"Fundamentals of Vedanta through Vivekachoodaamani - Day 01 / 16" Talk by Swami Aparajitananda.

Hari Om!

Our humble prostrations to Swāmī Aparājitānanda jī who would be showing the enchanting glimpses of "the most beautiful ornament" - crest jewel "Viveka", the famous topic text of Ādi Shankarāchārya jī in the coming talks.

Here we have -
• elaborate introduction of sources of Hindu Vedāntic philosophy,
• reasons for composing Prakarana Granthas,
• magnificent interpretation of "Viveka" in 3 meanings of which process and knowledge form the agenda of Vivekachūdāmani,
• wonderful logic of importance of Viveka in life to give happiness,
• result of tampered Viveka or lack of Viveka (most convincing examples),
• role of Viveka in transforming life and
• result or benefits of Viveka discussed in an engrossing manner.

Verse 1:
• Grateful prostrations by Shankarāchārya jī to Gurus and Guruparamparā.
• Enlightening description of Guru.
• Equation of Guru = God = Myself - pointing towards direct experiential Knowledge - a wonderful discussion.

The central thought of text consists of intensely miserable student surrendering unto an enlightened Master requesting him to guide and the message is covered in select topics, viz.

1. Preciousness of Human Birth

2. Qualifications of Student

3. Qualifications of Guru

4. How to approach Guru

5. 7 Questions raised by Student

6. Master answers -
a. Sharira-traya-viveka
b. Avasthā-traya-viveka
c. Guna-traya-viveka
d. Pañcha-kosha-viveka
e. Ātma-nirupanam - Nature of Self - 'Who am I?' analysis
f. Cause of Bondage
g. Sādhanās to be practised
h. Sthitapragñya lakshana or Benefits of Spirituality
i. Karma-traya-vivechanam
j. Mahāvākya-shodhanam

7. Gratitude expressed by Student

8. Blessings by Master

(Vivekachūdāmani - Talk 1 of 16 - Introduction and invocation verse no. 1)