Chapter 4 of 25 · Vidyeshvara Samhita · Overall chapter 11 of 464
More on the Means
The sages ask Brahma to define shravana, kirtana and manana precisely. Suta then tells how his own guru Vyasa, once troubled despite his austerities, was taught the same three means by the sage Sanatkumara - who had himself learned them from Nandikeshvara on Mount Mandara.
The sages asked
Brahma, what is the nature of manana? What is the nature of shravana? How is kirtana done? Please describe these accurately.
Brahma replied
The mind loves reasoning. Worship, japa, thinking of Isha's form, his sports and names purify the mind. Manana is always gained through Ishvara's favourable glance, so among all the practices it is regarded as the most important. Singing what one has heard of his self, speaking of Shambhu's qualities, form, pastimes and names in well-formed lines, or even in unpolished speech, is kirtana. This is a middle kind of practice. Among the learned shravana is famous in the world when it is done with a steadfastness greater than the attention with which one dallies with women. When one uses every chance to hear words that worship supreme Shiva, that is shravana. Shravana comes first, in the company of the virtuous. After it kirtana of Pashupati becomes firm. But the best of all is manana. All of these come through Shankara's kindly glance.
Suta said
Lords among sages, there is an old account of the greatness of practice. I will tell it for your sake; listen attentively. In ancient times my guru Vyasa, son of the sage Parashara, did austerities on the auspicious banks of the Sarasvati, but he was anxious. As he willed, the illustrious Sanatkumara came there on a radiant celestial car and saw my teacher. He rose from his meditation and saw Aja's son. Full of great curiosity and agitation, the sage bowed to him, offered arghya and a seat fit for one equal to a god. Pleased, the lord spoke to my humble teacher in deeply meaningful words.
Sanatkumara said
Sage, you must meditate on a true object. Shiva himself can be realized and perceived. Why are you doing these austerities here alone, and for what purpose?
Suta continued
Addressed so by Kumara, the sage stated his wish.
Vyasa said
By the favour of many like you who have set up the path of the Vedas for this world, I have lovingly pursued dharma, artha, kama and moksha. So I have become a guru to everyone. But it is most extraordinary that I still have not gained the knowledge needed to strive for liberation. I am doing austerities for liberation, but I do not know how it can be brought about.
Suta continued
The illustrious Kumara was asked this by the sage. Lords among brahmanas, since he was able, he told him the sure means of reaching liberation.
Sanatkumara said
Shravana, kirtana and manana of Shambhu are said to be the three best kinds of practice, in line with Vedic knowledge. I too was confused earlier because other methods disturbed me. I practised unwavering austerities on Mount Mandara. By Shiva's command the illustrious Nandikeshvara came there, full of compassion, himself lord of all the Ganeshvaras. Out of affection for me he told me the excellent practice for reaching liberation: shravana, kirtana and manana of Shambhu, in line with the Vedas. Shiva himself told me these are the three means to liberation. So, brahmana, keep doing these three, shravana and the rest.
Suta continued
After telling Vyasa this, along with his followers, Vidhatri's son climbed into his celestial car and went back to his supreme and auspicious abode. So I have briefly told you this supreme and ancient account.
The sages asked
Suta, you have spoken of the three means to liberation, shravana and the rest. If a person cannot do these three, what else can free him? Is there any karma that leads to liberation even if not done carefully?
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.