The Beginning of the Book

1. The listener asks, "What is this book, and what is contained in it? What does one gain from listening to it?
2. The name of this book is Dasbodh. It is a dialogue between the Master (Guru) and listeners. This is a book of knowledge, and in this book, the path of Devotion (Bhakti) is explained in detail.
3. The explanation of the "Nine-Faceted Path of Devotion" (Navavidha Bhakti), the "Path of Knowledge" (Jnana), as well as a narration of the characteristics of Desirelessness (Vairagya) are contained here in this book. But mostly, this text is an explanation of the "Spiritual Science of Self-Knowledge" (Adhyatma).
4. The significance of this book is that it clearly states that human beings can surely realize God through devotion.
5. Mainly, this book makes clear statements regarding devotion, declarations as to the nature of Pure Knowledge, and indications as to the nature of one's "Being," the Self (Atman).
6. Presented here is pure spiritual instruction (upadesha) regarding the significance of attaining Liberation (Moksha), and the meaning of obtaining "Liberation through Union" (Sayujya Mukti).
7. This book makes clear statements about Reality, the pure "True Form" (Swaroopa; also translated as True Nature and Self Form). Also given here is confirmation of the formlessness beyond body-consciousness, and the meaning of detachment is clearly explained as well.
8. Provided here are clear statements regarding the nature of God and the nature of the devotee, as well as explanations regarding the nature of the distinction between the "individual consciousness" (Jiva) and "Pure Consciousness" (Shiva).
9. Explained herein are clear statements about Reality (Brahman), as well as confirmed declarations and information that is provided from many sources as to the true nature of the Self.
10. The basic nature of the various ways to worship, many different poetic styles, and many signs of wisdom are explained here.
11. The appearance of Illusion (Maya), the nature of the Five Elements, and the explanation as to the nature of the true "doer" is told here.
12. Many wrong notions are cleared away, many doubts and fears are removed, and many questions are answered.
13. Comprehensive knowledge from many ancient scriptures, which forms the main substance of this book, has been translated and is explained herein. It is impossible to tell all that is contained in this book in only a short introduction.
14. The complete Dasbodh is comprised of twenty chapters. Each chapter clearly discloses and reveals knowledge about various subjects.
15. The knowledge presented here is in accordance with many ancient texts, especially the Upanishads and Vedanta. Mainly this knowledge has been passed down from word of mouth after listening, and has resulted in "Self-experience" that is supported by spiritual scriptures.
16. Many texts and scriptures agree with what is presented in this book so it should not be considered to be invalid. However, explanations are given so that what is presented can be verified and confirmed in your experience.
17. Some say that what is said in this book is not true. In doing so, they also deny the knowledge that is contained in ancient scriptures and the teachings of God.
18. Many great texts (gitas) are referred to here such as Shivagita, Ramagita, Gurugita, Gharbhagita, Uttaragita, and Avadhutagita, as well as knowledge from the Vedas and Vedanta.
19. Other supporting texts referred to here are the Bhagavadgita, the Hansagita, the Pandavagita, the Ganeshagita, the Yamagita, the Upanishads, and the Bhagwat.
20. All of these texts with their various teachings are relied upon, and the divine teaching of God, full of meaning, is presented here.
21. One who doubts and disbelieves the teachings of God contained here can be said to be downfallen, as everything said in this text is nothing other than God’s own statement.
22. Without first studying the complete text, one who finds fault with it and criticizes it, does so out of pride and arrogance and will surely suffer a downfall in life.
23. With pride comes envy, and with envy comes hatred. This hatred then breeds anger, which continues to grow stronger.
24. In this way, one becomes spoiled and full of desire and anger, and the false ego affects one's attitude. This can be clearly seen in one's behavior.
25. How can it be said that one who is overwhelmed by desire and anger can be considered a good person? In ancient legend, even Rahu the demon1 died after drinking the immortal nectar because of being evil-mindedness.
26. For now, let this talk end. Everyone takes according to one’s own capacity. However, the reader should know that the best thing is to give up all pride.
27. The listeners have originally asked what is contained in this book, so this short explanation has now been given.
28. The fruit of listening to this text is that there is an immediate transformation in the activities of the listener, and that the root of doubt is quickly cut.
29. Here, one comes to easily know the correct path, and the real meaning of "Liberation through Union" (Sayujya Mukti). Difficult and torturous practices are not required.
30. Here, ignorance, sorrow, and delusion are destroyed, and there is an immediate acquisition of Knowledge (Jnana). This is the gain that one receives from this book.
31. Desirelessness, which is considered the ultimate fortune for yogis, can be acquired in one's life, and the development of skill in correct understanding through discrimination (viveka) can be gained.
32. Even those who are deluded and who have many negative qualities, understanding the importance of the wise utilization of time, become logical, discerning, and virtuous.
33. The lazy become alert, the sinful repent, and even critics come to worship on the Path of Devotion (Bhakti Marga).
34. The ignorant become aspirants, the foolish become attentive, and even non-believers can attain liberation through the path of devotion.
35. Many defects are destroyed, the downtrodden become pure, and human beings can attain the highest realization by listening to what is contained in this text.
36. Many dangers of bodily identification, and many doubts and miseries of the worldly life are destroyed by listening to what is contained in this text.
37. These are the benefits derived from this book. By listening to its contents, one can avoid downfall in life, and the mind will remain pacified and content.
38. One will receive the benefits according to their own understanding. Likewise, those who hold envy and malice in their mind will receive the same.