Course XL - Teaching 16: “TEXT OF THE PADUKA-PANCHAKA”
The Fivefold Stool
Introductory Verse
I meditate on the Guru in the thousand-petal Lotus, radiant as fresh beams of Full Moon, whose hands make gestures of bestowing favors and dissipating fear. His attire, garland and perfumes are always fresh and pure. His appearance is kind. He is at the Hamsa, on the head. He is Hamsa.
Verse One
I adore the wonderful White Lotus of twelve letters, which is in the matrix (Udare) of –and inseparable from– the pericarp of the Lotus in which is Brahma-randhra, and adorned by Kundalini’s channel.
Verse Two
I adore Shakti’s abode at the place where pericarps gather. It is formed by lines A, Ka and Tha, and letters Ha, La and Ksha, which are visible in every end, and characterize it as a Mandala.
Verse Three
I meditate, in my heart, on the Jewelled Altar (Mani-pîtha) and on Nâda and Bindu in the above-mentioned triangle. On this altar, the pale-red glory of gems humiliates the brightness of a lightening. Its substance is Chit.
Verse Four
I meditate closely on the three lines over it (Manipîtha) starting from the line of Fire, and on the brightness of Manipîtha, enhanced by the shine of three lines; also I meditate on the primordial Hamsa that is the all-powerful Great Light, in which the Universe is absorbed.
Verse Five
There the mind beholds the two Lotuses: the Guru’s Feet; the honey of them is ruby-colored nectar. These two Feet are fresh like nectar of the Moon, and the place of every auspicious thing.
Verse Six
In my head I adore the two Lotus Feet of my Guru. The jeweled stool on which these feet are resting removes any sins. These feet are Red like young leaves. His toenails are like the Moon shining with full glory. The beautiful brightness of Lotuses growing on the lake of nectar comes from them.
Verse Seven
This hymn of praise, of the Fivefold Stool, has been uttered by the One of Five Faces. Through it (Its recitation and hearing) you get every good obtained (by reciting and hearing) all hymns in praise of Shiva. This fruit can be obtained only with hard effort during the Wandering (Samsârâ).
