Understanding Bodhas?ra

Bodhas?ra written in the 18th century is a valuable example of Indian thought immediately before the colonial period. It is still compelling reading. Superficially it could be mistaken for just another presentation of Ved?nta but a guided reading reveals a refreshing new style. Bodhas?ra means 'essence of knowledge' and Narahari the author having exposed a lack of understanding of traditional practices poetically leads learned scholars to look afresh throw off self-imposed bondage and rest in the substance of their tradition. The Sanskrit Knowledge Systems on the Eve of Colonialism project studied Sanskrit works written between the 16th-18th centuries and proposed a 'renaissance' of Indian thought during this period. They discovered a 'newness' in these works coming from a re-examination of the original ??stras. Bodhas?ra also turns back to the original ??stras and expresses them in a 'new' way thus presenting fresh evidence for the notion of a pre- colonial Indian 'renaissance'. Bodhas?ra is a Sanskrit treasure for academic scholars for readers of fine literature and for students of Advaita Ved?nta and Yoga.