Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Atmabodha (literally "Self-knowledge" or "Awakening of the Soul") is a foundational text of Advaita Vedanta (non-dual Hindu philosophy) traditionally attributed to the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The word combines Atman (the true, eternal Self or soul) and Bodha (knowledge, awakening, or realization).
The Philosophy of Atmabodha
At its core, Atmabodha explains that human suffering is caused by avidya (spiritual ignorance), which makes people falsely identify with their body, mind, and ego. The text teaches that the true Self is pure, infinite consciousness. By removing this ignorance through knowledge and self-inquiry, one achieves moksha (spiritual liberation).
Structure of the Text
The Treatise: It consists of 68 Sanskrit verses that act as a concise manual for spiritual seekers.Accessible Metaphors: It is heavily praised for making complex metaphysical truths simple through analogies (e.g., how the true sun is revealed when clouds disperse, or how a rope can be mistakenly perceived as a snake in the dark).Key TeachingsKnowledge Alone Liberates: Unlike paths that rely solely on ritualistic actions, Atmabodha argues that liberating wisdom is the direct tool to destroy ignorance.
The Witness: The true Atman is the silent, actionless witness of all mental and physical experiences, and it remains completely unaffected by them.Oneness with the Divine: Once the illusion of separation falls away, the individual soul realizes its ultimate non-difference from Brahman (the supreme, universal reality).
Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Verse #1
बोधोऽन्यसाधनेभ्यो हि साक्षान्मोक्षैकसाधनम् |
पाकस्य वह्निवज्ज्ञानं विना मोक्षो न सिध्यति ॥२॥ ||
bodho'nyasādhanebhyo hi sākṣānmokṣaikasādhanam | pākasya vahnivajjñānaṃ vinā mokṣo na sidhyati ..2.. ||
bodho'nyasadhanebhyo hi saksanmoksaikasadhanam | pakasya vahnivajjnana vina mokso na sidhyati ..2.. ||
2. Just as the fire is the direct cause for cooking, so without Knowledge no emancipation can be had. Compared with all other forms of discipline Knowledge of the Self is the one direct means for liberation.
Verse #2
अविरोधितया कर्म नाविद्यां विनिवर्तयेत् |
विद्याऽविद्यां निहन्त्येव तेजस्तिमिरसङ्घवत् ॥३॥ ||
avirodhitayā karma nāvidyāṃ vinivartayet | vidyā'vidyāṃ nihantyeva tejastimirasaṅghavat ..3.. ||
avirodhitaya karma navidya vinivartayet | vidya'vidya nihantyeva tejastimirasanghavat ..3.. ||
3. Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance. Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness.
Verse #3
परिच्छिन्न इवाज्ञानात्तन्नाशे सति केवलः |
स्वयं प्रकाशते ह्यात्मा मेघापायेंऽशुमानिव ॥४॥ ||
paricchinna ivājñānāttannāśe sati kevalaḥ | svayaṃ prakāśate hyātmā meghāpāyeṃ'śumāniva ..4.. ||
paricchinna ivajnanattannase sati kevala | svaya prakasate hyatma meghapaye'sumaniva ..4.. ||
4. The Soul appears to be finite because of ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed the Self which does not admit of any multiplicity truly reveals itself by itself: like the Sun when the clouds pass away.
Verse #4
अज्ञानकलुषं जीवं ज्ञानाभ्यासाद्विनिर्मलम् |
कृत्वा ज्ञानं स्वयं नश्येज्जलं कतकरेणुवत् ॥५॥ ||
ajñānakaluṣaṃ jīvaṃ jñānābhyāsādvinirmalam | kṛtvā jñānaṃ svayaṃ naśyejjalaṃ katakareṇuvat ..5.. ||
ajnanakalusa jiva jnanabhyasadvinirmalam | ktva jnana svaya nasyejjala katakarenuvat ..5.. ||
5. Constant practice of knowledge purifies the Self ('Jivatman'), stained by ignorance and then disappears itself - as the powder of the'Kataka-nut' settles down after it has cleansed the muddy water.
Verse #5
संसारः स्वप्नतुल्यो हि रागद्वेषादिसङ्कुलः |
स्वकाले सत्यवद्भाति प्रबोधे सत्यसद्भवेत् ॥६॥ ||
saṃsāraḥ svapnatulyo hi rāgadveṣādisaṅkulaḥ | svakāle satyavadbhāti prabodhe satyasadbhavet ..6.. ||
sasara svapnatulyo hi ragadvesadisankula | svakale satyavadbhati prabodhe satyasadbhavet ..6.. ||
6. The world which is full of attachments, aversions, etc., is like a dream. It appears to be real, as long as it continues but appears to be unreal when one is awake (i.e., when true wisdom dawns).
Verse #6
तावत्सत्यं जगद्भाति शुक्तिकारजतं यथा |
यावन्न ज्ञायते ब्रह्म सर्वाधिष्ठानमद्वयम् ॥७॥ ||
tāvatsatyaṃ jagadbhāti śuktikārajataṃ yathā | yāvanna jñāyate brahma sarvādhiṣṭhānamadvayam ..7.. ||
tavatsatya jagadbhati suktikarajata yatha | yavanna jnayate brahma sarvadhisthanamadvayam ..7.. ||
7. The Jagat appears to be true (Satyam) so long as Brahman, the substratum, the basis of all this creation, is not realised. It is like the illusion of silver in the mother-of pearl.
Verse #7
उपादानेऽखिलाधारे जगन्ति परमेश्वरे |
सर्गस्थितिलयान् यान्ति बुद्बुदानीव वारिणि ॥८॥ ||
upādāne'khilādhāre jaganti parameśvare | sargasthitilayān yānti budbudānīva vāriṇi ..8.. ||
upadane'khiladhare jaganti paramesvare | sargasthitilayan yanti budbudaniva varini ..8.. ||
8. Like bubbles in the water, the worlds rise, exist and dissolve in the Supreme Self, which is the material cause and the prop of everything.
Verse #8
सच्चिदात्मन्यनुस्यूते नित्ये विष्णौ प्रकल्पिताः |
व्यक्तयो विविधाः सर्वा हाटके कटकादिवत् ॥९॥ ||
saccidātmanyanusyūte nitye viṣṇau prakalpitāḥ | vyaktayo vividhāḥ sarvā hāṭake kaṭakādivat ..9.. ||
saccidatmanyanusyute nitye visnau prakalpita | vyaktayo vividha sarva hatake katakadivat ..9.. ||
9. All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All-pervading Vishnu, whose nature is Existence-Intelligence; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold.
Verse #9
नानोपाधिवशादेव जातिवर्णाश्रमादयः |
आत्मन्यारोपितास्तोये रसवर्णादि भेदवत् ॥११॥ ||
nānopādhivaśādeva jātivarṇāśramādayaḥ | ātmanyāropitāstoye rasavarṇādi bhedavat ..11.. ||
nanopadhivasadeva jativarnasramadaya | atmanyaropitastoye rasavarnadi bhedavat ..11.. ||
11. Because of Its association with different conditionings (Upadhis) such ideas as caste, colour and position are super-imposed upon the Atman, as flavour, colour, etc., are super-imposed on water.
Verse #10
पंचीकृतमहाभूतसंभवं कर्मसंचितम् |
शरीरं सुखदुःखानां भोगायतनमुच्यते ॥१२॥ ||
paṃcīkṛtamahābhūtasaṃbhavaṃ karmasaṃcitam | śarīraṃ sukhaduḥkhānāṃ bhogāyatanamucyate ..12.. ||
paciktamahabhutasabhava karmasacitam | sarira sukhadukhana bhogayatanamucyate ..12.. ||
12. Determined for each individual by his own past actions and made up of the Five elements - that have gone through the process of "five-fold self-division and mutual combination" (Pancheekarana) - are born the gross-body, the medium through which pleasure and pain are experienced, the tent-of-experiences.
Verse #11
पंचप्राणमनोबुद्धिदशेन्द्रियसमन्वितम् |
अपंचीकृतभूतोत्थं सूक्ष्माङ्गं भोगसाधनम् ॥१३॥ ||
paṃcaprāṇamanobuddhidaśendriyasamanvitam | apaṃcīkṛtabhūtotthaṃ sūkṣmāṅgaṃ bhogasādhanam ..13.. ||
pacapranamanobuddhidasendriyasamanvitam | apaciktabhutottha suksmanga bhogasadhanam ..13.. ||
13. The five Pranas, the ten organs and the Manas and the Buddhi, formed from the rudimentary elements (Tanmatras) before their "five-fold division and mutual combination with one another" (Pancheekarana) and this is the subtle body, the instruments-of-experience (of the individual).
Verse #12
अनाद्यविद्याऽनिर्वाच्या कारणोपाधिरुच्यते |
उपाधित्रितयादन्यमात्मानमवधारयेत् ॥१४॥ ||
anādyavidyā'nirvācyā kāraṇopādhirucyate | upādhitritayādanyamātmānamavadhārayet ..14.. ||
anadyavidya'nirvacya karanopadhirucyate | upadhitritayadanyamatmanamavadharayet ..14.. ||
14. Avidya which is indescribable and beginningless is the Causal Body. Know for certain that the Atman is other than these three conditioning bodies (Upadhis).
Verse #13
पंचकोशादियोगेन तत्तन्मय इव स्थितः |
शुद्धात्मा नीलवस्त्रादियोगेन स्फटिको यथा ॥१५॥ ||
paṃcakośādiyogena tattanmaya iva sthitaḥ | śuddhātmā nīlavastrādiyogena sphaṭiko yathā ..15.. ||
pacakosadiyogena tattanmaya iva sthita | suddhatma nilavastradiyogena sphatiko yatha ..15.. ||
15. In its identification with the five-sheaths the Immaculate Atman appears to have borrowed their qualities upon Itself; as in the case of a crystal which appears to gather unto itself colour of its vicinity (blue cloth, etc.,).
Verse #14
वपुस्तुषादिभिः कोशैर्युक्तं युक्त्यवघाततः |
आत्मानमन्तरं शुद्धं विविच्यात्तण्डुलं यथा ॥१६॥ ||
vapustuṣādibhiḥ kośairyuktaṃ yuktyavaghātataḥ | ātmānamantaraṃ śuddhaṃ vivicyāttaṇḍulaṃ yathā ..16.. ||
vapustusadibhi kosairyukta yuktyavaghatata | atmanamantara suddha vivicyattanula yatha ..16.. ||
16. Through discriminative self-analysis and logical thinking one should separate the Pure self within from the sheaths as one separates the rice from the husk, bran, etc., that are covering it.
Verse #15
सदा सर्वगतोऽप्यात्मा न सर्वत्रावभासते |
बुद्धावेवावभासेत स्वच्छेषु प्रतिबिम्बवत् ॥१७॥ ||
sadā sarvagato'pyātmā na sarvatrāvabhāsate | buddhāvevāvabhāseta svaccheṣu pratibimbavat ..17.. ||
sada sarvagato'pyatma na sarvatravabhasate | buddhavevavabhaseta svacchesu pratibimbavat ..17.. ||
17. The Atman does not shine in everything although He is All-pervading. He is manifest only in the inner equipment, the intellect (Buddhi): just as the reflection in a clean mirror.
Verse #16
देहेन्द्रियमनोबुद्धिप्रकृतिभ्यो विलक्षणम् |
तद्वृत्तिसाक्षिणं विद्यादात्मानं राजवत्सदा ॥१८॥ ||
dehendriyamanobuddhiprakṛtibhyo vilakṣaṇam | tadvṛttisākṣiṇaṃ vidyādātmānaṃ rājavatsadā ..18.. ||
dehendriyamanobuddhipraktibhyo vilaksanam | tadvttisaksina vidyadatmana rajavatsada ..18.. ||
18. One should understand that the Atman is always like the King, distinct from the body, senses, mind and intellect, all of which constitute the matter (Prakriti); and is the witness of their functions.
Verse #17
व्यापृतेष्विन्द्रियेष्वात्मा व्यापारीवाविवेकिनाम् |
दृश्यतेऽभ्रेषु धावत्सु धावन्निव यथा शशी ॥१९॥ ||
vyāpṛteṣvindriyeṣvātmā vyāpārīvāvivekinām | dṛśyate'bhreṣu dhāvatsu dhāvanniva yathā śaśī ..19.. ||
vyaptesvindriyesvatma vyaparivavivekinam | dsyate'bhresu dhavatsu dhavanniva yatha sasi ..19.. ||
19. The moon appears to be running when the clouds move in the sky. Likewise to the non-discriminating person the Atman appears to be active when It is observed through the functions of the sense-organs.
Verse #18
आत्मचैतन्यमाश्रित्य देहेन्द्रियमनोधियः। |
स्वकीयार्थेषु वर्तन्ते सूर्यालोकं यथा जनाः ॥२०॥ ||
ātmacaitanyamāśritya dehendriyamanodhiyaḥ. | svakīyārtheṣu vartante sūryālokaṃ yathā janāḥ ..20.. ||
atmacaitanyamasritya dehendriyamanodhiya. | svakiyarthesu vartante suryaloka yatha jana ..20.. ||
20. Depending upon the energy of vitality of Consciousness (Atma Chaitanya) the body, senses, mind and intellect engage themselves in their respective activities, just as men work depending upon the light of the Sun.
Verse #19
अज्ञानान्मानसोपाधेः कर्तृत्वादीनि चात्मनि। |
कल्प्यन्तेऽम्बुगते चन्द्रे चलनादि यथाम्भसः ॥२२॥ ||
ajñānānmānasopādheḥ kartṛtvādīni cātmani. | kalpyante'mbugate candre calanādi yathāmbhasaḥ ..22.. ||
ajnananmanasopadhe karttvadini catmani. | kalpyante'mbugate candre calanadi yathambhasa ..22.. ||
22. The tremblings that belong to the waters are attributed through ignorance to the reflected moon dancing on it: likewise agency of action, of enjoyment and of other limitations (which really belong to the mind) are delusively understood as the nature of the Self (Atman).
Verse #20
रागेच्छासुखदुःखादि बुद्धौ सत्यां प्रवर्तते |
सुषुप्तौ नास्ति तन्नाशे तस्माद्बुद्धेस्तु नात्मनः ॥२३॥ ||
rāgecchāsukhaduḥkhādi buddhau satyāṃ pravartate | suṣuptau nāsti tannāśe tasmādbuddhestu nātmanaḥ ..23.. ||
ragecchasukhadukhadi buddhau satya pravartate | susuptau nasti tannase tasmadbuddhestu natmana ..23.. ||
23. Attachment, desire, pleasure, pain, etc., are perceived to exist so long as Buddhi or mind functions. They are not perceived in deep sleep when the mind ceases to exist. Therefore they belong to the mind alone and not to the Atman.
Verse #21
प्रकाशोऽर्कस्य तोयस्य शैत्यमग्नेर्यथोष्णता |
स्वभावः सच्चिदानन्दनित्यनिर्मलतात्मनः ॥२४॥ ||
prakāśo'rkasya toyasya śaityamagneryathoṣṇatā | svabhāvaḥ saccidānandanityanirmalatātmanaḥ ..24.. ||
prakaso'rkasya toyasya saityamagneryathosnata | svabhava saccidanandanityanirmalatatmana ..24.. ||
24. Just as luminosity is the nature of the Sun, coolness of water and heat of fire, so too the nature of the Atman is Eternity, Purity, Reality, Consciousness and Bliss.
Verse #22
आत्मनः सच्चिदंशश्च बुद्धेर्वृत्तिरिति द्वयम् |
संयोज्य चाविवेकेन जानामीति प्रवर्तते ॥२५॥ ||
ātmanaḥ saccidaṃśaśca buddhervṛttiriti dvayam | saṃyojya cāvivekena jānāmīti pravartate ..25.. ||
atmana saccidasasca buddhervttiriti dvayam | sayojya cavivekena janamiti pravartate ..25.. ||
25. By the indiscriminate blending of the two - the Existence-Knowledge-aspect of the Self and the thought-wave of the intellect - there arises the notion of "I know".
Verse #23
आत्मनो विक्रिया नास्ति बुद्धेर्बोधो न जात्विति |
जीवः सर्वमलं ज्ञात्वा ज्ञाता द्रष्टेति मुह्यति ॥२६॥ ||
ātmano vikriyā nāsti buddherbodho na jātviti | jīvaḥ sarvamalaṃ jñātvā jñātā draṣṭeti muhyati ..26.. ||
atmano vikriya nasti buddherbodho na jatviti | jiva sarvamala jnatva jnata drasteti muhyati ..26.. ||
26. Atman never does anything and the intellect of its own accord has no capacity to experience'I know'. But the individuality in us delusorily thinks he is himself the seer and the knower.
Verse #24
रज्जुसर्पवदात्मानं जीवं ज्ञात्वा भयं वहेत् |
नाहं जीवः परात्मेति ज्ञातं चेन्निर्भयो भवेत् ॥२७॥ ||
rajjusarpavadātmānaṃ jīvaṃ jñātvā bhayaṃ vahet | nāhaṃ jīvaḥ parātmeti jñātaṃ cennirbhayo bhavet ..27.. ||
rajjusarpavadatmana jiva jnatva bhaya vahet | naha jiva paratmeti jnata cennirbhayo bhavet ..27.. ||
27. Just as the person who regards a rope as a snake is overcome by fear, so also one considering oneself as the ego (Jiva) is overcome by fear. The ego-centric individuality in us regains fearlessness by realising that It is not a Jiva but is Itself the Supreme Soul.
Verse #25
आत्मावभासयत्येको बुद्ध्यादीनीन्द्रियाण्यपि |
दीपो घटादिवत्स्वात्मा जडैस्तैर्नावभास्यते ॥२८॥ ||
ātmāvabhāsayatyeko buddhyādīnīndriyāṇyapi | dīpo ghaṭādivatsvātmā jaḍaistairnāvabhāsyate ..28.. ||
atmavabhasayatyeko buddhyadinindriyanyapi | dipo ghatadivatsvatma jaaistairnavabhasyate ..28.. ||
28. Just as a lamp illumines a jar or a pot, so also the Atman illumines the mind and the sense organs, etc. These material-objects by themselves cannot illumine themselves because they are inert.
Verse #26
स्वबोधे नान्यबोधेच्छा बोधरूपतयात्मनः |
न दीपस्यान्यदीपेच्छा यथा स्वात्मप्रकाशने ॥२९॥ ||
svabodhe nānyabodhecchā bodharūpatayātmanaḥ | na dīpasyānyadīpecchā yathā svātmaprakāśane ..29.. ||
svabodhe nanyabodheccha bodharupatayatmana | na dipasyanyadipeccha yatha svatmaprakasane ..29.. ||
29. A lighted-lamp does not need another lamp to illumine its light. So too, Atman which is Knowledge itself needs no other knowledge to know it.
Verse #27
निषिध्य निखिलोपाधीन्नेति नेतीति वाक्यतः |
विद्यादैक्यं महावाक्यैर्जीवात्मपरमात्मनोः ॥३०॥ ||
niṣidhya nikhilopādhīnneti netīti vākyataḥ | vidyādaikyaṃ mahāvākyairjīvātmaparamātmanoḥ ..30.. ||
nisidhya nikhilopadhinneti netiti vakyata | vidyadaikya mahavakyairjivatmaparamatmano ..30.. ||
30. By a process of negation of the conditionings (Upadhis) through the help of the scriptural statement'It is not this, It is not this', the oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, as indicated by the great Mahavakyas, has to be realised.
Verse #28
आविद्यकं शरीरादि दृश्यं बुद्बुदवत्क्षरम् |
एतद्विलक्षणं विद्यादहं ब्रह्मेति निर्मलम् ॥३१॥ ||
āvidyakaṃ śarīrādi dṛśyaṃ budbudavatkṣaram | etadvilakṣaṇaṃ vidyādahaṃ brahmeti nirmalam ..31.. ||
avidyaka sariradi dsya budbudavatksaram | etadvilaksana vidyadaha brahmeti nirmalam ..31.. ||
31. The body, etc., up to the "Causal Body" - Ignorance - which are objects perceived, are as perishable as bubbles. Realise through discrimination that I am the'Pure Brahman' ever completely separate from all these.
Verse #29
देहान्यत्वान्न मे जन्मजराकार्श्यलयादयः |
शब्दादिविषयैः सङ्गो निरिन्द्रियतया न च ॥३२॥ ||
dehānyatvānna me janmajarākārśyalayādayaḥ | śabdādiviṣayaiḥ saṅgo nirindriyatayā na ca ..32.. ||
dehanyatvanna me janmajarakarsyalayadaya | sabdadivisayai sango nirindriyataya na ca ..32.. ||
32. I am other than the body and so I am free from changes such as birth, wrinkling, senility, death, etc. I have nothing to do with the sense objects such as sound and taste, for I am without the sense-organs.
Verse #30
अमनस्त्वान्न मे दुःखरागद्वेषभयादयः |
अप्राणो ह्यमनाः शुभ्र इत्यादि श्रुतिशासनात् ॥३३॥ ||
amanastvānna me duḥkharāgadveṣabhayādayaḥ | aprāṇo hyamanāḥ śubhra ityādi śrutiśāsanāt ..33.. ||
amanastvanna me dukharagadvesabhayadaya | aprano hyamana subhra ityadi srutisasanat ..33.. ||
33. I am other than the mind and hence, I am free from sorrow, attachment, malice and fear, for "HE is without breath and without mind, Pure, etc.", is the Commandment of the great scripture, the Upanishads.
Verse #31
निर्गुणो निष्क्रियो नित्यो निर्विकल्पो निरंजनः |
निर्विकारो निराकारो नित्यमुक्तोऽस्मि निर्मलः ॥३४॥ ||
nirguṇo niṣkriyo nityo nirvikalpo niraṃjanaḥ | nirvikāro nirākāro nityamukto'smi nirmalaḥ ..34.. ||
nirguno niskriyo nityo nirvikalpo nirajana | nirvikaro nirakaro nityamukto'smi nirmala ..34.. ||
34. I am without attributes and actions; Eternal (Nitya) without any desire and thought (Nirvikalpa), without any dirt (Niranjana), without any change (Nirvikara), without form (Nirakara), ever-liberated (Nitya Mukta) ever-pure (Nirmala).
Verse #32
अहमाकाशवत्सर्वं बहिरन्तर्गतोऽच्युतः |
सदा सर्वसमः सिद्धो निःसङ्गो निर्मलोऽचलः ॥३५॥ ||
ahamākāśavatsarvaṃ bahirantargato'cyutaḥ | sadā sarvasamaḥ siddho niḥsaṅgo nirmalo'calaḥ ..35.. ||
ahamakasavatsarva bahirantargato'cyuta | sada sarvasama siddho nisango nirmalo'cala ..35.. ||
35. Like the space I fill all things within and without. Changeless and the same in all, at all times I am pure, unattached, stainless and motionless.
Verse #33
नित्यशुद्धविमुक्तैकमखण्डानन्दमद्वयम् |
सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं यत्परं ब्रह्माहमेव तत् ॥३६॥ ||
nityaśuddhavimuktaikamakhaṇḍānandamadvayam | satyaṃ jñānamanantaṃ yatparaṃ brahmāhameva tat ..36.. ||
nityasuddhavimuktaikamakhananandamadvayam | satya jnanamananta yatpara brahmahameva tat ..36.. ||
36. I am verily that Supreme Brahman alone which is Eternal, Pure and Free, One, indivisible and non-dual and of the nature of Changeless-Knowledge-Infinite.
Verse #34
एवं निरन्तराभ्यस्ता ब्रह्मैवास्मीति वासना |
हरत्यविद्याविक्षेपान् रोगानिव रसायनम् ॥३७॥ ||
evaṃ nirantarābhyastā brahmaivāsmīti vāsanā | haratyavidyāvikṣepān rogāniva rasāyanam ..37.. ||
eva nirantarabhyasta brahmaivasmiti vasana | haratyavidyaviksepan roganiva rasayanam ..37.. ||
37. The impression "I am Brahman" thus created by constant practice destroys ignorance and the agitation caused by it, just as medicine or Rasayana destroys disease.
Verse #35
विविक्तदेश आसीनो विरागो विजितेन्द्रियः |
भावयेदेकमात्मानं तमनन्तमनन्यधीः ॥३८॥ ||
viviktadeśa āsīno virāgo vijitendriyaḥ | bhāvayedekamātmānaṃ tamanantamananyadhīḥ ..38.. ||
viviktadesa asino virago vijitendriya | bhavayedekamatmana tamanantamananyadhi ..38.. ||
38. Sitting in a solitary place, freeing the mind from desires and controlling the senses, meditate with unswerving attention on the Atman which is One without-a-second.
Verse #36
आत्मन्येवाखिलं दृश्यं प्रविलाप्य धिया सुधीः |
भावयेदेकमात्मानं निर्मलाकाशवत्सदा ॥३९॥ ||
ātmanyevākhilaṃ dṛśyaṃ pravilāpya dhiyā sudhīḥ | bhāvayedekamātmānaṃ nirmalākāśavatsadā ..39.. ||
atmanyevakhila dsya pravilapya dhiya sudhi | bhavayedekamatmana nirmalakasavatsada ..39.. ||
39. The wise one should intelligently merge the entire world-of-objects in the Atman alone and constantly think of the Self ever as uncontaminated by anything just as space.
Verse #37
रूपवर्णादिकं सर्वं विहाय परमार्थवित् |
परिपूर्णचिदानन्दस्वरूपेणावतिष्ठते ॥४०॥ ||
rūpavarṇādikaṃ sarvaṃ vihāya paramārthavit | paripūrṇacidānandasvarūpeṇāvatiṣṭhate ..40.. ||
rupavarnadika sarva vihaya paramarthavit | paripurnacidanandasvarupenavatisthate ..40.. ||
40. He who has realised the Supreme, discards all his identification with the objects of names and forms. (Thereafter) he dwells as an embodiment of the Infinite Consciousness and Bliss. He becomes the Self.
Verse #38
ज्ञातृज्ञानज्ञेयभेदः परे नात्मनि विद्यते |
चिदानन्दैकरूपत्वाद्दीप्यते स्वयमेव तत् ॥४१॥ ||
jñātṛjñānajñeyabhedaḥ pare nātmani vidyate | cidānandaikarūpatvāddīpyate svayameva tat ..41.. ||
jnatjnanajneyabheda pare natmani vidyate | cidanandaikarupatvaddipyate svayameva tat ..41.. ||
41. There are no distinctions such as "Knower", the "Knowledge" and the "Object of Knowledge" in the Supreme Self. On account of Its being of the nature of endless Bliss, It does not admit of such distinctions within Itself. It alone shines by Itself.
Verse #39
एवमात्मारणौ ध्यानमथने सततं कृते |
उदितावगतिर्ज्वाला सर्वाज्ञानेन्धनं दहेत् ॥४२॥ ||
evamātmāraṇau dhyānamathane satataṃ kṛte | uditāvagatirjvālā sarvājñānendhanaṃ dahet ..42.. ||
evamatmaranau dhyanamathane satata kte | uditavagatirjvala sarvajnanendhana dahet ..42.. ||
42. When this the lower and the higher aspects of the Self are well churned together, the fire of knowledge is born from it, which in its mighty conflagration shall burn down all the fuel of ignorance in us.
Verse #40
अरुणेनेव बोधेन पूर्वं सन्तमसे हृते |
तत आविर्भवेदात्मा स्वयमेवांशुमानिव ॥४३॥ ||
aruṇeneva bodhena pūrvaṃ santamase hṛte | tata āvirbhavedātmā svayamevāṃśumāniva ..43.. ||
aruneneva bodhena purva santamase hte | tata avirbhavedatma svayamevasumaniva ..43.. ||
43. The Lord of the early dawn (Aruna) himself has already looted away the thick darkness, when soon the sun rises. The Divine Consciousness of the Self rises when the right knowledge has already killed the darkness in the bosom.
Verse #41
आत्मा तु सततं प्राप्तोऽप्यप्राप्तवदविद्यया |
तन्नाशे प्राप्तवद्भाति स्वकण्ठाभरणं यथा ॥४४॥ ||
ātmā tu satataṃ prāpto'pyaprāptavadavidyayā | tannāśe prāptavadbhāti svakaṇṭhābharaṇaṃ yathā ..44.. ||
atma tu satata prapto'pyapraptavadavidyaya | tannase praptavadbhati svakanthabharana yatha ..44.. ||
44. Atman is an ever-present Reality. Yet, because of ignorance it is not realised. On the destruction of ignorance Atman is realised. It is like the missing ornament of one's neck.
Verse #42
स्थाणौ पुरुषवद्भ्रान्त्या कृता ब्रह्मणि जीवता |
जीवस्य तात्त्विके रूपे तस्मिन्दृष्टे निवर्तते ॥४५॥ ||
sthāṇau puruṣavadbhrāntyā kṛtā brahmaṇi jīvatā | jīvasya tāttvike rūpe tasmindṛṣṭe nivartate ..45.. ||
sthanau purusavadbhrantya kta brahmani jivata | jivasya tattvike rupe tasmindste nivartate ..45.. ||
45. Brahman appears to be a'Jiva' because of ignorance, just as a post appears to be a ghost. The ego-centric-individuality is destroyed when the real nature of the'Jiva' is realised as the Self.
Verse #43
तत्त्वस्वरूपानुभवादुत्पन्नं ज्ञानमंजसा |
अहं ममेति चाज्ञानं बाधते दिग्भ्रमादिवत् ॥४६॥ ||
tattvasvarūpānubhavādutpannaṃ jñānamaṃjasā | ahaṃ mameti cājñānaṃ bādhate digbhramādivat ..46.. ||
tattvasvarupanubhavadutpanna jnanamajasa | aha mameti cajnana badhate digbhramadivat ..46.. ||
46. The ignorance characterised by the notions'I' and'Mine' is destroyed by the knowledge produced by the realisation of the true nature of the Self, just as right information removes the wrong notion about the directions.
Verse #44
सम्यग्विज्ञानवान् योगी स्वात्मन्येवाखिलं जगत् |
एकं च सर्वमात्मानमीक्षते ज्ञानचक्षुषा ॥४७॥ ||
samyagvijñānavān yogī svātmanyevākhilaṃ jagat | ekaṃ ca sarvamātmānamīkṣate jñānacakṣuṣā ..47.. ||
samyagvijnanavan yogi svatmanyevakhila jagat | eka ca sarvamatmanamiksate jnanacaksusa ..47.. ||
47. The Yogi of perfect realisation and enlightenment sees through his "eye of wisdom" (Gyana Chakshush) the entire universe in his own Self and regards everything else as his own Self and nothing else.
Verse #45
आत्मैवेदं जगत्सर्वमात्मनोऽन्यन्न विद्यते |
मृदो यद्वद्घटादीनि स्वात्मानं सर्वमीक्षते ॥४८॥ ||
ātmaivedaṃ jagatsarvamātmano'nyanna vidyate | mṛdo yadvadghaṭādīni svātmānaṃ sarvamīkṣate ..48.. ||
atmaiveda jagatsarvamatmano'nyanna vidyate | mdo yadvadghatadini svatmana sarvamiksate ..48.. ||
48. Nothing whatever exists other than the Atman: the tangible universe is verily Atman. As pots and jars are verily made of clay and cannot be said to be anything but clay, so too, to the enlightened soul and that is perceived is the Self.
Verse #46
जीवन्मुक्तस्तु तद्विद्वान्पूर्वोपाधिगुणांस्त्यजेत् |
सच्चिदानन्दरूपत्वात् भवेद्भ्रमरकीटवत् ॥४९॥ ||
jīvanmuktastu tadvidvānpūrvopādhiguṇāṃstyajet | saccidānandarūpatvāt bhavedbhramarakīṭavat ..49.. ||
jivanmuktastu tadvidvanpurvopadhigunastyajet | saccidanandarupatvat bhavedbhramarakitavat ..49.. ||
49. A liberated one, endowed with Self-knowledge, gives up the traits of his previously explained equipments (Upadhis) and because of his nature of Sat-chit-ananda, he verily becomes Brahman like (the worm that grows to be) a wasp.
Verse #47
तीर्त्वा मोहार्णवं हत्वा रागद्वेषादिराक्षसान् |
योगी शान्तिसमायुक्त आत्मारामो विराजते ॥५०॥ ||
tīrtvā mohārṇavaṃ hatvā rāgadveṣādirākṣasān | yogī śāntisamāyukta ātmārāmo virājate ..50.. ||
tirtva moharnava hatva ragadvesadiraksasan | yogi santisamayukta atmaramo virajate ..50.. ||
50. After crossing the ocean of delusion and killing the monsters of likes and dislikes, the Yogi who is united with peace dwells in the glory of his own realised Self - as an Atmaram.
Verse #48
बाह्यानित्यसुखासक्तिं हित्वात्मसुखनिर्वृतः |
घटस्थदीपवत्स्वस्थः स्वान्तरेव प्रकाशते ॥५१॥ ||
bāhyānityasukhāsaktiṃ hitvātmasukhanirvṛtaḥ | ghaṭasthadīpavatsvasthaḥ svāntareva prakāśate ..51.. ||
bahyanityasukhasakti hitvatmasukhanirvta | ghatasthadipavatsvastha svantareva prakasate ..51.. ||
51. The self-abiding Jivan Mukta, relinquishing all his attachments to the illusory external happiness and satisfied with the bliss derived from the Atman, shines inwardly like a lamp placed inside a jar.
Verse #49
उपाधिस्थोऽपि तद्धर्मैरलिप्तो व्योमवन्मुनिः |
सर्वविन्मूढवत्तिष्ठेदसक्तो वायुवच्चरेत् ॥५२॥ ||
upādhistho'pi taddharmairalipto vyomavanmuniḥ | sarvavinmūḍhavattiṣṭhedasakto vāyuvaccaret ..52.. ||
upadhistho'pi taddharmairalipto vyomavanmuni | sarvavinmuhavattisthedasakto vayuvaccaret ..52.. ||
52. Though he lives in the conditionings (Upadhis), he, the contemplative one, remains ever unconcerned with anything or he may move about like the wind, perfectly unattached.
Verse #50
तपोभिः क्षीणपापानां शान्तानां वीतरागिणाम् |
मुमुक्षूणामपेक्ष्योऽयमात्मबोधो विधीयते ॥१॥ ||
tapobhiḥ kṣīṇapāpānāṃ śāntānāṃ vītarāgiṇām | mumukṣūṇāmapekṣyo'yamātmabodho vidhīyate ..1.. ||
tapobhi ksinapapana santana vitaraginam | mumuksunamapeksyo'yamatmabodho vidhiyate ..1.. ||
1. I am composing the ATMA-BODHA, this treatise of the Knowledge of the Self, for those who have purified themselves by austerities and are peaceful in heart and calm, who are free from cravings and are desirous of liberation.
Verse #51
यथाकाशो हृषीकेशो नानोपाधिगतो विभुः |
तद्भेदाद्भिन्नवद्भाति तन्नाशे केवलो भवेत् ॥१०॥ ||
yathākāśo hṛṣīkeśo nānopādhigato vibhuḥ | tadbhedādbhinnavadbhāti tannāśe kevalo bhavet ..10.. ||
yathakaso hsikeso nanopadhigato vibhu | tadbhedadbhinnavadbhati tannase kevalo bhavet ..10.. ||
10. The All-pervading Akasa appears to be diverse on account of its association with various conditionings (Upadhis) which are different from each other. Space becomes one on the destruction of these limiting adjuncts: So also the Omnipresent Truth appears to be diverse on account of Its association with the various Upadhis and becomes one on the destruction of these Upadhis.
Verse #52
देहेन्द्रियगुणान्कर्माण्यमले सच्चिदात्मनि |
अध्यस्यन्त्यविवेकेन गगने नीलतादिवत् ॥२१॥ ||
dehendriyaguṇānkarmāṇyamale saccidātmani | adhyasyantyavivekena gagane nīlatādivat ..21.. ||
dehendriyagunankarmanyamale saccidatmani | adhyasyantyavivekena gagane nilatadivat ..21.. ||
21. Fools, because they lack in their powers of discrimination superimpose on the Atman, the Absolute-Existence-Knowledge (Sat-Chit), all the varied functions of the body and the senses, just as they attribute blue colour and the like to the sky.
Verse #53
उपाधिविलयाद्विष्णौ निर्विशेषं विशेन्मुनिः |
जले जलं वियद्व्योम्नि तेजस्तेजसि वा यथा ॥५३॥ ||
upādhivilayādviṣṇau nirviśeṣaṃ viśenmuniḥ | jale jalaṃ viyadvyomni tejastejasi vā yathā ..53.. ||
upadhivilayadvisnau nirvisesa visenmuni | jale jala viyadvyomni tejastejasi va yatha ..53.. ||
53. On the destruction of the Upadhis, the contemplative one is totally absorbed in'Vishnu', the All-pervading Spirit, like water into water, space into space and light into light.
Verse #54
यल्लाभान्नापरो लाभो यत्सुखान्नापरं सुखम् |
यज्ज्ञानान्नापरं ज्ञानं तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥५४॥ ||
yallābhānnāparo lābho yatsukhānnāparaṃ sukham | yajjñānānnāparaṃ jñānaṃ tadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..54.. ||
yallabhannaparo labho yatsukhannapara sukham | yajjnanannapara jnana tadbrahmetyavadharayet ..54.. ||
54. Realise That to be Brahman, the attainment of which leaves nothing more to be attained, the blessedness of which leaves no other blessing to be desired and the knowledge of which leaves nothing more to be known.
Verse #55
यद्दृष्ट्वा नापरं दृश्यं यद्भूत्वा न पुनर्भवः |
यज्ज्ञात्वा नापरं ज्ञेयं तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥५५॥ ||
yaddṛṣṭvā nāparaṃ dṛśyaṃ yadbhūtvā na punarbhavaḥ | yajjñātvā nāparaṃ jñeyaṃ tadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..55.. ||
yaddstva napara dsya yadbhutva na punarbhava | yajjnatva napara jneya tadbrahmetyavadharayet ..55.. ||
55. Realise that to be Brahman which, when seen, leaves nothing more to be seen, which having become one is not born again in this world and which, when knowing leaves nothing else to be known.
Verse #56
तिर्यगूर्ध्वमधः पूर्णं सच्चिदानन्दमद्वयम् |
अनन्तं नित्यमेकं यत्तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥५६॥ ||
tiryagūrdhvamadhaḥ pūrṇaṃ saccidānandamadvayam | anantaṃ nityamekaṃ yattadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..56.. ||
tiryagurdhvamadha purna saccidanandamadvayam | ananta nityameka yattadbrahmetyavadharayet ..56.. ||
56. Realise that to be Brahman which is Existence-Knowledge-Bliss-Absolute, which is Non-dual, Infinite, Eternal and One and which fills all the quarters - above and below and all that exists between.
Verse #57
अतद्व्यावृत्तिरूपेण वेदान्तैर्लक्ष्यतेऽद्वयम् |
अखण्डानन्दमेकं यत्तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥५७॥ ||
atadvyāvṛttirūpeṇa vedāntairlakṣyate'dvayam | akhaṇḍānandamekaṃ yattadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..57.. ||
atadvyavttirupena vedantairlaksyate'dvayam | akhananandameka yattadbrahmetyavadharayet ..57.. ||
57. Realise that to be Brahman which is Non-dual, Indivisible, One and Blissful and which is indicated in Vedanta as the Immutable Substratum, realised after the negation of all tangible objects.
Verse #58
अखण्डानन्दरूपस्य तस्यानन्दलवाश्रिताः |
ब्रह्माद्यास्तारतम्येन भवन्त्यानन्दिनोऽखिलाः ॥५८॥ ||
akhaṇḍānandarūpasya tasyānandalavāśritāḥ | brahmādyāstāratamyena bhavantyānandino'khilāḥ ..58.. ||
akhananandarupasya tasyanandalavasrita | brahmadyastaratamyena bhavantyanandino'khila ..58.. ||
58. Deities like Brahma and others taste only a particle, of the unlimited Bliss of Brahman and enjoy in proportion their share of that particle.
Verse #59
तद्युक्तमखिलं वस्तु व्यवहारस्तदन्वितः |
तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म क्षीरे सर्पिरिवाखिले ॥५९॥ ||
tadyuktamakhilaṃ vastu vyavahārastadanvitaḥ | tasmātsarvagataṃ brahma kṣīre sarpirivākhile ..59.. ||
tadyuktamakhila vastu vyavaharastadanvita | tasmatsarvagata brahma ksire sarpirivakhile ..59.. ||
59. All objects are pervaded by Brahman. All actions are possible because of Brahman: therefore Brahman permeates everything as butter permeates milk.
Verse #60
अनण्वस्थूलमह्रस्वमदीर्घमजमव्ययम् |
अरूपगुणवर्णाख्यं तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥६०॥ ||
anaṇvasthūlamahrasvamadīrghamajamavyayam | arūpaguṇavarṇākhyaṃ tadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..60.. ||
ananvasthulamahrasvamadirghamajamavyayam | arupagunavarnakhya tadbrahmetyavadharayet ..60.. ||
60. Realise that to be Brahman which is neither subtle nor gross: neither short nor long: without birth or change: without form, qualities, colour and name.
Verse #61
यद्भासा भास्यतेऽर्कादि भास्यैर्यत्तु न भास्यते |
येन सर्वमिदं भाति तद्ब्रह्मेत्यवधारयेत् ॥६१॥ ||
yadbhāsā bhāsyate'rkādi bhāsyairyattu na bhāsyate | yena sarvamidaṃ bhāti tadbrahmetyavadhārayet ..61.. ||
yadbhasa bhasyate'rkadi bhasyairyattu na bhasyate | yena sarvamida bhati tadbrahmetyavadharayet ..61.. ||
61. That by the light of which the luminous, orbs like the Sun and the Moon are illuminated, but which is not illumined by their light, realise that to be Brahman.
Verse #62
स्वयमन्तर्बहिर्व्याप्य भासयन्नखिलं जगत् |
ब्रह्म प्रकाशते वह्निप्रतप्तायसपिण्डवत् ॥६२॥ ||
svayamantarbahirvyāpya bhāsayannakhilaṃ jagat | brahma prakāśate vahniprataptāyasapiṇḍavat ..62.. ||
svayamantarbahirvyapya bhasayannakhila jagat | brahma prakasate vahniprataptayasapinavat ..62.. ||
62. Pervading the entire universe outwardly and inwardly the Supreme Brahman shines of Itself like the fire that permeates a red-hot iron-ball and glows by itself.
Verse #63
जगद्विलक्षणं ब्रह्म ब्रह्मणोऽन्यन्न किंचन |
ब्रह्मान्यद्भाति चेन्मिथ्या यथा मरुमरीचिका ॥६३॥ ||
jagadvilakṣaṇaṃ brahma brahmaṇo'nyanna kiṃcana | brahmānyadbhāti cenmithyā yathā marumarīcikā ..63.. ||
jagadvilaksana brahma brahmano'nyanna kicana | brahmanyadbhati cenmithya yatha marumaricika ..63.. ||
63. Brahman is other than this, the universe. There exists nothing that is not Brahman. If any object other than Brahman appears to exist, it is unreal like the mirage.
Verse #64
दृश्यते श्रूयते यद्यद्ब्रह्मणोऽन्यन्न तद्भवेत् |
तत्त्वज्ञानाच्च तद्ब्रह्म सच्चिदानन्दमद्वयम् ॥६४॥ ||
dṛśyate śrūyate yadyadbrahmaṇo'nyanna tadbhavet | tattvajñānācca tadbrahma saccidānandamadvayam ..64.. ||
dsyate sruyate yadyadbrahmano'nyanna tadbhavet | tattvajnanacca tadbrahma saccidanandamadvayam ..64.. ||
64. All that is perceived, or heard, is Brahman and nothing else. Attaining the knowledge of the Reality, one sees the Universe as the non-dual Brahman, Existence-Knowledge-Bliss-Absolute.
Verse #65
सर्वगं सच्चिदात्मानं ज्ञानचक्षुर्निरीक्षते |
अज्ञानचक्षुर्नेक्षेत भास्वन्तं भानुमन्धवत् ॥६५॥ ||
sarvagaṃ saccidātmānaṃ jñānacakṣurnirīkṣate | ajñānacakṣurnekṣeta bhāsvantaṃ bhānumandhavat ..65.. ||
sarvaga saccidatmana jnanacaksurniriksate | ajnanacaksurnekseta bhasvanta bhanumandhavat ..65.. ||
65. Though Atman is Pure Consciousness and ever present everywhere, yet It is perceived by the eye-of-wisdom alone: but one whose vision is obscured by ignorance he does not see It; as the blind do not see the resplendent Sun.
Verse #66
श्रवणादिभिरुद्दीप्तज्ञानाग्निपरितापितः |
जीवः सर्वमलान्मुक्तः स्वर्णवद्द्योतते स्वयम् ॥६६॥ ||
śravaṇādibhiruddīptajñānāgniparitāpitaḥ | jīvaḥ sarvamalānmuktaḥ svarṇavaddyotate svayam ..66.. ||
sravanadibhiruddiptajnanagniparitapita | jiva sarvamalanmukta svarnavaddyotate svayam ..66.. ||
66. The'Jiva' free from impurities, being heated in the fire of knowledge kindled by hearing and so on, shines of itself like gold.
Verse #67
हृदाकाशोदितो ह्यात्मा बोधभानुस्तमोऽपहृत् |
सर्वव्यापी सर्वधारी भाति भासयतेऽखिलम् ॥६७॥ ||
hṛdākāśodito hyātmā bodhabhānustamo'pahṛt | sarvavyāpī sarvadhārī bhāti bhāsayate'khilam ..67.. ||
hdakasodito hyatma bodhabhanustamo'paht | sarvavyapi sarvadhari bhati bhasayate'khilam ..67.. ||
67. The Atman, the Sun of Knowledge that rises in the sky of the heart, destroys the darkness of the ignorance, pervades and sustains all and shines and makes everything to shine.
Verse #68
दिग्देशकालाद्यनपेक्ष्य सर्वगं |
शीतादिहृन्नित्यसुखं निरंजनम् |
यः स्वात्मतीर्थं भजते विनिष्क्रियः |
स सर्ववित्सर्वगतोऽमृतो भवेत् ॥६८॥ ||
digdeśakālādyanapekṣya sarvagaṃ | śītādihṛnnityasukhaṃ niraṃjanam | yaḥ svātmatīrthaṃ bhajate viniṣkriyaḥ | sa sarvavitsarvagato'mṛto bhavet ..68.. ||
digdesakaladyanapeksya sarvaga | sitadihnnityasukha nirajanam | ya svatmatirtha bhajate viniskriya | sa sarvavitsarvagato'mto bhavet ..68.. ||
68. He who renouncing all activities, who is free of all the limitations of time, space and direction, worships his own Atman which is present everywhere, which is the destroyer of heat and cold, which is Bliss-Eternal and stainless, becomes All-knowing and All-pervading and attains thereafter Immortality.
Verse #69
इति श्रीमत्परमहंसपरिव्राजकाचार्यस्य श्रीगोविन्दभगव़ |
त्पूज्यपादशिष्यस्य श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवतः कृतौ |
आत्मबोधः संपूर्णः।। ||
iti śrīmatparamahaṃsaparivrājakācāryasya śrīgovindabhagav̈at | pūjyapādaśiṣyasya śrīmacchaṅkarabhagavataḥ kṛtau | ātmabodhaḥ saṃpūrṇaḥ.. ||
iti srimatparamahasaparivrajakacaryasya srigovindabhagavat | pujyapadasisyasya srimacchankarabhagavata ktau | atmabodha sapurna.. ||
Thus ends the Ātmabodha, composed by the revered Śrī Śaṅkarabhagavatpāda, the disciple of the worshipful teacher Govinda Bhagavatpāda, who was a great Paramahaṃsa and wandering ascetic.