8.6 Vedanta: Non-dualistic philosophy

Vedanta, a key Hindu philosophical school, explores the nature of reality and the self. It emphasizes the ultimate oneness of Brahman, the universal consciousness, and atman, the individual soul. This concept forms the foundation of non-dualistic thought in Hinduism.

Advaita Vedanta, championed by Adi Shankara, takes this idea further. It asserts that the apparent duality of the world is an illusion (maya), and true liberation comes from realizing one's identity with Brahman. This perspective has deeply influenced Hindu spirituality and practices.

Vedanta Principles and Non-Dualism

Core Concepts of Vedanta Philosophy

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• Vedanta is a philosophical school based on the Upanishads, emphasizing the ultimate reality of Brahman and the identity of the individual self (atman) with Brahman
• Brahman is described as sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss), the ultimate reality that is unchanging, eternal, and the source of all creation
• The individual self (atman) is often compared to a wave in the ocean of Brahman, with the wave being a temporary manifestation of the ocean's essence
• Realizing the true nature of the self as identical with Brahman leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara)

Advaita Vedanta and Non-Dualism

• Advaita Vedanta, propounded by Adi Shankara, is the non-dualistic school that asserts the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the individual self is not separate from this universal self
• The concept of "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) encapsulates the idea that the individual self is identical with the universal self, and realizing this truth leads to liberation (moksha)
• Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the illusory nature of duality and the ultimate oneness of all existence
• The realization of non-dualism involves transcending the limitations of the ego and recognizing the true self as the unchanging witness consciousness

Vedanta Interpretation of the Upanishads

Upanishads as the Foundational Texts

• Vedanta considers the Upanishads, the concluding portion of the Vedas, as the primary source of its philosophical insights
• The Upanishads contain dialogues and teachings that explore the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation
• Vedanta interprets the Upanishadic teachings as pointing towards the ultimate reality of Brahman and the identity of the individual self with this universal self

Mahavakyas and Their Significance

• The Mahavakyas (Great Sayings) of the Upanishads, such as "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman) and "Ayam Atma Brahma" (This Self is Brahman), are central to Vedanta philosophy
• These Mahavakyas are considered to be direct revelations of the ultimate truth and are used as a means for self-inquiry and meditation
• Vedanta's interpretation of the Upanishads has had a profound impact on Hindu thought, influencing various philosophical schools, spiritual practices, and cultural expressions

Maya and the Multiplicity of the World

The Concept of Maya

• Maya, in Vedanta philosophy, refers to the illusory nature of the phenomenal world that veils the ultimate reality of Brahman
• The concept of maya explains the apparent multiplicity and diversity of the world, despite the underlying unity of Brahman
• Maya is often compared to a magical illusion or a dream that appears real but is ultimately insubstantial and impermanent

Overcoming Maya and Realizing Unity

• Vedanta asserts that the individual self's identification with the body, mind, and ego is a result of maya, leading to the experience of duality and suffering
• Realizing the illusory nature of maya and recognizing the true self as identical with Brahman is the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara)
• Spiritual practices such as self-inquiry, meditation, and the study of scriptures help in dispelling the illusion of maya and realizing the ultimate reality
• The analogy of the rope and the snake is often used to illustrate maya, where a rope is mistaken for a snake in dim light, causing fear and confusion until the true nature of the rope is recognized

Vedanta's Influence on Hindu Culture

Impact on Spirituality and Practices

• Vedanta has had a profound impact on Hindu spirituality, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of moksha (liberation) as the ultimate goal of life
• Various spiritual practices, such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion, are informed by Vedantic principles and aim to help individuals realize their true nature as Brahman
• Vedantic ideas have influenced the development of various Hindu traditions, such as Bhakti (devotional) movements and Tantric practices

Influence on Literature and Art

• Vedantic ideas have influenced Hindu literature, including philosophical texts, devotional poetry, and scriptural commentaries
• The works of Adi Shankara, such as the Brahma Sutra Bhashya and the Vivekachudamani, are seminal texts in the Vedanta tradition and have shaped Hindu philosophical discourse
• Vedantic themes and symbolism have also found expression in Hindu art, such as the depiction of the cosmic dance of Shiva (Nataraja) and the use of the Om symbol
• The concept of the unity of existence and the divine presence in all things has inspired Hindu artists to create works that celebrate the beauty and sacredness of the world

Advaita vs Other Vedanta Schools

Advaita Vedanta

• Advaita Vedanta, propounded by Adi Shankara, is the non-dualistic school that asserts the absolute identity of the individual self with Brahman, with no ultimate distinction between the two
• Advaita emphasizes the illusory nature of the world and the need to transcend maya to realize the true self
• Liberation (moksha) in Advaita is the realization of one's true nature as Brahman and the dissolution of the ego and all sense of duality

Vishishtadvaita Vedanta

• Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, developed by Ramanuja, is a qualified non-dualistic school that views the individual self as a part or mode of Brahman, with Brahman possessing attributes and being the source of all diversity
• Vishishtadvaita emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) to a personal God (Ishvara) as a means to attain liberation
• In Vishishtadvaita, the individual self retains its identity even in the state of liberation, enjoying eternal bliss in the presence of God

Dvaita Vedanta

• Dvaita Vedanta, founded by Madhva, is a dualistic school that emphasizes the eternal distinction between the individual self, the world, and Brahman, with Brahman being the supreme reality and the source of all existence
• Dvaita stresses the importance of devotion to a personal God (Vishnu or his avatars) as the path to liberation
• In Dvaita, liberation is the eternal experience of the individual self in a relationship with God, rather than a merging or identification with Brahman

Reconciling the Differences

• Despite their differences, all Vedanta schools aim to provide a coherent interpretation of the Upanishads and guide individuals towards the realization of their true nature and the attainment of moksha
• The various Vedanta schools can be seen as different paths or perspectives that cater to the diverse temperaments and spiritual inclinations of individuals
• Ultimately, the goal of all Vedanta schools is to help individuals overcome suffering, realize their true nature, and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death