The Voice of Advaita Vedanta- Insights into Non-Duality

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Embark on a transformative journey through the depths of Advaita Vedanta, the ancient philosophy that unveils the essence of non-duality. According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahman, the Supreme Reality, alone exists and appears as this world, and the Individual Self is nothing but the Universal Self. The Voice of Advaita Vedanta: Insights into Non-Duality is a comprehensive compilation of the significant texts on Advaita Vedanta (such as the Bhagavad Gita. Kathopanishad and more), with lucid English translations.

Discover how Advaita Vedanta, far from being an esoteric philosophy confined to academic circles, is a practical guide for seekers on the path to self-discovery and liberation. Through exploring concepts such as transience, mind, delusion, work, maya, desires, attachment, happiness, suffering, fear, anger, death, liberation, self-enquiry, Self, Brahman, meditation and transcendence, this book unveils the timeless wisdom of Vedanta for finding peace and fulfilment while engaging with the world.

This book consists of an abridged version of Bhagavad Gita, Kathopanishad, Mundakopanishad, Vivekacüdāmaņi, Ashtavakra Gita, Avadhūta Gita; the texts Tattvabodha, Atmabodha, Amritabindu Upanishad, Drg-drishya-viveka: Upadesha Saram and Sat Darshanam by Ramana Maharshi and fifteen minor works of Adi Shankaracharya.

Br. Prasanna Swaroopa's spiritual quest began after he exited the IT industry after having devoted fourteen years to it. He then became a disciple of Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha and spent twelve years in his ashram in Kerala, thus getting initiated into the Advaita Vedanta tradition. An ardent follower of texts like Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and works of Adi Shankaracharya, he believes that they must be presented in a simple, contemporary manner so that these valuable treasures are not lost with time. He now devotes his time sharing his experiences with others, primarily through his writings. He is the author of the books Bhaja Govindam: Essence of Vedanta for Peace and Happiness; Vishnusahasranama-stotram; Garland of Pearls of Wisdom; and the co-author of the book Good Values, Great Business.

Verses in Sanskrit always fascinated me for their poetry, message, succinctness and, above all, the beauty and serenity derived from the chanting of the verses. One of the earliest books I possessed that had a lasting impact on me was 'Altar Flowers: A Bouquet of Choicest Sanskrit Hymns' published by Advaita Ashrama. The section from this book with small compositions of Adi Shankaracharya was of particular interest to me.

This collection of Sanskrit verses cultivated a fondness in me for Sanskrit poetry and chanting. I had memorized many of the verses from the book, and they were my frequent companions.

In recent years, some friends have enquired if there is a book which contains a collection of works associated with Vedanta. Many often wonder about the ideal starting point for the exploration of the subject of Vedanta. I, too, have long imagined a compilation of Sanskrit verses from across different texts in one book.

Thus was born the idea of this book!

The intent was to provide a collection (with translation) that covers some of the important works on Vedanta for those aspiring to discover the Truth. For the selection, I have included the ones that have guided me and have had a profound impact on my journey.

This isn't a complete collection by any stretch of imagination.

That would mean a vast library. I have compiled the texts and the verses with the intent of keeping it all within one volume. I have put this book together with the fond hope that it will benefit the readers by exposing them to Advaita Vedanta and serve as a constant companion in their journey to seek the Truth. I hope I have been able to do justice to the task!

I feel a deep sense of gratitude to our Nation's great culture, which has shaped the thoughts and lives of its people for thousands of years and will continue to do so for eternity through the richness of its knowledge tradition. It is this tradition that has preserved all these scriptures and ensured that even today we have access to them.

My deepest gratitude to my guru, Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha, who initiated me into the spiritual path and thus inducted me into the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Swamiji's continued stress on the importance of scriptures and frequently quoting them furthered my interest in our scriptures.

I wish to express my salutations and deepest gratitude to Adi Shankaracharya, who has greatly enriched us by giving commentaries on the three canonical texts of Vedanta (the Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads) while enriching us with numerous other compositions.

My deepest gratitude to my mother Smt. Savitri Neelakantan and father Late Sri. N. R. Neelakantan, for having ensured that I received sufficient exposure during my childhood to the culture and tradition of this land and for having ensured that chanting was a part of my upbringing.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my brother, N. N. Subramanian, for offering valuable suggestions from time to time. This book would not have been possible, but for my sister Mala Sridhar's painstaking efforts to review and proofread the contents meticulously.

Advaita Vedanta provides answers regarding the individual, creator, world and life. It guides seekers in leading a life of peace and happiness, unveiling the limitless potential within. It ultimately leads seekers on the path to liberation, i.e., everlasting peace and fulfilment.

Over the course of our culture's long history (i.e., in the context of Sanatana Dharma, popularly referred to as Hinduism), numerous authors have addressed the subject of spirituality in various ways based on their own experiences. Different philosophies evolved in due course of time, and thus numerous texts were written for each of the philosophies.

In the domain of Advaita Vedanta alone, there are hundreds of texts. Given this scenario, a spiritual seeker who is looking for guidance from the scriptures is faced with the following questions:

What are the main texts?

• What is contained in these texts?

• Where do I begin the study of Vedanta?

Given the vastness of the landscape of the scriptures, this book is an attempt to provide answers to these questions.

This book focusses on Advaita Vedanta!

Why this book?

• The intention of this book is to provide some of the significant texts of Advaita Vedanta in one volume.

• There are many important ideas and concepts that form the foundation of Advaita Vedanta. This book presents selected verses from across different texts that explain these ideas.

Everything is presented in the original voice of the scriptures, in Sanskrit, along with a translation in English.