Shankarbhagwatpadiya Prakaran Prabandhavali Chaturth Samput - Book Summary

This document is Volume IV of the "Sri-Sankaracarya's Miscellaneous Works" from the Government Oriental Library Series, published in Mysore in 1899. The volume, titled "Shankarbhagwatpadiya Prakaran Prabandhavali Chaturth Samput," was edited by A. Mahadeva Shastri and K. Rangacharya. It is presented as being published under the authority of the Government of His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore.

The "Auditor's Note" indicates that the works collected in this volume were compiled from printed editions and manuscript copies found in the Government Oriental Library and in the Mutt Libraries at Sringeri and Kudli.

The book itself is a compilation of several key philosophical works attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, organized with detailed subject indexes for each:

Ātma-bodha (आत्मबोधः): This section provides a comprehensive index covering topics such as the nature of the Self, the illusoriness of the world, the distinction between the Self and the body, the path to self-knowledge through listening, contemplation, and meditation, and the ultimate realization of oneness with Brahman. The text itself begins with a verse stating that this teaching is for those who are purified by austerities, tranquil, detached, and seeking liberation. It emphasizes that knowledge is the sole means to liberation, like fire to cooking, and that ignorance is dispelled by knowledge like darkness by light. The Self, like the sun behind clouds, reveals itself when ignorance is removed. Ignorance is like impurity that is washed away by knowledge. The world appears real like a rope that is mistaken for a snake, until Brahman, the substratum, is known. The volume then proceeds with the verses of Ātma-bodha, discussing the nature of Brahman, the Self, the three states of consciousness, the five sheaths (koshas), the witness-consciousness, the meaning of Mahavakyas like "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art), and the state of liberation while living (Jivanmukti).
Viveka-chūḍāmaṇi (विवेकचूडामणिः): This work, meaning "Crest-Jewel of Discrimination," is prefaced with obeisance to Govinda. It extols the rarity and value of human birth, the pursuit of Vedic Dharma, scholarship, and ultimately, the discrimination between the Self and non-Self and abiding in Brahman. It stresses that liberation is not obtained through mere crores of Janmas (births) without merit. The text outlines the essential qualifications for studying Vedanta, including intelligence, scholarship, the ability to discern, detachment, and the possession of tranquility, self-control, endurance, faith, and the desire for liberation (Mumukshutva). It meticulously details the fourfold means of liberation: discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal, detachment from the fruits of action in this world and the next, the six virtues (Shama, Dama, Uparati, Titiksha, Shraddha, Samadhana), and intense longing for liberation. The text delves into the nature of the gross body (Sthula Sharira), the subtle body (Sukshma Sharira), and the causal body (Karana Sharira), explaining their composition and role in experience. It emphasizes the Self's (Atman) distinction from these bodies and its nature as pure consciousness and bliss. The core of Viveka-chūḍāmaṇi is the process of discrimination (Viveka) to realize the non-dual nature of Brahman and the Self, leading to liberation. The disciple's questions and the guru's profound answers form the structure of this treatise, guiding the seeker through the path of self-inquiry.
Vākya-vṛtti (वाक्यवृत्तिः): This text focuses on the interpretation of the Mahavakyas (great sayings) of the Upanishads, particularly "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art). It begins with prayers to the Supreme Being and the guru. The dialogue between a disciple and a guru highlights the disciple's earnest desire for liberation from the cycle of birth and death through effortless means. The guru explains that the ultimate truth lies in the non-dual identity of the individual soul (Jiva) and the Supreme Being (Brahman), as revealed by sentences like "Tat Tvam Asi." The text meticulously analyzes the meanings of the words "Tat" (That) and "Tvam" (Thou), elucidating how through analysis and the removal of misconceptions (upadhis), their apparent difference dissolves, revealing their underlying unity. It discusses the role of direct experience (Aparoksha Jnana) and the practice of listening, reflection, and meditation in realizing this truth. The ultimate aim is to understand the non-dual nature of reality, leading to liberation.
Sva-ātma-nirūpaṇam (स्वात्मनिरूपणम्): This work, meaning "Description of One's Own Self," further explores the nature of the Self. It starts with obeisance to the guru and emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge of the Self through the teachings of the guru. The text systematically analyzes the five sheaths (koshas) – annamaya (food sheath), pranamaya (vital air sheath), manomaya (mental sheath), vijnanamaya (intellect sheath), and anandamaya (bliss sheath) – to distinguish the true Self from these progressively subtle layers of material existence. It asserts that the Self is the pure consciousness that witnesses these sheaths and their modifications, remaining unaffected by them. The Self is described as self-luminous, unchanging, and beyond all limitations. The text also discusses the concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality, the source and substratum of all existence, and its non-dual nature. The emphasis is on realizing the identity of the individual Self (Atman) with Brahman through right discrimination and understanding, leading to the dissolution of ignorance and the attainment of liberation. The latter part of the text presents a powerful affirmation of the Self's true nature, expressed through a series of "Aham" (I am) statements, asserting the Self's oneness with the supreme reality, free from all limitations and dualities.
Yoga-tārāvaḷi (योगतारावली): This work, meaning "Crest-Jewel of Yoga," focuses on the practice and realization of Yoga. It begins with a salutation to gurus and emphasizes the paramount importance of Nada-anusandhana (meditation on the inner sound) as the most significant yogic practice for achieving liberation. The text describes various yogic techniques, including bandhas (locks), kumbhaka (breath retention), and the importance of the Sushumna nadi (central energy channel). It highlights the state of "Kevala Kumbhaka," where breath and mind are stilled, leading to the dissolution of the mind in Vishnu. The work then moves on to the concept of "Raja Yoga," the king of yogas, which transcends the need for external practices like postural adjustments, breath control, or concentration. Raja Yoga is described as a state of unwavering awareness where the mind is effortlessly absorbed in the Supreme Self, free from the distractions of the external world. It mentions the states of "Manonmani" (elevated state of mind) and "Amanaska Mudra" (effortless absorption) as advanced yogic experiences. The text concludes by describing "Yoga Nidra" (yogic sleep) as a state of deep meditative rest that leads to the cessation of all mental activity and the realization of the Self.
Sarva-vedānta-siddhānta-sāra-saṅgraha (सर्ववेदान्तसिद्धान्तसारसंग्रहः): This extensive work, meaning "Collection of the Essence of All Vedanta Siddhantas," serves as a comprehensive summary of the core principles of Vedanta philosophy. It starts by outlining the fourfold preliminaries of spiritual study: the qualifications of the student (Adhikari), the subject matter (Vishaya), the relationship between the subject and the student (Sambandha), and the purpose of the study (Prayojana). It then elaborates on the fourfold means of liberation: discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal (Nityānitya-vastu-viveka), detachment from worldly pleasures (Iha-amutra-phala-bhoga-virāga), the six virtues (Shama, Dama, Uparati, Titiksha, Shraddha, Samadhana), and the intense desire for liberation (Mumukshutva). The text meticulously discusses the concepts of karma, its role in bondage, and its inability to grant liberation compared to Brahma-jnana (knowledge of Brahman). It emphasizes the importance of detachment from desires and the eradication of ego. The work then delves into the nature of the gross, subtle, and causal bodies, the five sheaths, the concept of Brahman, the Self, the Mahavakyas, and the stages of liberation, including Jivanmukti (liberation while living) and Videha-mukti (liberation after death). It systematically refutes various incorrect views on the nature of the Self and the path to liberation, reinforcing the Advaita Vedanta perspective. The concluding sections offer practical guidance on meditation, the dissolution of the mind, and the ultimate realization of the non-dual Brahman.

In essence, this volume is a significant collection of foundational Advaita Vedanta texts attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, providing a systematic exposition of the path to self-realization and liberation through knowledge, discrimination, and detachment.