Sri Sankara, the Hindu sage, is said to have 'crossed the ocean of Maya as easily as one steps over a small irrigation channel in the field'. He wrote a number of texts and hymns to foster knowledge of the self and to foster the sense of devotion in the hearts of humankind. This offering is one of Sri Sankara's most famous hymns.

Advaita Vedanta is one of the most important and widely studied schools of thought in Hindu religion and the Vivekacudamani is one of the most important texts in the Advaita tradition and the most popular philosophical work ascribed to the great Indian philosopher, Sankara. Sankara (c.650-700) is considered to be a giant among giants and probably the most venerated philosopher in India's long history. The Vivekacudamani is in the form of a dialogue between a preceptor (guru) and a pupil (sisya) expounding the quintessence of Advaita in which the pupil humbly approaches the preceptor and, having served the teacher selflessly, implores to be rescued from worldly existence (samsara). The guru promises to teach the way to liberation (moksa) which culminates in the ecstatic experience of one's own Self. This book presents an accessible translation of the entire text and also includes Upanisadic cross-referencing to most of its 580 verses, extensive notes, a lengthy Introduction, list of variant readings, an extensive bibliography, and an index to the verses. All those interested in Indian religion and philosophy, Hindu studies, or Sanskrit, will find this readable English translation of an Indian philosophical classic invaluable.

According to Advaita-Vedanta, God or Brahman is identical with the inner self (the Atman) of each person, while the rest of the world is nothing but objective illusion (maya). Shankara maintains that there are two primary levels of existence and knowledge: the higher knowledge that is Brahman itself, and the relative, limited knowledge, regarded as the very texture of the universe. Consequently, the task of a human being is to reach the absolute unity and the reality of Brahman—in other words, to reach the innermost self within his or her own being, discarding on the way all temporary characteristics and attributes.

"This book deals with the philosophical, historical, descriptive and experimental aspects of music therapy. Taking a close look at the eastern and the western perceptions of music therapy, it views the Margi tradition of music and its origin in the Veda. Further explaining the archetypal, historical and living singer effect, with special focus on Rama, Krishna, Tyagaraja, Meera, Yesudas and Subbalaxmi, it discusses at length the origins of the desi (local) tradition of India with Matanga's Brihaddesi. Also, it presents an inter-disciplinary comparative study of both modern and ancient concepts of astronomy, Yoga, psychology, medicine, music, philosophy and cultural heritage."

This is volume one of the six-volume Shankara Source Book, which contains writings by Shri Shankara, arranged systematically by subject.Shri Shankara was a great philosopher-sage who expressed the non-dual teachings in such a complete and satisfactory way that his formulation has been followed by authentic teachers of the non-dual tradition ever since.Most of his writings are in the form of commentaries on revealed texts such as the principle Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras, so what he said was placed around those texts, which are far from systematic.His aim was to demonstrate that underlying the apparent contradictions and differences on the surface, all the great revealed scriptures in fact point ultimately to one Supreme Truth. He wished to do this in order to overcome the confusion that was causing hardship to the people at large, and creating difficulties for dedicated seekers. Shankara probably lived in the 8th century, and died in his early 30s.Shankara considered other views in great detail, sometimes provisionally accepting elements of their arguments, and then pointing out where those views lead to difficulties. One of the great qualities of the non-dual teachings as formulated by Shankara is that they are able to recognise and incorporate what is valid and useful in other views.All this can make it difficult to find what Shankara said on particular subjects. To meet this difficulty, in the Source Book, the writings have been freshly translated, and brought together under subject headings. These in turn have been arranged in six volumes each covering one broad topic. These are: Volume 1 Shankara on the AbsoluteVolume 2 Shankara on the CreationVolume 3 Shankara on the SoulVolume 4 Shankara on Rival ViewsVolume 5 Shankara on DiscipleshipVolume 6 Shankara on Enlightenment

The author, Swami Ashokananda, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda, is renowned for his thought-provoking lectures and articles on Vedanta philosophy and its practical application in daily life as taught by his master. The Swami’s tenure as the Editor of the Prabuddha Bharata, an English monthly of the Ramakrishna Order, from 1927-1930 was a memorable one. Later on as the Minister-in-charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco from 1932 until his passing away in 1969, the Swami was one of the guiding forces for the Vedanta Movement in the West. This book published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, borrows its title from an inspired utterance of Swami Vivekananda which forms the subject of the Swami’s deliberations presented herein as the first lecture. By his forceful lectures based on deep reasoning, the Swami turns our attention to the Divine within. The lectures and articles included here were earlier published in the Prabuddha Bharata and the Vedanta Kesari, another English monthly of the Ramakrishna Order. They are intended for all sincere spiritual aspirants, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, who strive to transform their daily lives through the invigorating tonic of Advaita Vedanta.

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy is the first book of its kind, presenting a comprehensive guide to all eight limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Join author Gregor Maehle, a seasoned yogi and compassionate teacher, as he guides you through: • the history and lineage of yoga • the fundamentals of breath, bandhas (energy locks within the body), drishti (the focal point of the gaze), and vinyasa (sequential movement) • a detailed breakdown of the asanas of the Ashtanga Primary Series, following the traditional vinyasa count • a lively and authentic rendering of the complete Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, yoga's ancient sacred text • a glossary of yoga terminology In the asana section, Maehle describes each posture with clear, meticulous instructions, photographs, anatomical illustrations, and practical tips. Information on the mythological background and yogic context of specific postures brings further insight to the practice. In the philosophy section, Maehle illuminates the Yoga Sutra using the major ancient commentaries as well as his own insights. This volume makes the entire path of Ashtanga Yoga accessible to modern practitioners. Both practical guide and spiritual treatise, Ashtanga Yoga is an excellent introduction to the eight limbs of yoga and an invaluable resource for any yoga teacher or practitioner.