Chapter Three — Beyond the Brahma-Jyoti

The wish-fulfilling ground of the Ashoka grove bestowed more than the heart could ask, and those who reached it through the majesty of divine good fortune did not return to the world. (19, completed)

Tatra gulma-latā-vṛkṣā vajra-sārāḥ sphurat-tvacaḥ,
Prasāra-patra-tilakāḥ padmarāga-prasūnakāḥ. (20)

Its shrubs, vines, and trees possessed diamond-like substance and gleaming bark. Their spreading leaves formed ornaments, and their blossoms shone like rubies.

Premāmṛta-rasaiḥ pūrṇāny anantāni phalāni hi,
Kevalaṃ rasikānāṃ vai jīvanāj jīvanāni ca. (21)

Their countless fruits were filled with the nectar of divine love. They were the food, vitality, and very life of the rasikas alone.

Nirmalā vāṭikā ramyā vedādibhir agocarā,
Yogī yoga-suniṣpanno yaj-jyotiṣi nimajjati. (22)

This pure and delightful grove lies beyond the reach of the Vedas and other scriptures. Its radiance is that into which the yogi perfected in yoga finally becomes immersed.

Paramānanda-dhāmāstu brahma-jyotirbhir āvṛtā,
Taj-jyotir-bhedane śaktā rasikā rasa-vedinaḥ. (23)

Although this abode of supreme bliss is veiled by the radiance of Brahman, rasikas who truly know rasa possess the power to pass through that encircling light.