This is the first complete translation in prose of one of the traditional biographies of Shankaracharya. In his valuable introduction Swami Tapasyananda discusses the dearth of data on Shankara?s life which makes a biography along modern lines impossible and necessitates dependence on the traditional lives. This biography written by Vidyaranya conveys the power of Shankara?s personality and the brilliance of his achievements, particularly in the fully reported philosophical debates with his opponents.
We must have friendship for all; we must be merciful toward those that are in misery; when people are happy, we ought to be happy; and to the wicked we must be indifferent. These attitudes will make the mind peaceful.
-Swami Vivekananda