Adi Shankara

Adi Shankara (c. 788–820 CE) 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 the village of Kaladi in present-day Kerala, India. His parents were Shivaguru and Aryamba. According to traditional accounts, Shankara was a prodigious child who mastered the Vedas by the age of eight.

Philosophy

Shankara's philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta, which means "non-dualism". This school of thought emphasizes the idea that the Atman (soul) is identical to Brahman (ultimate reality). Shankara's teachings focus on the unity of the individual soul with the universal soul.

Key Works

Adi Shankara wrote extensive commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. His works include:

• Brahmasutra Bhasya
• Bhagavad Gita Bhasya
• Upanishad Bhasyas

Legacy

Adi Shankara is credited with establishing four mathas (monasteries) across India, which played a significant role in the revival and spread of Hinduism. These mathas are located at:

• Sringeri in the south
• Dwaraka in the west
• Puri in the east
• Jyotirmath in the north

Influence

Shankara's teachings have had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy and have influenced many later philosophers and theologians. His emphasis on jnana yoga (the path of knowledge) continues to be a central theme in Vedantic thought.

See Also

• Vedanta
• Hindu Philosophy
• Indian Philosophy

References

• Adi Shankara on WikiMD
• Adi Shankara on Wikipedia

External Links

• Advaita Vedanta Resources