Shloka 23
Śravaṇa–Kīrtana–Manana: Definitions and Hierarchy of Śaiva Sādhanā (श्रवणकीर्तनमनन-निरूपणम्)
श्रवणादित्रिकेऽशक्तः किं कृत्वा मुच्यते जनः । अयत्नेनैव मुक्तिः स्यात्कर्मणा केन हेतुना
śravaṇāditrike'śaktaḥ kiṃ kṛtvā mucyate janaḥ | ayatnenaiva muktiḥ syātkarmaṇā kena hetunā
若有人无力修行以“闻”（śravaṇa）为首之三法，他当作何事而得解脱？若解脱甚至可不经艰苦用力而生，那么它因何缘由——凭何业行——而成就？
Suta Goswami (narrating the teaching context to the sages of Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
The verse raises a key Shaiva question: if one cannot perform the classical discipline of śravaṇa (hearing), etc., then what is the accessible cause of moksha? It points toward Shiva’s grace (anugraha) as the decisive liberating factor, beyond mere personal exertion.
In the Vidyeśvara context, the implication is that accessible Saguna upāsanā—especially Linga worship and Shiva-nāma/mantra—can carry the devotee when elaborate study or formal contemplative disciplines are not possible, because Shiva responds to devotion with liberating grace.
The verse prepares the ground for a simple, effort-light practice centered on Shiva: japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and straightforward Linga-bhakti (with offerings like water and bilva), relying on steadiness and surrender rather than complex procedures.