This is a unique work discussing the teachings of four of the great Advaita Acaryas: Gaudapada, Sarikara, and his two disciples, Suresvara and Padmapada. The first three chapters are concerned with the teachings of Gaudapada. These chapters refer to most of the verses of the Gaudapadakarika and one chapter specifically deals with the influence of Mahayana Buddhism on the thought of Gaudapada. The following three chapters discuss the teachings of Sarikara. Two topics in particular are given extensive treatment: Sarikara’s understanding of the nature of God (Isvara), and the way Sarikara views the role of the sruti in leading to liberation. The writings of recent scholars, such as Paul Hacker, are examined in the context of various topics. The final two chapters are devoted to an explication of the teachings of Sarikara’s two best known disciples, Suresvara and Padmapada. The author combines close textual scholarship with the perspective of one is a teacher (Acarya) within the tradition of Advaita., This work will prove useful both for the student who wishes to obtain clear and detailed information about these four Acaryas, and it will also be of value to one who is seeking to develop their own spirituality within the Advaita tradition.
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