Advaita Vedanta

Definition

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self). It emphasizes that the apparent distinctions between the self and the universe are illusory, leading to a deep understanding of the nature of existence and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Advaita Vedanta was popularized by Adi Shankara in the 8th century, who wrote extensive commentaries on key texts, including the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras.
2. This philosophy asserts that realization of one's true self (Atman) as non-different from Brahman is essential for achieving Moksha, or liberation.
3. In Advaita Vedanta, knowledge (jnana) is viewed as the primary means to overcome ignorance (avidya), which causes the perception of duality in existence.
4. The philosophy has significantly influenced later Indian thought, especially in its discussions on reality and consciousness.
5. Advaita Vedanta stands in contrast to other schools of Vedanta, such as Dvaita, which maintains a dualistic view of God and individual souls.

Review Questions

• How does Advaita Vedanta interpret the concepts of Brahman and Atman in relation to each other?
  • Advaita Vedanta interprets Brahman as the ultimate reality that is unchanging and infinite, while Atman represents the individual self. The core teaching is that Atman is not separate from Brahman; rather, they are fundamentally one. This non-dualistic perspective emphasizes that realizing this identity leads to liberation from ignorance and the cycle of rebirth.
• Discuss how Maya influences the understanding of reality within Advaita Vedanta and compare it with other philosophical schools.
  • Maya, or illusion, plays a crucial role in Advaita Vedanta as it explains why individuals perceive duality and separation in reality. Unlike Dvaita Vedanta, which holds that differences between God and individual souls are real and eternal, Advaita Vedanta teaches that these distinctions are ultimately false. Understanding Maya helps individuals recognize their true nature as non-different from Brahman, leading to enlightenment.
• Evaluate the impact of Advaita Vedanta's teachings on contemporary discussions about consciousness and the self in psychology and cognitive science.
  • Advaita Vedanta's emphasis on non-duality has fostered significant interest in contemporary psychology and cognitive science regarding the nature of consciousness. The philosophy's assertion that individual consciousness (Atman) is an extension of a universal consciousness (Brahman) challenges reductionist views that see self-awareness as merely a brain function. This perspective encourages interdisciplinary explorations into how mindfulness and self-realization can affect mental health and well-being, reflecting Advaita's relevance in addressing modern existential challenges.

Related terms

Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality in Advaita Vedanta, representing the essence of everything that exists.

Atman: The individual soul or self in Hindu philosophy, which is ultimately identical to Brahman in Advaita Vedanta.

Maya: The illusion or appearance of the material world that obscures the true nature of reality, central to understanding Advaita Vedanta's teachings.