Adi Shankara

Biography

Adi Shankara (c. 788–820 CE) is one of the most revered philosophers and spiritual leaders in the history of Indian philosophy. He is widely credited with revitalizing and systematizing the school of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic interpretation of Vedanta that teaches the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). His works and teachings continue to influence Hindu philosophy, spiritual practice, and religious thought to this day.

Early Life and Background

Adi Shankara was born in the southern part of India, in the present-day state of Kerala, to a Brahmin family. According to tradition, his birth took place in Kaladi, a small village. From an early age, Shankara showed exceptional intellectual and spiritual prowess. He was initiated into the study of the Vedas at a young age and demonstrated an extraordinary ability to grasp the deeper meanings of philosophical texts. By the age of eight, Shankara is said to have completed his study of the Vedas and mastered the basics of Hindu philosophy.

At around the age of 16, Shankara is believed to have had a profound spiritual experience, leading him to seek a teacher who could guide him in his quest for self-realization. His guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, initiated him into the study of Vedanta, particularly the Upanishads, which would become the foundation for his philosophical teachings.

Advaita Vedanta: Non-Dualism

Adi Shankara's most significant contribution to Indian philosophy is his exposition of Advaita Vedanta, which teaches the non-duality of Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the ultimate, unchanging reality). In contrast to dualistic views, which suggest a fundamental separation between the self and the divine, Advaita Vedanta asserts that the individual soul is not distinct from the supreme reality.

According to Shankara, the apparent diversity of the world is an illusion (Maya), and true knowledge (or jnana) reveals the oneness of all existence. The Upanishads, which form the philosophical foundation of Vedanta, state that Brahman is the only reality, and the perception of separateness is a product of ignorance. Therefore, liberation (moksha) is achieved through the realization that one's true nature is identical with Brahman.

Shankara emphasized the primacy of direct experience and the importance of self-inquiry as paths to this realization. His teachings often focused on the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond all conceptual thought and cannot be captured by language or mental constructs. This non-dual awareness, according to Shankara, is the key to spiritual freedom.

Key Works and Texts

Shankara wrote extensively, composing works in Sanskrit that explain and clarify his philosophical views. Some of his most important texts include:

Brahma Sutra Bhashya – A commentary on the Brahma Sutras, a key text of Vedanta philosophy. In this work, Shankara systematically presents the tenets of Advaita Vedanta, arguing that the Brahman, which is formless, is the sole reality, and everything else is an illusion or projection.

Upanishad Commentaries – Shankara wrote detailed commentaries on many of the principal Upanishads, such as the Isha Upanishad, Kena Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad, and Chandogya Upanishad, among others. In these works, he interpreted the Upanishads in a non-dualistic context, emphasizing the unity of Atman and Brahman.

Bhagavad Gita Bhashya – Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts in Hinduism, explains the Gita's teachings through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, focusing on the nature of the self and the path to liberation.

Vivekachudamani – One of his key philosophical treatises, in which Shankara outlines the differences between ignorance (avidya) and knowledge (jnana), and describes the process by which one can overcome ignorance and attain the ultimate truth of non-duality.

Atma Bodha – A work that introduces readers to the nature of the self (Atman) and discusses how one can come to know the true self through meditation and contemplation.

Shankara’s Philosophical System

Shankara’s interpretation of Advaita Vedanta is built on several key principles:

Brahman is the Ultimate Reality: In Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is formless, infinite, and beyond all concepts. It is the only true reality, and everything in the universe is an expression or manifestation of Brahman.

Maya (Illusion): The world we experience is seen as an illusion (Maya), a projection of the mind that obscures the true, non-dual nature of reality. This illusion creates the appearance of duality, making us perceive distinctions between self and other, good and evil, and individual and universal. Understanding the nature of Maya is key to spiritual liberation.

The Oneness of Atman and Brahman: According to Shankara, the individual soul (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The realization of the non-difference between Atman and Brahman is the goal of spiritual practice.

Self-Knowledge (Jnana): Shankara advocated self-knowledge as the path to liberation. Liberation (moksha) occurs when one realizes that their true nature is identical with Brahman. This realization requires transcending the ego and all illusory distinctions.

The Role of the Guru: Shankara emphasized the importance of a realized teacher or guru in guiding the student on the path to spiritual awakening. The guru provides essential teachings that help dissolve the ignorance of the student, leading them toward liberation.

Shankara’s Influence on Indian Thought

Adi Shankara's impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality has been profound and lasting. He is credited with establishing Advaita Vedanta as a central school of Indian philosophy and with revitalizing interest in the Upanishads. His work helped unify diverse schools of thought within Hinduism and provided a strong intellectual foundation for later religious and philosophical movements.

Shankara also helped to consolidate the Shankara tradition, which has had a lasting influence on Hinduism. He established mathas (monastic centers) across India, such as Shringeri in the south, Dwaraka in the west, and Puri in the east. These centers played an important role in the propagation of his teachings and the maintenance of the Advaita tradition.

Furthermore, Shankara’s philosophical debates with other schools of thought, such as Buddhism and Mimamsa, are recorded in various texts, and his arguments often shaped the direction of Indian philosophy for centuries. His approach to philosophy, which combined logical reasoning with spiritual insight, helped establish a framework for subsequent thinkers like Ramanuja, Madhva, and even modern philosophers like S. Radhakrishnan.

Adi Shankara’s Legacy

Adi Shankara is remembered as a brilliant philosopher, theologian, and spiritual teacher whose work laid the foundation for a significant branch of Hindu philosophy. His teachings on the nature of reality, self-realization, and the relationship between the individual and the divine continue to inspire millions of people around the world, both in the context of Hinduism and in the broader landscape of spiritual thought.

His legacy lives on in the monastic orders that follow the Advaita Vedanta tradition, as well as in the philosophical and spiritual movements that were influenced by his work. Even today, his commentaries on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras are studied by scholars and spiritual seekers alike, and his teachings remain a cornerstone of Vedantic philosophy.