Adi Shankara

Definition

Adi Shankara was an influential philosopher and theologian in Indian philosophy, known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of thought that emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). His work established a foundation for later philosophical developments and greatly impacted the relationship between various traditions, including Bhakti and Tantra.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adi Shankara was born in the early 8th century CE in Kerala, India, and became a prominent figure in Indian philosophy by promoting Advaita Vedanta through his teachings and writings.
2. He traveled extensively across India, engaging in debates with scholars from various philosophical traditions, which helped spread his non-dualistic philosophy.
3. Shankara established four monastic centers (Mathas) in different regions of India to promote his teachings and ensure the continuity of his philosophy.
4. He authored several important texts, including commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita, which are foundational to Advaita Vedanta.
5. Shankara's emphasis on non-dualism influenced later movements, particularly Bhakti, by integrating elements of personal devotion with philosophical inquiry.

Review Questions

• How did Adi Shankara's teachings influence the development of Indian philosophical thought?
  • Adi Shankara's teachings significantly influenced Indian philosophy by establishing Advaita Vedanta as a prominent school of thought. His non-dualistic perspective emphasized that Atman and Brahman are one, challenging dualistic interpretations. This laid the groundwork for future philosophical discourse and helped bridge various spiritual traditions, including those focused on devotion and ritual practices.
• In what ways did Shankara's establishment of Mathas contribute to the spread of his philosophical ideas across India?
  • The establishment of Mathas by Adi Shankara played a crucial role in disseminating his philosophical ideas throughout India. These monastic centers served as hubs for teaching, debate, and scholarship, allowing followers to engage deeply with Advaita Vedanta. By training monks and laypeople alike, the Mathas ensured that Shankara's teachings remained influential in various regions, fostering a cohesive understanding of non-dualism among diverse communities.
• Evaluate how Adi Shankara's philosophy reconciles with the practices of Bhakti and Tantra within the broader context of Indian spirituality.
  • Adi Shankara's philosophy reconciles with Bhakti and Tantra by emphasizing that personal devotion (Bhakti) and esoteric practices (Tantra) can coexist with philosophical inquiry. While Bhakti focuses on love and surrender to a personal deity, Shankara's non-dualism posits that such devotion ultimately leads to an understanding of oneness with Brahman. Similarly, Tantra's rituals can be seen as methods to realize this unity. Thus, Shankara's teachings allowed for a synthesis between intellectual understanding and experiential practices within Indian spirituality.

Related terms

Advaita Vedanta: A non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental unity of the individual soul and the ultimate reality.

Brahman: The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, often associated with consciousness and the source of all existence.

Bhakti: A devotional form of worship in Hinduism emphasizing love and devotion to a personal god, which contrasts with more philosophical approaches.