12.1 Advaita Vedānta: Non-dualism and māyā

Advaita Vedānta, a key school of Indian philosophy, centers on non-dualism. It teaches that all reality is fundamentally one, rejecting separation in ultimate existence. Śaṅkara's interpretation emphasizes the non-dual nature of Brahman and Ātman, challenging the reality of the phenomenal world.

The concept of māyā plays a crucial role in Advaita Vedānta. This cosmic illusion veils Brahman's true nature, creating the appearance of multiplicity. Māyā functions by concealing reality and projecting the illusory world, which can be overcome through knowledge and self-realization.

Core Concepts of Advaita Vedānta

Concept of non-dualism in Śaṅkara

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• Non-dualism (advaita) asserts fundamental unity of all reality rejects plurality or separation in ultimate existence
• Śaṅkara's interpretation emphasizes non-dual nature of Brahman and Ātman argues against reality of phenomenal world
• Levels of reality: Paramārthika (absolute Brahman), Vyāvahārika (empirical world), Prātibhāsika (illusions, misperceptions)
• Analogies: Rope mistaken for snake in dim light, waves not separate from ocean illustrate non-dual nature

Role of māyā in Advaita Vedānta

• Māyā cosmic illusion veils true nature of Brahman creates appearance of multiplicity and difference
• Functions: Concealing (āvaraṇa) hides true reality, Projecting (vikṣepa) projects illusory phenomenal world
• Māyā (cosmic illusion) and avidyā (individual ignorance) interrelated concepts explain perceived duality
• Relationship to Brahman: Neither real nor unreal (anirvacanīya) dependent on Brahman but not affecting its nature
• Overcome through knowledge (jñāna) and self-realization recognizing illusory nature of phenomenal world

Metaphysics and Soteriology

Brahman and Ātman relationship

• Identity expressed in Upaniṣadic mahāvākya "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) individual self (jīva) identical to universal self (Brahman)
• Characteristics: Sat (existence), Cit (consciousness), Ānanda (bliss) Nirguṇa (without attributes) Saguṇa (with attributes for worship)
• Apparent distinction result of māyā and avidyā overcome through self-realization
• Ātman as witness consciousness (sākṣin) unchanging observer of mental states unaffected by mind fluctuations

Self-realization process in Śaṅkara's philosophy

• Prerequisites: Viveka (discrimination), Vairāgya (dispassion), Śamādi-ṣaṭka-sampatti (six virtues), Mumukṣutva (desire for liberation)
• Spiritual practice stages:
  1. Śravaṇa: Listening to qualified guru's teachings
  2. Manana: Reflection and reasoning on teachings
  3. Nididhyāsana: Deep meditation on non-dualism truth
• Knowledge (jñāna) direct means to mokṣa (liberation) combines intellectual understanding and intuitive realization
• Jīvanmukti (liberation while living) realizes true nature while embodied continues prārabdha karma until death
• Videhamukti (final liberation) dissolves individual identity merges with Brahman upon physical death