Maheshvara is to be heard, glorified and meditated upon.
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Thus Sruti** is our authority. Resorting solely to this great means, all of you attain the Achievable.
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Regarding visible things people see with their eyes and begin their activity. Concerning the invisible everywhere, they know through the ears and activise themselves.
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Hence Sravana (listening) is the first rite. The intelligent scholar must listen to the oral explanation of the preceptor and then practice the other rites.—Kirtana (glorifying) and Manana (deliberation).
26—27. When all the means upto Manana are well exercised, Sivayoga (unification with Siva) results gradually through Salokya etc. All the ailments of the body are nullified and supreme bliss is realized. Painful indeed is the process but later on everything becomes auspicious from beginning to end.