Chapter IV
Alatasanti Prakaran (On Quenching of The Firebrand)
Introduction In this chapter, Gauḍapada consolidates the teachings of the previous three chapters and establishes the doctrine of non-origination (ajativada). He also examines and refutes rival philosophical systems to reinforce the Advaitic vision of non-duality. In the first two karikas, Gaudapada pays salutations to Narayana, the the Adi Guru, who initiated the lineage of teachers (guru-parampara). He was the first to teach non-duality, i.e., identity of jiva and Brahman. Gaudapada pays obeisance to asparsh-yoga which is without any contradiction. It is both beneficial and enjoyable because it culminates in liberation, which is of the nature of limitless bliss.