Shloka 47
Paramātma-Svarūpa-Nirṇaya: Strī–Puṃ–Napuṃsaka-Vicāra
Inquiry into the Supreme Self and Gendered Forms
ज्ञानमित्यात्मनस्तस्य किंचिज्ज्ञानक्रियात्मकम् । इत्याहाद्यपदेनेशः पशुवर्गस्य लक्षणम्
jñānamityātmanastasya kiṃcijjñānakriyātmakam | ityāhādyapadeneśaḥ paśuvargasya lakṣaṇam
By the opening term “jñānam (knowledge),” the Lord indicates that the individual self possesses a limited measure of knowledge and capacity for action. Thus, through that first word, Īśa states the defining mark of the class called paśu (the bound soul).
Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva Siddhanta categories of Pati–Pāśa–Paśu as taught in the Kailasa Samhita)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
FAQs
It defines the paśu (bound soul) as one whose knowledge and agency are real yet limited—implying dependence on Pati (Śiva) for पूर्णज्ञान (full illumination) and liberation from pāśa (bondage).
Since the paśu’s knowing and doing are limited, Saguna Śiva worship—especially through the Śiva-liṅga—provides a concrete means to receive grace (anugraha), purify bondage, and expand true knowledge toward realization of Pati.
A practical takeaway is daily Śiva-upāsanā with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) while contemplating: “My knowledge and action are limited; may Śiva grant right knowledge and right conduct,” supported by Tripuṇḍra-bhasma and Rudrākṣa where customary.