What is Advaita?
Advaita is a state of being where all duality ends, and the body, mind, and intellect dissolve; because of this, worldly identity collapses. It can be attained by anyone, from any part of the world, regardless of timezone or religion. It is universal in nature. This state is one of existence, consciousness, and bliss. After attaining it, one no longer falls into the cycle of rebirth and does not have to experience the sorrows and pleasures of the material world.
This philosophy is first found in the Vedas and Upanishads — the sacred ancient texts of Hinduism, developed in the land of Bharat. It flourished during the time of Adi Shankaracharya and gained widespread acceptance through his literary contributions and philosophical debates. He was the most dynamic and exceptional propagator of this philosophy.
Preceptors of Advaita
नारायणं पद्मभुवं वसिष्ठं शक्तिं तत्पुत्रपराशरं च।
व्यासं शुकं गौडपदं महान्तं गोविन्दयोगीन्द्रमथास्य शिष्यम्।
श्रीशङ्कराचार्यमथास्य पद्मपादं हस्तामलकं च शिष्यम्।
तं तोटकं वार्तिककारमन्यान् अस्मद्गुरून् सन्ततमानतोस्मि।
Core Principles
Pillars of Advaita Vedanta
Universal principles of Veda through which Adi Shankara established The Oneness among all existence
Vedas
The Vedas are considered the most authentic spiritual texts in the Hindu tradition. They represent a compilation of experiential wisdom derived from ancient Indian sages known as Rishis. The authenticity and reliability of the Vedas stem from the fact that they embody the collective wisdom and experiences of multiple individuals, rather than being the sole experience of one.
Rishi
The term 'Rishi' means 'seer'- those who had the realisation of spiritual wisdom. Through their profound penance, they attained direct experiences of truth and conveyed it in the form of verses known as 'mantras.' Over time, mantras were passed down orally from Gurus to Students, evolving into a cherished tradition. The consolidation of these mantras is called Vedas (knowledge).
Vedanta
Vedanta refers to the concluding section of the Veda, generally the Upanishads found at its end. These Upanishads encapsulate the timeless wisdom of the Atman, serving as the essence of the entire Veda. Vedanta is also synonymous with the insights found in the Upanishads.
Brahman
Brahman is ever-existent, conscious and blissful in nature. It is the real source of this universe just as fire is of a spark. The creation occurs from the Brahman, sustains in it and dissolves in it.
Viveka
The faculty of discrimination — the ability to distinguish between the real (Brahman) and the transient (world). The first step to liberation.
"Nityam anitya vivekah — discerning the eternal from the fleeting."
Maya – the Dynamic Force
Maya is the dynamic force through which Brahman manifests into plurality, and it's inseparable from Brahman just as fire and its burning quality are one.
Jīva
Jīva (the individual self) appears finite only when it identifies with the senses, body, mind, and intellect. When freed from these limiting identifications, it is revealed as pure, infinite consciousness.
Universe/Jagat
In Advaita Vedanta, the universe is seen as an illusion, much like mistaking a rope for a snake in dim light. According to this philosophy, the universe manifests from Brahman, exists within it, and ultimately dissolves back into it, remaining unchanging, eternal, and indivisible from reality.
Prajñānam Brahma
"Consciousness is Brahman"
Ayam Ātmā Brahma
"This Self is Brahman"
Tat Tvam Asi
"That Thou Art"
Aham Brahmāsmi
"I am Brahman"
"Brahma satyaṁ jaganmithyā jīvo brahmaiva nāparaḥ ।
Anena vedyaṁ sacchāstram iti vedāntaḍiṇḍimaḥ ॥"
