A Rosary of Questions and Answers: Prashnottari of Acharya Shankara

by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda

Centuries ago, Shri Adi Shankara roamed the length and breadth of India with a group of sincere devotees, propagating the message of Advaita Vedanta, the belief that the atman (the soul) and God are one.

A Rosary of Questions and Answers: the Prashnottari of Acharya Shankara is a series of fundamental questions about the nature and reality of life, questions that were posed to the master by some of his most devout devotees.

To enhance a seeker’s understanding, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, offers his enlightening and thought-provoking commentary on this spiritual masterpiece.

217 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Rachel Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gems on a necklace indeed. I adored the structure of this book: beginning with the unedited Sanskrit, followed by a loose translation of the text, concluded by a more thorough interpretation of each verse. I kept updates with quotes, but some of the more potent sections related to limiting desire. I'd always thought of desire as something to be eliminated or self-flagellated for, but the concept of limiting, gently, as the ocean limits itself, was a wonderful new perspective. I maintain some healthy skepticism about how gender inclusive the lineage is, and certainly bristled at comparisons between wives and the unbridled mind that must be controlled, but I also accept the great lengths Paramahamsa Prajnanananda goes to to suggest that the heteronormative, male-centered language is, at its intended, essential core, inclusive. Many thanks for these writings. 4.5.