Aparokshanubhuti is a beautiful 8th century text commonly attributed to Shankaracharya. The literal meaning of aparoksha is, ‘that which cannot be known through the mind and senses,’ the implication of which is, ‘the self.’ Anubhuti literally means ‘experience’ but since it used in reference to the self, which is not an object of experience, the implied is ‘direct or immediate knowledge.’ Therefore, Aparokshanubhuti means, ‘direct knowledge of the self.’ As do most Vedanta texts, it begins by unfolding the qualifications required for self-knowledge. It then proceeds to carefully discuss ignorance—the cause of bondage— as well as inquiry, the means to remove ignorance and there by attain liberation (moksha). This text is particularly interesting because the final verses convert the experiential language of Yoga into the Vedantic language of knowledge. In this video series, James masterfully unfolds this essential Vedanta text.