Mandukya Karika

Introduction

The Mandukya Karika (also known as the Agama Shastra) is a verse-form commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad. It was composed by Gaudapada, who is said to be the guru of Adi Shankara’s guru (Govinda Bhagavatpada).

The Karika is divided into four chapters (Prakaranas):

  1. Agama Prakarana: Commentary on the Upanishad verses. Chapter 1
  2. Vaitathya Prakarana: Proof of the unreality of the world. Chapter 2
  3. Advaita Prakarana: Proof of non-duality. Chapter 3
  4. Alatashanti Prakarana: The “extinguishing of the fire-brand.” Chapter 4

Selected Verses (Agama Prakarana)

Selected Verses (Vaitathya Prakarana)

Selected Verses (Advaita Prakarana)

Selected Verses (Alatashanti Prakarana)