How Long to Read Short Works

How Long Does it Take to Read Short Works?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 19 minutes to read Short Works by Shankara Adi Shankara

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Śaṅkara is one of those great souls who - like Parmenides, Plato, Plotinus and others - appear on this planet from time to time, to propound Principles of a universal order and to act as precise and steadfast reference points. Śaṅkara dedicated his short but intense life (788-820) to the noble aim of revivifying the Vedic tradition in a time of confusion and crisis, and he achieved the greatest synthesis and harmonisation of the whole of Indian philosophical thought. In presenting this book, Short Works, that include some of the many prakaraṇas (Treatises) and stotras (Hymns) composed by Śaṅkara or attributed to him, our decision was to let the verses speak for themselves. However, we have left those commentaries which present aspects of the Teaching that might be unknown to the readers who meet Śaṅkara for the first time. The Treatises explain, from a philosophical and metaphysical perspective, some of the expressions found in the Upaniṣads. A good example is the ātmabodha, a significant text which comprises the fundamental principles of Advaita (Non-duality) and constitutes an introduction for all who wish to comprehend this Teaching. In this work Śaṅkara shows how knowledge/vidyā of a metaphysical order is the means par excellence for freeing us from the ignorance/avidyā concerning the nature of Being. Noteworthy is the 'Introduction' to Vākyavṛtti, in which are expounded, with a terminology appropriate to Western Philosophy, the principles of traditional Metaphysics, so as to provide a 'reading key' for understanding the essential teaching of Non-duality, the foundation of all Śaṅkara work. The best-known Hymns in the collection include Śivo'ham, in which Śaṅkara, following the manner of the Sages of the Upaniṣads in using the form of negation (neti neti), points to one's identity with Śiva; Dakṣiṇāmūrti, in which Śiva, wearing the garments of a meditating young ascetic, transmits the teaching in silence; and Bhaja Govindam, which is one of the most celebrated lyric poems dedicated to Kṛṣṇa. But all the Works presented here are - in their philosophical content - beautiful and incisive.

How long is Short Works?

Short Works by Shankara Adi Shankara is 314 pages long, and a total of 79,756 words.

This makes it 106% the length of the average book. It also has 97% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Short Works Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 15 minutes to read Short Works aloud.

What Reading Level is Short Works?

Short Works is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Short Works?

Short Works by Shankara Adi Shankara is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Short Works by Shankara Adi Shankara on Amazon click the button below.