Tattvabodha

Tattva Bodha (Knowledge of Truth) is a seminal work on Advaita Vedanta, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankara. It provides a foundational framework for understanding the essential concepts of Vedanta, starting from the qualifications of a seeker to the ultimate nature of reality.

Contents

I. Introduction

• Invocation: Seeking the blessings of Guru Vasudevendra.
• Adhikara: The requisite qualifications for spiritual inquiry.

II. Sadhana Chatushtaya (The Fourfold Qualifications)

• Fourfold Qualifications: Overview of the essential traits of a seeker.
• Viveka: Discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal.
• Vairagya: Dispassion for the transient.
• Sixfold Treasure (Shatka Sampatti): Shama, Dama, Uparati, Titiksha, Shraddha, and Samadhana.
• Mumukshutva: The burning desire for liberation.

III. Tattva Viveka (Enquiry into Truth)

• Enquiry into Truth: Defining the Self and the non-Self.

IV. Sharira Traya (The Three Bodies)

• Sthula Sharira (Gross Body)
• Sukshma Sharira (Subtle Body)
  • Jnanendriya (Five Sense Organs)
  • Karmendriya (Five Organs of Action)
• Karana Sharira (Causal Body)

V. Avastha Traya (The Three States of Consciousness)

• Avastha Traya: Overview of the states.
• Jagrat Avastha (Waking State)
• Svapna Avastha (Dream State)
• Sushupti Avastha (Deep Sleep State)

VI. Pancha Kosha (The Five Sheaths)

• Pancha Kosha: The layers covering the Self.
• Annamaya Kosha (Food Sheath)
• Pranamaya Kosha (Vital Air Sheath)
• Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath)
• Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath)
• Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath)
• Panchakoshatita (Beyond the five sheaths)

VII. Atman (The Self)

• Nature of the Atman: Satchidananda.

VIII. Jagat (The Universe)

• Maya: The cause of the universe.
• Evolution of the Five Elements
• Evolution of the Organs of Perception
• Evolution of the Internal Organs (Antahkarana)
• Evolution of the Organs of Action and Pranas
• Panchikarana (Quintuplication of elements)

IX. Jiva and Ishvara

• Identity of Jiva and Ishvara

X. Mahavakya

• Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)

XI. Liberation

• Jivanmukta: The characteristics of a liberated soul.
• Karma and Freedom from Bondage

References: Hinduism