A few students from class 6 presented the assembly on the day of Guru Purnima. It is also called as Vyas Purnima because it was the day when Ved Vyas or Adi Guru finished narrating the Mahabharata. On this day we decide to talk about Samartha Ramdas Swami and his accomplishments. He fled from his wedding ceremony at the age of 12 in the search of enlightenment. After 12 years of meditation and physical training he attained enlightenment at the age of 24. He wrote Dasbodh and Manache Shlok. He was the Spiritual Guru to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Out of 205 verses of Manache Shlok, we sang and explained 9 of them.
मना वासना दुष्ट काम नये रे l मना सर्वथा पापबुद्धी नको रे ll मना धर्मता नीती सांडू नको हो l मना अंतरी सारा विचार राहो ll
“O mind, do not allow evil desires and lustful thoughts to enter you. Never entertain sinful intentions or wicked thinking. Do not abandon righteousness, morality or ethical conduct. Let noble, pure and virtuous thoughts always dwell within you.
| नको रे मना क्रोध हा खेदकारी | |
| नको रे मना काम नाना विकारी | |
| नको रे मना लोभ हा अंगीकारू | |
| नको रे मना मत्सरू दंभ भारू |
“O mind, do not give way to anger, for it brings only sorrow and regret. O mind, do not fall into lust, which gives rise to countless vices. O mind, do not embrace greed. O mind, do not carry the burden of jealousy and arrogance.”
| जनी सर्व सुखी असा कोण आहे | |
| विचारें मना तुची शोधू नि पाहे | |
| मना त्वांचि रे पूर्वसंचित केले | |
| तया सारिखे भोगणे प्राप्त झाले |
“Who in this world is completely happy? O mind, search and see for yourself. Whatever deeds have been accumulated through past actions (karma), One inevitably experiences the results according to those deeds.”
| अती मूढ त्या दृढ बुद्धी असेना | |
| अती काम त्या राम चित्ती वसेना | |
| अती लोभ त्या क्षोभ होईल जाणा | |
| अती विषयी सर्वदा दैन्यवाणा |
“Excessive foolishness destroys sound judgment. Excessive lust leaves no room for Lord Rama in the heart. Excessive greed inevitably brings unrest and distress. Excessive attachment to worldly pleasures leads to a life of misery and helplessness.”
क्रिये वीण नाना परी बोली जेतें l परी चित्त दुष्चित्त तें लाजवीतें ll मना कल्पना धीट सैराट धावे I तया मानवा देव कैसेनि पावे II
“One may speak in many lofty and virtuous ways, but without putting those words into action, they are meaningless. Such hypocrisy brings shame upon an impure mind. O mind, when imagination wanders fearlessly and uncontrollably in every direction, How can such a person ever attain God?”
फुकांचे मुखी बोलता काय वेचे I दिसेंदीस अभ्यंतरी गर्व साचे II क्रियेविण वाचाळता व्यर्थ आहे I विचारे तुझा तूची शोधूनी पाहे II
In this verse, Samarth Ramdas emphasizes that words alone do not define a person’s character—actions do. Empty speeches, boasting, and preaching without practicing what one says only nourish the ego. Rather than trying to impress others with fine words, one should engage in self-examination and ensure that thoughts, speech, and actions are consistent.
भये व्यापिले सर्व ब्रह्मांड आहे I भयातीत ते संत आनंद पाहे II जया पाहता द्वैत काही दिसेना I भय मानसी सर्वथाही असेना II
Fear exists throughout the entire universe. All living beings experience fear in one form or another—fear of loss, suffering, death, or the unknown. Saints who have transcended fear experience lasting joy and inner peace. One who realizes that there is no separation between the individual self and the Divine—who sees no duality—perceives everything as one. In such a person’s mind, fear has no place at all.
खरे शोधिता शोधिता शोधताहे I मना बोधिता बोधिता बोधिताहे II परी सर्वही सज्जनाचे नी योगें I बरा निश्चयो पावीजे सानुरागे II
If one sincerely and persistently searches for the Truth, it is ultimately found. Truth reveals itself to the earnest seeker. O mind, by repeatedly reflecting, learning, and awakening yourself, true wisdom gradually develops. However, among all paths, the guidance and company of the virtuous and enlightened (the saints) is the most appropriate and reliable. With love, faith, and sincere devotion, one should firmly accept and follow this conviction.
मनाची शते ऐकता दोष जाती I मतीमंद ते साधना योग्य होती II चढे ज्ञान वैराग्य सामर्थ्य अंगी I म्हणे दास विश्वासता मुक्तिभोगी II
When the mind, which is usually divided among countless thoughts and desires, becomes unified and focused, its many faults and weaknesses disappear. Even a person with limited intelligence or understanding becomes capable of true spiritual practice when the mind is disciplined. Such a person gradually gains wisdom (ज्ञान), detachment from worldly attachments (वैराग्य), and inner strength (सामर्थ्य). Samarth Ramdas (“Das”) says that one who possesses unwavering faith and trust in the spiritual path ultimately attains liberation and experiences the bliss of freedom.
We concluded the assembly with Samartha Ramdas Chaupadi. It is a very soothing bhajan. It is a player seeking mental strength and humility. Following is the link to the Samarha Ramdas Chaupadi. Listen to it in the early morning hours or before sleeping. It has a calming impact on the body and mind.