There is little doubt though that it is very old, probably dating back to the days of the classic Vedanta period. The Sanskrit style and the doctrine expressed would seem to warrant this assessment.The work was known, appreciated and quoted by Ramakrishna and his disciple Vivekananda, as well as by Ramana Maharshi, while Radhakrishnan always refers to it with great respect. Apart from that the work speaks for itself. It presents the traditional teachings of Vedanta with a clarity and power very rarely matched. Little is known about the life or century in which Ashtavakra actually lived, except for the accounts found in the major Indian Epics (the Ramayana and the Mahabharata) and the Puranas. The legends state that sage Aruni, mentioned in the Chandogya Upaniṣad, ran a school (Asrama) teaching the Vedas. Kahoḍa was one of his students, along with Aruni's daughter Sujata. Aruni's daughter married Kahoḍa. She got pregnant, and during her pregnancy, the developing baby heard the chanting of the Vedas and learnt the correct recitation. According to one version of the legends surrounding Ashtavakra, his father was once reciting the Vedas, but erred in correct intonation. The fetus spoke from the womb and told his father about the limited knowledge he was aware of from the Vedic books, there is much more to know apart from these books. The father got angry and cursed him to be born with eight deformities, hence the name 'Ashtavakra'.

An ancient classic that can become a companion for your own spiritual journey.Millions of people turn daily to India's most beloved holy book, the Bhagavad Gita (''''Song of the Lord''''), to instruct their spiritual practice. A Hindu classic, it has universal appeal for people of all faith traditions who turn to its inspirational support in the struggles of life, its consolation in times of grief, and its deeply moving promise of God's love and guidance.Composed in Sanskrit verse thousands of years ago, this timeless text tells the story of a distraught warrior on the verge of battle and the compassionate counsel he receives from Krishna - God in human form. In just seven hundred lines, the Gita presents concise teachings on such topics as the immortality of the soul, meditation and yoga, worship and sacrifice, the ideal of selfless action, and the oneness of all life in the Divine. Now you can read and understand the Gita with no previous knowledge of Hinduism required.This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms; shares the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers; and addresses questions such as the inner meaning of India's caste system and why this sublime discourse on inner peace is set against the background of a violent civil war.

Highly enlightening spiritual book of self-realization.

This five thousand year old book of ancient wisdom teachings tells the story of what happens on a battlefield when Arjuna, a man fighting for the sake of his land and birthright, meets Lord Krishna, God in human semblance. Krishna proceeds to give to Arjuna the spiritual and philosophic instruction that has made this book an all-time classic of Eastern religious thought. It answers such pressing questions as "What happens when we die?," and "Do we live again?"; as well as the correct pathway to enlightenment and moral service to God. This timeless treasure of spiritual wisdom will not fail to serve as a fount of inspiration for both the seeker and the committed spiritual devotee. LARGE PRINT FOR EASIER READING.

The Ashtavakra Gita is a classic Hindu text that offers deep insights into the nature of reality and the human experience. Written in the form of a dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and his disciple King Janaka, this book explores the nature of self, consciousness, and enlightenment, and provides practical guidance for spiritual seekers. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

A translation and interpretation of the most touchingly beautiful of all the Advaitic texts, this book provides us with an illuminating and in-depth look at the nature of duality and dualism. In this book Ramesh reveals himself as a spiritual Master for the modern age. His insightful commentary unlocks the beauty and the mystery in this ancient text. He points us to the Understanding that is the true nature of us all.