Manuscript was used for contemplation and recitation and is a short Hindu philosophical treatment of, as well as a means to promote, various Hindu deities (such as Śiva, Brahmā, and Viṣṇu), while reiterating and repurposing Vedic mantras and verses, especially drawn from late Vedic upaniṣads. The manuscript is comprised of two works, the Great sayings (Mahāvākya) and a second which is a collection of verses promoting the idea of the oneness of the ultimate principle of the universe, the brahman. Both works have as a background, the sentiments and perspective of the Advaita (non-dualism) Vedānta school of philosophy and are attributed to the 8th century philosopher Śaṅkarācārya, though the works serve as prayers as much as philosophical treatises and may or may not be the work of this author.
Table of contents: Mahāvākya (f. 1r-2v) -- Brahmaikavṛttisaṃdhāna (f. 2v-4r).; Title of manuscript from title of colophon of first work (f. 2v); title of second work Brahmaikavṛttisaṃdhāna from final colophon (f. 4r).; Written in 9 lines per leaf.; 4 leaves foliated 1-4, upper left and lower right verso.; Colophon (first work): iti śaṃkarācāryaviracitaṃ mahāvākyaṃ sampūrṇaṃ // (f. 2v).; Mistakes blacked out; some corrections and additions in margins; vertical margins marked with double red line.; In Sanskrit (Devanāgarī)
Physical Location:
Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, Manuscripts, Ms. Coll. 390 Item 1132
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