Shloka 83
बन्धमोक्षवर्णनम्
Bondage and Liberation: The Prakṛti–Karma Wheel and Śiva as the Transcendent Cause
स्वहस्ताद्गुरुहस्ताद्वाशिवभक्तस्य लक्षणम् । गुणान्रुंध इति प्रोक्तो गुरुशब्दस्य विग्रहः
svahastādguruhastādvāśivabhaktasya lakṣaṇam | guṇānruṃdha iti prokto guruśabdasya vigrahaḥ
स्वहस्ताद्गुरुहस्ताद्वा शिवभक्तस्य लक्षणम्। गुणान् रुन्ध इति प्रोक्तो गुरुशब्दस्य विग्रहः॥
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: teaching
FAQs
It defines a true Śiva-bhakta by the presence of an authentic mark of devotion received through disciplined practice or Guru-guidance, and it elevates the Guru’s role as the one who subdues the binding guṇas that keep the soul (paśu) in bondage.
In Vidyeśvara teachings, external observances and marks connected with Śiva-worship support Saguna devotion to the Liṅga, while the Guru directs the devotee beyond mere outer identity toward inner purification—reducing rajas and tamas and stabilizing sattva for steadfast Liṅga-bhakti.
Seek proper guidance for Śiva-devotion through a competent Guru (or disciplined self-observance as taught), then practice steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and cultivate guṇa-restraint through purity, restraint, and focused worship.