Prasnottara Ratna Malika
Author: Parama Devi
Publisher:
Published: 2013-03-02
Total Pages: 132
ISBN-13: 9781480014176
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →Prasnottara Ratna Malika literally means "The Necklace of Gem-like Questions". This text is one among the many works by Jagadguru Adi Shankara Acharya, great teacher and reformer of Hinduism. The historical period of Adi Shankara's life is controversial, as conventional academics (that believe it was between 788 and 820 C.E.) place is after the life of Siddhartha Gautama the Buddha and the spreading of Buddhism in India - the only factor of historical certainty, as the preaching mission of Adi Shankara was precisely directed to answer the criticism of Siddhartha Gautama's successors towards Vedic tradition. According to the records of the Indian Shankara Mathas, on the other hand, the period is established between the 509 and the 477 B.C.E. Some Puranas and other ancient scriptures contain references to Adi Shankara as an incarnation of Shiva and Surya; certainly the extent of his preaching work in defense of Dharma and Vedic knowledge reveals an extremely powerful divine personality. The poetic image of the precious necklace of gems is meant to illustrate the wonderful qualities of this collection of questions and answers, that brings us directly in contact with the great Adi Shankara and his deep wisdom, just as if we were sitting in front of him in the ancient tradition of direct relationship between guru and disciple. These teachings are compared to precious gems for their richness and value, brilliance and inalterability, and also for the beneficial influence on the lives of those who will honor them by keeping them constantly close to their hearts. Some of the questions: who is a Guru, what is Dharma, what is God, what brings happiness, what is charity, what is wealth, what are the four forms of good fortune, which place we should avoid. Also discussed are the topics of fear and courage, family life, Bhakti and knowledge, and the relationship between Vishnu and Shiva. This book is the English translation of the original text consisting of 67 Sanskrit verses, compiled on the suggestion of the then yuvacharya of Kanchi, Sri Vijayendra Sarasvati, in the meeting at the Kanchi Matha, on 11 January 1993. It has the original devanagari verses, with transliteration, translation and brief commentaries including various quotes from other fundamental texts, elaborating on the most important and meaningful questions and answers for the spiritual and material benefit of all human beings, through a simple and easily understandable language, in a form that helps us to apply the same sublime knowledge to our daily lives.