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Unveiling the Essence of Sankara Vedanta: A Contemporary Exploration Through His Upanisad Commentaries

Ernest Hemingway

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Published in The Hidden Lives Of Brahman: Sankara S Vedanta Through His Upanisad Commentaries In Light Of Contemporary Practice (SUNY In Religious Studies)

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Sankara Vedanta: A Contemporary Exploration Through His Upanisad Commentaries The Hidden Lives Of Brahman: Sankara S Vedanta Through His Upanisad Commentaries In Light Of Contemporary Practice (SUNY In Religious Studies)

The Hidden Lives of Brahman: Sankara s Vedanta through His Upanisad Commentaries in Light of Contemporary Practice (SUNY in Religious Studies)

The Hidden Lives of Brahman: Sankara's Vedanta through His Upanisad Commentaries, in Light of Contemporary Practice (SUNY series in Religious Studies)

by Joël André-Michel Dubois

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Sankara Vedanta, a profound philosophical system expounded by the esteemed 8th-century sage Adi Shankara, stands as a towering monument of human thought and a beacon of spiritual enlightenment. At its core lies the concept of non-duality, or Advaita, which proclaims the essential unity of all existence. Sankara's brilliant commentaries on the Upanishads, ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, offer an invaluable lens through which we can explore the depths of this profound philosophy. This article delves into the contemporary relevance of Sankara Vedanta, examining its enduring wisdom in light of modern scientific and philosophical perspectives.

Sankara's Monism and the Riddle of Consciousness

Sankara's monism, the cornerstone of his Vedanta philosophy, posits the existence of a single, indivisible, and unchanging reality known as Brahman. This ultimate reality transcends the limitations of time, space, and causality, encompassing all that is and ever will be. Brahman is not a personal God, but rather an impersonal, all-pervading consciousness that is the essence of all existence.

In contemporary times, Sankara's monism resonates with the findings of modern science, particularly in the realm of quantum physics. Quantum mechanics has shown us that the universe is not a collection of discrete, independent objects, but rather a vast interconnected web of energy and information. This interconnectedness echoes the fundamental premise of Sankara's Advaita, suggesting that the sense of separateness we experience is an illusion.

Furthermore, Sankara's philosophy offers a profound perspective on the enigmatic riddle of consciousness. According to Sankara, consciousness is not a product of the physical brain, but rather an inherent aspect of Brahman. This view aligns with recent advances in neuroscience, which have shown that consciousness is a complex phenomenon that cannot be fully explained by the physical processes of the brain alone.

Maya and the Nature of Reality

Another key concept in Sankara Vedanta is the concept of Maya, or cosmic illusion. Maya obscures the true nature of reality, leading us to perceive the world as a realm of multiplicity and change. Sankara argues that Maya is not a mere subjective illusion, but a cosmic principle that operates at the level of the mind and the senses.

In contemporary terms, Maya can be understood as the limitations of our human perception and understanding. Our senses and our minds are only capable of perceiving a small fraction of the vast universe that exists around us. Maya creates the illusion of separateness, leading us to believe that we are independent entities existing in isolation.

Sankara's teachings on Maya remind us of the fallibility of our senses and the importance of looking beyond the superficial appearances of the world. True reality, according to Sankara, lies in the realization of the essential unity of all existence.

The Path to Liberation

Sankara Vedanta ultimately aims at the realization of liberation, or moksha, from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Shankara outlines a path of spiritual discipline, known as Jnana Yoga, that leads to this ultimate goal. Jnana Yoga involves the cultivation of knowledge, self-inquiry, and meditation, ultimately leading to the realization of the true nature of reality.

In modern times, Jnana Yoga has found resonance with practitioners of mindfulness meditation and other contemplative practices. These practices aim to cultivate self-awareness, quiet the mind, and bring about a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. By shedding the illusions created by Maya, we can access the limitless potential that lies within us and attain the ultimate liberation that Sankara Vedanta offers.

Sankara Vedanta, through its profound insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and liberation, continues to offer invaluable guidance on our journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Its teachings resonate deeply with the contemporary scientific and philosophical understanding of the universe, providing a timeless framework for navigating the complexities of human existence. By contemplating the wisdom of Sankara's Upanisad commentaries, we can embark on a transformative journey towards the realization of our true nature and the ultimate liberation that it offers.

The Hidden Lives of Brahman: Sankara's Vedanta through His Upanisad Commentaries, in Light of Contemporary Practice (SUNY series in Religious Studies)

by Joël André-Michel Dubois

5 out of 5