Gaudapada’s commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad is the earliest systematic exposition of Advaita Vedanta. Gaudapada analyzes the basic states of consciousness, views the world as a simulation, postulates the doctrine of non-birth (ajati-vada) and the illusory nature of creationist concepts. This work, traditionally considered the basis of the philosophy of non-dualism and the key text of Advaita, is especially relevant in our time, when new approaches to understanding reality and consciousness are being formed.

This edition contains transliteration of the Sanskrit text and notes based on Sankara’s commentaries on Gaudapada’s treatise.