Sloka 6
6.1. IAST Text
yaugī kānāṁ samastānāṁ sādhānā chāntu
hē priyē gāyatrēda matālōkē mūlādhāra vidāṁ varai:
6.2. Word-by-Word Analysis & Explanation
- yaugī
- Meaning: “of those who practice yoga.”
- Explanation: This term designates the community or group of yogis—practitioners who have dedicated themselves to the discipline of yoga.
- kānāṁ
- Meaning: “among” or “for all.”
- Explanation: It implies inclusiveness, addressing every yogic aspirant without exception.
- samastānāṁ
- Meaning: “all” or “every.”
- Explanation: Reinforces the idea that the subsequent teaching is universally applicable to all practitioners.
- sādhānā
- Meaning: “spiritual practice” or “discipline.”
- Explanation: Refers broadly to the techniques and methods by which one pursues spiritual realization.
- chāntu
- Meaning: “let it be” or “may it be considered.”
- Explanation: This imperative form acts as an exhortation, urging that the following statement be accepted as true by all practitioners.
- hē priyē
- Meaning: “O dear one.”
- Explanation: A respectful and affectionate address to the disciple, highlighting the personal and intimate tone of the teaching.
- gāyatrēda
- Meaning: “of Gaayatrī.”
- Explanation: Refers to the goddess Gaayatrī, who is the personification of the sacred mantra and the source of divine energy.
- matālōkē
- Meaning: “in the realm of the mind/inner world.”
- Explanation: Indicates that the influence or principle being described is operative within the inner, subtle dimensions of existence.
- mūlādhāra
- Meaning: “the foundational support.”
- Explanation: Also the name of the first chakra, it symbolizes the root or base upon which all other energies and spiritual practices are built.
- vidāṁ
- Meaning: “known as.”
- Explanation: Indicates recognition or identification—here, that the inner foundational principle is recognized by a specific name or quality.
- varai
- Meaning: “bestowed” or “granted.”
- Explanation: Implies that this foundational quality is given to or inherent in the realm described (the inner world of the practitioner).
6.3. Overall Meaning of the Sloka
O dear one, let all yogic practitioners know that in the inner world, Gaayatrī is recognized as the foundational support upon which all spiritual practices are built.
6.4. Detailed Commentary
This sloka lays a doctrinal cornerstone for the Gayatri Manjarī by asserting that every form of yogic sādhanā (spiritual practice) has its basis in Gaayatrī. The analysis unfolds as follows:
- Universal Applicability:
The opening words, yaugī kānāṁ samastānāṁ sādhānā, address every practitioner of yoga, emphasizing that the teaching is meant for all who have dedicated themselves to the spiritual path. This universal call indicates that the principle being imparted is foundational and applicable irrespective of the individual’s specific tradition or practice. - Central Role of Gaayatrī:
By stating hē priyē gāyatrēda, the sloka identifies Gaayatrī as the divine principle at the core of all spiritual practice. Gaayatrī here is more than a mere mantra; she embodies the primordial sound and the creative force that supports and nourishes all aspects of the inner world. This positions her as the very essence of spiritual energy. - Inner World and Foundational Support:
The term matālōkē directs our attention to the inner realm—the subtle dimensions of the mind and consciousness. Within this inner space, Gaayatrī is equated with mūlādhāra, the foundational support. In yogic and Tantric philosophy, mūlādhāra is the base chakra that anchors all subtle energies; by aligning Gaayatrī with mūlādhāra, the text suggests that she is the underlying, stabilizing force of the entire spiritual edifice. - Exhortation to Recognize and Accept:
The use of the imperative chāntu serves as both an instruction and a blessing, urging every aspirant to acknowledge Gaayatrī as the primary foundation of their practice. This recognition is not merely intellectual—it is meant to permeate one’s entire being, ensuring that all subsequent spiritual work is aligned with this essential truth.
Core Message:
The central teaching of Sloka 6 is that every yogic practice finds its ultimate support in Gaayatrī, who is recognized as the foundational, stabilizing force within the inner world. For the advanced practitioner, internalizing this truth is crucial, as it not only grounds the subtle energies but also paves the way for the awakening of latent spiritual potentials. In the Tantric tradition, acknowledging Gaayatrī as the root support is a necessary step toward achieving holistic transformation and ultimate liberation.