Brahmā said: The mind is fond of reasoning deliberation. The ability of the mind to ponder and evaluate the corresponding efficacy of the worship, Japa, the attributes of Īśa, His form, His divine sports and multifarious names, is the result of the benignant glance of Īśvara. Hence this steady continuance in the act of deliberation is the most important of all the means.
गीतात्मना श्रुतिपदेन च भाषया वा शंभुप्रतापगुणरूपविलासनाम्नाम् । वाचा स्फुटं तु रसवत्स्तवनं यदस्य तत्कीर्तनं भवति साधनमत्र मध्यम् ३ ।
By Kīrtana (glorification) is meant the clear expression of Śiva’s exploits, attributes, forms, sports, names etc. in good taste by reciting traditional lore, singing songs of praise even in mother tongue. It is the middle one of the three means.
येनापि केन करणेन च शब्दपुंजं यत्र क्वचिच्छिवपरं श्रवणेंद्रि येण । स्त्रीकेलिवद्दृढतरं प्रणिधीयते यत्तद्वै बुधाः श्रवणमत्र जगत्प्रसिद्धम् ४ ।
O wise men, the means of Śravaṇa famous in the world is the listening to words concerning Śiva, in whatever manner, howsoever and wherever they are produced with the same steady attention as in the sporting dalliance of women.
सत्संगमेन भवति श्रवणं पुरस्तात्संकीर्तनं पशुपतेरथ तद्दृढं स्यात् । सर्वोत्तमं भवति तन्मननं तदंते सर्वं हि संभवति शंकरदृष्टिपाते ५ ।
Śravaṇa (listening) is effected when one associates with good men. Then the Kīrtana of Paśupati becomes steady. In the end is the Manana which is the most excellent. All these take place as a result of benevolent surveillance of Lord Śiva.