Preface 
Every new field of knowledge traditionally develops its own technical vocabulary. Computers, for example, have brought with them a complex vocabulary of recently created terms. Gurudeva discovered within superconsciousness the Shūm-Tyēīf language as a result of his desire to give precise descriptions for the various realms of meditation. The uniqueness of the Shūm language is that it gives us specific words, technical terms, so to speak, for different meditative experiences. It’s much easier to grasp a concept when there is one word to convey it than talking about the concept in a rambling way because no single word describes it.§
For example, in English we have the word awareness, which is a terribly general concept. You will be interested to know that there is not just one word in the Shūm language for awareness but many words that give precise descriptions to different perspectives and aspects of awareness. The basic perspective is described by the Shūm word nīīf». Nīīf» is defined as individual awareness, distinguished from impersonal consciousness. It is also defined as the observation of individual awareness and the perception of being aware. When cultures or people encounter richer experiences of something, their language grows in that area of interest. Thus, we find eighteen words for wind in the Hawaiian language and over thirty for ice and snow in the Alaskan vocabularies. It is not surprising that those living in a meditative world would evolve a more detailed way to describe their inner landscape.§
The Shūm-Tyēīf language also has a mystical or inner power to it that provides additional help to those who meditate utilizing it. Gurudeva explains this in his multi-part definition of the word dīfmīmf: 1) Names the place from whence the Shūm-Tyēīf language originated; 2) all the Mahādevas are aware of this language of meditation within the Śivaloka; 3) their interest is that those caught in the Bhūloka learn Shūm and Tyēīf in the right way and with the right spirit; 4) being a language that is spoken to oneself by oneself in meditation, it is heard by those who assist the meditator; 5) the Shūm-Tyēīf alphabet is especially beneficial in contacting the inner world beings, who are ever ready to assist.§
Gurudeva found a clever way to make sure that his followers wouldn’t forget to meditate in Shūm. He had all twelve mamsanī carved into the pillars of Iraivan Temple. Mamsanī are the elementary or basic Shūm maps containing a number of important meditation concepts to be mastered. As the all-granite temple is designed to last for a thousand years, he assured that at least for the next millennium this central aspect of his teaching would not be forgotten. §
Concluding my preface to this monumental little book, let me share some thoughts from Gurudeva on the mamsanī study: “This is a gift to us all. It came unbidden and has lived these many years, and now you, too, may participate in the mamsanī meditations of the year. Let them build you strong. Let them build you wise. Let them bring you, like the hummingbird, to īī» kaif», ever so close to His holy feet. May Lord Śiva be your guide through this study. It is His language. He and He alone knows how to teach it.”§
Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii§