Nijaguna's Song of The Transcendent, Paramarthagite

Parmarthagita is one of eight treaties of Sri Nijaguna Sivayogi a mystic a poet and a philosopher (of 15th century). This book gives an exquisite description of the grand vision of the Transcendental Truth in which there is no sense of you or I no feeling no thought of any kind. There is only a boundless Bliss indeterminate consciousness and a non-temporal Existence. For obtaining this unique realization a seven-fold path is suggested. It begins with an enquiry into the nature of the is suggested. It begins with an enquiry into the nature of the Truth and ends with the disappearance of the sense of individuality.

Sri Sahajanand (Prof. R. B. Kanthi) having learnt the secrets of Nijaguna's mystic teachings at the feet of Sri Siddhavir Swamiji, who in turns was a disciple of the renowned saint Sri Siddharudha Swamiji of Hubli who was acclaimed as the very incarnation of Sri Nijaguna.

The present work is the translation an apt one with copious notes and reference. The author has chosen to present this monumental work in the English garb… it is not a book for scholars but it is food for spiritual seekers. The Translator has been successful in preserving the mystical flavour of the original work as also in communicating the guidelines to the seekers that plentiful in the original one. I am sure that Sri Nijaguna's greatness will be recognized by all the aspirants all over the world in the near future. This English work prepared with profound for Sri Nijaguna, will serve as the getaway for Sri Nijaguna influence on mankind. Sri Nijaguna is surely one of the beacon lights in the realm of spiritual experiences and as one who has deeply been in influenced by him, I look forward to the genius of Sri Nijaguna being made available to the entire mankind."

A labour of love in the true sense of the term, this book richly merits devoted attention by all seekers of Truth. It is an English rendering of one of the world's classics, Sri Nijaguna Sivayog's Param arthagita in Kannada by one of the most ardent devotees of the great saint. Swami Sahajananda (Prof R. B. Kanthi) of Dharwad is himself a sadhaka or spiritual aspirant committed to the cause in deep earnest and comes in a distinguished spiritual lineage having learnt the secrets of Sri Nijaguna's mystic teachings at the feet of Sri Siddhaveera Swamiji who in turn was a disciple the renowned sage Sri Siddarudha Swamiji of Hubli who was acclaimed as the very incarnation of Sri Nijaguna (round 1500 A.D). The Author of this English rendering has been spiritual treasure that are contained in the acumen and the spiritual treasure that are contained in the Kannada compositions of Sri Nijaguna. His involvement does not stop with admiration, it unfolds itself in an attempt to translate the mystic teachings in his own life in an attempt to translate the mystic teachings in his own life. His is truly a spiritual endeavour and his own life. His is truly a spiritual endeavour and this makes him eminently qualified to render words of Sri Nijaguna into English. He can communicate not words and thoughts but feelings and experiences also of the great mystic poet.

If only Sri Nijaguna's works were in any European language, Sri Nijaguna would without doubt have by now been recognized as the world's most eloquent spiritual genius. But he wrote in Kannada and although his influence on Kannada saints and scholars has been considerable his works have not had the widespread popularity that they merit even in the Kannada land. There was a great need for an English version of the complete and authentic edition of all available works in Kannada from his pen. It is a welcome sign therefore that some one has come forward to bring out of Sri Nijaguna's works in English. There was however an earlier publication by Sri Siddheswara-Swami of Bijapur (Nijaguna's Exposition of spiritual Wisdom, 1995); a section from Sri Nijaguna's Kaivalya-Paddhati (Jnanapratipadana-sthala) was excellently annotated by him. I understand that it was this saintly scholar that suggested to the present author that one of Sri Nijaguna's works must be brought out by him in English. This was a ladable suggestion to the present author that one Sri Nijaguna's works must be brought suggestion; and we must be grateful to both these Swamijis that the present book could see the light of the day.

Sri Nijaguna is well-known in the circle of spiritual seekers for his consummate skill in bringing out the relevant nuances in spiritual experiences and in the obstacles and attractions during the spiritual journey. There is hardly another writer who can be so helpful in matters spiritual; his words light up the dark avenues that abound in the adventure of self-realization. He is no doubt a mystic, but his inspire and guide. And this particular work, viz Paramarthagite is perhaps the best among his intimations of spiritually". The work provides an excellent insight into the synthesis of Vedanta and Siddhanta that was achieved by Sri Nijaguna.

We are happy that Swami Sahajananda has chosen to present this monumental work in the English garb. It is by no means easy to translate this singularly mystical masterpiece in Kannada. Comprising of eleven cantos with more than 160 verses. It is not a book for scholars, but it is food for spiritual seekers. It is not for nothing that the work is popular among spiritual seekers as a work eminently suited for contemplation (nididhyasana or dhyana). Swami Sahajananda has been successful in preserving the mystical flavour of the original work as also in communicating the guidelines to the seekers that are plentiful in the original work.

I am sure that Sri Nijaguna's greatness will be recognized by all aspirants all over the worlds in the near future. This English work prepared with profound humility and loving care founded on the author's deep devotion for Sri Nijaguna will serve as the gateway for Nijaguna's influence on mankind. Sri Nijaguna is surely one of the beacon-lights in the realm of spiritual experience and as one who has deeply been influenced by him, I look forward to the genius of Sri Nijaguna being made available to the entire mankind.

Swami Sahajananda (Prof .R.B Kanthi) has spared no pains in presenting Sri Nijaguna's fascinating personality as well as his immense literary contributions. He has appended an excellent introduction which is comprehensive in character. And his English rendering has also been appropriately annotated. This is undoubtedly a significant step in exposing the best minds of the Kannada country to the English-knowing world. And I sincerely pray that Sambhulinga, who was the chosen deity of Sri Nijaguna would support and sustain the labours of Swami Sahajananda in making world understand and appreciate the wisdom of Sri Nijaguna.