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The Teaching of Adi Shankaracharya

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Recited by the music ensemble in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.

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Teaching from Adi Shankaracharya

The painting of Adi Shankaracharya and his disciples, by Siddha Yoga student Anusuya Ethier,
is from the Shakti Punja Archives.

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    Ever since I first saw this beautiful image, I have been drawn into it. My mind becomes quiet and peaceful, and I am filled with confidence. This morning as I saw it and read the words, my heart opened up and much to my surprise I started to cry with deep gratitude. My heart overflows with love and reverence for the Indian sages. Where would I be without them?
     

    Duisburg, Germany

    Adi Shankaracharya’s words of truth and wisdom connected me to a deep- seated feeling of complete surrender to Lord Brahman within my own being and a sense of detachment from the unreal world.
     

    Nairobi, Kenya

    After listening to the musicians’ harmonious and loving recitation of Adi Shankaracharya’s concise words, I was drawn into a peaceful meditative state. Inwardly, I caught a glimpse of what seemed like pools of blue water, reflecting the pools of water depicted by the artist in the beautiful picture of Adi Shankaracharya with his disciples. I received deeper understanding that although I am in this world, I am not of it.
     

    Sydney, Australia

    When I read Adi Shankaracharya’s teaching, my mind soaked in the stillness instantly.

    Chennai, India

    This verse is extremely profound in its absolute truth and simplicity.  As I read it again today, I realized that I can choose what I identify with. Instead of identifying with my body, I can identify with who I really am–the pure, unchanging, eternal, blissful Self. It feels empowering to state this, and I sincerely wish to experience my true nature in its fullness. This longing inspires me to do the practices with more vigor so I may know the truth of who I really am. 

    New York, United States

    My soul delights in reading that ultimate truth from Adi Shankaracharya! While I was at a retreat at Shree Muktananada Ashram one summer, the most ecstatic state of Aham Brahmasmi came over my entire being, and the words that streamed forth were "I am Brahman and all this is my creation." This ecstatic state felt so normal that I thought everyone must know this. Although I could only hold the state for twenty minutes, I knew it was the truth and that one day, when the time was right, I would return to that state and be able to hold it without any fluctuation.

    This experience was a gift of Gurumayi’s grace, for which I am forever grateful.

    Massachusetts, United States

    Looking at the image of Adi Shankaracharya with his disciples was so familiar and peaceful. I felt like I was inside the painting, not outside looking at it. I realized that sitting with Gurumayi in the "Be in the Temple" satsangs is an experience of the infusion of knowledge from beloved teacher to disciple that has always taken place. Reading the verse, I began to understand Adi Shankaracharya’s succinct teaching.  

    California, United States

    I love this “half a verse”—stripped down to the core Truth at the heart of all spiritual teachings.
     
    Reading it creates an “ahaaaa” moment for me and directs my mind to what is essential and true!

    Guildford, United Kingdom

    As I read Adi Shankaracharya’s teaching, the first word that came to my mind was “clarity.”
     
    I realized that out of compassion, great beings have given us the most profound knowledge expressed in simple terms, so that everyone will understand and experience the Supreme Truth.
     
    I am filled with reverence and gratitude for this “half a verse”!

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    During this period, when humanity is in great confusion and despair, the wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya resonates in my mind.
     
    To remember that I am Brahman, the Absolute, fills me with confidence, strength, love, and serenity.

    Rodez, France

    When I read Adi Shankaracharya’s words, I thought, "I bow to Gurumayi, who puts such words on the Siddha Yoga path website."
     
    I am forever grateful to our Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi, whose limitless generosity fills my life every day.
     
    They give me everything I need to fulfill my purpose on Earth.

    California, United States

    Just reading this verse brings up in me the feeling of detachment.
     
    As my understanding broadens, I realize that to recognize the Truth, to pursue and live in the Truth, it is essential for me to walk without hesitation on the path shown by the Siddha Yoga Gurus.

    Bedford Gardens, South Africa