Advaita Vedanta | Philosophy, Meaning and Path of Salvation

Advaita Vedanta is a school of thought in Hinduism that originated in India. It is a branch of Hindu philosophy that teaches non-duality, or the absence of separation between subject and object. It is based on the concept that everything in the world are different manifestations of one supreme being, and everything in the universe is part of one supreme being. It is a non-dualistic philosophy based on the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts, specifically the Upanishads.

Table of Content

1. Meaning of Advaita Vedanta
2. Philosophy of Advaita
3. Concepts and Principles
4. Other related Practices
5. Founder & Gurus
6. Advaita Vedanta for Beginners
7. Conclusion

Meaning of Advaita Vedanta

Advaita is a Sanskrit word which means “not two but one”. The word Vedanta is derived from two other Sanskrit words “Veda” and “Anta”. Here veda means “knowledge”, and “anta” means “ultimate goal” or “salvation”. Achieving liberation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth and merging with the one supreme God is called “moksha”. Thus, in Advaita Vedanta, the path to salvation is knowledge. Ashtanga Yoga is also a viable path in Advaita Vedanta as it helps the yogi to control the senses and direct awareness inward.

Advaita, in Sanskrit, means “not two” or “non-duality”. In the context of Advaita Vedanta, non-duality refers to the oneness of all existence. It posits that the individual self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). Essentially, Advaita teaches that there is no fundamental difference between the subject (the knower) and the object (the known), or between the individual self and the universal Self. This concept of non-duality is central to understanding the meaning of Advaita Vedanta and its path to liberation (moksha).

Philosophy of Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes non-duality, or the oneness of all existence. I.e. absence of a separation between the subject and object. It is based on the concept that the higher or true Self is identical to Brahman, the Absolute Reality.

Advaitism is a branch of Hinduism that is associated with the philosophical and textual tradition of Advaita Vedanta. A person who follows monism believes in the idea that everything is different forms of one God. An example of advaitic thought is the spider and the web it creates. Just as a spider creates a web with its saliva, the doer in it is also the spider and the medium is also the spider. In the same way, God has created this physical world from himself. In which everything is God’s element, there is no difference of any kind in anyone.

Concepts and Principles

To truly grasp the depth of Advaita Vedanta, it’s essential to understand its key concepts:

• Brahman: The Ultimate Reality
  Brahman is the unchanging, infinite, and all-pervading reality that is the source of all existence. It is the ultimate reality, formless, eternal, and unchanging. It is the source of all existence and the underlying principle of everything. It is not a personal god but rather the impersonal, absolute truth. Advaita Vedanta describes Brahman as Neti Neti (“not this, not this”), indicating that it cannot be fully defined or grasped by the human mind. The entire philosophy is often summarized in three fundamental postulates:
  
  • Brahma Satyam: Brahman is the only truth.
• Atman: The Individual Self
  Atman refers to the individual soul or self. It is the true essence of every individual, beyond the limitations of the physical body and mind. Advaita Vedanta’s revolutionary idea is that Atman is, in essence, identical to Brahman. The apparent separation between the individual self and the ultimate reality is due to ignorance.
• Maya: The Illusion of Duality
  Maya is the power of illusion that creates the appearance of duality and multiplicity in the world. It is the veil that obscures the true nature of reality, making us perceive ourselves as separate individuals from Brahman. The experienced universe is ultimately an illusion (due to Maya). It is not just “illusion” but also the power of creation.
• Moksha: Liberation from the Cycle of Rebirth
  Moksha is the ultimate goal of human life in Advaita Vedanta. The liberation of the soul from the repeated cycle of birth and death in this world is called Moksha. It signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the realization of the oneness of Atman and Brahman. When ignorance is dispelled, and the true nature of reality is understood, Moksha is attained. It also involves the realization of one’s true nature and the cessation of suffering.
• Jiva: The individual soul entangled in the illusion of Maya, identifying with the body, mind, and ego, thus experiencing separateness and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
• Jnana (Knowledge): Not mere intellectual understanding but the direct, experiential realization of the oneness of Atman and Brahman. This knowledge dispels the illusion of Maya and leads to Moksha.
• Adhyasa (Superimposition): The fundamental error of superimposing the characteristics of the unreal (like the body and mind) onto the real Atman, leading to the false sense of individuality.
  Jivo Brahmaiva Naparah: The individual self (Jiva) is in reality not different from Brahman.

In simple words, Advaita Vedanta Philosophy teaches that the goal of life is to realize the true nature of the self as Brahman. This can be achieved through spiritual practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and studying the scriptures.

Thus, The entire Advaita philosophy is often summarized in three fundamental postulates:

1. Brahma Satyam: Brahman is the only truth.
2. Jagat Mithya: The experienced universe is ultimately an illusion (due to Maya).
3. Jivo Brahmaiva Naparah: The individual self (Jiva) is in reality not different from Brahman.

Other related Practices

Swami Vivekananda also believed in this Vedanta philosophy. According to him every soul is potentially divine. The real goal of the human body is to manifest this divinity within itself by controlling itself externally and internally. Do it either through work, or worship, or mental discipline, or philosophy – any one of these, or more, or all – and become free. This is the essence of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or ceremonies, or books, or temples, or forms, are secondary details. Some other important concepts in Advaita Vedanta include:

1. Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge
   Jnana Yoga involves the study of scriptures (shravana), contemplation (manana), and sustained meditation (nididhyasana) to gain a deep understanding of the non-dual nature of reality. The path of knowledge, which involves studying the scriptures and engaging in philosophical discussions to gain insight into the nature of reality. It is a process of discriminating between the real and the unreal, ultimately leading to the realization of one’s true self.
2. Karma Yoga: The Path of Action
   Karma Yoga emphasizes selfless action performed without attachment to the results. The path of action, which involves performing one’s duties without attachment to the results. By dedicating our actions to a higher purpose, we purify the mind and move closer to self-realization.
3. Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion
   Bhakti Yoga involves cultivating love and devotion towards a personal form of God. The path of devotion, which involves surrendering to God or a chosen deity with love and faith. While Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the formless nature of Brahman, it recognizes Bhakti Yoga as a valid path for those who find it helpful in their spiritual journey.

Thus, Advaita Vedanta Philosophy is a complex and profound philosophy with a rich history and tradition. It has had a profound impact on Indian culture and continues to be studied and practiced by many people around the world today.

Founder and Gurus

“Advaita Vedanta” is one of the oldest schools of Vedanta, having been composed in India hundreds of years ago. But it attained its greatest fame in the eighth century, when it was propagated by the guru Shankaracharya. Thus, the most famous Hindu philosopher to teach Advaita Philosophy was Adi Shankaracharya, who lived in India more than a thousand year ago.

Some other most prominent gurus on Advaita Vedanta are Swami Sivananda, Swami Dayananda and Swami Vivekananda etc.

Advaita Vedanta for Beginners

Traditionally, Advaita Vedanta is learned under the guidance of a knowledgeable teacher who can provide clarity and experiential understanding. Several texts are considered excellent starting points for beginners:

• Tattva Bodha (Knowledge of Truth) by Adi Shankaracharya: A concise introductory text covering essential concepts and terminology.
• Atmabodha (Self-Knowledge) by Adi Shankaracharya: Describes the practice of Self-knowledge and the nature of the Self.
• Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Discrimination) by Adi Shankaracharya: A more comprehensive introductory text that guides the seeker in discriminating between the real and the unreal.
• Vedanta for Beginners by Swami Sivananda: A simple and accessible introduction to the core principles.
• Introduction to Vedanta by Swami Dayananda: Offers a clear and systematic overview.

Conclusion

Advaita Vedanta continues to resonate with spiritual seekers and scholars worldwide. Its teachings offer a timeless message of unity, peace, and self-discovery, relevant to people of all backgrounds. By understanding the core principles of Advaita Vedanta, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our connection to the universe.