Hastamalaka Stotram

A young boy, mature in wisdom yet considered a dullard by the ignorant world, breaks into mellifluous and potent verses enshrining the Atma-vidya, when Sri Adi Sankaracharya enquires from him: Who are you, my child? The response of the boy came to be revered as ‘Hastamalaka-stotram’. The greatness of this composition can be gauged by the fact that Sri Adi Sankaracharya himself wrote a commentary on it.

Since, to this boy the knowledge was as clear as ‘a gooseberry’ (amalaka) kept on one’s palm (hasta), Acharya Sankara named him ‘Hastamalaka’, and he became famous as one of the four renowned disciples of the Acharya.

Hastamalaka Stotram is a contemplative text, born of direct experience and is therefore profound in content and is truly a text for deep reflection and meditation.

A total of 11 video sessions by Swami Advayananda, divided into 4 lessons, are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• Acharya Sankara asks the boy five questions. The nature of the Self is expounded through interesting responses to Acharya’s questions.

Why should I do this Course?

Sri Adi Sankaracharya named this composition as Hastamalaka Stotra because it tells you the ultimate Truth in a manner you can directly experience it. This composition encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta. Through his reply to the Acharya, the young Hastamalaka has asserted that he is the Atman, the one eternal Consciousness. Any student who sincerely studies this text will certainly gain the direct experience of the highest Reality.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Sanskrit will be useful and is necessary
• Keen interest in Vedanta and spiritual unfoldment
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 4 lessons covering 11 video/audio sessions and 4 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Hastamalaka Stotram course is within 2 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?

You can purchase a copy of Hastamalaka Stotram with the commentary by Swami Pursuhottamananda, published by Chinmaya Mission from the link given below:

Hastamalaka Stotram (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

Course Content

The course on Hastamalaka-stotram comprises 4 lessons.

• Lesson 1: Introduction and Vastu-sangraha-vakya
• Lesson 2: Hastamalakacharya’s Response to “Kastvam”
• Lesson 3: Hastamalakacharya’s response to “kasya,” “kutah agatosi” and “kuto’si ganta”
• Lesson 4: Final Thoughts and Response to “kim nama te?”

Click here for a detailed Course Content

Course Contributors

Radhika Modur
Arvind Kannan
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 Queries

Mob: +91 9207711140
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org