11.1 Adi Shankara's life and contributions to Advaita Vedanta

Adi Shankara, born in 788 CE, was a pivotal figure in Indian philosophy. He became a sannyasin at a young age, studied under Govinda Bhagavatpada, and traveled across India, engaging in debates that shaped his understanding of Advaita Vedanta.

Shankara's work systematized Advaita philosophy, emphasizing non-dualism and the concept of Maya. He established monasteries, wrote commentaries on sacred texts, and developed key doctrines that continue to influence Hindu thought and attract global interest in non-dualism.

Adi Shankara's Life and Philosophy

Early Life and Spiritual Journey

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• Born in 788 CE in Kalady, Kerala, to a Nambudiri Brahmin family provided Adi Shankara with a strong foundation in Vedic learning and Sanskrit from an early age
• Renounced worldly life as a young boy to become a sannyasin shaped his philosophical outlook significantly
• Sought spiritual education under Govinda Bhagavatpada, a disciple of Gaudapada, introduced Shankara to Advaita Vedanta concepts and Mandukya Upanishad
• Embarked on digvijaya (tour of conquest) across India during his short 32-year lifespan engaged in philosophical debates with scholars from various schools of thought (Buddhism, Mimamsa, other Vedanta schools)

Philosophical Development and Teachings

• Encounters with different philosophical traditions during his travels refined Shankara's understanding and formulation of Advaita philosophy
• Established four mathas (monasteries) in the four corners of India played a crucial role in preserving and propagating his teachings
  • Locations: Sringeri (South), Dwaraka (West), Puri (East), Jyotirmath (North)
• Composed numerous philosophical treatises and commentaries on sacred texts solidified his philosophical framework
  • Focused particularly on Prasthanatrayi (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras)
• Developed the concept of Maya (illusion) explained apparent duality in the world while maintaining non-dual nature of ultimate reality (Brahman)
• Formulated the doctrine of Vivartavada (apparent modification) provided unique explanation for the relationship between Brahman and the phenomenal world
  • Contrasted with Parinamavada (real modification) theory of other schools

Adi Shankara's Role in Advaita Vedanta

Systematization of Advaita Philosophy

• Provided systematic interpretation and commentary on Prasthanatrayi established Advaita Vedanta as a distinct school of thought within Indian philosophy
• Emphasized Jnana (knowledge) as the primary means of liberation distinguished Advaita Vedanta from schools focused on rituals or devotion
• Introduced concept of three levels of reality provided framework for understanding relationship between absolute and empirical reality
  • Paramarthika (absolute reality)
  • Vyavaharika (empirical reality)
  • Pratibhasika (illusory reality)
• Developed sophisticated epistemology and ontology laid groundwork for later Advaita thinkers to expand and refine philosophical systems

Popularization and Propagation of Advaita Teachings

• Established Dashanami Sampradaya, an order of monks ensured continuity and spread of Advaita teachings through generations
• Composed devotional hymns and popularized bhakti (devotion) alongside philosophical works made Advaita Vedanta accessible to wider audience
• Engaged in debates with scholars from other traditions contributed to widespread acceptance and popularity of Advaita Vedanta across India
• Emphasized Mahavakyas (great sayings) from Upanishads became central to Advaita teachings on nature of self and reality
  • Example: "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art)

Impact of Adi Shankara's Works on Advaita Vedanta

Philosophical and Textual Influence

• Bhashyas (commentaries) on Prasthanatrayi became authoritative texts for subsequent Advaita philosophers shaped direction of school's development
• Refutation of rival philosophical schools influenced how Advaita Vedanta positioned itself in relation to other Indian philosophical traditions
  • Critiqued Buddhism, Mimamsa, and other schools
• Integrated logical argumentation with scriptural authority set precedent for methodology of philosophical inquiry within Advaita tradition
• Teachings on nature of liberation (moksha) as realization of one's true identity with Brahman became cornerstone of Advaita soteriology

Legacy and Continued Relevance

• Shankara's works inspired development of sub-schools within Advaita Vedanta led to further philosophical refinements
  • Examples: Vivarana and Bhamati sub-schools
• Influenced later Advaita philosophers such as Mandana Mishra and Vachaspati Mishra continued to build upon Shankara's foundational ideas
• Shankara's interpretation of Vedantic texts remains influential in modern Hindu thought shapes contemporary understanding of non-dualism
• Advaita Vedanta's global reach in modern times can be traced back to Shankara's systematic exposition attracted interest from Western philosophers and spiritual seekers