sthānaviśeṣātprakāśādivat ..3.2.35..

SUTRA III. 2. 35.

 

स्थानविशेषात्प्रकाशादिवत्॥३.२.३५॥

sthānaviśeṣātprakāśādivat ..3.2.35..

 

…. Sthana-visheshat, from the peculiarity of the place. … Prakashadivat, as in the case of (the sun’s) light, etc.

 

35. There is difference in the manifestations of Brahman on account of the peculiarity of place, etc., where He manifests, as in the case of the light of the sun. — 354.

 

COMMENTARY

 

Though the essential form of Brahman is indeed one, yet owing to the differences of the places of manifestation, and the differences of the natures of the souls (Bhaktas, devotees), there arise differences in the manifestations of Brahman. In some He manifests His Lordliness, in others His Loveliness, in others His Peacefulness, etc., according as the Bhakti relation is that of a master and servant, the lover and the beloved the quiet meditating Yogi and the object of meditation, etc. Thus as the one light of a lamp burning in a temple assumes different manifestations, as it falls on the different parts of it, according as it is a crystalline surface, or a wall embedded with rubies, or painted yellow, etc. Or as one air, passing through various musical instruments, produces different notes, sharp, high, flat, etc., as the instrument is a conch shell, lute, drum, etc., so the one Brahman manifests as many hued, according to the difference of the receptacle.

The sense in this. Where there is the manifestation of the Supreme Lordliness of Brahman, there the Bhakti is moved and guided by Law. [All staid and sober Bhaktas love the Lord, as the slave loves the master: Their God is a God of Power and Glory.] It is like the light of a lamp burning in a temple made of pure white crystal — where the reflected light is pure in its brilliancy and is dazzling in its effect. But where in addition to Lordliness, there is manifestation of the Loveliness of Brahman also, there the Bhakti is moved not by the fear of the law, but by the force of love. There the light is less dazzling but more sweet — it is the light burning in a temple made of rosy rubies.

Thus Bhakti is different according to the emotional nature of the Bhaktas, i.e., the worshipers of the Lord.