Adi Shankaracharya's Teachings

Adi Shankaracharya was a Hindu philosopher and theologian who lived in India during the 8th century CE. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality.

Some of the key teachings from Adi Shankaracharya were:

• The ultimate reality is Brahman, the non-dual, infinite and eternal consciousness that underlies all existence.

• The phenomenal world, including the individual self (jiva), is an illusion (maya) created by the power of Brahman.

• The goal of human life is to realize the true nature of the self as identical with Brahman.

• This realization is achieved through the knowledge (jnana) of the non-dual nature of reality, which is gained through the study of scripture, contemplation, and the guidance of a qualified guru.

• The four goals of human life are dharma (righteousness), artha (material wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation).

• Dharma is the foundation for all other goals and involves living in accordance with one's social and moral duties.

• Artha and kama should be pursued within the bounds of dharma and with the ultimate goal of spiritual growth.

• Moksha is the highest goal and can only be attained through the realization of Brahman.

• There are three types of karma: sanchita (accumulated karma from past lives), prarabdha (karma that has begun to bear fruit in this life), and kriyamana (current actions that will create future karma).

• The law of karma operates according to the principle of cause and effect, with each action producing a corresponding result.

• The individual self is not identical with the body, mind, or senses, but is a reflection of Brahman within them.

• The individual self is subject to the cycle of birth and death (samsara) until it attains liberation (moksha).

• The universe is cyclic, with creation and dissolution occurring over vast periods of time.

• The Vedas are the ultimate authority in matters of religion and philosophy, and are eternal and uncreated.

• The Upanishads contain the highest knowledge of the self and Brahman, and are the basis of Advaita Vedanta.

• The three main paths to liberation are karma yoga (the path of action), bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), and jnana yoga (the path of knowledge).

• Karma yoga involves performing actions without attachment to the results, and dedicating them to the divine.

• Bhakti yoga involves cultivating a loving relationship with the divine through devotion, worship, and service.

• Jnana yoga involves the study and contemplation of scripture and the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.

• The practice of meditation is an important tool for achieving spiritual growth and realizing the true nature of the self.

• The guru is essential for spiritual progress, and must be qualified, knowledgeable, and compassionate.

• The guru-disciple relationship is based on trust, respect, and surrender.

• The practice of ahimsa (non-violence) is a fundamental ethical principle in Hinduism, and involves refraining from harming any living being.

• The practice of satya (truthfulness) is another important ethical principle, and involves speaking and acting in accordance with one's true nature.

• The ultimate aim of Hinduism is the realization of the self as identical with Brahman, and the attainment of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.