Adi Shankaracharya is famously known as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school that follows the non-dual Brahman philosophy of Upanishads. This post lists Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Virtues, Liberation, Atman, Brahman, Meditation, Sattva/Rajas/Tamas, Karma and Mind particularly from the famed Vivekachudamani.
Adi Shankaracharya’s contribution to India and Vedic, Upanishad teachings is immense. Disciple to Guru Govindapada, Adi Shankara was born at a time when India was torn between myriads sects and sub sects each claiming superiority over another. His literary and intellectual prowess as well as his ardent desire helped him unite Indians to rediscover the truths in the Upanishads. He travelled extensively, composed voluminously, translated the essence of most scriptures, all within his short life of 32 years
Vivekachudamani that literally means the ‘crest-jewel of discrimination’ hints at this work being a masterpiece (amongst the rest) much like the most conspicuous jewel in the crown of a individual. This work like Atmabodha and Bhaja Govindam seeks to clarify the concepts penned down in the Shrutis and Shastras and is hence a prakarna grantha. Adi Shankaracharya’s prophetic genius explains in the 580 poetic quotes of Vivekachudamani abstruse concepts on discrimination between the Real (Eternal) and the Unreal in a lucid, beautiful way
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Liberation:
‘Three things are rare, and due God’s grace : a) Birth as a human b) The Longing for Liberation c) The protecting mentorship of a perfected Rishi.’ (Quote 3, Vivekachudamani)
‘After attaining the Yogarudhha state, one should reclaim oneself from the sea of birth and death, through devotion to right discrimination.’ (Quote 9, Vivekachudamani). Likewise, Bhagavad Gita says Yogrudhha is one who renounces desires and becomes detached to sense-objects or to actions.
‘The study of Scriptures is useless if the highest Truth remains unknown. Further, It is also futile after one experiences the highest Truth.’ Quote 59, Vivekachudamani
For Self Realization, mere book-learning without discrimination or renunciation is no good. Also, this rote learning is futile when one has experienced Liberation.
‘Whoever seeks to realize the Self, through devotedly nourishing the body, is trying to cross a river by holding on to a crocodile, assuming it to be a log.’ Quote 84, Vivekachudamani
Vivekachudamani’s quotes on Attributes required by aspirants
Quotes 20 & 21, Vivekachudamani
‘A firm conviction that Brahman is Real and the (visible) Universe illusory, is Discrimination or Viveka between the Real and Unreal.’
‘Vairagya or Renunciation is the desire to give up all transitory enjoyments from the current state to the state of Brahmahood.’
‘A mind fixed steadily on its goal (Brahman) is Sama/Calmness. This is through detachment from myriad sense objects, cultivated by observation of their defects.’ Quote 22, Vivekachudamani
‘Turning the senses away from sense-objects and realigning them in their respective centers is Dama/ Self-control.’ Quote 23, Vivekachudamani
Patiently tolerating afflictions, without consequent anxieties and complaints is called Titiksha or Forbearance.’ Quote 24, Vivekachudamani
‘Firm acceptance after due judgment on the truth of the Scriptures’ Guru’s instructions is Sraddha or Faith.’ Quote 25, Vivekachudamani.
That is to say, this quote recommends an exercise of personal judgement over blind acceptance. This is because, If one is not sure about the authenticity and reliance of the instructions, a whole hearted practice is not possible.
‘Not just intellectual dabbling, but also consistent concentration of the mind on the ever-pure Brahman is Samaadhaana or Self-settledness.’ Quote 26, Vivekachudamani.
‘Mumukshuta or yearning for freedom is the desire to free oneself. That is to say wanting to realize one’s True Nature, from bondage of the Ego and the Body, superimposed by Ignorance. ‘ Quote 27, Vivekachudamani
‘Devotion (Bhakti ) is supreme for Liberation. The seeking after one’s real nature is Devotion.’ Quote 31,Vivekachudamani. That is to say, a definition from the Vedanta point of view.
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Sattva Rajas and Tamas
Quote 104/105, Vivekachudamani
‘Egoism identifies itself with the body and becomes the doer/enjoyer through the Gunas like Sattva. When the sense-objects are favorable, it becomes happy, and it becomes miserable when the case is contrary. So, happiness and misery are the characteristics of egoism, and not of the ever-blissful Atman’
‘Avidya (Nescience) or Maya, is the power of the Lord. It is beginning-less, consisting of 3 Gunas and superior to the effects. Maya can be perceived through her effects by the one with a clear intellect. She brings forth this whole universe. ‘Quote no 108, Vivekachudamani
‘Maya has 3 Gunas of Rajas, Tamas and Sattva, named as per their functionsWhen the 3 Gunas are in a perfect balance there is no manifestation and hence no universe. But when the balance is disturbed, then evolution starts. Therefore, Maya gets destroyed by the Cosmic Spirit (Brahman) realization. Further, this is the same as the destruction of the illusion of a snake through the correct discrimination of the rope. Quote 110, Vivekachudamani
Vivekachudamani’s Identification of Sattva, Rajas, Tamas
‘Rajas has Vikshepa-Shakti or projecting power on activity or form. As a result of this all primeval flow of activity has emanated. Also, Rajas constantly produces mental modifications like attachment, sorrow etc.’ Quote 111, Vivekachudamani
‘Lust, anger, greed, arrogance, spite, egoism, envy etc are the attributes of Rajas that lead to a worldly tendency in man. Thus Rajas causes bondage.’ Quote 112, Vivekachudamani
‘Avriti or the veiling power belongs to Tamas that makes things appear different than what they are. So, It is this that causes man’s repeated transmigrations, and jumpstarts Vikshepa, the action of the projecting power.’ Quote 113, Vivekachudamani
‘Ignorance, lassitude, dullness, sleep, inadvertence and stupidity etc. are attributes of Tamas. One tied to these does not comprehend anything but remains in stupor like a stone.’ Quote 116, Vivekachudamani
‘Pure Sattva is (clear) like water, yet in conjunction with Rajas and Tamas leads to transmigration (rebirth). Further, a hint of Atman reflects in Sattva like the sun reveals the entire world of matter.’ Quote 117, Vivekachudamani
‘The traits of Sattva are absence of pride, Yamas and Niyamas as well as faith, devotion, yearning for liberation etc; all divine tendencies required for turning away from the unreal. Further, Pure Sattva radiates cheerfulness, peace, contentment, bliss and steady devotion to Atman.’ Quote 118/119 Vivekachudamani.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Quotes On Mind
‘Mind first creates an attachment for the body and other sense objects, and then binds him like a beast tied up with ropes. Next, this same Mind creates an utter distaste for these very same sense-objects leading him to freedom. Therefore the mind creates bondage when tainted with Rajas. But when divested of the Rajas and Tamas, it leads to Liberation.’ Quote 173/174, Vivekachudamani
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Ego
‘So long as one has any relation with this wicked Ego, there should no talk about Liberation.’ Quote 299 Vivekachudamani
‘Created by the Buddhi, deluded by Maya, Perceived as ‘I am such and such,’ the Egosim when destroyed, one identifies with Brahman.’ Quote 301, Vivekachudamani
‘Even after it is rooted out, the Ego, when let into the mind even for a moment, springs back to life to create hundreds of mischiefs. Exactly like the clouds ushered in by the wind during the rainy season.’ Quote 309, Vivekachudamani
‘When there is a marked longing for realizing Brahman, then Ego vanishes. This is exactly like the disappearing of intense darkness before the glow of the rising sun.’ Quote 318, Vivekachudamani
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Atman
‘The luminous Atman which is Pure Knowledge, shines in the midst of the Pranas, in the heart. Though immutable, it becomes the agent and experiencer due to its superimposition by the Knowledge Sheath.’ Quote 189, Vivekachudamani
‘He who has realized the Supreme, discards all his identifications with names and forms. Also, He becomes the Self and exists within Infinite Consciousness and Bliss.’ Quote 40, Vivekachudamani
‘The idea of ‘Me & Mine’ in the body/organs, this superimposition the wise must put a stop to. Further, do this by identifying with the Atman.’ Quote 268, Vivekachudamani
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Brahman (The Supreme Self/Cosmic Spirit)
‘Understand that Brahman is that, attaining which nothing needs to be attained, being blessed by which no other blessing is desired, knowing which no more needs to be known.’ Quote 54, Vivekachudamani
‘That which is beyond caste, creed, family, lineage; devoid of name form, merit, demerit; transcending space, time, sense-objects; that Brahman Art Thou, Meditate on this in thy mind.’ Quote 254, Vivekachudamani
‘To the man who has realized his own nature, the Bliss of the Self, there is nothing more exhilarating than the quietude of ‘desireless-ness’. Quote 527, Vivekachudamani
‘The fragrance of the Supreme Self, cloaked under the dust of endless virulent desires, is released after purification by Knowledge, exactly as in the case of sandalwood.’ Quote 274, Vivekachudamani
‘Self-realization is hindered by countless desires for things other than the Self. When these have been destroyed by attachment to the Self, the Atman manifests on its own.’ Quote 275, Vivekachudamani
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Karma
‘Know for certain that the Prarabdha Karma will maintain this body. So, remain quiet and do away with the superimposition (Maya), carefully and with fortitude.’ Quote 279, Vivekachudamani
Prarabdha is the past Karma that has led to the present birth. When this has worked out, the body falls to death.
‘Through the increase of desires selfish work increases. Further, when there is an increase of selfish work there is always an increase of desires too. Thus man’s transmigration never ends.’ Quote 313, Vivekachudamani
‘He alone who has identified himself with the body is greedy after sense pleasures. Hence the tendency to desire sense-objects is the cause of the bondage of transmigration, giving rise to an idea of distinction or duality’ Quote 311, Vivekachudamani
‘When things pleasant or painful present themselves, to remain unruffled either ways with the same attitude, is a characteristic of the liberated in-life’. Quote 434, Vivekachudamani
‘Looking with an eye of equality at elements possessing worldly merits/demerits/differences is a characteristic of the liberated-in-life.’ Quote 33, Vivekachudamani
‘Crossing the ocean of delusion and slaying the demons of likes and dislikes, the peaceful Yogi becomes Atmarama, i.e he celebrates his own Self.’ Quote 50, Vivekachudamani
Adi Shankaracharya’s quotes on Meditation
‘As sedge, even if removed, does not stay away but soon covers the water again, so also Maya rushes back to delude the wise man if he is averse to meditation on the Self.’ Quote 324, Vivekachudamani
‘Hence to the discriminating knower of Brahman there is no worse death than carelessness with regard to concentration. But the concentrated man attains complete success. (Therefore) carefully concentrate thy mind (on Brahman)’ Quote 327, Vivekachudamani
‘This visible universe has its root in the mind. So, it vanishes when the mind is annihilated. Therefore dissolve the mind by concentrating it on the Supreme Self which is one’s innermost Essence.’ Quote 407, Vivekachudamani.
‘The Self is Brahma, the Self is Vishnu, the Self is Indra, the Self is Shiva ; the Self is all this universe. Nothing -exists except the Self’ Quote 388, Vivekachudamani
‘I am beyond contamination like the sky, distinct from things illumined like the sun; I am motionless like the mountain, limitless like the ocean.’ Quote 499, Vivekachudamani
Recommended Reference books :
Swami Madhavananda, Swami Chinmayananda
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Disclaimer : The link to this book is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
