Upadesasahasri, which literally means "a thousand teachings", is an 8th-century CE Sanskrit text of Adi Shankara. Considered a Prakaraṇa grantha, the Upadesasahasri is considered among Shankara's most important non-commentarial works.
Content
Upadesasahasri is divided into two parts – one is in metric verse and another is in prose. There are nineteen chapters in the verse. The manuscript of this work indicates that the two parts were regarded as independent works and studied or commented upon separately. Manuscript also suggests the possibility that any single chapter could be studied differently – apart from the rest. This means one could/can start reading this work anywhere. The text states in verse 1.1 that it is a description of the "method and means" of Self-knowledge and moksha.
In Chapter 1, it states that teacher is the pilot as the student walks in the journey of knowledge, he is the raft as the student rows. The text describes the need, role and characteristics of a teacher, as follows,
On Smriti and Self
Adi Shankara states in prose paragraph 1.24 that, "Smriti texts elucidate the same truth , that is all gods are the Self, know the individual Self to be myself, the same in all beings". In the metric verse part of the text, chapters 17 and 18 similarly state for example,
Adi Shankara, in verse 1.25 to 1.26, discourages ritual worship and oblations to Deva, because that assumes the Self within is different than Brahman. The "doctrine of difference" is wrong, asserts Shankara, because, "he who knows the Brahman is one and he is another, does not know Brahman". However, prior to this declaration, Shankara asserts that the Self-knowledge is understood and realized when one's mind is purified by observation of Yamas such Ahimsa. Rituals and rites such as yajna can help draw and prepare the mind for the journey to Self-knowledge.
In verses 1.26-1.28, Upadesasahasri states that any Bheda based on class or caste or parentage is a mark of inner error and lack of liberating knowledge. In verse 1.29, Shankara states the Sruti text explain all creatures here, whether a tiger or another, are part of One, that one becomes a Brahman when one fully realizes the knowledge of non-difference. Anyone who refers to "classes or orders of life", or treats himself as different from any other creature, lacks that knowledge of "one's identity with supreme self", states verse 1.30.
On education as discovery between teacher and student
On mind
Adi Shankara writes, in verse 2.14.40 of Upadeshasahasri, that "the mind is a place of pilgrimage where the gods, all knowledge and all other purifying agencies become one; a bath in that place of pilgrimage makes one immortal".
