Pañcadaśī is an extremely significant text composed in the 14th century by the revered scholar, Swami Vidyaranya.

Pañcadaśī consists of 15 chapters, divided into three quintets, the three aspects of Brahman as Sat-Chit-Ananda. Every chapter is a standalone and unique. This 4th chapter, expounds on the very important topic of 'Discrimination of Duality'.

Vedanta shows us how to deal with Jagat as nothing other than Bhagavan's sristi. Hence, cultivating Satva guna is advised since it is the weakest link to saṃsāra and can be broken more easily. This last episode, talks about Kshama (accommodation) and Dhriti (courage), two important tools to be bring more Satva into one's life. 

Examining the Gita verses, Swaminiji sheds light on the nature and subtleties of gunas. How do gunas bind one to a life of samsara? How do they express in the body-mind-sense complex? Moreover, why is a balanced lifestyle and diet emphasized for the one pursuing Self knowledge. 

Nothing in this universe is outside of the three Gunas of sattva, rajas and tamas. This episode forms a part of a series of talks by Swamini Svatmavidyanada as she expounds about the gunas being manifest in all bodies, and more importantly how understanding their characteristics helps or hinders one's spiritual pursuit. 

The last verse of this text says that, the person whose mind has become identified with the Self is not a mere knower of Brahman (brahmavit), but Brahman itself (brahmaiva). Thus, Adi Sankara resolves this situation with the Caṇḍāla with immense humility, which comes only with Self knowledge. 

This is a beautiful verse which talks about the truth of the vision. Time, space and object bound limitation are knocked off to show that all there is, is consciousness alone.

"Brahman is the gift of being present, unplagued by the past and future." How does karma operate for a Jñānī ? This episode explain the laws of karma and expounds on that which lends sentiency to the insentient.

This episode explains the meaning of brahmaivāham - 'I am that Brahman alone'. A mahāvākya in itself, verse 3, then goes on to elucidates how this knowledge of the Self is to be gained. 

Who is a Guru? Adi Sankara, in the very 1st verse of this text, talks about the qualifications of a Guru, thus, expounding beautifully on the truth of the Self.

The Caṇḍāla having been asked to move out of Adi Sankara's way, replies in two beautiful verses, thereby displaying his great erudition. As the story goes, Adi Sankara falls at his feet and thus begins the verses of Manisha Panchakam.