Atmabodha

Atmabodha is a basic prakarana-grantha authored by Sri Adi Sankaracharya. This is one of the texts that every student of Vedanta should study prior to studying advanced texts like the Bhagavad-gita and the Upanishads or even other prakaraṇa-granthas like Vivekachudamani, Panchadashi and so on.

The unique aspect of this text is that it provides complete clarity on all important Vedantic concepts through suitable examples, similes and metaphors and thus enables easy comprehension.

The course material comprising a total of 35 audio sessions by Swami Advayananda divided into 18 lessons are made available to the registered participants.

What You will Learn

• Knowledge of the Self is the direct means for Liberation and the means to attain this Knowledge
• The nature of superimposition
• The birth of the individuality and how mutual superimposition of the Self and the not-Self veils the Self
• The true nature of the Self: the Self in relation to the sheaths and the three bodies
• The sādhanas to be undertaken to realise the Self
• How the Self self-reveals Itself
• Role of karma and jnana in Liberation
• The nature of the Self as the all-pervasive Reality
• The nature of Liberation
• Jivanmukti and Videhamukti

Why should I do this Course?

• The Course gives clarity on all Vedantic concepts related to Self-knowledge, the means to attain It, and the nature of the Goal.
• Examples provided in the text help seekers comprehend with ease all the subtle concepts of Vedanta.
• This text is a must study before one takes up the study of any advanced Vedantic texts such as Pancadashi or the Upanishads.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Sanskrit is not a prerequisite though it can help
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 18 lessons covering 35 audio/video sessions and 18 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Atmabodha course is 6 months. The suggested maximum duration is 10 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, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. You could collect the ‘Course Completion Certificate’ either during our convocation programme on Adi Sankara Jayanti day (around April - May every year) or opt for postal delivery.

How do I Purchase the Text?

Students are recommended to purchase a copy of Atmabodha published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT).

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

Or

Contact: Sri M. Jayaraman Nair

In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) 

Ph: +91 92077 11138 / WhatsApp: 9207398313 / Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Course Content

The course on Atmabodha comprises of 18 lessons. A brief description of what is covered in each lesson is given below:

• Lesson 1: Mangalacarana and Anubandha-catushtaya
• Lesson 2: Self-Knowledge
• Lesson 3: Falsity of the World
• Lesson 4: Upadhis
• Lesson 5: Clarity and Purity
• Lesson 6: Sākṣin
• Lesson 7: Birth of the Ego
• Lesson 8: The Self is Self-effulgent
• Lesson 9: Sravana, Manana and Nididhyasana
• Lesson 10: Dispelling Avidya
• Lesson 11: Nirvikalpa-samadhi
• Lesson 12: The Meaning of Atmabodha
• Lesson 13: Atman is Ever Attained
• Lesson 14: The Jivanmukta
• Lesson 15: The Glory of Self-Knowledge
• Lesson 16: Revelling in the All-Pervasive Self
• Lesson 17: Brahman – of the nature of Consciousness
• Lesson 18: Brahman Revealed

Click here for further details

Course Contributors

Brni. Shubhani Chaitanya

Arvind Kannan

Sumedha Kulkarni

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