Adi Shankara

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adi Shankara wrote numerous commentaries on key Hindu scriptures like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras, which are foundational texts for Advaita Vedanta.
2. He established four major monasteries (mathas) across India—one in each cardinal direction—which helped to spread his teachings and promote a unified philosophical framework.
3. Shankara emphasized the importance of direct experience and knowledge (jnana) for realizing the oneness of Atman and Brahman, moving beyond mere ritualistic practices.
4. He engaged in philosophical debates with other schools of thought, such as Buddhism and dualistic philosophies, to defend and promote his non-dualistic vision.
5. His life and teachings led to the revival of Hindu spirituality during a time when Buddhism was prevalent in India, re-establishing the prominence of Vedantic thought.

Review Questions

• How did Adi Shankara's travels influence the spread of Advaita Vedanta throughout India?
  • Adi Shankara's extensive travels allowed him to engage with various philosophical traditions and establish monastic centers that served as hubs for teaching Advaita Vedanta. By debating with scholars from different schools, he was able to articulate and defend his non-dualistic perspective effectively. This active dissemination of ideas not only helped solidify his interpretations but also contributed to the revitalization of Hindu philosophy during his time.
• Discuss the significance of Adi Shankara's commentaries on the Upanishads and their impact on Advaita Vedanta.
  • Adi Shankara's commentaries on the Upanishads are crucial because they provided clear interpretations that illuminated the essence of non-dualism. By elucidating complex concepts found in these ancient texts, he made them accessible and relevant to his contemporaries and future generations. His work established a systematic framework for understanding the relationship between Atman and Brahman, shaping how Advaita Vedanta is taught and understood today.
• Evaluate how Adi Shankara's philosophy addressed the challenges posed by Buddhism and dualistic philosophies in his time.
  • Adi Shankara's philosophy effectively countered Buddhist views by emphasizing direct knowledge of Brahman as a means to liberation rather than reliance on ritual or ethical practices alone. He critically engaged with dualistic philosophies by arguing that true reality is non-dual and that any perception of separation is an illusion (Maya). This approach not only clarified Advaita Vedanta's position but also reinvigorated interest in Hindu thought by presenting it as a robust alternative to contemporary beliefs.

Related terms

Advaita Vedanta: A non-dualistic philosophical system within Hinduism that posits that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is identical to the individual self (Atman), emphasizing the unity of existence.

Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality in Hindu philosophy, which is infinite, transcendent, and the source of all existence.

Atman: The individual self or soul in Hindu philosophy, which is considered eternal and ultimately identical to Brahman in Advaita Vedanta.