What Is / Who Founded of Advaita Vedanta

Unveiling the Great Illusion of Separation

You are not a separate individual, but part of a vast, unified ocean of consciousness, where every wave, every ripple, is an expression of the same underlying reality. This idea, known as Advaita, implies a non-duality that challenges our ordinary experience of being distinct and separate from the world around us. The term "Advaita" itself means "not two", suggesting that the fundamental nature of reality is a single, undivided whole. At the heart of this philosophy is the central tenet that Brahman, the ultimate reality, and Atman, the individual self, are one and the same. It's a concept that has been explored and refined over centuries, particularly by Adi Shankaracharya, who systematized the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, leaving a lasting impact on Hindu philosophy. His work still influences spiritual seekers today, offering a profound and radical perspective on the nature of reality and our place within it.

The Essence of Advaita — One Without a Second

The concept of Advaita is often translated as "not two," signifying the absence of any fundamental separation in reality. This idea is central to Advaita Vedanta, and it's what sets it apart from other philosophical traditions. At its core, Advaita posits that there's only one ultimate reality, which is often referred to as Brahman. Brahman is the sole, unchanging, infinite, and absolute reality that underlies all existence. It's the substratum of everything, the unshakeable foundation upon which the world is built.

You've probably heard of the Mahavakyas, or Great Sayings, which are meant to convey the essence of Advaita. One of the most famous is "Tat Tvam Asi," or "Thou Art That," which suggests that the individual self, or Atman, is identical to Brahman. This idea is radical, as it implies that the distinctions we make between ourselves and the world are ultimately illusory. The individual soul, or Atman, is not separate from the absolute reality of Brahman.

Maya, the illusory power, plays a key role in obscuring this underlying unity. Maya makes the manifold world appear real, convincing us that we're separate from the world and from each other. It's what creates the illusion of duality, making it difficult for us to see the truth of non-duality. That's why Advaita Vedanta places such a strong emphasis on self-inquiry and the direct experience of reality, as it's only by cutting through the veil of Maya that we can glimpse the true nature of things. It's a profound and challenging idea, one that requires a deep level of introspection and contemplation.

Adi Shankaracharya — The Architect of Advaita Vedanta

Adi Shankaracharya's life is a fascinating story of a spiritual prodigy who lived in the 8th century CE, and his mission to revive and consolidate Vedic teachings is what makes him the most significant proponent of Advaita Vedanta. He's often credited with systematizing the philosophy, and his extensive commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras form the bedrock of Advaita philosophy. These commentaries, known as Bhashyas, are still studied today for their clarity and depth.

His concept of Nivritti Dharma, or the path of renunciation, is particularly interesting, as it's presented as the direct means to realizing the non-dual truth. This path is contrasted with Pravritti Dharma, or the path of engagement, which is seen as a more worldly approach. Shankaracharya's emphasis on Nivritti Dharma reflects his belief that true understanding can only be achieved by cutting through the veil of Maya, and that's a challenging idea to wrap your head around.

Shankaracharya's impact extends beyond his writings, as he also established monastic centers, or Mathas, across India. These centers played a crucial role in propagating Advaita Vedanta and maintaining its tradition, and they continue to be important institutions today. You've got to admire the scope of his vision, and the fact that his teachings are still widely studied and debated. Shankaracharya's legacy is a testament to the power of his ideas, and his influence can still be felt in Indian philosophy and spirituality. His story is one of dedication and conviction, and it's a reminder that the pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey.

The Practical Path of Jnana Yoga in Advaita

The question "Who am I?" is a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth in Advaita Vedanta, guiding practitioners through the process of self-inquiry, or Vichara. This practice is central to Jnana Yoga, the Yoga of Knowledge, which is considered the principal path to liberation, or Moksha, in Advaita. It's a path that requires discrimination between the real, which is Atman or Brahman, and the unreal, the world of Maya. To embark on this journey, aspirants must first cultivate certain virtues, known as the Shad Sampat, which include tranquility, control of senses, cessation from worldly pursuits, forbearance, faith, and concentration.

These virtues are not just moral guidelines, but prerequisites for a deeper understanding of the self. They help create a foundation for self-inquiry, allowing practitioners to look beyond the empirical ego and discern their true nature. Understanding Maya, or the world of appearances, is crucial in this process, as it helps one detach from the external world without necessarily renouncing external duties entirely. This detachment is not about abandoning responsibilities, but about cultivating a sense of inner freedom, a sense of being in the world, yet not of it.

Detachment in the world, rather than from the world, is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta, and it's what allows practitioners to engage with their duties and responsibilities, while maintaining a sense of inner peace and freedom. It's a delicate balance, one that requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality, and the nature of the self. As one delves deeper into the practice of Jnana Yoga, they begin to see the world, and themselves, in a new light, and it's this shift in perspective that ultimately leads to liberation. The practice of Jnana Yoga is a lifelong journey, one that requires dedication, conviction, and a willingness to question everything, including oneself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advaita Vedanta is not the only school of Vedanta, it's one of the major schools of Vedanta philosophy. You've got Vishishtadvaita, which is qualified non-duality, and Dvaita, which is dualism, these are the other main schools. They all interpret the Vedas, but they don't all agree on the nature of reality.

If everything is Brahman, you'd think we wouldn't experience suffering, but that's not the case. Suffering arises from ignorance of our true nature as Brahman, leading us to identify with the transient ego and the illusory world of Maya. That's what causes our pain and discomfort.

Advaitins don't reject the idea of deities like Vishnu or Shiva, they just don't see them as the ultimate reality. The worship of these deities is accepted as a preparatory stage for spiritual growth, a way to focus the mind. It's a manifestation of the one Brahman that helps devotees on their path to self-realization.

Living the Truth of Your True Nature

Advaita Vedanta offers a profound perspective on reality, asserting that the apparent multiplicity of the universe is an illusion masking an underlying, singular consciousness. Adi Shankaracharya's commentaries provided a systematic framework for understanding this non-dual truth. Through Jnana Yoga, you've got a direct means to awaken to your true identity as Brahman. This practice, rooted in knowledge and self-inquiry, allows you to see beyond the limitations of the body and mind. Begin exploring the concept of your true, unified nature by contemplating the question, "Who am I, beyond this body and mind?" That's where the real journey starts, and it's a path that can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.