Shloka 38
शक्तितत्त्ववर्णनम् / Exposition of the Principle of Śakti
जपस्त्रिधा शिवाभ्यासश्चिन्ता ध्यानं शिवस्य तु । शिवागमोक्तं यज्ज्ञानं तदत्र ज्ञानमुच्यते
japastridhā śivābhyāsaścintā dhyānaṃ śivasya tu | śivāgamoktaṃ yajjñānaṃ tadatra jñānamucyate
Japa is of three kinds; and repeated practice of Śiva, contemplation, and meditation upon Śiva—together with that knowledge which is taught in the Śiva Āgamas—this, in this context, is what is called “knowledge.”
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Type: panchakshara
Role: teaching
FAQs
It defines “knowledge” not as mere theory, but as Shaiva sādhanā: disciplined japa, sustained practice centered on Shiva, contemplation, meditation, and Agama-grounded understanding that leads the soul (paśu) toward Shiva (Pati) by loosening bondage (pāśa).
Japa, contemplation, and dhyāna are typically performed with a concrete focus—Shiva as Linga and as the gracious Saguna Lord—so the mind becomes one-pointed; from that worship, Agamic knowledge matures into inner realization of Shiva’s presence.
Regular mantra-japa (commonly the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), supported by repeated Shiva-centered practice, reflective contemplation, and silent meditation as taught in Shaiva Āgamas; this is the verse’s practical takeaway.