Vivekachudamani (Swami Madhavananda)/2

by Adi Shankara

Sloka #11

Translation

Work is for the purification of the mind, not for the perception of the reality. The realisation of Truth is brought about by discrimination and not in the least by ten millions of acts.

Sloka #12

Translation

12. By adequate reasoning the conviction of the reality about the rope is gained, which puts an end to the great fear and misery caused by the snake worked up in the deluded mind.

[ Reality of the rope — realisation that it is a rope and not a snake, for which it was mistaken. ]

Sloka #13

Translation

13. The conviction of the Truth is seen to proceed from reasoning upon the salutary counsel of the wise, and not by bathing in the sacred waters, nor by Daan, nor by hundreds of Pranayamas,

Glossary

• The wise — men of realisation
• Daan — Gift, Donation
• Pranayam — Breathing exercises

Sloka #14

Translation

Success depends essentially on a qualified aspirant, and time, place and such other means are but auxiliaries in this regard.

[The qualifications will be enumerated in stanzas 1 6 and 17.]

Sloka #12

Translation

Hence the seeker after the Reality of the Atman should take to reasoning, after duly approaching the Guru — who should be the best of the knowers of Brahman, aod an ocean of mercy„

16. The intelligent and learned man skilled in arguing in favour of the Scriptures and refuting counter-arguments against them, — one who has got the above characteristics is the fit recipient of the knowledge of the Atman.

17. The man of discrimination between the Real and the unreal, whose mind is turned away from the unreal, who possesses calmness and the allied virtues, and Is longing for Liberation, is alone considered qualified to inquire after Brahman.

18. Regarding this, sages have spoken of four means of attainment, which alone being present, the devotion to Brahman succeeds, and in the absence of which, it fails.