Advaita Vedanta

Definition

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This philosophical system emphasizes that ignorance of this unity leads to suffering, and liberation (Mokṣa) is achieved through knowledge, meditation, and self-inquiry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Advaita Vedanta was popularized by the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, who argued for the non-duality of Atman and Brahman through logical reasoning and scripture interpretation.
2. This philosophy strongly emphasizes self-knowledge as the path to liberation, asserting that understanding one's true nature is crucial for overcoming ignorance and suffering.
3. In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of Maya refers to the illusory nature of the world that obscures the true reality of non-duality.
4. Advaita Vedanta has influenced various other philosophical systems in India and has been a subject of comparative analysis with Western philosophical ideas about self and reality.
5. The practice of Jnana Yoga, or the path of knowledge, is central in Advaita Vedanta for attaining self-realization and understanding the unity between Atman and Brahman.

Review Questions

• How does Advaita Vedanta define the relationship between Atman and Brahman, and what implications does this have for an individual's understanding of reality?
  • Advaita Vedanta posits that Atman, the individual soul, is not separate from Brahman, the ultimate reality. This relationship suggests that realizing this non-dual identity is essential for understanding reality. Ignorance of this unity leads to suffering, while knowledge of it allows one to transcend the limitations of individual identity, leading to liberation.
• Discuss how Adi Shankaracharya contributed to the development of Advaita Vedanta and its significance in Indian philosophy.
  • Adi Shankaracharya played a crucial role in establishing Advaita Vedanta as a prominent philosophical system in India during the 8th century CE. He provided extensive commentaries on key Upanishadic texts, emphasizing non-duality and advocating for self-inquiry as a means to liberation. His works challenged dualistic interpretations and significantly influenced subsequent philosophical discourse within Indian thought.
• Evaluate the relevance of Advaita Vedanta in contemporary discussions about consciousness and self-awareness in psychology and cognitive science.
  • Advaita Vedanta's insights into consciousness and self-awareness offer a profound perspective in contemporary psychology and cognitive science. The emphasis on non-dual awareness aligns with modern explorations of mindfulness and meditation practices. By suggesting that true understanding comes from recognizing one's unity with all existence, Advaita Vedanta provides a philosophical framework that complements psychological studies on consciousness, potentially guiding therapeutic approaches aimed at alleviating suffering through self-realization.

Related terms

Brahman:

The ultimate, unchanging reality in Advaita Vedanta, which is the source of all existence and is identical to the individual self (Atman).

Mokṣa: The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), representing the realization of one's true nature as non-different from Brahman.

Samsara:

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals undergo, driven by ignorance and karma, from which one seeks liberation.