Adhyasa

Definition

Adhyasa refers to the superimposition of one thing onto another, particularly the mistaken attribution of qualities or properties from one entity to another. This concept is central to understanding how we perceive the world and forms a key element in the discussion of reality and illusion, particularly in the context of non-dualism and the nature of ultimate reality versus the empirical world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adhyasa is primarily responsible for our misunderstanding of the relationship between the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), leading to a false sense of duality.
2. In Advaita philosophy, adhyasa is seen as a cognitive error that leads to the experience of differentiation in a fundamentally non-dual reality.
3. The recognition of adhyasa is essential for spiritual awakening, as overcoming this superimposition allows individuals to realize their true nature as non-dual consciousness.
4. Adhyasa operates at multiple levels, influencing both the perception of material objects and the fundamental concepts of existence and identity.
5. The teachings of Advaita Vedanta emphasize that understanding and correcting adhyasa can lead to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).

Review Questions

• How does adhyasa influence our perception of reality and our understanding of Atman and Brahman?
  • Adhyasa significantly distorts our perception by causing us to mistakenly attribute properties from the empirical world to Atman, leading us to believe that we are separate from Brahman. This confusion creates a false duality between the self and ultimate reality. Understanding adhyasa helps clarify that while we may perceive ourselves as individuals, our true essence is non-dual and identical with Brahman.
• Discuss the relationship between adhyasa and maya in Advaita philosophy.
  • Adhyasa and maya are deeply interconnected in Advaita philosophy. While maya represents the illusory nature of the world that obscures true reality, adhyasa is the specific cognitive error that leads us to misidentify ourselves and our experiences. Together, they create a veil over our understanding, making it crucial for seekers to recognize both in order to attain clarity about the ultimate non-dual nature of existence.
• Evaluate how recognizing adhyasa can lead to moksha according to Advaita Vedanta principles.
  • Recognizing adhyasa allows individuals to see through the illusions created by dualistic thinking and understand their true nature as non-dual consciousness. By dismantling these mistaken identifications with material phenomena, practitioners can transcend suffering and ignorance. This realization aligns with Advaita Vedanta principles that teach liberation (moksha) comes from knowing oneself as Brahman, free from all misapprehensions caused by adhyasa.

Related terms

Maya: Maya is the illusion or deceptive appearance of the world, which causes individuals to misinterpret reality and see multiplicity where there is actually non-duality.

Brahman:

Brahman is the ultimate, unchanging reality in Advaita philosophy, representing pure consciousness and being, which is often obscured by adhyasa and maya.

Atman:

Atman refers to the individual self or soul, which in Advaita philosophy is ultimately identical to Brahman, but is often perceived differently due to the effects of adhyasa.