Self-Realization Through Self-Knowing: A New Hindu Enquiry into Dharma and Moksha

Self-Realization is far better known than self-Knowing. Two renowned Advaitic masters of the last century, Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, had created worldwide awareness of this ancient Advaitic tradition going back thousands of years, all the way to Adi Sankaracharya and the Upanishadic sages. By contrast, self-Knowing has been the lesser known as it has, by and large, remained nestled within the writings of the master, Sri J. Krishnamurti.

Starting with the principles of self-Knowing laid down by J. Krishnamurti, the author systematically unfolds a meditative process that is free of the contamination by the self. Defining fundamentals such as self and what is, and going on to the ensuing theme of 'the identification, observation and understanding of the self, ' he arrives at 'the calming and silencing of the self '. It is here that the illusory nature of the self begins to shine. Without supportive meditations and intense selfless interest, one cannot come even this far. Deviating unambiguously, at a certain point, from J. Krishnamurti's line of exposition, the author invokes 'the impossible to ignore' Atma, and in this way leads us to the Advaitic climax of Tat Tvam Asi. In essence, he convinces us that self-Knowing is not only absolutely necessary but also that, without self-Knowing, the entire world of Self-Realization may be poised on shaky ground.

This work is intended for serious seekers. The contents are drawn from the teachings imparted by the author at the 'Tat Tvam Asi' International, seven-day residential retreat in 2016. They also constitute the textual material for an on-line course in Self-Realization through self-Knowing. Each of its seven chapters throbs with the vitality of a bold new enquiry, which takes the form of questions and answers.

A former research scientist, Sankara Bhagavadpada received his PhD in theoretical nuclear physics from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai in 1980. He continues to teach Vedic Astrology and has been teaching Atmajnana (self-Knowing leading to Self-Realization) in India, USA and several South American countries.