Traditions / Advaita Vedanta / Atma Bodha
Symbolic image of a single radiant point of golden light at the centre of an infinite dark expanse, with subtle rays extending outward, minimalist contemplative composition
Advaita Vedanta · classical text

Atma Bodha

Self-Knowledge

Translator: Swami Nikhilananda (1895–1973), 1947.

Source: Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore

Licence: Free distribution. Swami Nikhilananda's 1947 translation, with elaborate introduction, notes, and comments, published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore (the first Indian edition of his earlier American printing). Distributed under the Ramakrishna Order's policy permitting free reproduction of its translations of foundational texts for non-commercial spiritual study. Same translator as the Mandukya Karika ingest already on the site. Lightly modernised by Soul Spirit Self.

↓ Download PDF ↓ EPUB ↓ Plain text ▼ Read on this page

Shankara's compact exposition of nondual recognition. Sixty-eight verses summarising the entire path of self-knowledge. Often the first text given to a student approaching Advaita.

From the text

A representative selection. Full text available below.

The full text

Read the complete work

28,537 words · approximately 130 minutes to read

PDF
Typeset edition. Reads beautifully on a tablet, prints well, feels like a book.
Download →
EPUB
For phone or e-reader. Adjustable text size, bookmarks, dark mode.
Download →
Plain text
Universal. Opens in any browser or text editor. Tiny file.
Download →