11.2 The doctrine of non-dualism (Advaita)

Advaita Vedanta's non-dualism teaches that reality is one undivided consciousness called Brahman. This philosophy, championed by Adi Shankara, argues that our perception of separate selves and objects is an illusion caused by maya.

The doctrine of non-dualism asserts that our true self (Atman) is identical to Brahman. Through self-inquiry and meditation on teachings like "You are That," practitioners aim to realize this unity and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Non-Dualism in Advaita Vedanta

Core Principles of Advaita

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• Advaita Vedanta posits ultimate reality as singular, unchanging, infinite consciousness called Brahman
• Maya explains apparent duality and multiplicity in the world as illusion superimposed on non-dual Brahman
• Atman (individual self) identified as identical with Brahman, not separate or different
• "Neti neti" (not this, not this) principle negates all attributes and forms to realize attributeless Brahman
• Direct experience (anubhava) and self-realization (atma-jnana) emphasized as ultimate means of liberation
• Doctrine of three levels of reality (trisvabhava) distinguishes absolute (paramarthika), empirical (vyavaharika), and illusory (pratibhasika) existence
• Epistemology recognizes six pramanas (valid means of knowledge) with emphasis on shabda pramana (Vedic testimony) and anubhava (direct experience)

Key Concepts and Practices

• Non-dualism (advaita) asserts fundamental unity of all existence
• Brahman transcends all qualities and descriptions
• Maya creates appearance of multiplicity and separation
  • Examples: perception of individual objects, sense of separate self
• Self-inquiry (atma-vichara) used to investigate nature of self and reality
  • Involves questioning "Who am I?" to penetrate beyond surface identity
• Discrimination between real and unreal (viveka) cultivated to discern unchanging Brahman from changing phenomena
• Renunciation (vairagya) of attachment to worldly objects and experiences
• Meditation on mahavakyas (great sayings) like "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That) to realize Atman-Brahman unity

Implications of Advaita

Perspectives on Reality and Self

• Non-dual perspective challenges conventional notions of individual identity as ultimately illusory
• Phenomenal world, including all objects and experiences, viewed as manifestation of Brahman rather than ultimately real
• Reevaluation of causality necessitated by understanding of Brahman as unchanging and beyond cause-effect
• Underlying unity of all beings emphasized, fostering compassion and non-violence (ahimsa)
• Sensory experiences and empirical knowledge considered unreliable sources of ultimate truth
• Liberation (moksha) understood as realization of true nature already free and one with Brahman
  • Not a state to be achieved but an unveiling of existing reality

Impact on Spiritual Practices and Ethics

• Knowledge (jnana) and inquiry (vichara) emphasized over ritualistic or devotional approaches
• Self-reflection and contemplation on non-dual nature of reality encouraged
  • Examples: meditating on "I am Brahman," investigating source of thoughts
• Ethical behavior grounded in recognition of fundamental unity of all beings
  • Treating others as oneself, practicing non-harm (ahimsa)
• Detachment from worldly outcomes cultivated through understanding of their ultimate unreality
• Emphasis on inner transformation rather than external actions or rituals
• Guru-disciple relationship important for transmission of non-dual wisdom
  • Traditional texts (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita) studied under guidance of realized teacher

Advaita vs Other Schools

Comparisons with Dualistic and Pluralistic Systems

• Advaita's non-dualism contrasts with dualistic Dvaita Vedanta maintaining distinction between souls and God
• Differs from Samkhya school positing two eternal principles (Purusha and Prakriti)
• Contrasts with Buddhist schools in affirming unchanging, eternal self (Atman) vs no-self (anatman) doctrine
• Maya concept distinct from Buddhist emptiness (shunyata), though both address nature of phenomenal reality
• Emphasis on knowledge for liberation contrasts with bhakti schools prioritizing devotion to personal deity
• Reduces all reality to single principle of Brahman unlike Nyaya-Vaisheshika accepting multiple categories of existence
• Shares non-dual approach with Kashmir Shaivism but differs in conception of ultimate reality and role of divine power (Shakti)

Distinctive Features of Advaita

• Absolute non-dualism sets Advaita apart from qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita) and other Vedantic schools
• Unique interpretation of Upanishadic mahavakyas emphasizing complete identity of Atman and Brahman
• Sophisticated analysis of three states of consciousness (waking, dream, deep sleep) to reveal underlying awareness
• Concept of jivanmukti (liberation while living) distinguishes Advaita from some other liberation theories
• Advaita's approach to scriptural interpretation (samanvaya) reconciles seemingly contradictory Vedic statements
• Developed system of superimposition (adhyasa) and sublation (badha) to explain relationship between Brahman and world
• Emphasis on direct realization through self-inquiry rather than gradual purification or yogic practices