The Naishkarmya Siddhi, authored by Sureshwaracharya in the 8th century CE, holds a prominent position in Advaita literature due to its author's direct discipleship under Adi Shankaracharya and its esteemed quality. While traditional biographies of Adi Shankaracharya identify Sureshvara Acharya as the same person as Mandana Mishra after his conversion by Adi Shankaracharya, contemporary scholars generally reject this assertion.
The text comprises four chapters totaling 423 verses.
Sureshvaracharya provides lucid explanations and connections within simple
prose where needed. Here's a brief overview of each chapter:
First Chapter (100 Verses): Begins with salutations to the
guru and discusses avidya (nescience), the root cause of samsara (bondage). It
argues that karma (rituals) cannot eliminate avidya and that karma is merely a
preliminary means. It emphasizes the impossibility of combining jnana
(knowledge of the atman/Brahman) and karma, while also refuting opposing
arguments.
Second Chapter (119 Verses): Highlights ignorance of the
true nature of "tvam" (jiva or individual soul) as the primary
obstacle to realizing identity with "tat" (Brahman). It extols the
greatness of mahavakyas (major statements) from Upanishads, asserting the distinction
between atman and the body-mind complex. It discusses scriptural support for
this distinction and elucidates the concepts of superimposition and
desuperimposition.
Third Chapter (126 Verses): Focuses on the removal of avidya
(nescience) through the mahavakya (great statement) "tat tvam asi"
(That thou art). It explores the three aspects of avidya, the significance of
the mahavakya, and the limitations of reason in providing direct experience. It
stresses the role of repetition of the mahavakya and meditation in realization.
Fourth Chapter (78 Verses): Provides a concise summary of
the preceding chapters, incorporating quotations from Gaudapada and Adi
Shankaracharya. It discusses jivanmukti (liberation while alive), the liberated
soul, and the moral law. It outlines the qualifications and dispositions
necessary for students of this text and concludes the treatise.
In conclusion, the Naishkarmya Siddhi stands as an
exceptional treatise of Advaita Vedanta, serving as a valuable resource for
earnest students and scholars alike.