Sri Adi SankaracharyA: The Mystic

Who was Sri Adi Sankaracharya?

Sri Adi Sankaracharya (also known as Adi Shankara or Shankara) was an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian who is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in Hinduism. He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism through his commentaries on the Vedic scriptures. He is also known for his writings on the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, which laid the foundation of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of the ultimate reality and the identity of the individual self with Brahman. Sankaracharya’s teachings remain highly influential in Hinduism even today and have been deeply influential in the development of Indian thought for centuries.

The Early Life of Sri Adi Sankaracharya: Where His Journey Began

Sri Adi Sankaracharya, also known as Adi Shankara or Shankara, is renowned as one of the most influential philosophers of the 8th century BCE. While the exact date of his birth is unclear, it is believed that he was born in the Indian state of Kerala, around 788 BCE. He was born to Sivaguru and Aryamba. His father, Sivaguru, was a devout Hindu, and his mother passed away when he was 8 years old. His parents worshipped Lord Shiva, requesting a baby child, and it was answered to them as a genius, Sankaracharya. For this reason, Sankaracharya is also known as the reincarnation of Lord Shiva.

Sankaracharya spent his early years in the picturesque town of Kalady on the banks of the Periyar River. His parents, Sivaguru and Aryamba, were deeply religious and raised their son with the utmost reverence and admiration for Hinduism and its teachings.
Sankaracharya was a deeply spiritual and intelligent child from a young age. It is said that he could read and understand the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas, at a very young age. He was particularly interested in the works of the great Indian philosopher Gaudapada, whose writings would come to form the basis of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy that Sankaracharya would later become famous for.

At the tender age of 8, Sankaracharya’s mother passed away, leaving him in the hands of his father, Sivaguru, who was an ardent Hindu. Seeing the young boy’s potential, Sivaguru encouraged him into the study of the Vedas and taught him the concept of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which he wanted him to gain.

Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Sankaracharya sought the guidance of several spiritual gurus because of his yearning for knowledge and spiritual understanding. He learned under several eminent academics and sages while traveling around India. He was especially influenced by Govinda Bhagavatpada’s teachings, as he was Gaudapada’s own direct disciple.Sankaracharya acquired a unique understanding of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy during his studies. He concluded that, contrary to what was commonly believed, the absolute truth, Brahman, and the individual self, or Atman, were truly the same.

In his twenties, Sankaracharya spread his own unique interpretation of Advaita Vedanta. His teachings quickly gained a large following and established him as one of the most respected and influential philosophers of his time. He continued to travel and teach throughout India, spreading his teachings far and wide, and contributing significantly to the spiritual and philosophical culture of the subcontinent.

The Teachings & Philosophies of Sri Adi Sankaracharya

Sri Adi Sankaracharya is widely renowned as one of the most profound exponents of the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. He is best remembered for his teachings on the non-dualistic nature of the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the oneness of the individual self, or Atman, with Brahman, making it an informative and captivating experience.The great philosopher Sankaracharya promoted the school of Indian philosophy known as Advaita Vedanta, which has a monistic understanding of reality. According to this original viewpoint, Brahman is the one ultimate reality, and Atman, the individual self, is neither different from nor identical to Brahman. This concept of oneness opposes the idea of dualism and contends that everything else is only an illusion.

Sankaracharya is renowned for his teachings on Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical system based on the Hindu Upanishads. He is also known for his commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, which present the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Additionally, he wrote extensive commentaries on the principal Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma-sutras, making his work even more significant.

One of the most significant contributions of Sankaracharya to Advaita Vedanta was his emphasis on the term “neti, neti” (not this, not that). This philosophy states that the ultimate truth, Brahman, cannot be explained or perceived in any particular form or concept, but must be acknowledged as a state of purely conscious existence. Sankaracharya also highlighted the significance of spiritual practices like meditation and self-reflection to understand the non-dual nature of reality.

Sankaracharya asserted it is possible to attain salvation or moksha by understanding the non-dual nature of the universe. He believed that the individual self and the ultimate reality are the same and, by comprehending this, one can be liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Sankaracharya’s teachings have left an indelible mark on India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions. His commentaries on the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras are still widely studied and respected today. His ideas on Advaita Vedanta have been influential, with far-reaching affects on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In fact, he is widely considered being the greatest exponent of Advaita Vedanta, and his teachings continue to be followed by many today.

Sri Adi Sankaracharya’s Impact on Modern Hinduism

Adi Sankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta philosophy has been a major influence on modern Hinduism. His commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras are still considered standard texts in many Hindu philosophical schools across the world. His teachings on the unity of all individuals, regardless of caste or gender, also inspired the modern Hindu reform movement and has helped to shape modern Hindu thought.

Adi Sankaracharya is also credited with reviving the Vedic culture and promoting the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which preaches the reality of non-duality and that all sentient beings are essentially one with the supreme being. He traveled across India, establishing monasteries and propagating his ideologies. Additionally, he was a great reformer and his teachings are still followed by many people today, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of Indian religion and philosophy.

Sankaracharya’s great contribution to the Hindu tradition is his commentaries on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras. These commentaries are still widely read and respected in the Hindu tradition. He also wrote several independent works, such as the famous Vivekachudamani, a treatise on Advaita Vedanta and the path to spiritual liberation. His works are considered an effective way to explain the complexities of the Vedanta philosophy, making it more accessible and engaging to a wider audience. His treatise also offers advice on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, giving readers an insight into the path to true freedom.

In addition to his philosophical contributions, Adi Sankaracharya also exerted an immense influence on the social and cultural growth of India. He strongly advocated for the caste system and propagated the notion that every individual, irrespective of their caste, had the potential to attain spiritual enlightenment. Significantly, he also supported the provision of education to women and lower castes, which was a radical move in contrast to the prevailing norms of his time.

In summary, Sri Adi Sankaracharya is one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism, renowned for his Advaita Vedanta teachings. This monistic philosophy holds that all of reality is one ultimate reality, Brahman. Sankaracharya’s teachings further emphasize that all other things are mere appearances or illusions, and the individual self is non-dually identified with Brahman.

Sri Adi Sankaracharya was a renowned figure in the history of Hinduism, as both a philosopher and a spiritual leader. His teachings and writings have shaped and continue to shape the way Hindus understand and practice their faith today. His Advaita Vedanta philosophy, as well as his commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras, are still studied and followed today. He also had a lasting effect on Hindu society, advocating for the unity of all individuals. You can read some of his beautiful life stories on this website: https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/wisdom/article/life-of-adi-shankaracharya-stories-teachings-stotras

The Debate Between Adi Shankaracharya and Mandana Mishra

Adi Shankaracharya, a staunch proponent of Advaita Vedanta, sought to engage Mandana Mishra, a renowned Mimamsa scholar, in a philosophical debate. The purpose was to determine the superior path to spiritual realization. Upon approaching Mishra’s residence, Shankaracharya was greeted by the sight of parrots engaging in sophisticated philosophical discussions, a testament to the household’s scholarly atmosphere. He issued a challenge, setting the stage for a profound intellectual contest.

The debate, lasting several days, delved into the core tenets of Vedic philosophy. Shankaracharya asserted the ultimate reality of Brahman, the formless consciousness, advocating knowledge as the path to liberation. Mandana Mishra, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of Vedic rituals and duties, arguing that adherence to these injunctions was paramount for attaining dharma and moksha. The exchanges were intense, involving deep analyses of scriptures and their practical applications. Ubhaya Bharati, Mishra’s wife and a scholar herself, served as the arbiter, placing garlands on both participants to determine the victor.

As the debate progressed, Mandana Mishra’s garland began to wither, indicating his impending defeat. However, Ubhaya Bharati then posed a unique challenge, questioning Shankaracharya on the intricacies of kama shastra, a subject he, as a renunciate, had not studied. To gain the necessary knowledge, Shankaracharya requested time and, through yogic powers, temporarily entered the body of a deceased king. Upon his return, he successfully answered Ubhaya Bharati’s questions, solidifying his victory. Mandana Mishra, honoring the terms of the debate, became Shankaracharya’s disciple, taking the name Sureshwaracharya. This encounter stands as a pivotal moment in the revival of Advaita Vedanta, showcasing Shankaracharya’s extraordinary intellect and spiritual prowess, as well as the remarkable scholarly abilities of Ubhaya Bharati.

Sankaracharya is believed to have left this world at 32, yet his teachings and interpretations are still studied and adhered to by many people today. He is considered an esteemed figure in Hinduism, and his efforts in contributing to Indian philosophy are still being studied and discussed by scholars. What are your thoughts on this remarkable figure?