ධම්මපදට්ඨකථා (Dhammapada Commentary — Sri Lankan Palm-Leaf MS)

A high-angle view of two long, rectangular palm-leaf (ola) manuscript folios. Each folio features six lines of dense, rounded Malayalam script. Two circular binding holes are located approximately one-quarter and three-quarters of the way across the length of each leaf. The ink is incised and dark, contrasting with the light, aged palm-leaf surface.

The meaning of the Tiruvaymoli Sacred Divine Words is the true essence. Understanding this essence is difficult, as is the way toward the Mumukshuppadi The Path for the Seeker of Liberation, the heart of the teacher Acharya Hridayam Heart of the Preceptor. This text is undoubtedly the essence, as composed by the compassionate ancient teachers who were devoid of desire for worldly pleasures. This text is the essence for the omniscient sages and the divinely-knowing saints Alvars Poet-saints of Southern India. They taught it so that one might grasp the essence through the meanings provided by the teachers.

By this method, one may understand the meaning of the words as taught by the scholars original: "Shikshadi". Know that the essence is this: for those souls who take refuge in the lotus-like feet of the Supreme Lord, who is the master of both the eternal realm Nitya Vibhuti Everlasting Glory and the play of manifestation, the Lord Himself becomes the essence to grant liberation. Therefore, know that for the wise, this is the essence. This meaning is stated according to the Vishishtadvaita Qualified Non-dualism philosophy.

Therefore, see to it that there is no contradiction in this text. It has been made easy so that even those without knowledge can understand. The teachings provided by the masters are explained here so that one may grasp the essence. This is a beneficial utterance for those who seek liberation. Know without a doubt that those who believe in this will attain the Supreme Abode.

The state of existence is like a shadow and its object. For those who have been fortunate enough to see and serve the face of the Supreme Lord residing in the Supreme Abode, it is certain that there is no essence in this cycle of rebirth. Know that the Lord Himself is the essence, as all sins are destroyed and liberation is attained through His compassion.

The special essence is the singing of the names of the Lord, who is the cause of all moving and unmoving beings. There is no doubt that through this chanting, all miseries are removed and liberation is attained. Those who believe in the words spoken by the teachers and remain with devotion to the Lord Bhagavad Bhakti Devotion to the Lord will receive all auspiciousness. There is nothing more to say about this. Always remain in meditation on the Lord.

I speak so that the subject may be grasped. The essence of all scriptures is contained herein. Learning mantras and rituals alone is of no use; devotion to the Lord is paramount. Therefore, always serve the Lord and strive to attain liberation. Those who hear and understand these words will gain merit. This essence is beneficial to all living beings. There is no contradiction in this.