Aparokshanubhuti

Aparokshanubhuti is a renowned prakarana-grantha (topical text) authored by Sri Adi Sankaracharya. It is simple and profound at the same time. The text uses several analogies and reasonings to enable the direct realisation of the Self. It is for this reason the treatise has been titled ‘aparoksha-anubhuti’.

The text briefly enumerates the qualifications of the seeker for gaining this Self-knowledge. It then expounds how the discrimination between the Self and the not-Self is to be taken up using various reasonings. The nature of Brahman and an individual’s physical body are contrasted and shown to be different using logic as well as citations from the foundational scriptures. The nature of the Self is shown, and the falsity of the world is explained by logic and scriptural citations.

The text also expounds the karma pertaining to a Self-realised person. It concludes with the description of the ashtanga-yoga process from the highest standpoint of Vedanta. Certain aspects of the text are advanced in nature and will require deep study and reflection.

A total of twelve video lectures by Swami Advayananda divided into nine lessons are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• Reasoning to differentiate the Self and the not-Self
• The utter distinction between the physical body and Self and how the body is taken as the Self by the ignorant
• Establishing the falsity of the world through reasoning and support of scriptures
• Analysis of karma (results of actions) with respect to the Realised person
• The various limbs of ashtanga-yoga from the standpoint of Vedanta
• Overcoming obstacles in meditation

Why should I do this Course?

This study of Aparokshanubhuti will enable you to gain greater clarity on Vedanta and to learn its advanced concepts. You will also gain a thorough comprehension of the various examples, analogies and illustrations used in the Vedantic literature. This text can be studied as a precursor to the study of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads.

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 12 lectures and 9 lessons.
• The recommended duration for completion of the course is 3 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
  • 80% and above ‘O’ Grade
  • 60% and above ‘A+’ Grade
  • 50% and above ‘A’ Grade
  • Below 50% ‘B’ Grade
• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Students are recommended to purchase a copy of Aparokshanubhuti, with the commentary of Swami Chinmayananda, published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT).

You may purchase a copy of the text by clicking the following link:

Aparokshanubhuti (English)

Or

Contact: Sri M. Jayaraman Nair
In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) 
Ph: +91 92077 11138
WhatsApp: +91 92073 98313
Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Requirements

• Knowledge of Sanskrit is not a prerequisite but will be useful
• Good internet connection

Course Content

The course on Aparokshanubhuti comprises nine lessons.

• Lesson 1: Maṅgalācaraṇa, Anubandha- and Sādhana-catuṣṭaya [Verses 1–11]
• Lesson 2: Enquiry into the Self and not-Self [Verses 12–22]
• Lesson 3: Brahman and the Body Contrasted [Verses 24–30]
• Lesson 4: Differentiating the Ātman from the Body through Support of Yukti and Śruti [Verses 31–42] 

Detailed Course Contents.

Course Contributors

1. Smt. Seema Jani
2. Shri Himanshu Jani
3. Shri Arvind Kannan
4. Br. Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For QueriesPhone: +91 9207711140
(Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM IST)
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org