3. The first step

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मना सज्जना भक्तिपंथेचि जावें।

तरी श्रीहरी पाविजेतो स्वभावें॥

जनीं निंद्य तें सर्व सोडूनि द्यावें।

जनीं वंद्य ते सर्व भावे करावे ॥२॥


After the first mangal-charan (मंगल चरण) initial shlok, the actual Manache shlok (also called Manobodh, मनोबोध) start from here. From the word go, Samarth Ramdas begins talking to one’s mind. Being a seasoned psychologist in his own right, he addresses the mind as SAJJAN (righteous). Our mind is ever elusive. It can not be pointed to any specific location within our body and yet rules our entire physical existence. If not honed correctly, it  can act as a deal breaker in our endeavor to excel in life. 


With regular physical exercise it is possible to transform our physical shape. But in order to mold our mental capacities, it takes a lot of hard work. We live in a complex world riddled with insecurities, addictions and falsehood. These not only affect our physical health but also make a dent in our mental wellbeing.  In order to safeguard the sanctity of our mental existence it is imperative that we detoxify our mind from time to time. Samarth Ramdas is fully aware of the negative impact of such detrimental conditions prevalent in the society. So he starts by first reminding our mind of it’s true nature i.e. of a SAJJAN and also cajoles the mind into being more receptive.


Our mind is strong but mischievous. It is even stubborn. Only when we convince our mind completely, it applies itself to the cause and becomes our ally. We need to always remember that we are born pious and unblemished. As we grow, our experiences and inferences begin to add good and bad layers to our existence which eventually shape our behavior. It is therefore necessary to stay on the path of Bhakti (devotion) towards noble causes. In Kalyug, bhakti is deemed to be the key to everything. It will take the seeker to God i.e. Shri Hari and fill one’s heart with happiness. And this is just what any righteous person should do.


Once the path is identified and one begins to walk on it, we commence the challenging part of detoxifying our mind. Let us leave behind anything and everything that is considered NEENDYA (निंद्य) meaning disgraceful by the JANA means public. Knowingly - unknowingly we mistreat our mind. We let it fall into the traps of stress, self-doubt, addictions, depression, sadness and so many other negative entities. These cast long, dark shadows on our inner self and engulf it completely. So let us pull it out from this darkness and lead it on the right path.


We should also acknowledge the importance of greater good and devote ourselves to doing everything that is considered VANDYA (वंद्य) meaning respectful by society. Instead of following a certain individual or line of thought blindly, Samarth Ramdas advises the novice to adhere to a broader definitions of right and wrong which are set by the society as a whole. As societal definitions are formed after ages of refinement and thought, they are a testimony to the prevalent culture of the region. So first, any individual is advised to believe in the society and then carve his/her way going ahead. This shall reduce the confusion in one’s mind and set him up on the right path.


One has to always remember that life is all about the Path which we choose. Hence every act has to be in good faith and for the benefit of all. Our actions and thoughts should not result in harming anyone and should not earn us a bad name because as per the cycle of KARMA, what goes around, comes around.


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