Atma Bodha By Shankaracharya


Book Description

Traditionally, 'Who am I?' has been the central quest of Vedic texts. Knowing 'I' without any external attributes such as body, mind, age, etc. is termed as self-knowledge. Or, we can say that knowing 'what we are' and 'what we are not' constitutes the complete answer. For example, a transparent crystal placed near a hibiscus flower appears to be red. Until we see it without the flower, we'll not know that it is transparent and not red. Similarly, if our notion about ourselves is mixed with some external attributes, which are different from us, we'll perceive our reality differently. This wrong perception will give rise to various conflicts like death, pain, and anxiety. So, it looks imperative to know our fundamental reality to destroy the pain and taste the immortal bliss within. Once we accept that there is something we need to know, we talk about the ways in which the correct understanding can be reached. We find ways to test our understanding. And, we also want to know how this reality looks like. In this short, original, and profound work, Shankaracharya has answered these questions and shared his insight about non-dual reality.




ATMABODHA


Book Description

Vedanta is the science of life. It shows us the gateway to peace and happiness. To understand this subtle science, knowledge of certain terms and concepts is mandatory. That is why we have prakarana-granthas or introductory books which explain the definitions of the special terms used in our sastras. Adi Sankaracharya's Atmabodha is one such text. It is a scientific journey, throwing light on the subtle concepts present in our sastras. With striking examples and ingenioius poetry he guides the reader along the path of Vedanta terminology. Pujya Swami Chinmayananda in his commentary effortlessly presents to the common man the timelss wisdom of Sankaracharya. Reflecting on these verses will uplift the mind and elevate the soul. A great guide for beginners and a meditation prop for advanced seekers.




Atma Bodha & Tattva Bodha


Book Description

Atma-bodha is a short Sanskrit text attributed to Adi Shankara of Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. The text describes the path to Self-knowledge or the awareness of Atman. Atmabodha means "Self-knowledge", self-awareness, or one with the "possession of a knowledge of soul or the supreme spirit". Tattva Bodha literally means 'Knowledge of the Truth', and it is a small but all encompassing introductory text of Vedanta.




DRIG DRISHYA VIVEKA


Book Description

Commentary by Swami Tejomayananda. In this short and beautiful composition, Adi Sankara, the Master, has condensed the essence of Vedanta in just 31 verses, which are very useful to all serious seekers.







Tattva Bodha By Shankaracharya


Book Description

In this short book, Shankaracharya has explained the fundamental building blocks of all the entities as outlined in Vedic philosophy. This diverse world which consists of innumerable living and non-living entities, is nothing but an aggregate of these building blocks. Same observation holds for our bodies and its parts. He discusses the creation, composition and characteristics of our mind, intellect, memory and ego. He talks about the three different type of bodies we possess during waking, dreams and sound sleep. Along the way, he shows that which is not created is what we actually are. Our reality is beyond is beyond all bodies and definitions. Why we are not able to identify with this unborn and timeless reality now and how can we know it is the next set of important questions which he answers. And, then he answers the questions like what happens when we know the reality ourselves and how is it intrinsically different from the perception of reality of an ordinary person. It can serve as a concise, excellent and essential reference on Vedic philosophy which can help in understanding other Vedic texts. Clarity of basic concepts leads to swift and sound progress towards our non-dual reality. In this eternal oneness, there is no distress and delusion but the bliss and knowledge abound. We are this reality now but unaware of it due to our lack of focus. Once we understand it, it shines forth as if the sun has just come out of dark clouds of ignorance.




Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam


Book Description

Adi Shankaracharya composed a number of Vedantic works for imparting the knowledge of the Self. One of these hymns is the famous “Bhaja Govindam”. ‘Bhaja’ literally means ‘seek’, ‘Govindam’ means ‘the Lord’ – ‘the Truth’. The learned masters, out of deep compassion try to wake up humanity. They invite us to open our eyes to a higher dimension of living. The whole text of Bhaja Govindam in essence means ‘Wake up, seek the Lord, and stop seeking the primitive and superficial things in life.’ The compilation of thoughts presented in this book is applicable to one and all. Swami Sukhabodhananda in his unique style explains the verses with deep clarity and understanding.




'You are the Supreme Light'


Book Description




Aparokshānubhuti


Book Description




The Wisdom of Vedanta


Book Description

In this collection of thirty of the best of Swami Abhayananda's illuminating talks and inspirational meditations on the spiritual life, the author explains the philosophy and tradition of God-knowledge which originated in the Upanishads of India and culminates in the universally recognized perennial philosophy of modern mysticism.