Abstract

This is a translation of an Advaita Vedanta classic by Srï Suresvaräcärya, a disciple of Srï Sankaräcärya. A converted Mïmämsaka, Srï Suresvaräcärya lucidly provides an exposition of the concentrated substance of the whole of Vedanta. The first chapter shows that as ignorance is the root of all afflicted actions, knowledge is the way of release. The second chapter ascertains by reason the discrimination between self and non-self. The third chapter shows that discriminating reason alone is not enough, that the scriptural injunction "That thou art" must be understood in order to gain release from ignorance. Ignorance, however, has no ontological standing; it is an illusion engendered by egoism. The fourth chapter is a recapitulation of the text with an explanation that he who achieves illumination becomes the ideal, the godhead, himself. The translation is excellent and the Sanskrit text clear. This is a must for all who want to probe the Advaita Vedanta on its own ground. Neither the translation nor the notes at the end interfere with the text.--P. J. H.