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Introduction to Advaita Vedanta

• The session is part of the Sanatana Dharma Series by Aam Brahasmi Foundation, focusing on Advaita Vedanta.
• Guest: Shri Shankar Ramas Sharma Gi, a Sanskrit scholar and researcher with an MA in Advaita Vedanta from IAC Bangalore.
• Objectives: Introduce Advaita Vedanta, understand its core ideas, the relationship between the self and the Almighty, and how to integrate these teachings into daily life.
• Opening with a prayer to gurus and Bhagavan.

[03:06]

What is Advaita Vedanta?

• The term Advaita Vedanta breaks into two parts: Vedanta and Advaita.
• Vedanta means “the end of the Vedas” or “highest knowledge,” primarily derived from the Upanishads, which are the concluding portions of the Vedas and contain the core spiritual knowledge.
• Vedanta is a broad philosophical school in Indian tradition (referred to as Darsanas, meaning perspectives or ways of seeing). It emphasizes the subject—the observer—in contrast to Western philosophies which often emphasize objects observed.
• Vedanta is one among many Bharatiya Darsanas (Indian philosophical systems), which collectively underpin Sanatana Dharma (often termed Hinduism today).
• The three primary foundational texts of Vedanta (Prasthana Traya) are:

  Text	Author	Description
  Upanishads	Various Maharishis	Philosophical texts at the end of Vedas
  Brahma Sutras	Maharishi Vyasa	Aphorisms summarizing Upanishadic knowledge
  Bhagavad Gita	Bhagavan Krishna	Spiritual discourse on battlefield of Kurukshetra

• Adi Shankaracharya (Bhagavatpada) is credited with systematizing these texts and writing detailed commentaries, shaping the Advaita Vedanta school.
• There are different interpretations of Vedanta (Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, etc.), but Advaita Vedanta emphasizes non-duality.

[10:59]

The Meaning and Significance of Advaita

• The word Advaita means “non-dual” or “not two,” emphasizing oneness beyond the apparent multiplicity of the world.
• Duality (Dvaita)—the experience of many distinct things—is natural and instinctive to all beings; no one needs to be taught duality.
• Advaita Vedanta teaches that beneath this apparent multiplicity lies a single unchanging reality, which is Brahman (the ultimate truth).
• This is not monotheism; it’s a nondual worldview where no second entity exists apart from Brahman.
• The multiplicity perceived is due to ignorance (Avidya), and the real state is the undivided whole without any separateness.

[16:47]

How Can We See Multiplicity if There is Only One Reality?

• The classic example used is gold and ornaments:
  • Various ornaments (rings, necklaces, bracelets) appear different but are all made of the same gold.
  • The gold is the underlying reality; the names and forms (ornaments) are transient appearances.
  • A thief sees only gold, ignoring ornament distinctions; similarly, Brahman is the underlying reality beneath all forms.
• Names and forms are temporary and illusory overlays on the one reality.
• The world (Jagat) is just an appearance on Brahman, much like different ornaments are appearances on gold.
• This explains the appearance of multiplicity without actual plurality of reality.

[22:11]

Where Do “I” and “You” Fit in This Oneness?

• Everyone accepts their own existence (“I am”), and distinguishes others (“you are”), perceiving duality.
• To clarify this, the example of the dream state (Swapna) is used:
  • In a dream, one creates a whole world with multiple beings and objects.
  • The dreamer interacts with others in the dream, perceiving multiplicity, yet all is created by the single dreamer.
  • Upon waking, one realizes the dream world was an appearance without independent reality—only the dreamer existed.
• Similarly, the waking world is like a dream where multiplicity appears but is rooted in one consciousness (Atman).
• All individual consciousnesses in the dream are projections of the one dreamer; analogously, all beings share the same Atman.
• This reinforces the Advaita view that multiplicity is an appearance in the one consciousness.

[30:18]

How Can the Individual Self (Atman) Be the Same as Infinite Brahman?

• The self (Atman) is commonly experienced as limited and individual, with bounded capabilities.
• Brahman is infinite, vast, and limitless. The question arises: How can the limited self be the infinite Brahman?
• The analogy of ocean and waves clarifies this:
  • Waves are distinct in form but have no separate existence apart from the ocean.
  • Each wave is made of water, and the entire ocean is water; the wave’s identity is a temporary form of the ocean.
  • Similarly, the individual self is a limited manifestation of the infinite Brahman.
• The difference perceived by individuals arises from identification with body and mind (upadhi), creating a sense of limitation.
• In reality, there is no difference between Atman and Brahman; the appearance of separateness is due to ignorance.
• The claim “I am God” is often misunderstood; it means realizing the true nature of self as Brahman, not egoistic assertion.

[36:28]

Worship and Reverence in Advaita

• Worship is not directed at the limited body or form but at the divine essence (Brahman) present within the deity, guru, or idol.
• Reverence acknowledges the chidasu (consciousness) or brahavasu (divine essence) that pervades all forms.
• Understanding this helps one see the unity behind apparent diversity and not get caught in superficial differences.

[39:16]

How to Live with Advaita Vedanta in Daily Life?

• Advaita does not require renouncing worldly responsibilities or relationships.
• Example:
  • Bhagavan Krishna, the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita, was a king with many responsibilities and did not renounce the world.
  • Arjuna, the recipient, was a warrior with duties.
• Advaita encourages performing one’s duties with awareness of the underlying oneness, not withdrawal from life.
• Ignorance is the only problem; knowledge (jnana) is the remedy.
• A wise person (jnani) lives fully in the world, experiencing peace and detachment simultaneously.
• Example of an actor:
  • An actor plays different roles on stage but never forgets their true identity offstage.
  • Similarly, a jnani performs worldly roles without losing awareness of their true self.

[46:41]

Practical Benefits of Advaita Vedanta

• Even a little knowledge of Advaita protects against fear, especially the fear of death (mitu).
• Bhagavad Gita describes the qualities of a jnani, which can be practiced gradually by seekers.
• Practices include controlling anger, desire, and cultivating detachment.
• What is natural to a jnani is a practice (sadhana) for the seeker.
• The knowledge is not abstract but directly applicable to everyday life and personal growth.

[50:04]

Steps to Begin Understanding Advaita Vedanta

• The traditional approach involves:
  1. Shravana (listening): Repeated listening to teachings from a qualified guru or source.
  2. Manana (contemplation): Reflecting on the teachings to grasp their meaning.
  3. Nididhyasana (meditation): Deep meditation to internalize the truths.
• Listening is foundational; it is rare and precious as per the Upanishads.
• Modern opportunities exist for learning, such as classes by Aam Brahasmi Foundation and translations of Shankaracharya’s works in multiple Indian languages.
• Emphasis on the importance of parampara (lineage): knowledge must come from a living tradition or a realized teacher to be effective.
• Reading works of great sages (e.g., Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, Shankaracharya) deepens understanding.
• The metaphor of lighting a lamp from another lamp illustrates that spiritual knowledge is transmitted authentically only through a lineage.

[54:58]

Conclusion

• Advaita Vedanta reveals that from the mineral to the plant, animal, and human kingdoms, the same divine essence pervades all existence.
• This universal divinity unites all beings beyond superficial differences, offering a foundation for spiritual understanding and harmonious living.
• The session provided an accessible, practical introduction to these profound teachings, encouraging further study and practice.

Key Terms:

Term	Meaning
Advaita	Non-duality; there is no second entity apart from Brahman
Vedanta	The “end” or “highest knowledge” of the Vedas (Upanishads)
Brahman	Ultimate, infinite reality and consciousness
Atman	Individual self, which is ultimately the same as Brahman
Upanishads	Philosophical texts forming the core knowledge of Vedanta
Brahma Sutras	Aphorisms summarizing Upanishadic teachings
Prasthana Traya	The three foundational Vedantic texts (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita)
Avidya	Ignorance causing the illusion of duality
Upadhi	Limiting adjuncts (body, mind) causing false identification
Jnani	One who has attained knowledge of non-duality
Parampara	Spiritual lineage through which knowledge is transmitted

Summary:
This session provided a comprehensive introduction to Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing its philosophical framework, key texts, and the profound teaching that the multiplicity of the world is an appearance on the one underlying reality, Brahman. Through examples like gold and ornaments, dreams, and ocean waves, the teachings clarify how the individual self (Atman) is essentially non-different from the infinite Brahman. Importantly, Advaita does not advocate renunciation of worldly life but encourages living fully with awareness of oneness. The path begins with listening to the teachings, contemplation, and meditation, supported by a living tradition. Practicing Advaita Vedanta can help overcome fear, cultivate equanimity, and lead to a more peaceful and meaningful life.