Atmatirtam - #books by Sri Nochur Venkataman on Adi Shankaracharya - in Tamil, Malayalam and English (the book is...
Atmatirtam - #books by Sri Nochur Venkataman on Adi Shankaracharya - in Tamil, Malayalam and English (the book is filled with many #sanskrit slokas from Acharya Shankara, Srimad Bhagavadam, etc.)
-------------------------------------------
This sacred book deals with the life and teachings of the Greatest Acharya of Hinduisim – Sri Sankara Bhagavadpada. This is not a historical biography of the Acharya, but a magnificient independent Vedantic epic. While unravelling the life of the great Master, sparks of profound spiritual insights flash forth. The Majesty of the teachings and the glory of the teacher open the sluice gates of deep peace and give the glimpse of our true nature. In the course of narration, the doubts that a seeker may have, regarding Vedanta and spiritual practices, are clarified. A devout reader of this text is sure to have the experience of the sacred pilgrimage along with the enlightened Sage, from Kerala to Kedar. Bhakti, Jnana and Vairgaya seep in to one’s heart while absorbing the divine life. In this, the divine story of the Acharya is freely rendered. More than facts, the highest goal, Self-realisation is always kept in the background of the subject matter. This indeed is the story of spiritual India, the story of Sanatana Dharma
I didn't know it is available in Malayalam also. My mom has got a copy in tamil, which I am not great at reading. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteWhat is important about the book is - as given in the Forward is...
ReplyDelete----------------------
"The author wisely avoids controversies like the period of Sankara, establishing of mutts, miracles which defy belief, the manner of the end of the avatar etc. However the real miracle of the Acharya's life and his tireless teaching of Self-knowledge are brought out perfectly. Backed by deep spiritual insight, written with great devotion, in a simple, elegant style, with a generous sprinkling of illustrations and a map of the period, this book is beyond doubt the most complete one on the life and teachings of the Jagad Guru"
-------------------------
My opinion on this -
Human tendency of twisting the facts due to any kind of devotion needs to be avoided, particularly when we deal with "Truth". This book does that wonderfully.
What appeals to me with respect to Ramanashram most is that - they have preserved all teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharishi, including all the hand written notes, photos, etc. in their archives. They are very careful in not allowing anyone to distort any fact or undue glorification of any single event in any manner - this I consider as true Bhakti. We need to look at our Acharyas and their teachings subjectively with Bakti and at the same time objectively with Viveka and not to distort or twist it to suit our ideas. Failing which we fall into the trap of blindness (ignorance). All our shastra including Bhagavadgita is against any form of ignorance.
This needs to be mentioned here because we have distorted and twisted the Tamil sacred texts like Tolkappiam (the mangala venpaa is removed), Tirukural (Parimelazhagar's commentary is twisted) and then Bharatiyar songs are twisted.