Atmabodha Author:Shankara Atmabodha (Self-Knowledge) is a well-known prakarana a upon which many students of Advaita Vedanta have written commentaries. The explanation of the terms and of the expressions utilized in the Scriptures is useful for the students comprehension of the subtle themes that are often hidden there. Therefore this introductory text, is an... more » essential prerequisite to comprehend Vedanta. Shankara addresses those who have purified through the practice of austerity (tapas), attained peace in their hearts (shantanam), become freed from desire of the senses (vitaraginam) and now aspire but to one thing: identity with the Being-without-a-second (mumukshutva). This edition of Atmabodha, which is here presented in English and with the transliterated text, Raphael has translated directly from Sanskrit, edited and commented, with these criteria: a) To remain faithful to the Advaita and Asparsha Tradition to which the text belongs. b) To make it accessible to the Western reader without impoverishing, nor forcing Advaita into a "system". c) To stimulate the readers consciousness suitably, as Raphael is a living and practicing advaitin-asparshin.« less