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Self-Knowledge: Atmabodha
Self-Knowledge is a translation by Swami Nikhilananda of the sacred text, Atmabodha, composed by the 8th century philosopher and mystic of India, Sankara. Self-Knowledge sets forth the principles of Non-dualistic the divinity of the soul, the unity of existence, the oneness of the Godhead, and the harmony of religions. As Swami Nikhilananda writes in the preface, "The very name of the book - Self-Knowledge - suggests its perennial interest and universal value. Self-Knowledge is vital. All other forms of knowledge are of secondary importance; for a man's action, feeling, reasoning, and thinking are dependent upon his idea of the Self. His view of life will be either materialistic or spiritual according to his conception of himself. Therefore it behooves everyone to cultivate Self-Knowledge at all times. Self-Knowledge serves the practical purpose of destroying pain and suffering (which are always caused by ignorance of the Self) and also the positive end of helping everyone enjoy supreme peace and blessedness here and always." This 246 page book contains an introduction (114 pages) on the philosophy of Non-dualistic Vedanta and an appendix with 14 of Sankara's spiritual hymns recited by countless Hindus during their daily devotions.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 800
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About the author
Adi Shankaracharya
241 books225 followersAdi Shankara(788 CE - 820 CE), also known as Śaṅkara Bhagavatpādācārya and Ādi Śaṅkarācārya was an Indian guru from Kalady of present day Kerala who consolidated the doctrine of advaita vedānta. His teachings are based on the unity of the ātman and brahman— non-dual brahman, in which brahman is viewed as nirguna brahman, brahman without attributes.
Shankara travelled across India and other parts of South Asia to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. He is reputed to have founded four mathas ("monasteries"), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara is believed to be the organizer of the Dashanami monastic order and the founder of the Shanmata tradition of worship.
His works in Sanskrit concern themselves with establishing the doctrine of advaita (nondualism). He also established the importance of monastic life as sanctioned in the Upanishads and Brahma Sutra, in a time when the Mimamsa school established strict ritualism and ridiculed monasticism. Shankara represented his works as elaborating on ideas found in the Upanishads, and he wrote copious commentaries on the Vedic canon (Brahma Sutra, principal upanishads and Bhagavad Gita) in support of his thesis. The main opponent in his work is the Mimamsa school of thought, though he also offers arguments against the views of some other schools like Samkhya and certain schools of Buddhism.
AKA Śaṅkarācārya; Śaṃkara; Śaṃkarācārya; Ṣaṅkara Āchārya; Shamkaracharya; Çamkara; Śaṃkara-bhagavat-pāda; Shankara; Çankara; Ādi Śaṅkara; Shankarâchârya; Śaṁkarācharya; Sankara; Shang-chieh-lo; Shangjieluo; Śankaracharya; Adi Sankar; Āticaṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Caṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Adi Sankaracharya; Āticaṅkar; Āticaṅkarācāriyar; Āticaṅkarar; Adi Sankaracarya; Adi Shankaracharya; Camkaracarya
Shankara travelled across India and other parts of South Asia to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. He is reputed to have founded four mathas ("monasteries"), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara is believed to be the organizer of the Dashanami monastic order and the founder of the Shanmata tradition of worship.
His works in Sanskrit concern themselves with establishing the doctrine of advaita (nondualism). He also established the importance of monastic life as sanctioned in the Upanishads and Brahma Sutra, in a time when the Mimamsa school established strict ritualism and ridiculed monasticism. Shankara represented his works as elaborating on ideas found in the Upanishads, and he wrote copious commentaries on the Vedic canon (Brahma Sutra, principal upanishads and Bhagavad Gita) in support of his thesis. The main opponent in his work is the Mimamsa school of thought, though he also offers arguments against the views of some other schools like Samkhya and certain schools of Buddhism.
AKA Śaṅkarācārya; Śaṃkara; Śaṃkarācārya; Ṣaṅkara Āchārya; Shamkaracharya; Çamkara; Śaṃkara-bhagavat-pāda; Shankara; Çankara; Ādi Śaṅkara; Shankarâchârya; Śaṁkarācharya; Sankara; Shang-chieh-lo; Shangjieluo; Śankaracharya; Adi Sankar; Āticaṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Caṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Adi Sankaracharya; Āticaṅkar; Āticaṅkarācāriyar; Āticaṅkarar; Adi Sankaracarya; Adi Shankaracharya; Camkaracarya
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 4, 2014
Its about Self-Knowledge written by Adisankara.
December 18, 2022
This classic text of Advaita Vedanta by Shankaracharya, along with the illuminating and colourful commentary by Swami Chinmayananda, is all one would ever need for Self realisation, if deeply contemplated and taken to heart. Fortunately, we have many more wonderful resources from this ancient tradition to aid our self enquiry, but truly, if we possessed only this one text, it would be enough to complete the (apparent) journey, such is its brilliance and comprehensiveness.
As an aside, the edition I read has a new, beautiful cover, as befits the content.
As an aside, the edition I read has a new, beautiful cover, as befits the content.
July 13, 2012
the best book ever. period.
December 7, 2020
The Atmabodha is one of the greatest texts from the great Advaita Vedanta sage, Shankara. In my opinion, Self-Knowledge could be Shankara's best work, even more so than the Vivekachudamani. He explains in fine detail the nature of Atman (undifferentiated consciousness) and Brahman (the Ultimate Reality for which Atman is identical). This is why the text is called Self-Knowledge, meaning Self with a capital S to denote the Atman which is Brahman. This Self is our true nature, but the problem is our ego becomes our ordinary initiator of consciousness which eclipses our recognition of our true nature. Self-Knowledge acts as a remedy for this hypnosis. As Shankara explains in the text, it is all well and good to practice Bhakti yoga (loving devotion to a deity) and Karma yoga (selfless and unselfish action), but if you don't practice Jnana yoga (path of knowledge and abidance in Brahman) then you won't have knowledge of the Self, which is why we are all born in the fist place according to Advaita Vedanta. What makes this particular translation special is Swami Nikhilananda's introduction. Personally, I find his translations the best when it comes to Vedanta, but his introduction in this book runs to page 114 and it is a deep teaching on Advaita Vedanta, one of the deepest actually. He explains almost everything anyone needs to know in 114 pages. This text is a must read for anyone interested in understanding their true nature.
April 24, 2012
First 120 pages are the best introduction to Avdaita I have read. The rest is excellent commentary on the 8th century scriptures of Sri Shankaracharya, Atma Bodh (Self Knowledge)
June 12, 2020
Good source on Advaita (non-dual) Vedanta with many references to Upanishads. I would give Swami Nikhilananda author credit, as the book is Swami N's commentary on Sankara's "Atmabodha" and auto-commentary. I read Swami N's 4-volume commentary on Upanishads before reading this volume, but this book would serve well as a starting point.
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July 16, 2023Ātmabodh is a "Prakarṇa grantha" meaning it is an introductory text into Advaita Philosophy. Such texts are meant to be read before you can begin reading the actual scriptures on Vedanta, known as "Prasthana Trayi". The core scriptures consist of Brahma Sutras, Upanishads and Bhagawad Gita. Before reading these, there are some concepts that need to be defined. It is only after you know these definitions that you'll understand the "Prasthana Trayi" scriptures properly.
Why are definitions important? Because particular words can have different meanings given the context. For example in Sankya Philosophy we have the concept of the Self (loosely translated as "Soul" but not be confused with how Abrahmic religions interpret it) which is known as "Purusha". But in Vedanta, this concept is known as "Ātman". Both are infinite, attribute-less entities but whilst "Purusha" is separate from material reality (known as "Prakriti"), the "Ātman" is actually the material cause of the material reality.
Hence, it becomes instrumental to explain such basic concepts before you can dive into the actual philosophy. Nevertheless, Ātmabodh is a text that can be useful even if you decide that going too deep into "Prasthana Trayi" is not your thing. According to some scholars, it is possible that Ātmabodh wasn't written by Ādi Shankaracharya since it slightly focuses on Karma Yoga. It doesn't matter though since Ātmabodh still captures the essence of Advaita Vedanta.
Why are definitions important? Because particular words can have different meanings given the context. For example in Sankya Philosophy we have the concept of the Self (loosely translated as "Soul" but not be confused with how Abrahmic religions interpret it) which is known as "Purusha". But in Vedanta, this concept is known as "Ātman". Both are infinite, attribute-less entities but whilst "Purusha" is separate from material reality (known as "Prakriti"), the "Ātman" is actually the material cause of the material reality.
Hence, it becomes instrumental to explain such basic concepts before you can dive into the actual philosophy. Nevertheless, Ātmabodh is a text that can be useful even if you decide that going too deep into "Prasthana Trayi" is not your thing. According to some scholars, it is possible that Ātmabodh wasn't written by Ādi Shankaracharya since it slightly focuses on Karma Yoga. It doesn't matter though since Ātmabodh still captures the essence of Advaita Vedanta.
August 24, 2018
A really short poem on Advaita Vedanta by Adi Shankara himself. It is beautiful, but I gave it 4 stars because I did not learn anything new from it—maybe because I've already read a few Advaita books that summarise Shankara's thought, so now reading the original material feels redundant. Nevertheless, it barely took me 15 minutes to read this and I'll be moving on to the Upanishads in some time.
January 6, 2014
Único e inigualable. Este tratado preliminar de vedanta advaita (prakaranagranta) es de lectura obligatoria para todo aquel que se decida, con un corazón humilde, a emprender un camino hacia el interior de si mismo.
January 22, 2025
Shankaracharya describes the Atman as the eternal, unchanging essence of one's being. He distinguishes it from the body, mind, intellect, and ego, emphasizing its nature as pure consciousness. The text employs various analogies to illustrate this concept, such as comparing the Self to a lamp inside a jar, shining inwardly.
A central tenet of Atmabodha is the idea that the perceived duality between the individual self and the universal Self (Brahman) is an illusion. Shankaracharya argues that this misconception arises due to ignorance (avidya) and conditioning (upadhis). The text outlines a path to self-realization through discriminative self-analysis and logical thinking. It encourages the seeker to separate the pure Self from the various sheaths (koshas) that obscure its true nature.
Atmabodha presents a systematic exposition of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It asserts that Brahman alone is real, while the phenomenal world is ultimately an illusion. The text argues for the fundamental unity of individual consciousness (Atman) with universal consciousness (Brahman).
Shankaracharya's approach in Atmabodha is both intellectual and experiential. While he employs logical arguments and analogies, he also emphasizes that mere intellectual understanding is insufficient. True self-realization, according to the text, involves a transformative experience that transcends conceptual knowledge.
The text is composed in a clear, accessible style, making it an ideal primer for students of Vedanta. It follows a logical progression, beginning with the nature of knowledge and liberation, moving through the concepts of Self and Brahman, and culminating in the state of self-realization.
Shankaracharya employs various literary devices, including metaphors and analogies, to elucidate abstract concepts. For instance, he compares the process of self-realization to separating rice from its husk.
Atmabodha continues to be a significant text in the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta. Its concise yet comprehensive nature makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced practitioners of this philosophical tradition. The text's emphasis on self-inquiry and discrimination between the real and unreal has influenced numerous spiritual teachers and movements. Its teachings on the nature of consciousness and reality continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions on philosophy and spirituality.
Atmabodha stands as a testament to Adi Shankaracharya's philosophical acumen and his ability to distill complex metaphysical concepts into accessible wisdom. It remains a cornerstone text for those seeking to understand the nature of the Self and the path to spiritual liberation within the Advaita Vedanta tradition.
A central tenet of Atmabodha is the idea that the perceived duality between the individual self and the universal Self (Brahman) is an illusion. Shankaracharya argues that this misconception arises due to ignorance (avidya) and conditioning (upadhis). The text outlines a path to self-realization through discriminative self-analysis and logical thinking. It encourages the seeker to separate the pure Self from the various sheaths (koshas) that obscure its true nature.
Atmabodha presents a systematic exposition of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It asserts that Brahman alone is real, while the phenomenal world is ultimately an illusion. The text argues for the fundamental unity of individual consciousness (Atman) with universal consciousness (Brahman).
Shankaracharya's approach in Atmabodha is both intellectual and experiential. While he employs logical arguments and analogies, he also emphasizes that mere intellectual understanding is insufficient. True self-realization, according to the text, involves a transformative experience that transcends conceptual knowledge.
The text is composed in a clear, accessible style, making it an ideal primer for students of Vedanta. It follows a logical progression, beginning with the nature of knowledge and liberation, moving through the concepts of Self and Brahman, and culminating in the state of self-realization.
Shankaracharya employs various literary devices, including metaphors and analogies, to elucidate abstract concepts. For instance, he compares the process of self-realization to separating rice from its husk.
Atmabodha continues to be a significant text in the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta. Its concise yet comprehensive nature makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced practitioners of this philosophical tradition. The text's emphasis on self-inquiry and discrimination between the real and unreal has influenced numerous spiritual teachers and movements. Its teachings on the nature of consciousness and reality continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions on philosophy and spirituality.
Atmabodha stands as a testament to Adi Shankaracharya's philosophical acumen and his ability to distill complex metaphysical concepts into accessible wisdom. It remains a cornerstone text for those seeking to understand the nature of the Self and the path to spiritual liberation within the Advaita Vedanta tradition.
February 21, 2023
Una maravilla, al fin termino un libro de los 10000 que he empezado este año.
Doctrina védica no dualista en 68 sutras. Sobre la liberación mediante el autoconocimiento. Es breve pero completísimo. Shankara (autor original del texto) s.8 d.C, utiliza muchas metáforas para hacer comprensibles sus razonamientos, por lo que no resulta un texto oscuro. A mi juicio, la traducción paso a paso y las explicaciones de Chinmayananda esclarecen y completan su contenido. Para el lector occidental es insospechada, incluso para el versado en lecturas arduas, la profunda antropología sobre la que se edifican los preceptos morales como la meditación y el autoconocimiento.
No os fieis de quien reniege de estas filosofías desechándolas como mera autoayuda. Simplemente no ha leído.
Es dificil introducirse a tradiciones con un corpus tan inmenso, así que agradezco a los maestros (como Chinmayananda o Mohanty) el facilitar traducciones y comentarios. Excluir este saber de las aulas es criminal.
Doctrina védica no dualista en 68 sutras. Sobre la liberación mediante el autoconocimiento. Es breve pero completísimo. Shankara (autor original del texto) s.8 d.C, utiliza muchas metáforas para hacer comprensibles sus razonamientos, por lo que no resulta un texto oscuro. A mi juicio, la traducción paso a paso y las explicaciones de Chinmayananda esclarecen y completan su contenido. Para el lector occidental es insospechada, incluso para el versado en lecturas arduas, la profunda antropología sobre la que se edifican los preceptos morales como la meditación y el autoconocimiento.
No os fieis de quien reniege de estas filosofías desechándolas como mera autoayuda. Simplemente no ha leído.
Es dificil introducirse a tradiciones con un corpus tan inmenso, así que agradezco a los maestros (como Chinmayananda o Mohanty) el facilitar traducciones y comentarios. Excluir este saber de las aulas es criminal.
May 24, 2023
An enlightening guidebook on Self-Inquiry that is compact and self-sufficient.
Ᾱtmabodha is an introductory text to Vedānta. Ᾱdi Śaṅkarācārya as a poet has succeeded in painting the ideals of Vedānta with beautiful examples and similes. The poet in Śaṅkara revels in these sixty-eight verses. There is no verse here which does not have a simile. Each is a picture, a sure and striking example. These examples are real hammer strokes that nail the ideals of Vedānta on to the student's mind. They are all such striking examples, so pregnant with suggestions, that to ruminate upon them is in itself a profitable meditation.
This is a wonderful book for perpetual studying and reflecting that any seeker will find extremely helpful.
Ᾱtmabodha is an introductory text to Vedānta. Ᾱdi Śaṅkarācārya as a poet has succeeded in painting the ideals of Vedānta with beautiful examples and similes. The poet in Śaṅkara revels in these sixty-eight verses. There is no verse here which does not have a simile. Each is a picture, a sure and striking example. These examples are real hammer strokes that nail the ideals of Vedānta on to the student's mind. They are all such striking examples, so pregnant with suggestions, that to ruminate upon them is in itself a profitable meditation.
This is a wonderful book for perpetual studying and reflecting that any seeker will find extremely helpful.
December 20, 2019
Yes, I "read" the Atmabodha by Shankaracarya in this edition, but this is the kind of text one needs to study over a lifetime. The text gives the essence of jñana yoga or the path of wisdom. Swami Chinmayananda gives a brief and clear commentary to each sutra.
This text may be challenging for a newcomer to yoga philosophy, but it is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone who is familiar with the Bhagavad Gita or the principal upanishads.
This text may be challenging for a newcomer to yoga philosophy, but it is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone who is familiar with the Bhagavad Gita or the principal upanishads.
June 15, 2020
A good entry text into Vedanta since every verse uses a simile to illustrate its point. The book will still need a lot of prior context to appreciate or even understand. So it is best suited for people with prior interest and knowledge of Vedanta. For a layperson, the book would be 68 different ways of saying "You are the Universe."
My biggest takeaway was to contemplate that which powers thoughts, words and actions.
My biggest takeaway was to contemplate that which powers thoughts, words and actions.
June 5, 2022
A lovely illustration of Advaita rife with wisdom and forever relevant verses one can use to apply to their inner world on the path to spirituality and peace. I found it very telling that Renè’s Guenon Crisis Of The Modern World ends with Vincit Omnia Veritas and this book ends with Om Tat Sat which I chose to read at the same time on an absolute whim.
Truth conquers all
Absolute truth, It that is
Ipsum esse subsistens
Truth conquers all
Absolute truth, It that is
Ipsum esse subsistens
September 9, 2023
A seemingly small book but requires a lot of rereading and contemplation to really begin to understand the contents. Being new to Vedanta, I felt like this book was able to clarify a lot of concepts with reiterations that were helpful in driving the point across. Definitely a must read for people who have burning questions about the meaning/purpose of life and existence!
January 18, 2025
If you want to understand Advaita Vedanta and tend to think in images and analogies, this is the book for you. The imagery is truly beautiful. However, if you need to understand things systematically first, then Tattva Bodha is a good starting point. Whatever order you choose, I recommend reading both as a foundation for any further Advaitic studies.
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March 20, 2020Very Good Book for those who are in search for spiritual wisdom..
August 26, 2020
A soul pleasing book. I want to read it again and again.
July 7, 2021
After reading each section, you feel like you've meditated for a while. Definitely need a few more re-reads.
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June 13, 2022I am Radhakrishnan, from Vasai, Maharashtra, India wants to learn Advaita Philosophy.
Please allow me to read this book at your earliest.
Please allow me to read this book at your earliest.
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March 17, 2023...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2025
otra recomendación por alguien muy especial, siempre voy a volver a este libro. siempre es necesario volver a este libro
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August 23, 2023Swami Nikhilananda and Swami Chinmayananda
May 30, 2025
“Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with ignorance. Knowledge alone destroys ignorance, as light destroys dense darkness” (120)
November 20, 2023
Wonderful book ! Best book to read after tatvabodh…. Wonderful allusions towards reality…. Swamijis commentary makes it more awesome…. Acharya Prashants book on Atmabodh and tatvabodh wonderfully complements these books….
October 14, 2025
Fantastic, but I was only able to understand when I read the 3 other books, in this order first, along with Swami Sarvapriyananda Jee's YouTube videos for each verse of all the four books, in this sequence, from the Southern California Society of Vedanta, CA & NYC.
1st - Tattvabodtha of Sri Sankaracharya
2nd - Drig Drashya Viveka of Sri Sankaracharya
3rd - Aparoksanubhuti: Self-Realization of Sri Sankaracharya
4th finally : Self-Knowledge: Atmabodha - of Sri Sankaracharya
The small size of these textbooks is misleading. It took me nearly 16 months to finish, but the efforts were worth it being a Vedanta-Veda student.
WoW Swami Shankaracharya for creating the medical terminology booklets style key terms explanations, before we can embark on Veda Studies. No wonder these are called prarabdh grantha (before reading the Scripture, learn vocabulary). I'm truly in bliss!
1st - Tattvabodtha of Sri Sankaracharya
2nd - Drig Drashya Viveka of Sri Sankaracharya
3rd - Aparoksanubhuti: Self-Realization of Sri Sankaracharya
4th finally : Self-Knowledge: Atmabodha - of Sri Sankaracharya
The small size of these textbooks is misleading. It took me nearly 16 months to finish, but the efforts were worth it being a Vedanta-Veda student.
WoW Swami Shankaracharya for creating the medical terminology booklets style key terms explanations, before we can embark on Veda Studies. No wonder these are called prarabdh grantha (before reading the Scripture, learn vocabulary). I'm truly in bliss!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews