Astavakragita: The Song of the Self Supreme

by Radhakamal Mukerjee

Astavakragita (The Song of the Self Supreme) contains the Sanskrit text of Astavakragita (both in Nagari and Roman script), its English translation, Exegesis and Glossarial Index. It presents in twenty chapters the substance of Astavakra`s teaching in respect of the Cosmic Self in the form of his dialogue with Janaka, the seer-king of Videha. The teaching is based on the Upanishadic creed of Absolute monism (Advaitavada) that identifies the Self with the non-dual Ultimate Reality.

But the contribution of Astavakra is also immense, for he has introduced the element of emotional experience or the mystical feeling as the means for realizing the non-dual nature of the Self. Written in a lucid style and dealing systematically with the subject matter, the book will hold a unique position among the contemplative classics of the world.

About the Author:

Radhakamal Mukerjee (1889-1968), a leading thinker and social scientist of modern India, was Professor of Economics and Sociology and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow. Mukerjee played an important and constructive role in the Indian independence movement. He was a highly original philosopher of history and a discerning interpreter of culture and civilization.