Video details
The Path to Direct Self-Realization
A discourse introducing Śaṅkarācārya's "Aparokṣānubhūti" on direct self-realization.
"Half-knowledge is the most dangerous knowledge."
"The most terrible tragedy is to die without self-realization."
The lecturer begins a commentary on the text, contrasting quick modern claims of enlightenment with the rigorous research of ancient sages. He outlines the yogic journey through the body's layers (kośas) and elements, emphasizing the need for systematic practice to achieve the transparent light of true realization. The talk covers themes of mental pollution, the pitfalls of duality, and the omnipresent cause of all creation, weaving in references to Buddha, the Bhagavad Gītā, and personal anecdotes.
Filming location: Fiji Islands
This text is transcribed and grammar corrected by AI. If in doubt what was actually said in the recording, use the transcript to double click the desired cue. This will position the recording in most cases just before the sentence is uttered.
The text contains hyperlinks in bold to three authoritative books on yoga, written by humans, to clarify the context of the lecture:
- Yoga in Daily Life - The System
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2000. ISBN 978-3-85052-000-3 - The Hidden Power in Humans - Chakras and Kundalini
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2004. ISBN 978-3-85052-197-0 - Lila Amrit - The Divine Life of Sri Mahaprabhuji
Paramhans Swami Madhavananda. Int. Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship, Vienna, 1998. ISBN 3-85052-104-4
