Glossary

8.6 Vedanta: Non-dualistic philosophy

5 min read•august 15, 2024

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

, championed by Adi Shankara, takes this idea further. It asserts that the apparent duality of the world is an , 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 , 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 () 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 and
  • 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 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 (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 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

  • Vedanta, developed by , 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

Key Terms to Review (17)

Adi Shankaracharya: Adi Shankaracharya was an influential philosopher and theologian in early 8th century India, known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, which promotes non-dualism. His teachings and commentaries on key texts, especially the Upanishads, helped shape the philosophical landscape of Hinduism, emphasizing the idea that the individual self (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman).
Advaita Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic philosophical school within Hinduism that emphasizes the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This perspective asserts that the perceived differences between the self and the universe are illusory, leading to a profound understanding of unity and interconnectedness.
Atman: Atman refers to the individual self or soul in Hindu philosophy, considered the true essence of a person that is eternal and beyond physical existence. This concept is crucial in understanding the relationship between the individual and the universal spirit, leading to discussions about the nature of reality and liberation.
Bhakti: Bhakti refers to a deep, personal devotion to a deity or divine figure in Hinduism, characterized by love, surrender, and a sense of intimacy with the divine. This form of devotion emphasizes a direct relationship with God, often expressed through prayers, songs, rituals, and an emotional connection that transcends ritualistic practices. Bhakti plays a significant role in the non-dualistic philosophy of Vedanta, as it highlights the belief that individual souls can unite with the ultimate reality, or Brahman, through love and devotion.
Brahman: Brahman is the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism, representing the source of all existence and the essence of the universe. It is formless, transcendent, and immanent, serving as the foundation of all that is, connecting various elements of Hindu thought including deities, philosophical concepts, and spiritual practices.
Illusion (maya): Illusion, or maya, refers to the concept in Hindu philosophy that the material world is an illusion that veils the true reality of Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality. This idea suggests that what we perceive through our senses is deceptive, and the distinctions we make in the world are not truly reflective of the underlying unity of existence. Understanding maya is crucial for recognizing the non-dualistic nature of reality as taught in Vedanta.
Jnana (knowledge): Jnana refers to the profound understanding and knowledge that leads to spiritual enlightenment and liberation in Hindu philosophy. It is considered essential for realizing the non-dual nature of existence, where the individual self (Atman) recognizes its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This concept plays a vital role in non-dualistic thought, emphasizing that true knowledge transcends intellectual understanding and leads to direct experiential insight.
Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It's deeply rooted in various spiritual traditions and philosophies, especially in Hinduism, where it serves as a vital tool for self-realization and understanding the nature of reality. Meditation is often linked with profound concepts such as the ultimate reality in philosophical texts, techniques for spiritual discipline, and various approaches to achieving enlightenment.
Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It signifies the realization of one's true self (Atman) and union with the absolute reality (Brahman), leading to eternal peace and freedom from all suffering.
Nature of Reality: The nature of reality refers to the fundamental understanding of existence and the true essence of the world as perceived through various philosophical lenses. In non-dualistic philosophy, particularly in Vedanta, reality is seen as unified and indivisible, where the distinction between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is an illusion. This perspective emphasizes that true knowledge comes from realizing this oneness and transcending the dualities of perception.
Ramanuja: Ramanuja was a prominent theologian and philosopher in Hinduism, known for his contributions to the development of the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy. His work emphasized devotion (bhakti) to God and the importance of loving and personal relationships with the divine, making significant contributions to the understanding of knowledge and the nature of reality.
Relationship between atman and brahman: The relationship between atman and brahman is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly in Vedanta, where atman refers to the individual self or soul, and brahman represents the ultimate reality or universal consciousness. This relationship is often described as non-dualistic, indicating that atman and brahman are ultimately the same, despite appearing distinct in everyday experience. Understanding this relationship is essential to grasping the essence of existence and liberation (moksha) in Hindu thought.
Self-inquiry: Self-inquiry is a reflective practice that involves examining one's own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to gain deeper understanding and insight into the self. It plays a crucial role in personal growth and spiritual development, helping individuals to uncover their true nature and purpose in life. This practice is closely linked to concepts like the four purusarthas, the path of knowledge, and non-dualistic philosophy, as it encourages the quest for ultimate truth and liberation.
Self-realization: Self-realization is the process of recognizing and understanding one's true nature, often seen as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. It involves transcending the ego and illusions of separateness to recognize the unity of the self with the divine or ultimate reality, which is a central concept in non-dualistic philosophy. This realization brings about profound insights into one's identity and purpose in life.
Unity of existence: The unity of existence is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the idea that everything in the universe is part of a single, unifying reality. This concept is central to non-dualistic philosophy, suggesting that the distinctions we perceive between individual entities are ultimately illusory, and that at the deepest level, there exists a profound oneness that transcends dualities such as self and other.
Upanishads: The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, focusing on meditation, morality, and the nature of ultimate reality. These texts explore profound themes such as the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal spirit (Brahman), establishing foundational ideas about existence and spiritual enlightenment.
Vishishtadvaita: Vishishtadvaita, or qualified non-dualism, is a philosophical system within Vedanta that posits a unique relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). It emphasizes that while the individual soul is distinct from Brahman, it is also inseparably connected to it, allowing for both unity and diversity in the spiritual experience. This concept challenges purely dualistic and non-dualistic interpretations of reality, providing a nuanced understanding of the divine.
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