Vivekachoodamani Part 1 ( ഭഗവദ് ഗീതയും വിവേകചൂഡാമണിയും )

As its name this magnificent work of Adi Sankaracharya, which can be closely translated as "Crest-Jewel of Discrimination(Knowledge)" is a masterpiece in itself. Unlike other commentaries, this is in a verse form, with 555 verses. Even before one delves into this superfluous creation it is important to understand the deep meaning of the title. The word 'Viveka' itself be understood as either "power of discrimination" or the "process of discrimination" and the "knowledge derived or originating from the process of discrimination". The Acharya in his benevolent compassion has taken the sishya and the reader's step by step, slowly and surely, to that ultimate destination. It is also to be noted here that this philosophical treatise is to be revered as the Bhagavad Gita itself. Vivekachudamani is a prakarana grantha, and is in the form of a dialogue between a seeker and his Guru.