A. Parthasarathy

Both the texts Bhaja Govindam and Atmabodha, were composed by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century.

The Bhaja Govindam highlights the two human motivations – acquisition and enjoyment. Its thirty-one verses point out the delusion in external pursuit and urges one to seek the supreme Self.

The Atmabodha is a picture gallery of word paintings in sixty-eight verses with deep philosophic themes. It contains several similes and metaphors taken from nature and life in general. The practical examples therein help a spiritual seeker to maintain the awareness of the supreme Reality in all walks of life.