Chapter 6 Who Was Sankaracharya?

Sankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankaracharya, is one of the most prominent and revered philosophers and theologians in Hinduism. He is best known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality.

6.1 Key Aspects of Sankaracharya’s Life

  1. Birth and Early Life:
    • Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady, a village in the present-day Indian state of Kerala, around 788 CE. His birth is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the Vaisakha month in the Indian lunar calendar.
    • According to hagiographies, he exhibited prodigious intellect and spiritual inclination from a very young age. He became a monk (sannyasi) at an early age despite opposition from his family.
  2. Philosophical Contributions:
    • Advaita Vedanta: Sankaracharya’s most significant contribution is the consolidation and propagation of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita Vedanta asserts that the true self (Atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman), and the perception of duality in the world is due to ignorance (Avidya).
    • Key Works: He authored numerous foundational texts, including commentaries (Bhashyas) on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras. Some of his major works include:
      • Brahmasutra Bhashya: Commentary on the Brahma Sutras.
      • Bhagavad Gita Bhashya: Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
      • Upanishad Bhashyas: Commentaries on various Upanishads.
      • Vivekachudamani: Philosophical treatise expounding the principles of Advaita Vedanta.
      • Atma Bodha and Tattva Bodha: Introductory texts on Advaita Vedanta.
  3. Institutional Influence:
    • Sankaracharya established four major monastic centers (mathas) across India to promote and preserve the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. These mathas are located in Sringeri (South India), Dwaraka (West India), Puri (East India), and Jyotirmath (North India).
    • He is credited with organizing the Dashanami Sampradaya, a monastic order comprising ten branches, to unify and regulate the practices of sannyasis.
  4. Cultural and Religious Impact:
    • Sankaracharya played a crucial role in revitalizing Hinduism during a period of significant religious and philosophical challenges, particularly from Buddhism and Jainism.
    • He composed several devotional hymns (stotras) dedicated to various deities, emphasizing the importance of Bhakti (devotion) alongside Jnana (knowledge).

6.2 Key Teachings of Advaita Vedanta

  1. Non-Dualism:
    • The central tenet of Advaita Vedanta is that there is no fundamental distinction between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The apparent multiplicity and diversity of the world are illusions created by ignorance.
  2. Maya (Illusion):
    • Maya is the concept that describes the illusory nature of the phenomenal world. It is through Maya that the one undivided Brahman appears as the manifold universe.
  3. Liberation (Moksha):
    • Liberation is achieved through Self-realization, where one transcends the illusion of duality and recognizes the unity of Atman and Brahman. This realization dispels ignorance and leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Adi Shankaracharya is a monumental figure in the history of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. His efforts in systematizing and disseminating Advaita Vedanta have had a profound and lasting impact on Indian religious thought. Through his extensive writings, organizational efforts, and spiritual teachings, Sankaracharya laid the foundation for a unified understanding of non-dualism, influencing countless generations of seekers and scholars. His legacy continues to be celebrated and studied, making him one of the greatest sages and philosophers in Indian history.