Teachings From Atma Bodha of Adi Shankaracharya
"Atma Bodha" (Self-Knowledge) is a Sanskrit text
composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian of
Advaita Vedanta. This text is a primer on Advaita Vedanta, aimed at guiding
seekers toward the realization of the self. Here are some key teachings from
"Atma Bodha":
The Nature of the Self
Shankaracharya emphasizes that the true self (Atman) is
pure, eternal, and beyond all dualities. The self is distinct from the physical
body, mind, and intellect. It is ever-present, witnessing all phenomena but
remaining unaffected by them.
Verse 8: "The self appears to be finite because of
ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed, the self, which is infinite, appears in
its true nature."
Ignorance and Knowledge
Ignorance (Avidya) is the root cause of suffering and the
false identification with the body and mind. Self-knowledge (Atma Bodha) is the
antidote to this ignorance.
"Just as fire is the direct cause of cooking, so
knowledge alone is the direct cause of liberation. Compared with all other
forms of discipline, knowledge of the self is the only direct means of
liberation."
The Illusion of the World
Shankaracharya teaches that the world is an illusion (Maya),
which causes the self to appear as if it is limited and subject to change. This
illusion can be dispelled through the knowledge of the self.
Verse 6: "The world, which is full of attachments,
aversions, and desires, is like a dream; it appears to be real until the dawn
of knowledge."
Means of Attaining Self-Knowledge
The text outlines several practices for attaining
self-knowledge, including discrimination (Viveka), dispassion (Vairagya),
control of the mind and senses, and meditation.
Verse 11: "Just as the sun's light makes the entire
world visible, so self-knowledge illumines the mind and makes the entire world
of names and forms appear."
Realization of Oneness
Upon gaining self-knowledge, one realizes the oneness of the
individual self (Jivatman) and the universal self (Paramatman). This
realization leads to liberation (Moksha).
Verse 10: "When the self is realized, it is seen to be
the same in all beings. This realization of oneness is liberation."
The Role of the Teacher
Shankaracharya highlights the importance of a guru (teacher)
in guiding the seeker toward self-realization. The guru dispels doubts and
provides the correct interpretation of the scriptures.
Verse 7: "The scriptures and the guru are like a lamp.
When this lamp is lit, the darkness of ignorance is dispelled, and the self,
which is self-effulgent, is realized."
The State of Liberation
Liberation is described as the state of being free from all
delusions and attachments. It is characterized by inner peace, bliss, and the
realization of one's true nature.
Verse 38: "He who, by the light of knowledge, sees the
entire universe in his own self and regards everything as his own self, attains
liberation."
Detachment and Equanimity
A liberated soul remains detached from worldly concerns and
maintains equanimity in all situations. Such a person is free from desires and
fears, living in constant awareness of their true self.
Verse 54: "The wise man who has realized the self
remains unaffected by honor or dishonor, like a great ocean that remains
unchanged by the waters that enter it from all sides."
These teachings from "Atma Bodha" aim to guide
seekers on the path to self-realization by emphasizing the importance of
knowledge, the illusory nature of the world, and the ultimate oneness of all
existence. Through discrimination, dispassion, and guidance from a realized
teacher, one can attain liberation and eternal bliss.