Atma Bodha - Post 6

Verse- 1 

तपोभिः क्षीणपापानां

शान्तानां वीतरागिणाम् ।

 मुमुक्षूणामपेक्ष्योऽयमात्मबोधो

विधीयते ॥ १

TAPOBHIH KSHEENAPAAPAANAAM

SAANTAANAAM VEETARAGINAAM

MUMUKSHOONAAM APEKSHYOYAM

ATMABODHO VIDHEEYATE

(I am  composing the Atma Bodha, this treatise of the knowledge of the Self [Atman], for those who have purified themselves by austerities and are peaceful in heart and calm, who are free from cravings and are desirous of liberation.)

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:

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....

Sankara has made it clear in the first invocation verse that "one who has undertaken intense austerities in spiritual path and has purified one's mind, with a peaceful heart, free from desire for worldly pursuits" is the actual Adhikari, the one who deserves to get the full benefit of this treatise.

(ii) Vishaya: The subject is given by the title of the book, Atma Bodha. It is stated at the very beginning that the subject is Knowledge of the Self, the true inner Self, not the self which is ignorant and deluded.

(iii) Prayojana: The benefit to be obtained from the study of this book is given in the term “Mumukshoonaam”, which tells us that the goal here is Self-Realization. That is the benefit offered by this book. Liberation is guaranteed for those who are Adhikaris.

(iv) Sambandha: Indicated by the word Vidheeyate, meaning “is being composed”; we have the promise that this book will fulfill the expectations of the student who is seeking Liberation. It says explicitly that the book is connected with that particular goal. 

We will get deeper into the meaning of this verse in the next post.

Love.