3. Self Knowledgecc(download pdf)
 

A classic Vedantic text written by Adi Shankara in the Eighth Century, it consists of sixty seven elegant verses on the topic of Self knowledge. This is the text to study when you want to know what comes after spiritual practice. It begins with the verse "I am composing this treatise on Self-Knowledge for those who are purified and peaceful, calm of mind, free of craving, and desirous of liberation" and states that enlightenment is not an experience but the hard and fast understanding "I am limitless ordinary Awareness" that arises when ignornance about the nature of the Self is removed. It then proceeds to logically unfold the fundamental teachings of Vedanta.

Self Knowledge (Atma Bodh) is particularly dear to me as I heard it many times at the feet of my teacher. I have added ninety pages of commentary that reveal the hidden meanings locked in the cryptic poetic verses. The commentaries include relevant teachings from other important works like the Mandukya Upanishad. They explain reincarnation, meditation, and purification from the Vedantic point of view and provide the information necessary to successfully discriminate the pure Self from its ever changing forms. Toward the end there are several interesting and important verses that discuss the traits of a Self realized person.


 
 

4. The Gospel of Lovecc(download pdf)
 


This Pauranic text of indeterminate origin is highly revered in India. The actual title,“Narada Bhakti Sutra,” loosely translates as “Narada’s Train of Thought on Divine Love.” Narada was a celestial musician who flitted between the worlds of the gods and men, waking people up to Love. Although the title makes sense in India, Narada is hardly a household name in the West, hence I have rechistened it 'The Gospel of Love.'

Although written in the language of experience, The Gospel contends that love of God, knowledge of God, service of God and experience of God (leading to ‘merger’ with God) are one…placing it firmly in the tradition of non-duality. First it defines Bhakti, devotion, as “intense exclusive love of ‘This’”…meaning the formless Self or 'God.' Then it describes the benefits of devotion, informs us how to cultivate it and recognize its symptoms. Finally it enumerates the stages of devotional love from the lowest to the highest.

I have added an introduction and sixty pages of commentary. o