Background
Shiva is Energy. Shakti is Momentum. Shiva-Shakti is the Energy-Momentum (EM) couple. Shakti, the Momentum is what is seen outward. Shiva, the property of energy is implicit and perceived explicitly through shakti, the momentum.Shiva is consciousness. Shakti is the signaling. Shiva-Shakti is the Consciousness-Signaling (CS) couple. Shakti, the Signaling is what is seen outward. Shiva, the consciousness is implicit and perceived explicitly through shakti, the signaling.
This EM or CS couple is depicted as 'ardha-nareeswara', the half-female, half-male version.
dakSina, the right and vAma, the left
The right side of ardha-nareeswara is depicted as the 'Purusha' the male version, which is the implicit form. The left-side of ardha-nareeswara is depicted as the 'Prakrti', the female version, which is the explicit form.The right side Purusha, which is the implicit Energy or Consciousness is the 'Observer' or the 'Witness' that does not take part in any evolution, does not undergo any change at all, but drives this evolution and change by the mere act of witnessing or observation (sAksi). This right side has no explicit forms. It is 'amurti' In saMskrt, right side is called 'dakSina'.
The left side Prakrti, which is the explicit momentum or signaling is the substrate that evolves. It is what is explicitly manifesting in physical matter forms (murtis) as momentum or internal energy or potential energy or kinetic energy or other type of energies. It is also what is explicitly manifesting in biological beings as signaling that drives all the life as well as thought processes. In saMskrt, left side is called 'vAma'.
When this ardha-nareeswara (or any other male-female form of shiva-shakti) faces the east, which is the right direction for the deity to face, the right side or the Purusha side points to the South. Hence dakSina is also used to indicate South.
The formless right side (dakSina amUrti) and manas sAksi (guru mUrti)
The right side is the formless (amurti) puruSa the observer. This dakSina-amUrti (right formless) is the dakSinAmUrti.dakSinAmUrti is the puruSa or the Observer or the witness that drives evolution in matter domain as well as biological domain, on the right side of shiva-shakti.
In biological domain, 'manas' is the set of signaling/thoughts that operate a biological being. In this manas, puruSa the observer manifests as the sAksi of the manas or the manas-sAksi that guides the beings in the path of evolution.
Since this manas-sAksi the observer or witness guides the manas (to evolve, acquire new capabilities and knowledge), it is called the 'Ultimate Guru' or the Guru in the embodied forms (mUrti). Hence it is called the guru-mUrti.
Summary of dakSinAmUrti stotram
Universe is like a city seen in a mirror by the self, a mAyA by those seeing it.In sleep we have duality. The perception and reality are different. While awake there is one reality. mAyA covers and hides the reality, bringing in duality (different perception and realities), which is like putting us all in sleep.
Invoking dakSinAmUrti helps us get awake, come out of sleep and see the 'One' reality, uncovering the mAyA.
What is this mAyA..? It is the evolutionary process that evolved the Universe from a bundle of energy into what exists now with diverse matter forms and biological beings. This mAyA leads to illusion or ignorance, as it differentiates between our perception and reality.
From a tiny seed a huge tree expands. mAyA, the evolutionary force, drives this creating various forms. This driving force never changes again. It creates various types of space, time, situations like a magician.
Whoever is that mahAyogi, whose desire drives this, he is that dakSina-amurti, that manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Universe is like a pot with lot of holes through which the light of that 'formless observer' shines. Like those senses operated by manas, the knower inside, are only path, but yet we associate with these paths and not the knower inside, we can't perceive the formless observer that operates the Universe.
Shankara says "But I know that this formless observer shines cool (reflecting like a moon) inside all the worlds".
Women often get confused by processing a lot of information (not knowing which to ignore). A calf gets confused by lack of information, as it is still developing its instincts. A blind person gets confused by part information in some domain, while having indepth information in another domain. A zombie gets confused because it cannot process infromation.
Wise people get confused like this by lot of information, lack of information, availability of indepth information in one domain and total lack in another, inability to process information etc. Hence they come to conclusion that it is just shunya or emptiness finally.
But in truth there is an ultimate reality clouded by mAyA, the evolutionary process.
There is something that makes us sleep and makes us awake. That thing is mAyA which clouds or hides the reality like rAhu hides the sun/moon.
In all situations, starting from being young, from being awake, the one that is detached, but follows the self, enlightening it, making the self appear, that creates bhakti in us, to help us invoke that auspicious one with jnAna mudrA is the dakSinAmUrti, which manifests as the detached observer of our self.
Due to the cause-effects seen in the Universe, man-divine relationship, guru-sishya relationship, parent-child relationships etc divide the appearance of self. This puruSa, the observer creates this sleep-dream cycle with mAyA. Invoke /worship the dakSinAmUrti to manifest as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
That self is in the earth, fire, water, wind, space, hot sun, cold moon and life. It manifests in these eight embodied forms of nature. If one thinks deeply about this nature, if there is anything else beyond what appears, then they realize this dakSinAmUrti that manifest as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
By whom all the self glitters, by whom all the domains get praised, one who invokes that by hearing, memorizing, meditating, singing in praise, that one with all its glories/opulence gets to reside in us as easwaratam, giving us the eight transformations which leads to wealth that never dries up (knowledge).
Aishwaryam that never dries up is knowledg. Knowledge never dries up unlike other forms of wealth. Who gives that knowledge are the eight transformations, which in turn gets driven by the 'iSa tattvam' in us.
This 'iSa tattvam', is the dakSIna-mUrti, the formless observer or puruSa that manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi in us (when we invoke that dakSina-amUrti, the formless observer by worship).
Stanza 1
Vishvam Darpanna-Drshyamaana-Nagarii-Tulyam Nija-AntargatamPashyann-Aatmani Maayayaa Bahir-Ivo[a-U]dbhuutam Yathaa Nidrayaa |
Yah Saakssaat-Kurute Prabodha-Samaye Sva-[A]atmaanam-Eva-Advayam
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
தெரியும் அகிலம் கண்ணாடி நகரம் சமம் அக முள்ளிருக்கும்
பார்க்கும் அகத்தார் மாயையால் வெளிப்பட தூக்கம் விழிப்பாகவே
எவர் நேராய் செய்வர் விழிக்கும் வேளையில் நம் அகம் போல் ஈரற்றதாய்
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
Universe is like a city seen in a mirror by the self, a mAyA by those seeing, like sleeping and externally being awake. Who makes us awake without duality, invoke/worship that daksina amurti (the formless observer puruSa) as guru-mUrti, the observer or witness in our manas, the manas-sAksi.
In sleep we have duality. The perception and reality are different. While awake there is one reality. mAyA encovers hides the reality, bringing in duality (different perception and realities), which is like putting us all in sleep.
Invoking dakSinAmUrti helps us get awake, come out of sleep and see the 'One' reality, uncovering the mAyA.
What is this mAyA..? It is the evolutionary process that evolved the Universe from a bundle of energy into what exists now with diverse matter forms and biological beings. This mAyA leads to illusion or ignorance, as it differentiates between our perception and reality.
Stanza 2
Biijasya-Antar-Iva-Angkuro Jagad[t]-Idam Praangga-Nirvikalpam PunahMaayaa-Kalpita-Desha-Kaala-Kalanaa Vaicitrya-Citrii-Krtam |
Maayaavi-Iva Vijrmbhayaty-Api Mahaa-Yogi-Iva Yah Sve[a-I]cchayaa
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
விதையுள்/விதையால் எழும் முளைபோல உலகந்த அங்கம் மாறாது மீண்டும்
மாயை ஆக்கிடும் தேச கால நிலைகள் பலவித தோற்றம் ஆக்கும்
மாயாவி போல் விரிவாக்கியே மகா யோகி போல் எவர் தன இச்சையாய்
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
From the inside of a seed, sprouts the worlds, which itself does not change ever. mAyA creates all the region, time, forms etc, expands the Universe like a magician. Whose desire drives this (like that of a mahAYogi) , to that dakSinamUrty surrender as gurumUrti.
From a tiny seed a huge tree expands. mAyA, the evolutionary force, drives this creating various forms. This driving force never changes again. It creates various types of space, time, situations like a magician.
Whoever is that mahAyogi, whose desire drives this, he is that dakSina-amurti, that manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Like whom the 'self' glitters/shines and creates the false perceptions, that 'One' is in you is the teaching of all vedas in which we shelter. That 'one' is the 'tool' for avoiding rebirth in this ocean of existence. That is the dakSinAmUrti who manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Stanza 3
Yasya-Eva Sphurannam Sada[a-A]atmakam-Asat-Kalpa-Arthakam BhaasateSaakssaat-Tat-Tvam-Asi-Iti Veda-Vacasaa Yo Bodhayaty-Aashritaan |
Yat-Saakssaat-Karannaad-Bhaven-Na Punaraavrttir-Bhavaam-Bho-Nidhau
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
எது போல் ஒளிரும் என்றும் அகமே பொய்யான பொருள் ஆக்குமே
அந்த அது நீயேயென (இந்த) வேத உரைகள் போதிக்கும் புகலிடம்
எவர் அந்த மறுபிறப்பிலா கருவியோ பிறவி மா கடலில்
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
Like whom the 'self' glitters/shines and creates the false perceptions, that 'One' is in you is the teaching of all vedas in which we shelter. That 'one' is the 'tool' for avoiding rebirth in this ocean of existence. That is the dakSinAmUrti who manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Stanza 4
Naanaac-Chidra-Ghatto[a-U]dara-Sthita-Mahaa-Diipa-Prabhaa BhaasvaramJnyaanam Yasya Tu Cakssur-Aadi-Karanna-Dvaaraa Vahih Spandate |
Jaanaam-Iiti Tam-Eva Bhaantam-Anubhaaty-Etat-Samastam Jagat
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
பற்பல துளை கள்பானை அக தீபமே ஒளி சுடரா க்கிடும்
ஞானம் எந்த பார்வை புலன் திறக்குமோ அப்பாதை இயங்குமே
நானறியும் அந்த மதிபோல் ஒளிரும் அனைத்து உலகத்திலும்
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
A pot with lot of holes and lamp inside, makes the light to shine in different directions. Whatever senses operated by our jnAna the knower inside, becomes its path. Hence I know in all the worlds, that shines like moon inside is the dakSinAmUrti who manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Universe is like a pot with lot of holes through which the light of that 'formless observer' shines. Like those senses operated by manas, the knower inside, are only path, but yet we associate with these paths and not the knower inside, we can't perceive the formless observer that operates the Universe. But I know that this formless observer shines cool (reflecting like a moon) inside all the worlds.
Stanza 5
Deham Praannam-Api-Indriyaanny-Api Calaam Buddhim Ca Shuunyam ViduhStrii-Baala-Andha-Jaddo(a-U)pamaas-tv[u-]Aham-Iti Bhraantaa Bhrsham Vaadinah |
Maayaa-Shakti-Vilaasa-Kalpita-Mahaa-Vyaamoha-Samhaarinne
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye |
தேகம் ப்ராணனுடன் இந்த்ரியங்கள் (ளும்) நிலையா புத்தியும் சூன்யம் எனும்
பெண் கன்று குருடு ஜடம் போல் அகமுடை சான்றோர் குழம்பி தீர
மாயா சக்தி விளையாட்டு ஆக்கத்தினால் எழுமோக(ம்) முடிவாக்கவே
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
Those who argue all this body, prAnA, senses, the ever changing buddhi/knowledge are all just empty are like the wise who get confused like women, calf, blind or zombies. If one has to see through the play of mAyA, then invoke/worship the dakSinAmUrti to manifest as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Women often get confused by processing a lot of information (not knowing which to ignore). A calf gets confused by lack of information, as it is still developing its instincts. A blind person gets confused by part information in some domain, while having indepth information in another domain. A zombie gets confused because it cannot process infromation.
Wise people get confused like this by lot of information, lack of information, availability of indepth information in one domain and total lack in another, inability to process information etc. Hence they come to conclusion that it is just shunya or emptiness finally.
But in truth there is an ultimate reality clouded by mAyA, the evolutionary process.
Stanza 6
Raahu-Grasta-Divaakare[a-I]ndu-Sadrsho Maayaa-Sama-[A]acchaadanaatSan-Maatrah Karanno[a-U]pasangharannato Yo(a-A]bhuut-Sussuptah Pumaan |
Praag-Asvaapsam-Iti Prabodha-Samaye Yah Pratyabhijnyaayate
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
ராகு விழுங்கும் சூர்ய நிலவாய் தோன்றும் மாயா நமை மறைப்பதால்
புலன்கள் உள்வாங்க வெறுமகமிருக்க அது ஆகும் தூங்கும் நிலை
எதிர் துயிலற்று விடியல் வேளையில் எவர் மீண்டறிய செய்வர்
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
Like the rAhu that covers the sun, moon, mAyA covers the ultimate reality and hides it from us. When we sleep all senses go in and only the self remains. When we become awake at the time of waking up, who brings out that awakening is the dakSinAmUrti who manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
There is something that makes us sleep and makes us awake. That thing is mAyA which clouds or hides the reality like rAhu hides the sun/moon.
Stanza 7
Baalya-Adissv(u)-Api Jaagrad-Aadissu Tathaa Sarvaasv-Avasthaasv-ApiVyaavrttaasv-Anu-Vartamaanam-Aham-Ity-Antah Sphurantam Sadaa |
Sva-[A]atmaanam Prakattii-Karoti Bhajataam Yo Mudrayaa-Bhadrayaa
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
பால்யம் தொடங்கி அவ்விழிப்பு முதலாய் எல்லா நிலையாயினும்
விடுபட்டு பின்தொடரும் அகமாகி உள்(ளே) ஒளிரும் என்றும்
தன்னகம் தெரிய பக்தியை ஆக்கிடும் நலமாக்கும் அம்முத்திரை
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
In all situations, starting from being young, from being awake, the one that is detached, but follows the self, enlightening it, making the self appear, that creates bhakti in us to invoke the auspicious one with jnAna mudrA,
Stanza 8
Vishvam Pashyati Kaarya-Kaaranna-Tayaa Svasvaami-SambandhatahShissya-[A]acaarya-Tayaa Tatha-Eva Pitr-Putraady-Aatmanaa Bhedatah |
Svapne Jaagrati Vaa Ya Essa Purusso Maayaa-Paribhraamitah
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
அகிலம் பார்க்கும் கார்ய காரணங்களால் நம் தெய்வ சம்பந்தமும்
சிஷ்ய ஆச்சார்யர் என பெற்றோர் சேயென அகம்தான் வேறாகிட
கனவு விழிப்பு என(வே) அந்த புருஷன் மாயை சுழல் ஆக்கிட
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
Due to the cause-effects seen in the Universe, the man-divine relationship, guru-sishya relationship, parent-child relationships etc divide the appearance of self. This puruSa, the observer creates this sleep-dream cycle with mAyA. Invoke /worship the dakSinAmUrti to manifest as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Stanza 9
Bhuur-Ambhaamsy-Analo-[A]nilo-[A]mbaram-Aharnaatho Himaamshu PumaanIty-Aabhaati Cara-Acara-[A]atmakam-Idam Yasya-Eva Muurty-Assttakam
Naanyat Kin.cana Vidyate Vimrshataam Yasmaat-Parasmaad-Vibhoh
Tasmai Shrii-Guru-Muurtaye Nama Idam Shrii-Dakssinnaamuurtaye
புவி நீராகி நெருப்பு காற்று வெளியாகிட ஞாயிறு திங்கள் உயிர்
அகமேதான் உயிர்உயிரற்று தோன்றும் வடிவம் எட்டாகிடும்
வேறேதும் சிறிதும் இருக்க சிந்திப்பதால் எல்லா(ம்) வெளி நிறைத்த
தொழ ஸ்ரீ குரு மூர்த்தியாய் அவர் இந்த ஸ்ரீ தக்ஷிணாமூர்த்தியே
That self is in the earth, fire, water, wind, space, hot sun, cold moon and life. It manifests in these eight embodied forms of nature. If one thinks deeply about this nature, if there is anything else beyond what appears, then they realize this dakSinAmUrti that manifest as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi or witness in our manas.
Stanza 10
Sarva-[A]atmatvam-Iti Sphuttii-Krtam-Idam Yasmaad-Amussmin StaveTena-Asya Shravannaat-Tadartha-Mananaad-Dhyaanaac-Ca Sangkiirtanaat |
Sarva-(A)atmatva-Mahaa-Vibhuuti-Sahitam Syaad-Iishvaratvam Svatah
Siddhyet-Tat-Punar-Assttadhaa Parinnatam Ca-[A]ishvaryam-Avyaahatam
எல்லா அகத்தையும் ஒளிர செய்திடும் எவரால் களம் புகழுற
அவரை கேட்கின்ற அப்பொருளை மனனம் தியானம் புகழ்பாடியும்
அனைத்தகத்தே பெரும் செல்வ வளமுடன் ஆகும் ஈசதத்வம் நம்முள்
தரும் அது மீண்டும் எண்வகைமாற்றங்கள் வளமை வற்றாததும்
By whom all the self glitters, by whom all the domains get praised, one who invokes that by hearing, memorizing, meditating, singing in praise, that one with all its glories/opulence gets to reside in us as easwaratam, giving us the eight transformations which leads to wealth that never dries up (knowledge).
Aishwaryam that never dries up is knowledge only. Knowledge never dries up unlike other forms of wealth. Who gives that real knowledge are the eight transformations, which in turn gets driven by the 'iSa tattvam' in us.
This 'iSa tattvam', is the dakSIna-mUrti, the formless observer that manifests as gurumUrti, the manas-sAksi in us.
