Introduction
- What is Dasbodh?
Introduction - What is Dasbodh?
Dasbodh is a classic spiritual text that until recently has been largely unavailable in the West. The text was written in the 17th Century by the great Saint, Shri Samartha Ramdas in the Marathi language. Marathi is the native language of Maharashtra State in India. The book was originally written in a poetic style and is presented in the format of a conversation between a Guru and disciple. Many questions are answered and many doubts are cleared. In Dasbodh, Samartha Ramdas presents the essence of many Vedic texts. Dasbodh is truly a manual for life, in the highest sense. Dasbodh has been popular for many years in India and has only recently begun to receive recognition in the West. Dasbodh is somewhat unique among spiritual literature in that it not only expounds the classic themes of discrimination between the true and the untrue, and detachment commonly found in Vedic literature, but also provided is detailed instruction on how to function and excel in society from a place of deep spiritual understanding.
Dasbodh is a large volume which is comprised of 20 Main Chapters, each consisting of 10 sub-chapters. Each of these sub-chapters varies in the number of stanzas, but averages around 30-35 stanzas per sub-chapter with some being considerably longer. Contained within the chapters of Dasbodh, Ramdas clearly outlines and makes easy the path of liberation through Devotion and Knowledge. Through knowledge, Ramdas clears away all doubts and gives the understanding of one's "True Self." Ramdas also reveals the true meaning and significance of "Discrimination" and "Detachment." Truly, an entire volume could be written in trying to describe all that is contained within this great text. It draws upon ancient Vedic texts including, but not limited to; The Vedas, the Shashtras, the Upanishads, the Avadhut Gita, the Bhagavad Gita, the Rama Gita, the Yogavasishtha, the Guru Gita, the Brahma Sutras, but to name a few. Mainly what is presented in Dasbodh is the voice of direct experience itself.
The intended purpose of this website is to provide one avenue of approach for westerners to this important spiritual classic. Out of necessity a little background will be given about Samartha Ramdas, but for the most part, this site is meant to provide access to the excerpts from the latest English translation of Dasbodh as they become available. The text has been translated by 2 translators who reside in Mumbai, India. At this time, final editing is taking place, and a hard copy of the book should be published sometime in mid 2007. There are two translations of Dasbodh into English that are currently available from India. Both translations have some limitations in modern English grammar which make them somewhat of a difficult read for the typical western mind. However if you wish to have more information on how to obtain copies of the text that have already been published, you can find that information in the "Other sites - Links" section down at the bottom of this page.
About Dasbodh.org
Dasbodh.org is a non profit organization which exists solely for the purpose of providing access the spiritual text Dasbodh.
The translation of the text is a large project that has taken nearly 9 years of work. The greatness and significance of this text is such that in order to make it available to wester seekers every attempt is being made to edit it in clear and simple modern English. I hope you enjoy what is contained on this site and in the book itself.
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Dasbodh in English is now available for purchase. English Dasbodh also available in India. |
Click on one of the Chapters listed below to access the index for that Chapter. Each chapter index will provide links to sub-chapters within that chapter.
Chapter
1: OFFERINGS
OF PRAISE
Chapter
2
Chapter
3
Chapter
4
Chapter
5 MANTRAS
Chapter
6 IN
SEARCH OF GOD
Chapter
7 FOURTEEN
BRAHMANS NEW!
Chapter
8 ORIGIN
OF MAYA NEW!
Chapter
9 ATTRIBUTES
AND FORM NEW!
Chapter
10
Chapter
11
Chapter
12
Chapter
13
Chapter
14
Chapter
15
Chapter
16
Chapter
17 PRIMORDIAL
MALE AND FEMALE
Chapter
18
Chapter
19
Chapter
20
Dasbodh being sung in Marathi is now available on the internet.
Dasbodh at Ramdas.org English translation of Dasbodh by W. G. Tambwekar
Dasbodh at Geocities.com from translator Dhananjay Kadwane.
To request a copy of the very nicely translated version of Dasbodh into English by Diwakar Ghaisas you can write to:
Keshav Bhikaji Dhawale; Shree Samarth Sadan; Girgaum, Mumbai 400-004
Dasbodh.org is currently seeking patrons who are interested in donations of land or money in order to establish centers in the United States for the study and practice of the teachings and principles of Advaita Vedanta and the teachings contained within Dasbodh.
For more information please click on Centers for Paramartha
Contact: Admin at Dasbodh.org