Significance of Adi Sankara
Significance of Adi Sankara in Faith and Philosophy
1. Simplifying Vedanta for the Common Man:
- Sri Adi Sankaracharya, the revered philosopher and saint, made complex Vedantic principles accessible to ordinary people through simple hymns and stotras. While texts like the Vedanta and Veda Bhashya are intellectually challenging, stotras capture the same philosophical essence, making it easier for everyone to connect with the divine.
- The Sringeri Mutt’s current Sankaracharya, Sri Vidusekara Swamigal, highlighted that Adi Sankara infused Advaitic philosophy and profound doctrines, such as “Tat Tvam Asi” (That Thou Art) and “Aham Brahmasmi” (I Am Brahman), into his hymns, making these teachings universally accessible.
2. A Path to Inner Peace and Purification:
- For those enduring hardships, crises, and internal struggles, reciting Adi Sankara’s hymns is more than a form of worship; it is a pathway to mental peace and spiritual purification. His teachings encourage introspection and meditation, which cleanse the mind of impurities and aid personal transformation.
- In Soundarya Lahari, Adi Sankara reveals how the Goddess bestows divine grace upon devotees, reinforcing the belief that devotion leads to spiritual blessings and divine favor.
3. Broadening the Scope of Worship and Devotion:
- Adi Sankara’s legacy emphasizes that devotion is inclusive, welcoming all kinds of worshippers. According to Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 7, Verse 16), Lord Krishna describes four types of worshippers: those who seek relief from distress, those who desire knowledge, those who wish for prosperity, and those who seek only divine grace. Adi Sankara’s teachings resonate especially with the last group, promoting devotion as an end in itself rather than as a means to worldly gains.
4. His Contribution to Advaita Vedanta and Commentaries:
- Adi Sankara wrote commentaries on the Brahma Sutra, among other texts, as a way to guide humanity toward the realization of the Supreme Being. His works form the foundation of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the non-duality of the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman).
- His philosophy offers a pathway for individuals to perceive their oneness with the universe, fostering inner transformation and a deeper understanding of spirituality.
5. Commemorating Adi Sankara’s Legacy:
- Adi Sankara’s teachings continue to inspire millions, and he is honored through festivals like Sri Sankara Jayanthi. Devotees conduct special prayers and rituals to seek his blessings, as worshipping Adi Sankara is seen as a way to honor his contributions to Indian spirituality and philosophy.
- This commemoration serves as a reminder of his life’s work in spreading the ideals of Advaita Vedanta and promoting spiritual harmony.
Conclusion:
- Adi Sankara’s significance lies in his ability to distill complex spiritual truths into accessible forms for ordinary people, his devotion to Advaita philosophy, and his compassionate approach to guiding humanity. His teachings encourage personal growth, inner peace, and an unwavering devotion to the divine. For UPSC aspirants, understanding Adi Sankara’s life and philosophy offers insights into the broader context of Indian spirituality, philosophy, and cultural heritage, enriching their knowledge base for exams and beyond.
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya and Advaita Vedanta
1. Adi Shankaracharya is renowned for his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Which of the following statements best describes the core principle of Advaita Vedanta?
A. The world is an illusion, and only Brahman is real.
B. Duality exists between the individual soul and Brahman.
C. Salvation is achievable only through rituals and sacrifices.
D. The universe is the physical manifestation of the Supreme Being.
Answer: A. The world is an illusion, and only Brahman is real.
Explanation: The core principle of Advaita Vedanta, as propagated by Adi Shankaracharya, is the non-duality of the soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Advaita, the phenomenal world is Maya (illusion), and the only true reality is Brahman, the Supreme Being, with which the individual soul is ultimately identical.
2. Adi Shankaracharya established four mathas (monastic centers) across India. Which of the following are the locations of these mathas?
A. Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri, and Badrinath
B. Kanchipuram, Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya
C. Rameswaram, Dwaraka, Amritsar, and Tirupati
D. Varanasi, Mathura, Dwaraka, and Kanchipuram
Answer: A. Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri, and Badrinath
Explanation: Adi Shankaracharya established four mathas at Sringeri (South), Dwaraka (West), Puri (East), and Badrinath (North) to propagate his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta and ensure continuity in teaching Vedic knowledge throughout India. Each matha is associated with one of the four Vedas, symbolizing the geographic and spiritual unity of the country.
3. Which of the following doctrines is central to the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya in his commentaries on the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutra?
A. Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)
B. Neti Neti (Not This, Not This)
C. Karma Yoga (Path of Action)
D. Prakriti Purusha Vada (Theory of Nature and Spirit)
Answer: A. Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)
Explanation: “Tat Tvam Asi” is one of the Mahavakyas (great sayings) of Advaita Vedanta and translates to “That Thou Art.” It reflects the doctrine of non-dualism central to Shankaracharya’s teachings, emphasizing the unity of Atman (individual soul) with Brahman (the Supreme Reality).
4. Which of the following statements about Adi Shankaracharya is NOT correct?
A. He composed stotras that incorporate Advaita philosophy to make it accessible to the common people.
B. He promoted the ritualistic worship of multiple deities as separate, independent beings.
C. He argued against the dualistic interpretations of the Vedas.
D. He established four major mathas to promote Vedic learning and Advaita philosophy.
Answer: B. He promoted the ritualistic worship of multiple deities as separate, independent beings.
Explanation: Adi Shankaracharya did not promote the worship of multiple deities as separate, independent beings. Instead, he propagated the concept of non-dualism, where all deities are seen as manifestations of the same Brahman (Supreme Reality). He taught that worshipping different deities should ultimately lead one to understand the unity of all existence in Brahman.
5. Which of the following philosophical concepts introduced by Adi Shankaracharya is aimed at understanding the illusory nature of the world?
A. Maya
B. Dharma
C. Samskara
D. Karma
Answer: A. Maya
Explanation: In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of “Maya” is central to understanding the illusory nature of the world. Maya refers to the cosmic illusion that makes the phenomenal world appear real and causes individuals to experience duality. Adi Shankaracharya taught that realization of Brahman requires seeing beyond Maya and understanding the oneness of all existence.