Advaita Vedanta

Definition

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This perspective emphasizes that the apparent diversity of the world is an illusion (Maya) and that true knowledge reveals the underlying unity of all existence, leading to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Advaita Vedanta was systematized by philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, who established its core doctrines and teachings.
2. The philosophy asserts that there are no fundamental differences between Atman (the self) and Brahman (the absolute reality), emphasizing their identity.
3. Advaita Vedanta advocates for direct experience of truth through meditation and self-inquiry, rather than solely relying on rituals or external practices.
4. In Advaita Vedanta, ignorance (Avidya) is seen as the root cause of suffering, as it leads to the misconception of duality and separation from Brahman.
5. The teachings emphasize that once an individual realizes their true nature as Brahman, they attain lasting peace and freedom from suffering.

Review Questions

• How does Advaita Vedanta conceptualize the relationship between Atman and Brahman?
  • Advaita Vedanta posits that Atman, or the individual soul, is fundamentally identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality. This non-dualistic perspective suggests that while individuals perceive themselves as separate entities due to ignorance, true knowledge reveals that there is no distinction between Atman and Brahman. This realization is key to overcoming the illusion of separateness and achieving liberation.
• Discuss how Maya plays a role in Advaita Vedanta's understanding of reality and illusion.
  • Maya is central to Advaita Vedanta's teachings, as it describes the illusory nature of the physical world that obscures the truth of oneness. According to this philosophy, individuals become entangled in Maya, mistaking transient phenomena for reality. Recognizing Maya allows practitioners to see beyond appearances and understand that the perceived diversity in the world is ultimately an illusion, leading them closer to realizing their unity with Brahman.
• Evaluate how Advaita Vedanta addresses the concepts of ignorance and enlightenment in relation to the afterlife.
  • Advaita Vedanta views ignorance (Avidya) as the source of suffering and the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara). Enlightenment comes through realizing one's true nature as Brahman, which leads to Moksha or liberation from this cycle. In this context, Advaita Vedanta suggests that understanding one's oneness with Brahman not only transforms one's current existence but also alters one's fate in the afterlife, allowing one to transcend worldly limitations and achieve eternal peace.

Related terms

Brahman:

The ultimate, unchanging reality in Advaita Vedanta, representing the source and essence of everything in the universe.

Maya: The illusion or appearance of the material world that distracts individuals from realizing their true nature and unity with Brahman.

Moksha: The liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, achieved through self-realization and understanding of one's oneness with Brahman.