Atmabodha - Its Relevance to Modern Times - Dr. S Srinivasan*

Realizing the Atman within is a secular exercise needed to save the human race. It transcends all boundaries of geography and culture.

Can a piece of literature written more than a thousand years ago on a seemingly esoteric subject like knowledge of the Self be of relevance to us as we are on the threshold of the supercomputer age of the 21st century? Even the majority of today’s intellectuals, let alone the common man, would tend to answer this question in the negative. But a closer scrutiny of the subject will soon reveal that not only is it as relevant today as it was at the time of writing, but even the contents and style of approach of this historic landmark in Adi Sankara’s metaphysical expositions are eternally applicable, perhaps even more so in times to come.

The Light Within

To assess the relevance of Atmabodha in today’s and tomorrow’s context, one must first look into what it stands for, so that one can consider how it can be adapted in a fast changing milieu. Atmabodha tells how to realize the Light within ourselves whatever be the forces operating from the external environment.

© "Tattvaloka" (April/May, 1988) published by Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamigal Education Trust, Abhinav Centre, # 4 (Old # 19), Co-operative Colony, Chennai 600 018. Website: www.tattvaloka.com. Reprinted with permission.

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