्द-पञ्चक)
Chapter 11 Yogananda (योगानन्दप्रकरणम्) - The Bliss Of Yoga
Chapter 12 Atmananda (आत्मानन्दप्रकरणम्) - The Bliss of the Self
Chapter 13 Advaitananda (अद्वैतानन्दप्रकरणम्) - The Bliss of Non-Duality
Chapter 14 Vidyananda (विद्यानन्दप्रकरणम्) - The Bliss of Knowledge
Chapter 15 Vishayananda (विषयानन्दप्रकरणम्) - The happiness from external objects
See also
*
Advaita Vedanta
''Advaita Vedanta'' (; sa, अद्वैत वेदान्त, ) is a Hinduism, Hindu sādhanā, a path of spiritual discipline and experience, and the oldest extant tradition of the Āstika and nāstika, orthodox Hindu school Ved ...
*
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita (; sa, श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता, lit=The Song by God, translit=śrīmadbhagavadgītā;), often referred to as the Gita (), is a 700- verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic ''Mahabharata'' (c ...
*
Upanishad
The Upanishads (; sa, उपनिषद् ) are late Vedic Sanskrit texts that supplied the basis of later Hindu philosophy.Wendy Doniger (1990), ''Textual Sources for the Study of Hinduism'', 1st Edition, University of Chicago Press, , ...
*
पञ्चदशी
References
External links
Texts and Commentaries
Panchadashi Sanskrit at nic.inCommentary on the Panchadasi - Swami KrishnanandaThe Philosophy of Panchadasi by Swami KrishnanandaPanchadashi translated with an Introduction by Hari Prasad Shastri
{{Indian philosophy, state=collapsed
Sanskrit texts
Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta texts