Manache Shloka or Manobodha (Enlightment of Mind)

Shri, Balakrshna Narayna Rudre was born on 7th July 1915 at Keshtra Mahuli in Satara District His mother Ramabai brought him up as his father expired within six months. He has completed his school education at Sätara and college education B, Sc., B.T., M. Ed, at Pune in Maharashtra State. He has served as teacher in various renowned schools such as Rungtha High School, Nasik, Anath Vidyarthi Graha, Pune: Cantonment High School, Deolali, Dist. Nasik etc. He was Head Master in Chaitnya Vidyalaya at Otur in Pune District where he has commenced Centre for S. S. C. Examination. On say of Late a4asaheb Rege, renowned Educationist and Founder, he has worked as teacher in his schools Bal Mohan Vidya Mandir at Mumbai and RAmbhau Parulekar Vidyalaya at Tategon, Dist. Pune, He has written books on Algebra for 8th & 9th Std. and 10th & 11th Sri and on Arithmetic, Geometry and Physics for Middle School Students.

On completion of service, he has devoted his services as “Sevekari”

i.e. devotee’ for two years at Sajjanagad and for one year at Krshnadham, Kshetra Mahul.

Since his childhood he had longing for spiritual literature of Ramdasa. While staying at Kolkata with his son Ajit, he read in newspaper that renowned spiritual Marathi literature like Jnaneshwari, Gitarahasya and Tukarama-chi Gatha are being translated in English. So he got inspiration of translating spiritual literature of Ramdäsa for innumerable non marathi readers and spreading his spiritual thoughts. With blessing of Ramas Swamt, translation of his two sacred books Manache Shloka” and “Dasbodha” has been completed and being offered.

‘Dasbodha’, ‘Atmaräma’ and ‘Manãche Shioka’ or Manobodha’ are the three basic tenets of Saint RãmdAsa sect. Out of these three books, the popularity of ‘Manãche Shioka’ or Manobodha’ is exceptional. Till date in several Indian Languages the ‘Manäche Shloka’ has been translated. Interestingly, about 8 to 10 persons have also tried to translate Manache Shloka’ in English. Taking into account the high tradition of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan to contribute to the great Indian spiritual and cultural wealth, this translation of ‘Manache Shloka’ in English by Shri. Balakrgliria Narayana Rudre will create exceptionally high place. Shri. Rudre was born at Klietra Mãhuli in Saträ District and also completed his school education in Sãtärã. This must have resulted into getting him aquainted with the teachings of Saint Ramdäsa from his childhood. Shri. Rudre has lost his father in his childhood and probably during this period, he might have received blessings (Krpachhatra) of Saint Rãmdãs. The translation done in English by Shri. Rudre is really commendable.

There are several concepts in the Indian Philosophy which are unknown to the Western World. Therefore, while translating Indian spiritual books in English, the translator faces difficult situations at some places. To overcome these difficulties, Shri. Rudre has given explanation of the same after shloka at many places. This assists the reader to understand the concept more clearly. Also under the title ‘reference’, Shri. Rudre has given several mythological references. This will help those readers who are not aware or familiar with the original stories. For example, the stories of ‘Dhruva’, ‘Unmanly’, ‘and Gajendra Moklia ’and‘ Pal vatãra’ are given by Shri. Rudre there itself where their reference have been made. In this work, the role of ideal teacher within Shri. Rudre also comes to the fore. Shri. Rudre has discussed the Philosophy of Mind (Manah), Soul (Atma) and Free Soul (Mukti) in the introduction in a very nice way. Also the translation of Vedanta Shlokasis really excellent. In 44 stanza, Shri. Rudre has mentioned: “Ramdãsa does not refer Räma as a particular deity but the God in general of any sect and faith.” This suggestion by the author is really invaluable. In 41sr stanza, Shri. Rudre has used word ‘wandering long’ for “I?t[”. I suggest this can be more appropriately translated as “meaningless wandering”. Saint Ramdas himself was wanderer. But his wandering was purposeful and direction bound. In 56 stanza, Shri. Rudre has used the word ‘servant’. I feel that the more appropriate word would be ‘disciple’ or ‘devotee’.

On the whole, this book is a classic work and Shri. Rudre has tried to spread the teachings of Saint Rãmdãsa to young generation of English Medium. Both Shri. Rudre and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Pune have rendered their services to the feet old Saint Rãmjas. I expect all the Rammdãs bhakla (devotees) will welcome this great book.

To prepare fair copy I got help from my Sons Shri. Anil and Ajit, my son-in-law Shri. M. G. Aphale, my grandsons Master Abhijit and Kedar.

The brunt of the work was carried out completely by my another son-in-law Late P. R. Deolikar and his daughter Ms. Deepali. None of them would like me to thank them, but I feel at least mention of their names must be made.

My hearty thanks to Shri. Prashant M. Udhalikar for computerizing the booklet. Let Shri. Ram bless them all