Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara was an 8th century Indian philosopher. His work revolved mainly around Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta refers to the idea that only Brahman is genuine and the world is Brahman’s fantastic appearance. Brahman here means consciousness, not caste.
Life and Death
He founded four monasteries or Mathas. These mathas helped spread Advaita Vedanta. He travelled around the Indian subcontinent to spread Advaita Vedanta. He has won several debates from the Orthodox Hindu tradition and also from non-Hindu traditions such as Buddhism. Adi Shankaracharya?s Advaita Vedanta is similar to Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism says that anyone including those in reincarnation can be enlightened. Another Buddhism, called Theravada Buddhism, strictly follows the teachings of Buddhism and says that only Buddhist monks who lead a holy life can be enlightened.
He was born in the village of Kaladi, Kerala. He was born the son of Nambudri Brahmin. His parents were a couple with no children. They served the poor. They were blessed with Shankara. Shankara means “wealth giver”. Shankara has been fascinated by Saniyasa’s life since childhood. But his mother opposed it. At the age of eight, he went to the river with his mother. He was caught by a crocodile. Shankara called on her mother to give her permission to become a sannyasin. Otherwise, the crocodile will kill him. His mother agreed. Shankara having been released left the house as a disciple of Govinda Bhagavatpada. His schooling was conducted in several places along the Narumada and Ganges rivers. Shankara has traveled far from Bengal to Gujarat. During his trip, he participated in discussions with Buddhists, Jains, Carvakas and Saugatas.
Adi Shankara has written over 300 texts. These include Prakarana grantha, Bhasya, Stotra. Adi Shankara Charya was the organizer of the order of the Dashanami monks. Shankara’s disciples were Totakacharya, Padmapadacharya also called Sanandana, Hastamalakacharya, Suresvara, Citsukha, Prthividhara, Cidvilasayati, Bodhendra and Brahmendra.
At the age of 32, Shankaracharya passed away in Kedarnath.
Preaching?s
He advised against ritual worship. He also believed that self-awareness was achieved when one’s mind was purified through an ethical life. He emphasized the Yamas. Yama is a real-life ethical rule in yoga philosophy.
About Advaita Vedanta
The followers of Advaita Vedanta are called Advaita Vedantins or Advaitins. An interpretation of Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras is the Advaita Vedanta. One gains enlightenment and moksha by knowing ones identity. This Vedanta is one of the six Hinduism orthodox philosophies. The Advaita Vedanta schools use Brahman, Maya, Avidya, Atman and meditation concepts.
