11.1 Adi Shankara's life and contributions to Advaita Vedanta
3 min read•july 31, 2024
, born in , was a pivotal figure in Indian philosophy. He became a sannyasin at a young age, studied under , and traveled across India, engaging in debates that shaped his understanding of .
Shankara's work systematized philosophy, emphasizing non-dualism and the concept of . He established monasteries, wrote commentaries on sacred texts, and developed key doctrines that continue to influence Hindu thought and attract global interest in non-dualism.
Adi Shankara's Life and Philosophy
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
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- Born in 788 CE in Kalady, Kerala, to a Nambudiri Brahmin family provided Adi Shankara with a strong foundation in Vedic learning and Sanskrit from an early age
- Renounced worldly life as a young boy to become a sannyasin shaped his philosophical outlook significantly
- Sought spiritual education under Govinda Bhagavatpada, a disciple of Gaudapada, introduced Shankara to Advaita Vedanta concepts and
- Embarked on (tour of conquest) across India during his short 32-year lifespan engaged in philosophical debates with scholars from various schools of thought (Buddhism, Mimamsa, other Vedanta schools)
Philosophical Development and Teachings
- Encounters with different philosophical traditions during his travels refined Shankara's understanding and formulation of Advaita philosophy
- Established four mathas (monasteries) in the four corners of India played a crucial role in preserving and propagating his teachings
- Locations: Sringeri (South), Dwaraka (West), Puri (East), Jyotirmath (North)
- Composed numerous philosophical treatises and commentaries on sacred texts solidified his philosophical framework
- Focused particularly on (Upanishads, , )
- Developed the concept of Maya (illusion) explained apparent duality in the world while maintaining non-dual nature of ultimate reality (Brahman)
- Formulated the doctrine of (apparent modification) provided unique explanation for the relationship between Brahman and the phenomenal world
- Contrasted with (real modification) theory of other schools
Adi Shankara's Role in Advaita Vedanta
Systematization of Advaita Philosophy
- Provided systematic interpretation and commentary on Prasthanatrayi established Advaita Vedanta as a distinct school of thought within Indian philosophy
- Emphasized (knowledge) as the primary means of liberation distinguished Advaita Vedanta from schools focused on rituals or devotion
- Introduced concept of three levels of reality provided framework for understanding relationship between absolute and empirical reality
- Paramarthika (absolute reality)
- Vyavaharika (empirical reality)
- Pratibhasika (illusory reality)
- Developed sophisticated epistemology and ontology laid groundwork for later Advaita thinkers to expand and refine philosophical systems
Popularization and Propagation of Advaita Teachings
- Established , an order of monks ensured continuity and spread of Advaita teachings through generations
- Composed devotional hymns and popularized (devotion) alongside philosophical works made Advaita Vedanta accessible to wider audience
- Engaged in debates with scholars from other traditions contributed to widespread acceptance and popularity of Advaita Vedanta across India
- Emphasized (great sayings) from Upanishads became central to Advaita teachings on nature of self and reality
- Example: "" (That Thou Art)
Impact of Adi Shankara's Works on Advaita Vedanta
Philosophical and Textual Influence
- (commentaries) on Prasthanatrayi became authoritative texts for subsequent Advaita philosophers shaped direction of school's development
- Refutation of rival philosophical schools influenced how Advaita Vedanta positioned itself in relation to other Indian philosophical traditions
- Critiqued Buddhism, Mimamsa, and other schools
- Integrated logical argumentation with scriptural authority set precedent for methodology of philosophical inquiry within Advaita tradition
- Teachings on nature of liberation () as realization of one's true identity with Brahman became cornerstone of Advaita soteriology
Legacy and Continued Relevance
- Shankara's works inspired development of sub-schools within Advaita Vedanta led to further philosophical refinements
- Examples: and sub-schools
- Influenced later Advaita philosophers such as and continued to build upon Shankara's foundational ideas
- Shankara's interpretation of Vedantic texts remains influential in modern Hindu thought shapes contemporary understanding of non-dualism
- Advaita Vedanta's global reach in modern times can be traced back to Shankara's systematic exposition attracted interest from Western philosophers and spiritual seekers
Key Terms to Review (24)
788 ce: The year 788 CE is significant in the context of Adi Shankara's life, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of Advaita Vedanta as a major philosophical tradition in India. During this period, Shankara was active in his teachings and travels, promoting non-dualism and consolidating his philosophical system. This era also saw the formation of key monasteries that played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Advaita Vedanta principles.
Adi Shankara: Adi Shankara was an influential Indian philosopher and theologian who lived in the 8th century CE, renowned for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. He traveled extensively across India, engaging in debates and establishing monastic centers, which significantly shaped the interpretation of Vedanta and the understanding of Brahman and Atman.
Advaita: Advaita is a philosophical concept in Indian philosophy that emphasizes non-dualism, asserting that the individual self (Atman) is fundamentally identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman). This idea challenges the perception of duality between the self and the universe, advocating for a realization of their inherent unity.
Advaita Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self). It emphasizes that the apparent distinctions between the self and the universe are illusory, leading to a deep understanding of the nature of existence and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, composed in the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. This text addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna on the battlefield and explores essential concepts like duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality, making it a foundational text in Indian philosophy.
Bhakti: Bhakti refers to a deep devotion and love towards a personal god or deity in Hinduism, emphasizing emotional connection over ritualistic practices. It plays a crucial role in various philosophical traditions, often linking personal devotion to broader concepts like liberation and spiritual paths.
Bhamati: Bhamati refers to a significant philosophical school within Advaita Vedanta that focuses on the teachings of Adi Shankara and his interpretation of non-dualism. It emphasizes the importance of intellectual understanding and scriptural knowledge as means to realize the ultimate truth of Brahman, the absolute reality. This school contrasts with the rival Prabhakara school, showcasing different approaches to understanding and explaining Vedantic concepts.
Bhashyas: Bhashyas are commentaries or exegeses on ancient Indian texts, particularly philosophical and spiritual scriptures. They play a crucial role in interpreting the meanings of key texts, clarifying complex concepts, and providing insights into the tradition they represent, especially in the context of Advaita Vedanta as shaped by thinkers like Adi Shankara.
Brahma Sutras: The Brahma Sutras are a collection of aphorisms that systematize and summarize the philosophical ideas found in the Upanishads, forming a foundational text for Vedanta philosophy. They focus on the nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and Brahman, establishing key concepts that have influenced various schools of Indian philosophy.
Dashanami sampradaya: Dashanami Sampradaya is a monastic tradition established by Adi Shankara in the 8th century that emphasizes the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta, focusing on the non-dual nature of reality. This system categorizes monks into ten orders, each with its own unique role and significance in the propagation of Vedantic teachings and spiritual practice.
Digvijaya: Digvijaya refers to the concept of 'conquest of the directions' in ancient Indian philosophy and politics, symbolizing a ruler's ability to establish dominance across all geographical regions. This term encapsulates not just military conquests but also a ruler's spiritual and ideological supremacy, often achieved through debate and philosophical discourse, especially significant in the context of Advaita Vedanta as promoted by Adi Shankara.
Govinda Bhagavatpada: Govinda Bhagavatpada was an influential Indian philosopher and one of the key figures in the development of Advaita Vedanta, often regarded as the guru of Adi Shankara. His teachings emphasized non-dualism and laid the groundwork for Shankara's later philosophical work. Govinda's role as a teacher and thinker was vital in shaping the trajectory of Advaita Vedanta and its core principles, which advocate the ultimate unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal spirit (Brahman).
Jnana: Jnana refers to the profound knowledge or wisdom that leads to enlightenment and liberation in Indian philosophy. This concept is central to understanding various philosophical systems, emphasizing the importance of self-realization, the nature of reality, and the ultimate truth about existence.
Mahavakyas: Mahavakyas are key philosophical statements found in the Upanishads that express the essence of non-dualism and the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). These profound sayings serve as a foundational aspect of Advaita Vedanta, particularly in understanding the teachings of prominent philosophers like Adi Shankara, who emphasized their significance in realizing one's true nature and unity with Brahman.
Mandana Mishra: Mandana Mishra was a prominent philosopher in ancient India, known for his role in the debates against Adi Shankara, particularly regarding the nature of reality and knowledge. His arguments and philosophical stances represented significant challenges to Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes non-dualism and the ultimate unity of the self and Brahman.
Mandukya Upanishad: The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the principal Upanishads in Hindu philosophy, focusing on the nature of reality and the self. It explores the concept of 'AUM' (Om) as a representation of the ultimate reality and the states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendent state beyond them. This text is crucial for understanding Advaita Vedanta, particularly in relation to Adi Shankara's interpretations.
Maya: Maya refers to the concept of illusion or the deceptive nature of the material world in Indian philosophy, particularly within Vedanta. It suggests that the world we perceive is not the ultimate reality but rather a veil that obscures the true nature of existence, leading to misidentification with the physical realm instead of recognizing the underlying spiritual truth.
Moksha: Moksha refers to the liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) in Indian philosophy. It signifies the ultimate goal of human existence, where the individual soul (atman) is united with the absolute reality (Brahman) or attains a state of eternal bliss and knowledge.
Parinamavada: Parinamavada is a key concept in Indian philosophy that refers to the theory of transformation, asserting that all phenomena undergo a continuous process of change and evolution. This idea is particularly significant in the context of Advaita Vedanta, as it underscores the relationship between the unchanging reality of Brahman and the changing nature of the world, emphasizing that change does not affect the ultimate essence of reality.
Prasthanatrayi: Prasthanatrayi refers to the three foundational texts of Advaita Vedanta, which are the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. These texts are essential for understanding the philosophy of non-dualism as articulated by Adi Shankara, who emphasized their significance in interpreting and establishing Advaita Vedanta as a prominent philosophical system in India.
Tat tvam asi: 'Tat tvam asi' is a Sanskrit phrase meaning 'That thou art,' which expresses the fundamental non-dualistic relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) in Advaita Vedanta. This phrase encapsulates the essence of self-realization, emphasizing that the true nature of the self is identical to the universal consciousness.
Vachaspati Mishra: Vachaspati Mishra was a prominent philosopher and scholar in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, known for his influential commentaries on key texts and his role in systematizing the ideas of earlier thinkers. He is particularly recognized for his work in synthesizing various philosophical perspectives, which helped to clarify and promote the teachings of Adi Shankara within Advaita Vedanta.
Vivarana: Vivarana refers to the method of detailed explanation and exposition within Indian philosophical texts, particularly in Advaita Vedanta. This term highlights the process of clarifying and interpreting the meanings of scriptures, ultimately aiming to remove misconceptions and present the essence of non-dualism as taught by philosophers like Adi Shankara. It emphasizes a thorough understanding of the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the nature of the self (Atman).
Vivartavada: Vivartavada is a philosophical concept in Advaita Vedanta that describes the relationship between Brahman and the phenomenal world, suggesting that the world is an apparent transformation or illusion of Brahman rather than a complete change. This idea implies that the ultimate reality is unchanging and that the diverse universe we perceive is a manifestation of this singular, formless essence. Vivartavada asserts that while the world appears real, it is ultimately a projection or modification of the one reality, Brahman.