ATMA BODHAM : (68 verses, 9 Chapters) - “KNOWLEDGE of the SELF” -1.

29/07/2018

MANGALAACHARAN : (Verse 1) - “Invocation”

WE ALWAYS START OUR preparations for auspicious celebrations, such as Diwali,
with a comprehensive cleaning programme. In the same way, when we are about to receive
the holy teachings of the knowledge of the Self, it is expected of us to undergo a selfcleansing
programme of spiritual Sadhana.

VERSE 1: The Qualified Student for this Text

1 Tapobhih ksheena-paapaa-naam Purified of their sins by austerities,
2 shaantaa-naam veetaraagi-naam; peaceful at heart, free from all cravings,
3 mumukshoo-naam apekshyah ayam and with heart yearning for Liberation, this
4 aatma-bodhah vidheeyate. text “Atma Bodha” is being composed.

An Invocation:

The text starts with the word ‘Tapas’ – an auspicious start in the context of this
subject. The entire Ramayana was begun with this word, and what a great book that is!
Tapas is an auspicious word. It is Tapas that opens the door to all auspiciousness. It cleans us
of all the ‘dirt’ and impurity in our heart and makes us ready to receive divine knowledge.
The very thought of Brahma Jnana or knowledge of the Self brings auspicious
thoughts to our mind. In itself it is an invocation to merely utter the name “Atma Bodha”.
This is thus to be taken as an Invocation or a Mangalacharan to begin this unique text on
Self-knowledge.

Anubandha Chatushtaya:

As in the previous book we have studied, namely, Tattva Bodham, it is the usual
practice to give the Anubandha Chatushtaya at the outset of the text. This verse serves that
purpose. The fourfold “Prospectus” announcing the purpose and eligibility for the study of
this book is given as follows:

i) Adhikari: The opening words state for whom this book has been written: “Those
who have purified themselves with austerities, who are peaceful in heart, free from cravings
and desirous of Liberation.” This is the qualification of Sadhana Chatushtaya.

To be continued ...