PURITY OF MIND IS CONDITION PRECEDENT FOR REALIZATION OF ATMAN OR BRAHMAN - THE GREAT AND TIMELESS WORK OF AADHISANKARACHARYA ON APAROKSH ANUBHUTI IN COMPARISON WITH ATMABODA AND BAJAGOVINDAM

The word meditation is admired with awe and majesty by many in the world. Perhaps it is an unique word loved by millions in the world irrespective of cast, colour or creed. However, many confuse themselves with the practice of yoga and meditation. The word Yoga when it stands alone would denote asanas i.e. physical exercises. In this paper the various nuances contemplated by Aadhisankaracharya in his wonderful work the Aparoksh Anubhuti are discussed in comparasion with other works such as Atmabodha and Bajagovindam. In this work the Aacharya categorically contemplates what is the objective and scope of meditation and how to realize the Atman - ground work after ground work. This paper postulates such ground works that will indicate Purity of Mind is Condition Precedent for Realization of Brahman which has been emphatically emphasized in the great and timeless work i.e. APAROKSH ANUBHUTI. Comparison made in this paper is only to make the subject matter interesting. One should prepare well for meditation by cleansing the impurities of mind through the practice enunciated by the Aacharya and explore the possibility of meditation with clear understanding.