Adi Shankara

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8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian

Adi Shankara

  File:Adi Shankara.jpg

Traditional depiction of Adi Shankara

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Adi Shankara (788–820 CE), also known as Shankaracharya, was an Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism.

Early Life

Adi Shankara was born in Kalady, a village in present-day Kerala, India. His parents were Shivaguru and Aryamba. According to traditional accounts, he showed remarkable intelligence and spiritual inclination from a young age.

Philosophy

Adi Shankara's philosophy is rooted in the Upanishads and emphasizes the concept of Advaita, which means non-dualism. According to Advaita Vedanta, the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. This philosophy challenges the dualistic interpretations of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Key Concepts

• Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality, composed of pure being and consciousness.
• Atman: The inner self or soul, which is identical to Brahman.
• Maya: The illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of Brahman and causes the perception of a dualistic world.

Works

Adi Shankara wrote extensive commentaries on the Prasthanatrayi, which includes the Brahma Sutras, the principal Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. Some of his notable works include:

• Brahma Sutra Bhasya: A commentary on the Brahma Sutras.
• Bhagavad Gita Bhasya: A commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
• Upanishad Bhasyas: Commentaries on the principal Upanishads.

Monastic Establishments

Adi Shankara established four mathas (monastic centers) in different parts of India to propagate the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. These are:

• Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka
• Dwaraka Pitha in Gujarat
• Govardhana Matha in Odisha
• Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand

Legacy

Adi Shankara's teachings and works have had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy and spirituality. His establishment of monastic orders and his commentaries on sacred texts have ensured the continued relevance of Advaita Vedanta in contemporary Hinduism.

See Also

• Advaita Vedanta
• Hindu philosophy
• Upanishads
• Vedanta

External Links

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