By Gopal Hattiangadi

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On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri 2024, we are happy to add the digitised version of Dr.Gopal Hattiangdi’s book ‘PARIJNANA II: The Unknown Phenomenon’ (2001)

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This unusually planned book has barely 65 pages; the author expresses difficulty of writing about an 18th century Guru details of whose life activities are only sketchy. (H.H. Shrimat Parijnanashram Swamiji II (1757-1770) was the third spiritual leader of our community) Let us hear, therefore, in the author`s own words, how he worked his way around this difficulty “Divine Providence reminded me of a technique used by some others - the art of communicating with holy humans who have left their bodies, but are resilient in one’s mind, heart and soul. No planchettes or séances are involved. Just fervent prayer and sincere meditation. Fully aware of my limitations, I have attempted this procedure”.

 

Use of this technique, which Dr.Hattiangdi calls “meditative exploration” perhaps lends his descriptive phrases, in the words of Dr. Sadhana Kamat, “a dream like quality, and makes the reader delve deep into philosophic expositions.” As we go through his works, it is as though we are witnessing a verbal jugalbandi. Not only the meaning, but even the connotation and purport gently slides into another language. The pristine beauty of language and his elegant style, she notes, uncovers the original flavours of Vedic thoughts.

 

It is, however, in a Benediction, written by H.H. Sadyojat Shankarashram Swamiji (significantly on Maha Sivaratri day, 2001) for the book, that the true shape and purpose of such thinking is brought out very lucidly. H.H.Swamiji observes “In the presence of the Master, the seeker`s mind lets go of all doubts and queries that have been plaguing it, and in its temporary resonance with Maha Mouna—the thunderous silence---of the Master, has glimpses of Siva. Further Sadhana and surrender by the seeker brings about a crystallization of this into steady realization and the jiva is established in his Siva Swaroopa……….We pray to Lord Bhavanishankar that this book may inspire sadhakas to do their Guru Upasatti with alertness and devotion”.