Shloka 37
Kāla-vañcana (Overcoming/Outwitting Time) and the Pañcabhūta Basis of the Body
प्रत्ययो दृश्यते वृद्धे किं पुनस्तरुणे जने । न चोंकारो न मन्त्रोपि नैव बीजं न चाक्षरम्
pratyayo dṛśyate vṛddhe kiṃ punastaruṇe jane | na coṃkāro na mantropi naiva bījaṃ na cākṣaram
वृद्धातही अशी दृढ प्रतीती दिसते, तर तरुणात ती किती अधिक असेल! कारण या परम अनुभूतीत ना ओंकार आहे, ना मंत्र—ना बीजाक्षर, ना कोणतेही अक्षर।
Lord Shiva (in a philosophical instruction within the Umāsaṃhitā dialogue)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It points to the highest Shaiva realization where the soul’s certainty in Shiva becomes direct and self-evident, transcending reliance on external supports like syllables and ritual formulae.
Linga and Saguna worship, along with Oṁ and mantra, are powerful means (upāyas) for purification and devotion; this verse highlights the culmination where the seeker abides in Shiva-consciousness beyond verbal symbols.
Practice mantra-japa and Linga-bhakti as preparatory disciplines, but aim toward silent, steady absorption where conviction in Shiva remains even without repeating Oṁ or any bīja.