knowledge of Self :: Who am I ??

From the Atma Bodha by Shri Adi Shankaracharya
Lets find out the knowledge of Self is that which is ever present but still forgotten due to the ignorance

Avirodhitayaa Karma, Navidyaam Vinivartayet
Vidya-Avidyaam Nihantyeva, Tejashtimira-sanghavat||

Atma Bodha - 3

Translation::

Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance. Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness.


Comments::

Knowledge alone is the one direct means of liberation through a very simple example.

The knowledge that is here being discussed of is not something that can be gained new, but it is verily inherent in us. It is one’s own nature and hence this knowledge of Self which is ever present can never be got as a result of any action. Hence no divine actions in the sense of direct cause and effect can lead to knowledge of the self.

Supposing that there is darkness in a room, then no amount of sweeping or cleaning or any such actions will remove the darkness but it can only be done by light. However thick the darkness is, it disappears in an instant by light. Similarly, it is only the knowledge that can negate the illusory ignorance. Also actions are but a result of ignorance, that which is a result can never remove its cause. Action is done only when one perceives duality as there is always a distinction of doer, instrument and the result in any actions. And this duality is perceived only due to ignorance. Hence actions can never liberate one from ignorance, but it is only knowledge that can remove all miseries.

Just as light is opposed to darkness, knowledge opposed to ignorance can only negate it. This darkness doesn’t disappear anywhere nor goes anywhere but is only negated by the light. Similarly, the illusory ignorance is negated by the light of the Self knowledge.

Thus all the actions can only prepare a seeker for the revelation of this ever present knowledge but can never by themselves remove the ignorance.
Photo: :: knowledge of Self :: Who am I ?? From the Atma Bodha by Shri Adi Shankaracharya :: Lets find out the knowledge of Self is that which is ever present but still forgotten due to the ignorance Avirodhitayaa Karma, Navidyaam Vinivartayet Vidya-Avidyaam Nihantyeva, Tejashtimira-sanghavat|| Atma Bodha - 3 Translation:: Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance. Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness. Comments:: Knowledge alone is the one direct means of liberation through a very simple example. The knowledge that is here being discussed of is not something that can be gained new, but it is verily inherent in us. It is one’s own nature and hence this knowledge of Self which is ever present can never be got as a result of any action. Hence no divine actions in the sense of direct cause and effect can lead to knowledge of the self. Supposing that there is darkness in a room, then no amount of sweeping or cleaning or any such actions will remove the darkness but it can only be done by light. However thick the darkness is, it disappears in an instant by light. Similarly, it is only the knowledge that can negate the illusory ignorance. Also actions are but a result of ignorance, that which is a result can never remove its cause. Action is done only when one perceives duality as there is always a distinction of doer, instrument and the result in any actions. And this duality is perceived only due to ignorance. Hence actions can never liberate one from ignorance, but it is only knowledge that can remove all miseries. Just as light is opposed to darkness, knowledge opposed to ignorance can only negate it. This darkness doesn’t disappear anywhere nor goes anywhere but is only negated by the light. Similarly, the illusory ignorance is negated by the light of the Self knowledge. Thus all the actions can only prepare a seeker for the revelation of this ever present knowledge but can never by themselves remove the ignorance