The relationship and difference between Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism is a complex and fascinating subject, as both traditions have influenced each other over centuries while maintaining distinct philosophical and soteriological perspectives. Below is an exploration of their relationship and key differences:
Relationship Between Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism
1. Shared Cultural Context:
Both traditions emerged within the broader Indian philosophical milieu, responding to similar existential questions about suffering, liberation (moksha or nirvana), and the nature of reality. They share a concern with transcending ignorance and achieving freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
2. Influence of Buddhism on Advaita Vedanta:
Many scholars argue that Advaita Vedanta, particularly as articulated by Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE), developed in dialogue with Buddhist ideas, especially the Madhyamaka school of Nagarjuna. Shankaracharya critiqued Buddhist philosophy while adopting some of its rigorous epistemological and ontological methods.
3. Non-Duality:
Both traditions emphasize a form of non-duality (advaya in Buddhism, advaita in Vedanta). However, their interpretations of non-duality differ:
• In Advaita Vedanta, non-duality means the unity of Brahman (the absolute reality) and the self (Atman).
• In Buddhism, especially Madhyamaka, non-duality refers to the absence of inherent existence (svabhava) in all phenomena and the interdependent nature of reality.
4. Critique of Dualism:
Both reject strict dualisms, such as self/other or subject/object, emphasizing the illusory nature of distinctions created by ignorance (avidya).
Key Differences Between Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism
1. Concept of Self
• Advaita Vedanta:
Central to Advaita is the idea that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to Brahman (the ultimate, unchanging reality). Liberation involves realizing this identity.
• Buddhism:
Buddhism, especially Theravada and Mahayana, denies the existence of a permanent self (anatman). It teaches that what we call the “self” is a collection of impermanent aggregates (skandhas) and that clinging to the notion of self leads to suffering.
Key Difference: Advaita asserts an eternal self, while Buddhism denies the self altogether.
2. Nature of Ultimate Reality
• Advaita Vedanta:
The ultimate reality, Brahman, is described as infinite, eternal, formless, and unchanging. It is pure consciousness and the substratum of all that exists.
• Buddhism:
The ultimate reality is often described as sunyata (emptiness). Emptiness is not a “thing” but the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena, highlighting their interdependent nature.
Key Difference:
• Advaita sees the ultimate reality as a positive, infinite essence (Brahman).
• Buddhism sees the ultimate reality as the absence of essence (sunyata).
3. Path to Liberation
• Advaita Vedanta:
Liberation (moksha) is achieved through knowledge (jnana), specifically the realization that Atman is Brahman. This involves study of the scriptures (shruti), reasoning (yukti), and meditative practice (nididhyasana).
• Buddhism:
Liberation (nirvana) is attained through the Eightfold Path, which emphasizes ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. Insight into the impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatman) of existence is crucial.
Key Difference:
• Advaita emphasizes self-realization and unity with Brahman.
• Buddhism emphasizes the cessation of craving and clinging to self through the realization of emptiness.
4. Ontology
• Advaita Vedanta:
The world is seen as a manifestation of Brahman but is ultimately illusory (maya). While it appears real on a conventional level, it is not ultimately separate from Brahman.
• Buddhism:
The world is also seen as lacking inherent reality, but there is no single substratum like Brahman. Instead, phenomena arise and cease due to dependent origination (pratityasamutpada).
Key Difference:
• Advaita posits a singular, unchanging reality (Brahman).
• Buddhism denies any underlying essence and focuses on interdependence and impermanence.
5. Epistemology
• Advaita Vedanta:
Knowledge (jnana) is the direct realization of Brahman, often mediated through scriptures and a teacher. Perception, inference, and scriptural testimony are considered valid sources of knowledge.
• Buddhism:
Emphasizes direct experiential insight (vipassana) as the highest form of knowledge. Philosophical schools like Madhyamaka use logical reasoning to dismantle false views.
Key Difference:
• Advaita leans on Brahman as the final epistemic foundation.
• Buddhism avoids positing any absolute foundation, focusing on deconstructing all views.
6. Attitude Toward Scriptures
• Advaita Vedanta:
Reveres the Vedas and Upanishads as ultimate authorities (shruti).
• Buddhism:
Rejects the Vedas and operates outside the Vedic tradition, developing its own extensive canon.
Key Difference: Advaita aligns with the Vedic tradition; Buddhism is non-Vedic.
Complementary Insights
While their metaphysical and soteriological views differ, Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism can be seen as offering complementary insights:
• Advaita’s strength lies in its affirmation of an ultimate unity (Brahman).
• Buddhism’s strength lies in its analytical rigor and emphasis on impermanence and interdependence.
Would you agree that the tension between these traditions reflects a broader human quest to reconcile unity and multiplicity, permanence and change?
