A hidden classic
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I first read this book in 1978, it is the first of two books, the second being 'The Wisdom of the Overself'. This review relates to both books as a pair.
The two books contain what is in essence a western exposition of The Ashtavakra Gita or the Ashtavakra Samhita as it is sometimes called, and in the rarified air of epistemological exploration they are difficult to understand.
They are not easy books; old understandings of truth have to be discarded and new radical concepts have to be wrestled with. A certain tenacity and above average sharpness of intellect is required to penetrate these pages. Be prepared not just to have your beliefs challenged, but your very understanding of the nature of belief and truth.
I would say that these books are most suited to those who are unable to a accept faith at face value unsupported by rigorous intellectual examination.
If however you persevere the rewards are great. You will find you have an invincible tool, a broad base of knowledge and understanding of the very nature of reality and the ability to dispassionately evaluate any other philosophical work you may read.
I'm aware that to some degree Brunton has been discredited and there is doubt about his knowledge of Sanskrit, but the veracity of his interpretations here remain unchallenged.
This is the path of knowledge, and if you are fortunate enough to reach its end then your new path will be the path of unknowing where only the moment counts and all else is your imagination.
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