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Born in Kerala, India, around 788 CE, Ādi Śaṅkara’s brilliance manifested early. He mastered the Vedas and Upanishads with youthful ease, embarking on a transformative journey at 20 to spread the wisdom of Advaita Vedanta – a philosophy emphasizing the non-dual nature of the individual self (Atman) and the universal Absolute (Brahman).
His tireless travels crisscrossed India, establishing four enduring monastic institutions (mathas) in each corner, symbolizing the spread of his teachings. Through masterful commentaries like the Brahmasūtrabhāṣya and the Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad Bhāṣya, he clarified, defended, and revitalized Advaita Vedanta.
Śaṅkara’s impact resonates through the ages. He revitalized Hinduism, synthesized seemingly disparate schools, and penned insightful commentaries that still guide devotees. His legacy stretches far beyond India, influencing thinkers like Aldous Huxley and Alan Watts, and echoing in contemporary movements exploring non-duality and interconnectedness.
His profound teachings offer a pathway to dissolve the illusion of separation and attain liberation. By recognizing the fundamental oneness of Atman and Brahman, we find peace, transcending the limitations of individuality and embracing the vastness of the Absolute.
Ādi Śaṅkara’s impact stretched far beyond his own lifetime. He cemented Advaita Vedanta’s place as a cornerstone of Hinduism, not through brute force, but through intellectual might. His masterful debates, like the legendary encounter with Mandana Mishra, captivated scholars and solidified his philosophy’s rigor. But his influence wasn’t confined to dusty halls of debate. He crisscrossed India, establishing four revered mathas – monastic institutions that continue to disseminate his teachings across generations.
His prolific pen further secured his legacy. Seminal works like the Brahmasūtrabhāṣya and Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad Bhāṣya remain essential reading for Advaita Vedanta students even today. They offer unparalleled clarity and depth, making complex philosophical concepts accessible and inspiring.
Śaṅkara’s influence transcends Hinduism’s borders. His non-duality teachings resonate with contemporary figures like Jiddu Krishnamurti and Alan Watts, and his ideas find application in diverse fields like psychology and psychotherapy. He offers a timeless path to inner peace and resilience, a beacon of unity in a fragmented world. In short, Ādi Śaṅkara’s legacy isn’t merely etched in stone; it lives, breathes, and guides seekers everywhere towards self-discovery and liberation.
Ādi Śaṅkara’s influence shines brightly. His Advaita Vedanta teachings, emphasizing the non-duality of self and universe, resonate with thinkers like Jiddu Krishnamurti, Aldous Huxley, and Alan Watts, finding renewed relevance in a world seeking to transcend fragmented perspectives. Beyond philosophy, his ideas permeate diverse fields like psychology and psychotherapy, offering powerful tools for inner peace and resilience. As the 21st century grapples with rapid change and the yearning for interconnectedness, Śaṅkara’s timeless wisdom proves increasingly valuable, guiding us towards self-discovery and unity amidst the apparent separation. His legacy whispers that inner peace, not external solutions, holds the key to navigating a complex world.
Across the chasm of time, Ādi Śaṅkara’s teachings resonate with a profound relevance. They grapple with the very essence of human existence, addressing fundamental questions about our place in the universe and the nature of reality. His emphasis on non-duality, dissolving the illusory veil of separation, echoes the universal human yearning for wholeness and unity. In a world fragmented by difference, his insights offer a path to liberation from suffering, not through escapism, but through the realization of our inherent oneness with the Absolute. Unveiling the true nature of the self as inseparable from the Divine, Śaṅkara’s teachings provide a map for navigating the intricate labyrinth of human experience, guiding us towards self-discovery and the joyous realization of our inherent wholeness. They stand as a timeless testament, beckoning us across centuries to embrace the unity that transcends individual limitations and reveals the radiant truth of our existence.
I am other than name, form and action.
My nature is ever free!
I am Self, the supreme unconditioned Brahman.
I am pure Awareness, always non-dual.
Ādi Śaṅkara’s legacy whispers echoes that resonate with Unalome Project’s core mission. His emphasis on non-duality mirrors Unalome’s philosophy of navigating life’s twists and turns towards self-realization. Both invite us to peel back layers of separation, questioning everything we think we know about ourselves and the universe. Just as Śaṅkara challenged established norms through debate and reflection, Unalome invites us to break free from limiting beliefs and societal narratives.
Applying Śaṅkara’s wisdom in daily life can be as simple as pausing each morning to question assumptions, biases, and judgments. Consider: Am I seeing myself and others through the lens of separation? Can I approach this situation from a place of oneness, recognizing our interconnectedness? By practicing discernment and cultivating non-attachment, we begin to walk the unalome path with Śaṅkara’s spirit, embracing the unknown with open hearts and minds.
His legacy reminds us that self-discovery isn’t about reaching a distant goal, but about the continuous act of questioning, shedding illusions, and realizing our inherent wholeness. Just as Śaṅkara’s brilliance illuminated centuries, each step we take on our Unalome journey, inspired by his whispers of non-duality, contributes to a more unified, enlightened world.
The Crest of the Jewel of Discrimination by Ādi Śaṅkara
The Concise Yoga Vasistha translated by Eknath Easwaran
Echoes of Advaita: A History of Forgotten Masters by Michael James
Open Awareness Meditation: This practice aligns with Śaṅkara’s emphasis on transcending the limitations of the mind and connecting with the vastness of Being. Unalome’s guided meditations like “Spaciousness” and “Expansive Awareness” can be especially helpful.
Metta Meditation: Cultivating loving-kindness for oneself and others resonates with Śaṅkara’s message of interconnectedness. Unalome’s “Loving-Kindness” and “Self-Compassion” practices can be valuable tools.
Journaling Prompts: Unalome offers prompts like “Who Am I?” and “What are my assumptions?” that encourage self-reflection and questioning, aligning with Śaṅkara’s teachings on dismantling illusions.
Arvind Sharma, The Concise History of Indian Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 2000)
Knut Jacobsen, A History of Indian Philosophy (Princeton University Press, 2000)
Christopher Isherwood, Ramakrishna and His Disciples (Viking Press, 1965)
Adi Shankara’s Teachings:
Adi Shankara, The Crest of the Jewel of Discrimination (translated by Eknath Easwaran, Shambhala Publications, 1987)
Adi Shankara, The Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad Bhāṣya (translated by Swami Gambhirananda, Advaita Ashrama, 1980)
Michael James, Echoes of Advaita: A History of Forgotten Masters (State University of New York Press, 2014)
Modern Echoes:
Aldous Huxley, The Perennial Philosophy (Harper & Row, 1945)
Jiddu Krishnamurti, Freedom From the Known (Penguin Books, 1969)
Alan Watts, The Wisdom of Insecurity (Penguin Books, 1951)
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