Pancha Panchakam (Manisha, Sadhana, Maya, Kashi, Matru)

The profundity of philosophical wisdom has been presented by the series of preceptors who have shown us the Path to the Realization of Self. Adi Shankara, can be termed as the luminous star among them. None equals Adi Shankara for the systematic, coherent and logical presentation of thoughts, making even the most complex ideas as easier comprehension and the most profound wisdom as the trivial knowledge. His mastery of poetry deft handling of the language, forthright approach to the core of the matter the brilliance of articulation and synthesis of purport are all unparallel and even admired for the rigors of scientific scrutiny. Though he has expressed the profound thoughts in lengthy commentaries, he could also do it succinctly for laymen to understand and meditate upon them.

Giri is very happy to place before the scholarly audience this small and unique compilation of the Panchakas of Sri. Adi Shankara. In these verses lay the most exhilarating wisdom to fulfil our quest and raise the awareness. These verses are the beacons of Upanishads. Its words are the seeds of Advaita wisdom. When one studies these verses with sincere quest and seeks earnestly, an able teacher will soon be known, to take him, to greater heights of wisdom we hope that the work serves its purpose of Introducing the subject matter in sucking manner.

We wish to place on record the contributions of Sri. Mee Rajagopalan, whose explanatory notes have been used for the General Introduction of this work as well for the Manisha panchaka. We thank him and pray to Sri. Shankara Bhagavatpada to bless him, With happiness and health. Dr. P. Ramachandrasekhar has contributed to the other segments of this pentad.