Adi Shankara (c. 8th century CE) was a key philosopher and theologian who systematized Advaita Vedānta. His works aim to establish non-dualism (Advaita) by interpreting the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gītā, and Brahma Sūtras. His main texts and their central points include:
1. Brahma Sūtra Bhāṣya (Commentary on the Brahma Sūtras)
• This is Shankara’s most systematic work, offering a detailed refutation of dualistic and theistic interpretations of the Brahma Sūtras.
• Main Points:
• Brahman is the only reality (ekam eva advitīyam – one without a second).
• The world is māyā (illusion or dependent reality)—it appears real but has no independent existence.
• Jīva (individual self) and Brahman are ultimately identical (Tat Tvam Asi – “You are That”).
• Liberation (mokṣa) is achieved through knowledge (jñāna) of Brahman, not rituals or devotion.
2. Upanishad Commentaries (Bhāṣyas)
• Shankara wrote commentaries on major Upanishads, including the Bṛhadāraṇyaka, Chāndogya, Taittirīya, Aitareya, Īśa, Kena, Katha, Mundaka, Māṇḍūkya, Prashna, and Śvetāśvatara Upanishads.
• Main Points:
• The Upanishads reveal that all distinctions (subject-object, self-world, God-creation) are ultimately false.
• Brahman is nirguṇa (without attributes)—any qualities attributed to Brahman (saguṇa Brahman) are for practical purposes (vyavahāra).
• Ignorance (avidyā) leads to the illusion of separation; realization of non-duality dispels it.
3. Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya (Commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā)
• Shankara interprets the Bhagavad Gītā from the Advaita perspective.
• Main Points:
• Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge) is superior to Karma Yoga (Path of Action)—action is only preparatory for knowledge.
• The self (ātman) is never born nor does it die (Bhagavad Gītā 2.20).
• Devotion (bhakti) is ultimately a means to self-knowledge, not an end in itself.
4. Vivekachudamani (The Crest Jewel of Discrimination)
• A pedagogical text, traditionally attributed to Shankara, guiding seekers toward self-realization.
• Main Points:
• Discrimination (viveka) between the real (Brahman) and the unreal (world and body) is key to liberation.
• Renunciation (vairāgya) of worldly attachments is essential.
• The Guru and self-inquiry are crucial in understanding the nature of the self.
5. Upadeśa Sāhasrī (A Thousand Teachings)
• A more independent work where Shankara discusses Advaita Vedānta in a structured way.
• Main Points:
• Self-inquiry (ātma-vicāra) leads to realization of non-duality.
• The individual’s identification with the body-mind is the root of ignorance.
• Liberation is not something gained but the removal of ignorance about one’s true nature.
6. Dakṣiṇāmūrti Stotra
• A hymn to Shiva in his form as the silent teacher (Dakṣiṇāmūrti), conveying Advaita in poetic form.
• Main Points:
• True knowledge is beyond words and comes through direct experience.
• The world is like a dream—it appears real but vanishes upon awakening.
• The self is the ultimate witness (sākṣī) beyond time and space.
Summary of Shankara’s Core Teachings:
1. Only Brahman is ultimately real; the world is an illusion (māyā).
2. The individual self (jīva) and Brahman are identical (Tat Tvam Asi).
3. Ignorance (avidyā) creates the illusion of duality; knowledge (jñāna) destroys it.
4. Liberation (mokṣa) is attained through self-knowledge, not rituals or devotion.
5. The body, mind, and senses are ephemeral; the self (ātman) is eternal and unchanging.
Shankara’s influence shaped Advaita Vedānta as the dominant non-dualist interpretation of Hindu philosophy, emphasizing self-inquiry and the pursuit of direct realization over mere intellectual understanding.
