Adi Shankaracharya

Definition

Adi Shankaracharya was an influential Indian philosopher and theologian in the early 8th century who is best known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, which teaches non-dualism and the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). His works, including commentaries on key texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of knowledge (jnana) as a means to achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with establishing four monastic centers (mathas) across India to spread his teachings and practices of Advaita Vedanta.
2. He composed a vast number of philosophical texts, including his famous commentaries known as 'Bhashyas' which elucidate key Hindu scriptures.
3. Shankaracharya traveled extensively throughout India, engaging in debates with other philosophical schools, particularly those advocating dualistic views.
4. His teachings emphasized the significance of discernment (viveka) to differentiate between the eternal reality and the transient material world.
5. He played a crucial role in reviving and revitalizing Hinduism during a time when Buddhism was prominent in India.

Review Questions

• How did Adi Shankaracharya's teachings influence the understanding of non-dualism within Hindu philosophy?
  • Adi Shankaracharya's teachings had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy by introducing and popularizing non-dualism through Advaita Vedanta. He argued that Atman and Brahman are not separate entities but rather one and the same. This perspective encouraged followers to seek a deeper understanding of their own true nature in relation to the universe, emphasizing that realization of this unity leads to liberation from suffering.
• Discuss the significance of Shankaracharya's commentaries on the Upanishads and how they contributed to the revival of Hindu philosophy.
  • Shankaracharya's commentaries on the Upanishads were significant because they reinterpreted these ancient texts to highlight their non-dualistic essence. By providing clear explanations and aligning them with his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, he made these teachings accessible to a broader audience. This contributed to a revival of interest in Hindu philosophy during a time when competing ideologies were prevalent, ensuring that key concepts remained central to spiritual discourse in India.
• Evaluate how Adi Shankaracharya's establishment of monastic centers affected the dissemination of his philosophies across India.
  • The establishment of monastic centers by Adi Shankaracharya played a crucial role in disseminating his philosophies across India. These centers served as hubs for learning, teaching, and practicing Advaita Vedanta, fostering a community dedicated to spiritual growth. By creating a structured organization that upheld his teachings, Shankaracharya ensured that his ideas could be preserved and transmitted through generations, significantly influencing Hindu thought and practice throughout India.

Related terms

Advaita Vedanta:

A non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of Atman (individual self) and Brahman (universal consciousness).

Moksha:

The liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hindu belief, representing the ultimate goal of human existence.

Upanishads:

A collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, focusing on meditation, morality, and the nature of reality.