Tattva Bodha – the 4 fold factors
Tattva Bodha is a brilliant ‘Introduction to Vedanta’ text. This was one of the first texts I learned with my teacher in India. Tattva = Truth, Bodha = Knowledge. It is similar to a book of definitions – all key Vedanta terms are explained. But not like a dictionary, because all the topics are beautifully stitched together, with each verse logically following on from previous. It is a brilliantly written text by a great disciple of Swami Vasudevendra (probably from the Kanchi Shankara Math in South India, perhaps a Shankaracharya). A link to the basic text is here: http://practicalphilosophy.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/tattvabodha.pdf
Tattva Bodha summarises many of the core teaching methods (called ‘prakriyas’) found in Vedanta Shastra – i.e. Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, etc. It’s nothing new. So then WHY write this text if the Upanishads and Gita already exist and explain the same thing? Isn’t it unnecessary? The author answers this very question himself in his opening prayer verse for the text: “…this book is written for the purpose of easy understanding for anyone interested in Moksha (freedom/lasting happiness)”. It is to make the subject a little EASIER for beginners who may perhaps feel a little intimidated by texts like the Gita or Upanishad. So the language is presented in a simple and brief manner in the book.
Fine. So WHO is the text meant for? The author answers in the same verse – “for those who want Moksha”. The next few verses go on to expand the qualifications of a student (adhikaritvam).
WHAT is the subject matter of this text? What does this book talk about? In the same verse the author answers via the title: “Knowledge of the Truth. Tattva = Truth, Bodha = Knowledge”. This is not the truth of how to do multiplication, or bake a cake. The word ‘Truth’ here specifically indicates truth of the universe (Brahman). Or truth of who I am (Atma).
Right, got it. So I am interested in Moksha. Then why study this book? HOW to achieve Moksha? What’s the connection between the ‘knowledge’ in this book and ‘Moksha’? The next verse beautifully answers this question: It is a ‘means and end connection’ (Sadhana-Sadhya Sambandha). If Moksha is the ‘end’ or ‘goal’ we desire, then KNOWLEDGE (of the Truth of the Self – Tattva Bodha) is the ‘means’ or ‘instrument‘ to achieve that goal. Just like, say, my goal is to become a doctor. Then what is the means to accomplish this goal? Study accountancy? No. Run a marathon? No. Do japa? No. None of these are means (sadhana) to achieving the goal of being a Doctor. They be the means for OTHER accomplishing other goals, but not this one. So what is the appropriate means? Study medicine. Similarly, if I want Moksha, what is the appropriate Sadhana (means) to accomplish this? The author says: gain the knowledge of truth taught in this book (Moksha-sadhana-bhutam tattva-viveka-prakaram). Self-Knowledge directly leads you to Moksha.
If you notice my deliberate use of capitals in the above text, do you spot a pattern? The author has brilliantly covered in just 2 verses – WHO, WHAT, WHY and HOW of Vedanta. This is known as 'Anubandha-Chatushtaya' = 4 fold factors which I need to know before deciding whether to engage in a particular activity (study). What a text!
