Understanding Advaita Vedanta:
The Main Work of Adi
Shankaracharya
-Group 4
Team Members
Aayushma Bhandari
Kripa Maharjan
Pritisha Shrestha
Introduction
Advaita means non-duality
Vedanta means "end of the Vedas", based on
Upanishadic philosophy.
A school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the idea
that there is no real difference between the individual
self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
“You are not separate from the universe or from God. Your true self (Atman) is the
same as Brahman — the infinite, eternal reality.”
Adi Shankaracharya
A brilliant Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher born in Kerala, India, in
the 8th century CE.
Became a monk (sannyasi) at a very young age and dedicated his life to
reviving, clarifying, and spreading Advaita Vedanta.
Before him, the ideas of non-dualism (Advaita) existed in the Upanishads, but
were scattered, debated, and unclear.
Many religious traditions focused only on rituals or devotion (bhakti) without deeper understanding.
He was the one who systematized, simplified and unified the
philosophy with a clear structure, logic and authority.
Showed that self-realization through knowledge (Jnana) is the path
to liberation (Moksha)
He brought clarity and structure to the non-dual teachings of the
Upanishads through his commentaries on key scriptures like the
Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras.
Context and Historical Background
1. Ancient Roots of Advaita Vedanta
Rooted in the Upanishads, which are the final portion
of the Vedas, the most ancient sacred texts of
Hinduism.
The Upanishads explore deep spiritual questions:
What is the self ?
What is ultimate reality?
How can we attain liberation (moksha)?
2. Philosophical Confusion
By the early centuries CE, Indian spiritual thought was diverse but
divided, led to confusion among both scholars and spiritual seekers..
Several Vedantic schools emerged, each interpreting the scriptures
differently:
Dvaita Vedanta (founded by Madhvacharya) argued that God and soul are completely separate.
Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (by Ramanujacharya) said that the soul is part of God, but not entirely the
same.
2. Philosophical Confusion
These views emphasized duality or qualified unity, directly
contrasting the Upanishadic hints of oneness.
Rise of Ritualism and Mimamsa :
The Mimamsa school prioritized Vedic rituals (karma-kanda)
over inner spiritual understanding,
Emphasizing correct ritual performance as the sole path to
salvation, which reduced philosophy to external actions.
2. Philosophical Confusion
Buddhism and Jainism gained popularity, often rejecting
the Vedic scriptures altogether.
Buddhist schools like Madhyamaka and
Yogachara taught emptiness (Shunyata) or
consciousness-only, which challenged Hindu
metaphysics.
Key Texts of Advaita Vedanta: The Prasthana Trayi
1. The Upanishads . 2. The Bhagavad Gita 3.The Brahma Sutras
Core Principles of Advaita Vedanta
1. Non Dualism (Advaita)
It is the core teaching of Advaita Vedanta and proclaims that reality is one, without any
second entity.
There is no real separation between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality
(Brahman).
According to Advaita, Brahman is the Ultimate Reality
Brahman is formless, beyond time, space, and causation. It cannot be seen, touched, or
grasped by the senses, but it is pure existence, consciousness, and bliss
2. Atman Is Brahman
The true self (Atman) of every individual is not separate
from the ultimate reality (Brahman).
You are not just a body or mind—you are the infinite,
eternal truth itself.
Just as a wave is not separate from the ocean, your true self
is not separate from Brahman.
2. Atman Is Brahman
This truth is beautifully summarized in the
Upanishadic Mahavakyas (Great Sayings):
Tat Tvam Asi – “That Thou Art” (You are
Brahman) – Chandogya Upanishad
Aham Brahmasmi – “I am Brahman” –
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Ayam Atma Brahma – “This Self is
Brahman” – Mandukya Upanishad
3. Maya (Illusion)
The world we experience with our senses is not ultimately real, it is
Maya, a powerful illusion.
Maya makes the one undivided reality appear as many (diverse forms
and experiences).
Under the influence of Maya, we mistake ourselves to be separate individuals and see a dualistic world.
Just like a dream feels real while dreaming, Maya veils the truth and makes the unreal seem real.
4. Avidya ( Ignorance)
Referring to ignorance of our true nature as Atman (The self)
Due to Avidya, we mistake the non-Self for the Self. That means:
We think we are the body, mind, or ego, not the eternal Atman.
We see ourselves as separate from others and from Brahman.
We desire, fear, and suffer, because we cling to what is impermanent.
5. Jnana (Knowledge)- The path to Liberation
All suffering and bondage arise from Avidya (ignorance) of our
true nature
Therefore, only Jnana (knowledge) can remove this ignorance.
Other paths like Karma (action) and Bhakti (devotion) are
helpful but cannot by themselves lead to ultimate liberation.
Only Self-knowledge reveals the non-dual truth that: Atman and
Brahman are not separate, but one.
Contemporary Relevance:
Advaita Vedanta in the Modern World:
Ancient philosophy, still deeply relevant today.
Aligns with growing interest in:
1. Meditation
2. Mindfulness
3. Self-inquiry
Offers self-awareness in a world driven by materialism
Contemporary Relevance:
Self-Inquiry & Psychological Insight
Ramana Maharshi revived the practice of asking
“Who am I?”
Atman = the unchanging observer, not the body or
ego
Helps manage anxiety, stress, and fear
Practices like Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya
(detachment) promote inner peace
Contemporary Relevance:
Ethical Relevance & Social Harmony
All beings are expressions of the same Brahman
Encourages:
1. Compassion
2. Humility
3. Service
Not withdrawal from life, but conscious
participation rooted in unity
Contemporary Relevance:
Global Reach & Lasting Influence
Brought to the West by Swami Vivekananda
Forms the base of many modern non-dual traditions
Studied in universities; valued in theology,
psychology, and personal growth
A living philosophy for both seekers and scholars
Comparative Philosophy
Advaita Vedanta Vishishtadvaita Vedanta Dvaita Vedanta
Aspect
(Shankaracharya) (Ramanujacharya) (Madhvacharya)
Qualified non-dualism Dualism – Brahman
Non-dualism (Advaita)
Core Philosophy – Brahman with and Atman are
– Only Brahman is real
attributes eternally distinct
Relationship: Atman & Atman is Brahman – Atman is part of Atman is completely
Brahman they are the same Brahman separate from Brahman
Realization of one’s Union with God, but Eternal service to God
Moksha (Liberation)
identity with Brahman individual self remains in His realm
Illusion (Maya), Real, but dependent on Real and independently
Nature of World (Jagat)
conditionally real Brahman created by God
Comparative Philosophy
Vishishtadvaita
Advaita Vedanta Dvaita Vedanta
Aspect Vedanta
(Shankaracharya) (Madhvacharya)
(Ramanujacharya)
Jnana Yoga Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga and
Path to Liberation (knowledge, self- (devotion), combined surrender to God’s
inquiry) with knowledge grace
Saguna Brahman is God has form and
Nature of God God is personal,
lower reality; ultimate qualities –
(Ishvara) eternal, and separate
is Nirguna Brahman Vishnu/Narayana
Rope and snake – Body and soul –
Master and servant –
Famous Analogy ignorance causes Brahman is soul,
soul always serves God
illusion world/souls are body
Conclusion
Advaita Vedanta teaches that Atman and Brahman are one, and the world is an
illusion (Maya).
Liberation (Moksha) is gained not through rituals but through knowledge
(Jnana) and self-realization.
Shankaracharya’s work on the Prasthanatrayi clarified core Vedantic texts and
unified fragmented philosophies.
His method of superimposition and negation (adhyaropa-apavada) helps
gradually uncover the absolute truth.
Conclusion
He balanced scripture, logic, and experience to make Advaita both rational
and spiritual.
Advaita remains relevant today for mindfulness, ethical living, and inner
peace.
Compared to other Vedantic and Buddhist schools, Advaita stands out for its
pure non-dualism.
Overall, Advaita Vedanta offers a universal path to self-knowledge, unity, and
liberation.
References
Inner Spiritual Awakening. (n.d.). The life & teachings of Adi Shankaracharya: A journey of
enlightenment.
https://innerspiritualawakening.com/advaita-vendanta-philosopy/adi-shankaracharya-2/
Quora. (n.d.). What is the interpretation of Upanishads by Adi Shankara? Quora. Retrieved June
22, 2025, from https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-interpretation-of-Upanishads-by-Adi-
Shankara
Shankara. (n.d.). Gita Bhashya (Hindi translation by Gita Press) [PDF]. Internet Archive. Retrieved
June 22, 2025, from https://archive.org/details/gita-shankarbhasya-hindi-gitapress
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Adi Shankara. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 22, 2025, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Shankara
THANK YOU !!!
