Adi Sankara’s Sadana Panchakam is also known as Sadana Sopana and it has a special significance as it is considered to be the final word of the acharya to his disciples spoken on his way to Kedarnath. In this text comprising five verses the acharya has packed the gist of all his teachings, said Swami Vidyashankara Saraswati in a discourse.
All the concerns of all kinds of sadakas, whatever may be their level of spiritual attainment, and in whatever stage of life they may be in are systematically addressed. The path to salvation is not easily tread and the sadana has to be constant. The sadaka is advised and guided as he climbs the rugged steps; and the teaching provides the clarity of vision in spiritual matters, the necessary motivation and above all the determination to strive and stay in this path without swerving. In the very first verse, the acharya insists that the Vedas are to be followed at all costs. They are rightly known as ‘Veda Mata’ for, like a mother the Vedas are concerned for the welfare of the entire humanity. Their teachings are solely for the benefit of every jivatma who may not be aware that he is born in this world as a debtor.
The Vedas show that he is indebted to the rishis, the pitrus and the devas and also show that these debts can be slowly cleared by leading one’s life according to the Vedic laws ordained for every one.
The Vedas are known as Prabhu Samhita meaning that they give orders that are to be obeyed by all. Failure to comply will be met with penalty. Just as king passes orders and laws that apply to the people and his subjects Vedic laws are to be accepted as the highest authority. For, the Supreme Lord is held to be synonymous with the Vedas which are believed to be His very breath.
