Prakarana Grantha
Prakarana Grantha
Introduction to Vedanta
In this lucid, lively introduction to Vedanta, Swami Dayananda shows how man’s constant struggle to overcome one's limitations through the ceaseless pursuit of security and pleasure are predestined to failure for the simple reason that they are misdirected: they stem from a failure in understanding the real nature of the fundamental problem itself. The road to freedom from limitation, then, can scarcely lie that way. Indeed, asserts Vedanta, it is only to be found in the correct knowledge of one’s true nature as absolute. This vital first step, a clear understanding of man’s fundamental problem of ignorance and error about his real nature.
Tathvabodham
Tathvabodham is a complete Prakarana Grantham which introduces all the key prakriyas of Vedanta culminating into Maha Vakya vicharam, which is the core of the traditional teaching.
Vivekachudamani
Vivekachudamani literally means the 'crest-jewel of discrimination'. The text discusses key concepts of Vedanta and viveka or discrimination between real (unchanging, eternal) and unreal (changing, temporal), Athma and Anathma, and Jiva - Brahma Aikyam being the central teaching of Advaitha Shastram. This text has been authored by Adi Shanakara Bhagavadpada in the form of a dialogue between a Guru and Sishya.
Prashnottara Ratnamalika
Prasnottara Ratna Malika literally means "The Necklace of Gem-like Questions". This text is one among the many works by Jagadguru Adi Shankara Acharya. These teachings are compared to precious gems for their richness and value, brilliance and inalterability, and also for the beneficial influence on the lives of the mankind to lead them in the path of righteouness. Some of the questions: who is a Guru, what is Dharma, what is God, what brings happiness, what is charity, what is wealth, what are the four forms of good fortune, which place we should avoid. Also discussed are the topics of fear and courage, family life, Bhakti and knowledge, and the relationship between Vishnu and Shiva.
Manisha Panchakam
Once in Kashi – the land dedicated to Brahma Vidya, Adi Shankaraachaarya, was on his way to the temple after finishing his bath in Ganga. Suddenly he saw a chandaala (an outcaste) and his four dogs on the way, and told him to moved away from him, as per the custom in those days. The Chandala then asked him a question in two verses which gave birth to this profound text.
Sadhana Panchakam
Sadhana means practice, Panchakam is a set of 5 verses, Sadhana Panchakam is the practice of 5 verses. Adi Sankara Bhagavadpada has composed these 5 verses which is made up as a formation of a ladder where each step in the ladder takes us progressively to attain the goal of Moksha.
Bhaja Govindam
Bhaja Govindam also known as Moha Mudgara is a popular text by Adi Shankara which underscores the view that devotion to the Lord is an important step to attain Brahma Gnanam.
Dasashloki
Shri Shankara Bhagavadpada sums up the essence of Vedanta in Dasashloki. He states that Only Athma exists while the world of names, form and various manifestations are just Maya . He goes on to say that Athma is same as the supreme Brahman . Bhagavadpada also emphasises, as do upanishads that the man who realizes himself to be the Brahman ALONE transcends worldly sorrow (tarati shokaM aatmavit).
Jiva Yatra
Jiva Yatra - This text is written by Swami Gnanananda Bharati of Sringeri Mutt. As the name suggests, this text explains in detail the journey that a Jiva should take to attain Moksha. It enlightens that this journey is not an external journey, but an internal one, which can be attained only through Jnana. This text also elaborates on the steps a seeker / sadhaka should take to move ahead in this spiritual journey.