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Commentary on the Panchadasi
by Swami Krishnananda

Links for this Book

Table of Contents

  • Chapter 1: Tattva Viveka – Discrimination of Reality
  1. Verses 1-5
  2. Verses 6-13
  3. Verses 14-27
  4. Verses 28-43
  5. Verses 44-55
  6. Verses 54-65
  • Chapter 2: Pancha Mahabhuta Viveka – Discrimination of the Elements
  1. Verses 1-18
  2. Verses 19-34
  3. Verses 33-52
  4. Verses 53-66
  5. Verses 60-77
  6. Verses 78-99
  7. Verses 100-109
  • Chapter 3: Pancha Kosha Viveka – Discrimination of the Five Sheaths
  1. Verses 1-10
  2. Verses 11-23
  3. Verses 21-37
  4. Verses 37-43
  • Chapter 4: Dvaita Viveka – Discrimination of Duality
  1. Verses 1-26
  2. Verses 26-37
  3. Verses 38-56
  4. Verses 58-69
  • Chapter 5: Mahavakya Viveka – Discrimination of the Mahavakyas
  1. Verses 1-8
  • Chapter 6: Chitradipa – Light on the Analogy of a Painted Picture
  1. Verses 1-18
  2. Verses 19-35
  3. Verses 38-54
  4. Verses 55-72
  5. Verses 70-77
  6. Verses 78-100
  7. Verses 99-125
  8. Verses 125-153
  9. Verses 154-174
  10. Verses 175-186
  11. Verses 187-209
  12. Verses 209-230
  13. Verses 231-248
  14. Verses 248-262
  15. Verses 263-290
  • Chapter 7: Triptidipa Prakaranam – Light on Supreme Satisfaction
  1. Verses 1-15
  2. Verses 16-22
  3. Verses 23-40
  4. Verses 40-56
  5. Verses 57-67
  6. Verses 68-81

Publishers' Note

Panchadasi is a comprehensive text of Advaita Vedanta written by Sri Swami Vidyaranya who is regarded highly as a great scholar in Advaita philosophy after Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya. Sri Swami Vidyaranya has also adorned Sringeri Sharada Peetham established by Sri Sankaracharya as its spiritual head. In his masterpiece work 'Panchadasi', he has very beautifully brought out the essence of all Upanishads and intrinsic Vedanta philosophy in sublime ode. This metrical composition has fifteen chapters divided into three sections of five chapters each viz. Viveka Panchaka, Deepa Panchaka and Ananda Panchaka.

The 42 discourses that became these two volumes were given by Worshipful Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj to sadhakas and spiritual seekers from August to October 1989. Then there was a break due to Sri Swamiji Maharaj's ill health, and when Swamiji recovered he thought these lectures are sufficient to understand the crucial import of the Panchadasi. At the beginning of the Sixth Chapter, Chitradipa, Light on the Analogy of a Painted Picture, Swamiji mentions that it is philosophically the most important of all the chapters. We are, therefore, very fortunate to have this chapter in its entirety and to be able to bring it out in print on this most auspicious occasion.

May the blessings of Sadgurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj and Worshipful Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj be upon all!

—THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY