Atmabodham

25/10/2018 Chapter 2 Verses 2-5 (4 no.) “Self-Knowledge” VERSE 3: As Light – the Sole Remover of Darkness A-virodhi-tayaa karma na avidyaam vi-ni-vartayet; vidyaa vidyaam nihanti eva tejah timira-sangha-vat. 1 A-virodhi-tayaa karma Since it is not opposed to action, 2 na avidyaam vi-ni-vartayet; Ignorance cannot destroy its (effects); 3 vidyaa vidyaam nihanti eva Knowledge alone can destroy ignorance, 4 tejah timira-sangha-vat. as light alone can remove darkness. The Place of Action in Spirituality :- The question arises, “What place does action have in the spiritual process?” Action has proven itself to be invaluable in the development of this world. Through action we can realize so many of our dreams. It needs action to build roads, buildings, dams, power stations, etc. It was action that took man to the moon. It is action that makes this world run. So why can action not have a place in spiritual transformation as well? Sri Shankaracharya must have given th

06/10/2018 Chapter 2 Verses 2-5 (4 no.) “Self-Knowledge” VERSE :- As Fire – the Direct Cause for Cooking Bodhah anya-saadhane-bhyah hi saakshaat moksha eka saadhanam; paakasya vanhi-vat jnaanam vinaa mokshah na sidhyati. 1 Bodhah anya-saadhane-bhyah hi = In comparison with other means, knowledge, indeed, 2 saakshaat moksha eka saadhanam; = is the single direct means for Liberation. 3 paakasya vanhi-vat jnaanam =  As fire is for cooking, so is knowledge - 4 vinaa mokshah na sidhyati. = without it Liberation is not possible. Discussion : 1. The subject matter begins from this verse: Knowledge of the Self. Here we have a comparison between Self-knowledge and all the other forms of Sadhana practised by seekers. Why is such a high place given to Knowledge? Why is there preference given to this Sadhana over all the rest? The answer is that Self-knowledge is the direct means to attain the Self. This means it leads one directly to the result without any other inte