Shining World Teachers and Guidelines
A little context is helpful when considering the scriptures on this page. If you are new to traditional Vedanta you may not understand that only qualified minds are capable of understanding the true import of Vedantic texts. The path of Self inquiry proceeds in three stages: (1) hearing or listening, (2) reflecting to resolve doubts and (3) assimilating the knowledge. Before one can even call one’s self a qualified inquirer it is extremely important that one understand the distinction between knowledge and experience because certain texts assume the knowledge of this important distinction.
However, many of the individuals who translated these texts into English did not understand the distinction and presented the meaning of the verses in experiential language. Access to the Self, which is beyond both the known and the unknown, depends on a mind that is capable of assimilating the implied meaning of words, not only their ostensible meaning.
It is true that knowledge can be presented in experiential language but usually only by a Self actualized competent teacher trained in the methodology of teaching. So to avoid confusion ShiningWorld suggests that you familiarize yourself with this topic. Read the second Chapter of James’ best-selling book, “Essence of Enlightenment” and/or Purchase Knowledge and Experience in the ShiningWorld shop. Armed with this understanding enjoy the selected texts.
Scriptures
- Ashtavakra Gita / PDF
- Avadhuta Gita / PDF
- Bhagavad Gita Intro and Verses / PDF
- Bhagavad Gita Summary / PDF
- Dakshinamurti Stotra / PDF
- Isa Upanishad / PDF
- Kaivalya Upanishad
- Katha Upanishad / PDF
- Kena Upanishad / PDF
- Mandukya Karika PDF
- Mandukya Upanishad (Nikhilananda Translation) / PDF
- Panchadasi / PDF
- Prasna Upanishad PDF
- Svetasvatara Upanishad / PDF
- Vivekachudamani (Crown Jewel of Discrimination) / PDF
- Vivekachudamani Swami Madhavananda Translation (PDF)
Transcriptions
- Bhagavad Gita Spain 2013 – James Swartz (PDF)
- Bhagavad Gita – Swami Paramarthananda (PDF)
- Introduction to Vedanta – Swami Paramarthananda (PDF)
- Kena Upanishad – Swami Paramarthananda (PDF)
- Mandukya Upanishad and Karika – Swami Paramarthananda (PDF)
- Narada Bhakti Sutras -Concise Edition (PDF)
- Narada Bhakti Sutras -Comprehensive Edition (PDF)
- Self Inquiry – James Swartz, Westerwald 2014 (PDF)
- Vivekachudamani – James Swartz, Tiru 2011 (PDF)
