Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta philosophy is based on the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only true existence and that everything else is an illusion. According to Shankara, the world we perceive is a result of Maya, or cosmic illusion, which veils the true nature of Brahman. Maya creates the illusion of duality, making us believe in the existence of separate entities and objects.
In Advaita Vedanta, the individual self, or Atman, is considered to be identical to Brahman. Shankara argues that the true nature of the self is not limited by the physical body or the mind, but is actually the same as the ultimate reality. This realization of the unity between the individual self and Brahman is known as self-realization or enlightenment.
Shankara’s teachings have had a profound influence on the development of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. His works, such as the commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras, have become foundational texts for the study of Vedanta. Shankara’s philosophy has also inspired numerous scholars and spiritual seekers throughout history, who have further explored and developed his ideas.
In addition to Advaita Vedanta, there are other schools of Vedanta philosophy, such as Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita, which emphasize the existence of a qualified or qualified-dual reality. These schools argue that while Brahman is the ultimate reality, there is also a distinction between the individual self and Brahman. They propose that the individual self has a dependent existence on Brahman and is subject to its divine qualities and attributes.
Overall, Vedanta philosophy provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth. It offers profound insights into the nature of existence and the path to self-realization. Whether one follows the non-dualistic teachings of Shankara or the qualified-dualistic teachings of other Vedanta schools, the study and practice of Vedanta can lead to a deeper understanding of the profound mysteries of life and consciousness.
Shankara and the Concept of Maya
Shankara introduced the concept of Maya to explain the apparent diversity and multiplicity of the world. Maya is a cosmic illusion that veils the true nature of Brahman and creates the perception of a separate reality. According to Shankara, the world we perceive is not the ultimate truth but a manifestation of Maya.
Maya is responsible for the ignorance and delusion that prevent individuals from realizing their true nature as Brahman. Shankara teaches that through self-realization and the practice of spiritual disciplines, one can transcend Maya and attain liberation (moksha).
Shankara’s concept of Maya is deeply rooted in Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical school that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. Brahman is the only true reality, and everything else is a Maya-created illusion, according to Advaita Vedanta. This illusion is not to be taken literally but as a metaphorical veil that obscures the true nature of Brahman.
Shankara argues that Maya is not something external to Brahman, but an inherent power or force within it. Just as a spider creates a web out of its own substance, Brahman creates the world out of its own essence through the power of Maya. This creative power of Brahman is what gives rise to the illusion of a separate reality.
Maya operates at both the individual and cosmic levels. At the individual level, Maya creates a sense of individuality and ego, leading to the belief in a separate self. This sense of separation is the root cause of suffering and the cycle of birth and death. At the cosmic level, Maya creates the illusion of a diverse and multiplicity of the world, with its various forms, names, and attributes.
However, Shankara emphasizes that Maya is not an absolute reality but a relative and temporary phenomenon. It is like a mirage in the desert, which appears real from a distance but disappears upon closer examination. Similar to this, the world that Maya created seems solid and real, but its true nature is ultimately illusory.
In order to transcend Maya and realize the true nature of Brahman, Shankara advocates the practice of self-realization and spiritual disciplines such as meditation, self-inquiry, and the study of scriptures. Through these practices, one can gradually peel away the layers of ignorance and delusion created by Maya and come to a direct experience of Brahman.
Shankara’s teachings on Maya have had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy and spirituality. His concept of Maya provides a framework for understanding the illusory nature of the world and the path to liberation. By recognizing the role of Maya in creating our perception of reality, we can begin to unravel the layers of illusion and move closer to the realization of our true nature as Brahman.
Ramanuja’s philosophy of Visistadvaitavada further expands on the concept of Brahman and its relationship with the individual souls and the material world. According to Ramanuja, Brahman is not only the ultimate reality but also possesses qualities and attributes. This concept of a qualified non-dualism sets Ramanuja’s philosophy apart from Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta.
In Ramanuja’s view, the individual souls (jivas) and the material world (prakriti) are not separate from Brahman but are inseparable parts of it. This interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings is a fundamental aspect of his philosophy. According to Ramanuja, the divine energy of Brahman sustains the individual souls and the material world, which are both intricately woven into the fabric of existence.
Furthermore, Ramanuja introduces the concept of Bhakti, or devotion, as a means to attain liberation. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to the divine and cultivating a loving relationship with God. For Ramanuja, Bhakti is not just a religious practice but a path to realizing one’s true nature and attaining union with the divine. Through acts of devotion, such as prayer, worship, and selfless service, individuals can develop a deep connection with the divine and experience spiritual growth.
Ramanuja’s philosophy of Visistadvaitavada provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality and the path to liberation. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of devotion, Ramanuja offers a way for individuals to not only intellectually understand the nature of Brahman but also to experience it firsthand through a personal relationship with the divine. In this way, Ramanuja’s philosophy offers a holistic approach to spiritual development and the realization of ultimate truth.
+ There are no comments
Add yours