Atma Bodha (Who am I?) - 68 Verses - Complete Program by Adi Shankara

Andre Vas
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  • SPIRITUALITY

Unlock the secrets to peace and happiness with the ancient science of Vedanta. Join us on the Atma Bodha podcast as we delve into the timeless wisdom of Bhagavan Sankaracharya's Atmabodha, expertly guided by Swami Dayananda's (Arsha Vidya) commentary. Taught by learned scholar and teacher of Indian spiritual knowledge, Andre Vas. This podcast is your gateway to understanding the subtle concepts of Vedanta, perfect for beginners and advanced seekers alike. With insightful commentary, striking examples, and ingenious poetry, we'll explore the path to self-discovery and spiritual growth, answering fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, the existence of God, and the mystery of life and death. Are you curious about the origins of the universe and the cosmos? Do you wonder about the nature of reality and the ultimate truth? Are you seeking answers to questions like 'What is my true nature?', 'What is the purpose of life?', and 'What happens after death?' Vedanta, an ancient Indian philosophy, offers a profound and systematic approach to understanding the human condition, the universe, and our place within it. Through the Atma Bodha podcast, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Vedantic concepts of Atman (the individual self), Brahman (the ultimate reality), and the relationship between the two. You'll learn how to free yourself from limitations, cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness, and discover your true potential. Our podcast is designed to be a complete, step-by-step program that will take you on a transformative journey from your existing worldview to the worldview of an enlightened person. This comprehensive program will guide you through the following stages: - Understanding the fundamental principles of Vedanta and its relevance to modern life - Recognizing and challenging your existing assumptions and beliefs - Developing a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the universe - Discovering your true nature and purpose in life - Learning how to overcome limitations and achieve spiritual freedom - Cultivating inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment - Integrating the principles of Vedanta into your daily life and relationships - Achieving a profound shift in your perspective and understanding of the world - With new episodes released regularly, the Atma Bodha podcast is your companion on the path to enlightenment, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Our program is designed to be accessible, engaging, and easy to follow, making it an ideal resource for those seeking spiritual growth, self-awareness, and personal transformation. Tune in to the Atma Bodha podcast to: - Explore the nature of reality and the universe - Understand the concept of God and the ultimate truth - Discover your true nature and purpose in life - Learn how to overcome limitations and achieve spiritual freedom - Gain insights into the mysteries of life and death - Cultivate inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment - Join a community of like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth - Experience a profound transformation in your perspective and understanding of the world - Subscribe now and start your journey towards spiritual awakening and self-realization. Join us on this transformative journey and discover the peace, happiness, and fulfillment that comes from understanding the true nature of reality and your place within it. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

  1. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha Complete Summary – Revision of Main Ideas

    The Atma Bodha outlines the path to self-realization, beginning with the concept of mumuksu - one who recognizes that worldly pursuits don't provide lasting fulfillment. The qualified seeker must possess self-mastery and specific qualities (like alignment with dharma, emotional equilibrium, and lack of judgment). The text explains that liberation (moksha) comes not from adding to one's limited self, but by recognizing one's true unlimited nature through knowledge (not action). This knowledge must come from scripture (shastra) and leads to direct realization (aparoksha-jnanam). The text employs the method of Drk-drsya-viveka (subject-object discrimination) to reveal that Awareness (the Self) is distinct from body-mind conditions. It explains creation through Ishvara (knowledge-power in manifestation) and Brahman (unchanging reality), with maya as the intervening power that both manifests and veils reality. The individual (jiva) mistakes the five koshas (sheaths) for the Self, but through proper understanding (shravana, manana, nididhyasana), one realizes their true nature as pure Awareness, burning away karmas except prarabdha, while maintaining a deeper relationship with Ishvara. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    58 min

  2. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Self is Seen by the Eye of Wisdom – Personhood Falls Away - 10C

    Atmabodha, Verse 64: Whatever is seen or heard cannot exist apart from Brahman. Even when thinking of forms, one is thinking of Brahman, as both subject and object borrow existence from it – like dream objects borrowing from the same mind. Through knowledge, what was seen as world is recognized as non-dual existence-consciousness-limitless (sat-cit-ananda). Atmabodha, Verse 65: Though Atma is ever-present like the sun, it's seen only through the eye of wisdom (jnana-cakshu). It never gets displaced as it's the truth of time/space/objects. If one feels they must “hold onto it,” further notions need removal. Atmabodha, Verse 66: Through listening to scriptures (śravaṇa), the fire of knowledge purifies the jiva. Like gold ornament recognizing its true nature, jivatvam (status of being limited to body-mind) falls away while jiva continues.  Atmabodha, Verse 67-68: Self-knowledge moves from mind to heart, transforming one's entire life. Unlike philosophical knowledge where knower remains intact, Vedantic knowledge leads to major transformation – stronger connection to Ishvara, changed decisions, truth permeating all aspects. The wise person effortlessly appreciates the presence of Ishvara and Brahman, while playing roles temporarily. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    38 min

  3. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Method to Undo Mixup of Body-Mind & Awareness - 10B

    Atman Bodha, Verse 60: Brahman is the substratum of everything – neither a submarine below nor zeppelin above. It's beyond all attributes (neither small/big, short/long), without birth or change, free from color/attributes/positions/name. Don't discard mithya, as wherever mithya exists, satyam is present. Even the term “Brahman” is provisional. Atman Bodha, Verse 61: Brahman is that by which even the sun is illumined, while itself remaining unillumined by anything. As self-evident, self-revealing presence, it inheres in intelligence, sun, and all objects. Brahman is the light of all lights, the source of all manifestation. Atman Bodha, Verse 62: Like fire pervading a red-hot iron ball (anyonya–adhyasa), Brahman pervades everything inside and out. Just as the iron ball gains redness from fire and fire seems to take the ball's shape, body gains sentiency from Consciousness while Awareness seems to take on body's limitations. Atman Bodha, Verse 63: All forms are pervaded by all-knowledge-power (Ishvara), which has its being in unchanging Brahman. Unlike a scientist who recognizes “all is atoms” while excluding himself, a Vedantin includes both subject and object in recognizing “all is Awareness.” Nothing exists apart from Brahman – if anything appears separate, it's unreal like a mirage. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    44 min

  4. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Vaikuntha vs Brahman | Limitation of Heavenly Realms and Devatas - 10A

    Atman Bodha, Verse 58: All beings, including Brahmā and deities in higher lokas, experience only a fraction of Brahman's undivided happiness (ananda), through temporary seeker-sought resolution. Though higher lokas offer subtler pleasures, they remain limited due to avidya/adhyasa. As Kena Upanishad shows through Indra's story, moksha is unlikely in heaven due to being primarily a bhokta (enjoyer). The only solution is recognizing one's non-connection to the limited traveler (jiva), as moksha offers permanent seeker-sought resolution. Atman Bodha, Verse 59: Brahman pervades all objects and transactions like butter pervades milk. Whether in pitr loka (ancestral realm), insect, or Brahmā's form – the content is always Brahman. Self-evident Awareness constitutes every form while remaining free of all forms, never changing or having changed, thus findable here and now. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    55 min

  5. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Deeper Meaning of Sat-Chit-Ananda | Dvaita vs. Advaita - 9B

    Atman Bodha, Verse 54: Brahman is the ultimate gain beyond which nothing more can be attained. As Awareness, it includes everything and can't be improved upon. Unlike relative happiness from temporary seeker-sought resolution, the jnani enjoys permanent resolution. Self-knowledge is knowledge of the whole, not parts, and remains unchanging unlike endless relative knowledge. Atman Bodha, Verse 55: After recognizing Brahman, nothing remains to be seen. Additional pursuits become transactional rather than means of self-validation. Atman Bodhna, Verse 56: Brahman pervades all directions like space, whose truth is Ishvara, whose truth is Brahman. While dvaita sees real differences (bheda) between jiva–jiva, jiva–jagat, and jiva–ishvara — Advaita resolves all into one reality from different standpoints. The apparent distinctions of the world dissolve, as they have their being in Consciousness. Atman Bodha, Verse 57: Vedanta indicates Brahman through negation, using words not in their literal meaning (śabdārtha) but implied meaning (lakṣyārtha). “Existence” (sat) transcends time-space limitations, “Awareness” (cit) isn't confined to three bodies but is all-pervasive, and “Non-dual” (anantam/ananda) indicates that like space, nothing is outside sat–cit – everything is sat–cit. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    56 min

  6. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): How to Tell Who is an Enlightened/Liberated Person (Jivanmukti) - 9A

    Atma Bodha, Verse 53: For the jivanmukta, body-mind becomes an instrument for expressing fullness rather than gaining it. Though recognized as one with Ishvara, the body-mind remains limited (alpavid, alpa–shakti). Like a wave recognizing its water-nature while maintaining devotion to the Ocean, the jivanmukta maintains alignment with Ishvara's dharma, avoiding careless conduct. Upon videhamukti (death of body), with no more karma for rebirth, one merges completely like pot-water into total water. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    58 min

  7. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Wise Person May Behave as an Ignorant – Jnani Moves Like the Wind - 8C

    Atma Bodha, Verse 47: The perfect yogi sees the entire universe in their own Self through jñāna–cakṣu (eye of wisdom). Though perception remains, the jnani isn't fooled, understanding that Brahman manifests as many without undergoing any change. The many ultimately resolve into one. Atma Bodha, Verse 48: The entire universe is Atman alone, just as pots are only clay. Forms don't create real duality since they share one substance. After knowledge, one can cherish differences as Ishvara's glory without feeling small. Mithya doesn't affect satyam, so there's no need to “cross samsara” since everything is Ishvara. Atma Bodha, Verse 49: The jivanmukta gives up identification with previous upadhi (limiting adjunct) attributes, recognizing their true nature as sat–chit–ananda. After knowledge, attributes remain but no longer cover Atma. Like a larva becoming a butterfly, the seeker sheds the old self through consistent contemplation. Atma Bodha, Verses 50-52: After crossing the ocean of delusion and killing the monsters of likes-dislikes, the yogi rests in peace. Like Rama's journey to reclaim Sita, one crosses samsara through knowledge. The wise person remains unaffected by upadhis like space, moving freely like wind, acting from fullness rather than need. Though living with attributes, they remain unbound, setting loving boundaries while doing Ishvara's work. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    58 min

  8. 20 FEB

    Atma Bodha (Self-Knowledge): Upon Enlightenment, Nothing Changes & Ego Remains - 8B

    Atma Bodha, Verse 45: Due to beginningless ignorance connected to maya's avarana–shakti, one mistakes oneself to be the three bodies. Upon moksha, jiva doesn't disappear – only jivatvam (identification with 5 koshas) ends. Like mistaking a tree-trunk for a thief at night, non-apprehension of self's formless nature leads to attributing mental states onto it. Nothing needs to go away for Atma to emerge, as it's already all-pervasive. Atma Bodha, Verse 46: Knowledge removes errors through two types of adhyasa. In Sopadhika–adhyasa (based on Ishvara–srsti), perception remains while conclusions change – like understanding earth is round while still seeing it as flat. The empirical I-sense remains as mithya, but wrong conclusions about ego disappear. In Nirupadhika–adhyasa (based on jiva–srsti), both ignorance and perception change – like seeing a tree-trunk instead of imagined thief. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

    58 min
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About

Unlock the secrets to peace and happiness with the ancient science of Vedanta. Join us on the Atma Bodha podcast as we delve into the timeless wisdom of Bhagavan Sankaracharya's Atmabodha, expertly guided by Swami Dayananda's (Arsha Vidya) commentary. Taught by learned scholar and teacher of Indian spiritual knowledge, Andre Vas. This podcast is your gateway to understanding the subtle concepts of Vedanta, perfect for beginners and advanced seekers alike. With insightful commentary, striking examples, and ingenious poetry, we'll explore the path to self-discovery and spiritual growth, answering fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, the existence of God, and the mystery of life and death. Are you curious about the origins of the universe and the cosmos? Do you wonder about the nature of reality and the ultimate truth? Are you seeking answers to questions like 'What is my true nature?', 'What is the purpose of life?', and 'What happens after death?' Vedanta, an ancient Indian philosophy, offers a profound and systematic approach to understanding the human condition, the universe, and our place within it. Through the Atma Bodha podcast, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Vedantic concepts of Atman (the individual self), Brahman (the ultimate reality), and the relationship between the two. You'll learn how to free yourself from limitations, cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness, and discover your true potential. Our podcast is designed to be a complete, step-by-step program that will take you on a transformative journey from your existing worldview to the worldview of an enlightened person. This comprehensive program will guide you through the following stages: - Understanding the fundamental principles of Vedanta and its relevance to modern life - Recognizing and challenging your existing assumptions and beliefs - Developing a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the universe - Discovering your true nature and purpose in life - Learning how to overcome limitations and achieve spiritual freedom - Cultivating inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment - Integrating the principles of Vedanta into your daily life and relationships - Achieving a profound shift in your perspective and understanding of the world - With new episodes released regularly, the Atma Bodha podcast is your companion on the path to enlightenment, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Our program is designed to be accessible, engaging, and easy to follow, making it an ideal resource for those seeking spiritual growth, self-awareness, and personal transformation. Tune in to the Atma Bodha podcast to: - Explore the nature of reality and the universe - Understand the concept of God and the ultimate truth - Discover your true nature and purpose in life - Learn how to overcome limitations and achieve spiritual freedom - Gain insights into the mysteries of life and death - Cultivate inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment - Join a community of like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth - Experience a profound transformation in your perspective and understanding of the world - Subscribe now and start your journey towards spiritual awakening and self-realization. Join us on this transformative journey and discover the peace, happiness, and fulfillment that comes from understanding the true nature of reality and your place within it. See complete program by Andre Vas at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha/

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