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 related to Advaita
4. Founder & Gurus
5. Advaita and Dvaita Vedanta
6. Advaita Vedanta for Beginners

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.” It is a core principle in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. 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 the understanding 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.

Here are some key philosophical concepts:

1. Brahman: The ultimate reality, formless, eternal, and unchanging. It is the source of all existence and the underlying principle of everything.
2. Atman: The individual soul or self, which is identical to Brahman. It is the true essence of every individual, beyond the limitations of the physical body and mind.
3. Maya: The illusion or appearance of duality and separation in the world. It is the veil that obscures the true nature of reality, making us perceive ourselves as separate individuals from Brahman.
4. Moksha: Moksha: The liberation of the soul from the repeated cycle of birth and death in this world is called Moksha. It is the realization of the true nature of the self as Brahman, leading to permanent bliss and freedom from suffering.

Advaita 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. 

Concepts related to Advaita

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, which involves studying the scriptures and engaging in philosophical discussions to gain insight into the nature of reality.
2. Karma Yoga: The path of action, which involves performing one’s duties without attachment to the results.
3. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion, which involves surrendering to God or a chosen deity with love and faith.

Thus, Advaita 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 years ago.