Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta. It is a profound and influential school of Hindu philosophy that articulates a non-dualistic metaphysics. The tradition asserts the ultimate identity of the individual self, or Atman, with the singular, formless reality, Brahman. Its systematization is primarily attributed to the seminal philosopher Adi Shankara in the early 8th century CE, who composed extensive commentaries on the Prasthanatrayi, the triple canon of Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita.

Etymology and basic principles

The term is derived from the Sanskrit words "advaita," meaning "not two" or "non-dual," and "Vedanta," signifying the "end of the Vedas" and referring to the Upanishadic teachings. Its core principle, Brahman alone is ultimately real, while the perceived world of multiplicity, termed Maya, is a dependent, empirically real but ultimately illusory appearance. The essential identity of the individual self, the Atman, with this absolute Brahman is captured in the great mahavakyas (great sayings) such as "Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That) from the Chandogya Upanishad. This realization dissolves the sense of a separate ego, or Ahamkara, which is rooted in avidya (ignorance).

Historical development and key figures

While its roots are in the ancient Upanishads, the systematic formulation began with the Brahma Sutras of Badarayana. The most pivotal figure is Adi Shankara, who traveled across India debating proponents of Buddhism, Jainism, and other Hindu schools like Samkhya and Nyaya. He established monastic centers, or mathas, at Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri, and Badrinath. Pre-Shankara influences include Gaudapada, author of the Mandukya Karika. Post-Shankara, important commentators and sub-schools emerged, including Padmapada of the Vivarana school and Vachaspati Misra. Later influential figures include Vidyaranya, the 14th-century Jagadguru of Sringeri, and in the modern era, Ramana Maharshi and Swami Vivekananda.

Philosophical concepts and teachings

The ontology rests on three fundamental tiers of reality: Paramarthika (the absolute), Vyavaharika (the empirical), and Pratibhasika (the illusory). Maya is the creative power that projects the world-appearance upon Brahman, analogous to a rope being mistaken for a snake. The theory of adhyasa (superimposition) explains this error. The individual is considered a composite of the real Atman and the unreal five sheaths. Liberation, or Moksha, is not an attainment but the recognition of one's eternally free nature, described as Satchidananda (existence-consciousness-bliss). This knowledge, or Jnana, is supreme, though preparatory disciplines like Karma yoga and Bhakti are acknowledged.

Practice and realization

The primary means to liberation is Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge, which is cultivated through a threefold practice: shravana (listening to the teachings), manana (reflection), and nididhyasana (profound meditation). The aspirant, a mumukshu, is typically required to possess the fourfold qualifications, sadhana-chatushtaya, including viveka (discrimination) and vairagya (dispassion). Meditation practices aim at self-inquiry, epitomized by Ramana Maharshi's method of "Who am I?". While monastic life, as seen in the Dashanami orders, is ideal, the teachings have been adapted for householders. The realized being, a jivanmukta, lives free from bondage while still engaged in the world.

Influence and legacy

Its impact has been immense, shaping the intellectual and spiritual landscape of India and, later, the West. It provided a philosophical foundation for the Bhakti movement and influenced mystics like Kabir and Guru Nanak. In the colonial period, figures like Swami Vivekananda presented its teachings at the Parliament of the World's Religions, leading to the establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission. Modern proponents such as Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Chandrashekhara Bharati of Sringeri have continued its exposition. It engages in ongoing dialogue with Western philosophy, science, and psychology, and remains a dominant force in global understandings of Hinduism.

Category:Hindu philosophy Category:Advaita Vedanta Category:Indian philosophies