Shankara's Crest Jewel of Discrimination Paperback – June 7, 1970

while sanskrit scholars might aver that a better translation is possible, the given translation is lucid and their power is such that for this reader they appear to have captured the essence of Shankara's Vivekachoodamani.Those wishing for verse-by-verse commentary can refer to Swami Chinmayananda's version; however the version under review makes for a more streamlined read.As for the text itself, Shankara points the way to seeing the Eternal Reality underlying the apparent world of Name and Form, by directing the reader inwards where, like a mirror image of the sensory world, the world of thoughts is superimposed on the unchanging pure Consciousness.As within, so without. Shankara's words exhort the reader to examine their sense of being a separate individual and by a process of careful discrimination discover for themselves that this sense is based on a fallacy. When this is clearly seen, this false ego disappears of its own accord and the inherent peace of the true ego is self-evident as the eternal underlying natural Truth of Being. why this isn't known to all at all times anyway, how the Truth comes to be shrouded in a veil of fallacious perceptions and what is required for the veil to be pierced - all these are elucidated by the sage. for those drawn to path of non-dual silent investigation of Reality, this is a must-read.

This is best book I’ve ever read, and I’ve read many, which summarizes Hindu philosophy and non-dualism. Like many books of its era and genre it was meant as a teaching tool, so there’s a lot of repetition, but it contains many pearls of wisdom. One of my favorite works of this genre, along with the Baghavad Gita

This book is a wonderful instruction, a must have, for the contemplative seeker. I could not put it down and enjoyed reading it very much. It is a short book that contains the highest truths of Advaita Vedanta in their naked essence: <b>Brahman is Real, world is illusory, Atman is Brahman </b>. If you are simply interested in the inner message and essence of nondualism, or above all if you are an aspirant of the path of knowledge, Jnana Yoga, then this book is highly recommended.

This needs to be read several times, preferably with an other like-minded person. There is much to reflect about. It gives insight into the dedication and thinking of one who is determined not to be reborn again. While the reader may not want to fully subscribe to the instructions contained herein, and similar instructions can be found in other teachings, including the Christian bible, the reader may find a desire to make some changes in how they approach life.

in my opinion this is one of the most important book I read on the subject.For those that are searching honestly the answer to life itself.it was a revelation and truly 'mind expanding' explanation of the Devine and the search of the Self.it is now an absolute critical bedside companion, I constantly read passages to remind me of the ephemeral world we live in. I loved it.

To say that I did not know that I did not know would be an understatement. I was not aware such writings and insights existed. I appreciate Shankara's dedication and insight. A great book for the seeker.

The book would have been written with selfless motivation and thus I got some information from it. The emergence of Adhi Sankara was in bringing more integrity among the men in this country. Though there are more languages, the fundamental logic is all the same and that is Viveka Soodamani. I hardly get time to read it but just a few of its pages have brought me lot of respect to its maker in English. Good one sir!

Truly, this short treatise is what each "individual" needs to know too discover his or her true identity!Perhaps the only (dislike) would be that that this great work comes to an end! But, in reality, it'sreally only the beginning to those who are now experiencing their true identity.I would highly recommend this wonderful book to those who are being awakened too theirTrue Self!!Eric