Self analysis and self knowledge: Based on A tma bodha of Shankaracharya

Self Knowledge (or Atma Bodha) is one of the celebrated works by the renowned sage Shankaracharya, who is said to have lived from 788 to 820 AD, during a time when India was in great need of dynamic spiritual renewal. Shankara is considered one of the genius-seers and true masters of the non-dualistic Vedanta philosophy.

There have been several useful translations of this classic, but the present volume is unique in its comprehensive scope and insight. Here Dr. Mishra provides extensive lucid commentary on the text, revealing both its profound philosophical implications and its poetic use of metaphor to illustrate the nature of the Self.

Throughout these pages, readers may discover a sense of grace, sensitivity as well as scholastic integrity. Any one verse may be used as a contemplative source for meditation or daily inspiration, while the entire text is presented in the original Sanskrit Devanagari script with English transliteration and word-by-word translation for in-depth study.

Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D., also known as Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, had an extensive background in Eastern and Western medicine. In 1955, after years of practicing and teaching medicine and surgery in his native India, he came to the West for further research and advanced medical studies. In the years that followed, he served as a resident physician at leading university hospitals in the United States and Canada.

In 1958, Dr. Mishra founded the Yoga Society of New York, Inc. In 1966 he gave up his medical career to concentrate on his spiritual teaching, founding ashrams and centers of meditation and learning in the United States, Canada and Europe. His two leading centers today are Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York, opened in 1964 as the country retreat center for the Yoga Society of New York, and Brahmananda Ashram, founded in 1973 at the Yoga Society of San Francisco, Inc. Year-round courses and programs are offered at both locations in all aspects of Yoga, in Sanskrit, East-West dance, music, drama, arts and natural healing.

Dr. Mishra was a widely recognized scholar and authority on the ancient Sanskrit scriptures of Yoga and Vedanta. He is author of Fundamentals of Yoga, Self Analysis and Self Knowledge (based on Shankaracharya's Atma Bodha), modern translations of several Upanishads and other classical Sanskrit scriptures, as well as many essays, stories and unpublished manuscripts. Much of his teaching also exists on audio cassette.

Dr. Mishra's life was dedicated to the integration of ancient and modern, Eastern and Western science, culture and philosophy for transformation, Self-realization and universal peace through spiritual unity. He left his body in September 1993. His spiritual presence continues to pervade his ashrams, and his timeless teachings remain a source of inspiration and guidance for all.

To inquire further, contact the Baba Bhagavandas Publication Trust, the non-profit entity which Dr. Mishra established at the end of his life for the perpetuation and distribution of his life work.