Shikshastakam Breakdown
Within Vaishnava theology, various models are presented to describe the practitioner’s progress on their journey to spiritual perfection. In general, one progresses through three broad categories: sambandha, abhidheya, and prayojana. Sambandha means to understand one’s relationship with Krishna, abhidheya means to act in that relationship, and prayojana means to fully awaken one’s dormant love of God.
Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakur expands on this idea, detailing the progress through 9 stages: shraddha (initial faith), sadhu-sanga (association of devotees), bhajana-kriya (committed practice of devotional service), anartha-nivrtti (cleansing of the heart), nistha (firm conviction), ruchi (higher taste), asakti (attachment), bhava (ecstatic love), prema (pure love of God).
Although the content of the Shikshastakam overlaps, a closer study reveals the overall flow of the prayers as follows :
1
Importance of nama-sankirtan & 7 effects of chanting
Sambandha / Abhideya
Shraddha
2
Our weakness and inability to engage in the process
Sambandha / Abhideya
Sadhu Sanga, Bhajana Kriya, Anartha Nivrtti
3
The proper mood and disposition for spiritual success
Sambandha / Abhideya
The supporting mood
4
Elimination of material desires and development of spiritual desires
Sambandha / Abhideya
Nistha / Ruchi
5
Awakening of our real spiritual identity
Sambandha / Abhideya
Asakti
6
The experience of good fortune by coming in contact with the Lord
Abhideya / Prayojana
Bhava
7
The mood of separation within advanced devotees
Abhideya / Prayojana
Bhava
8
The highest perfection and ultimate goal
Abhideya / Prayojana
Prema
Last updated