Mains Daily Question
March 5, 2024
Q3. “Shankaracharya brought about a synthesis of ideas and philosophies.” In this context, discuss the contribution of Adi Shankaracharya in the development of the Hindu philosophy. (10M, 150W)
|
Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: Write about the ideas and philosophies taught by Shankaracharya and then highlight how his teaching and work brought synthesis of Ideas and philosophies. Introduction: Type 1: Give a brief about Adi Shankaracharya and his contribution. Type 2: Give a brief background about situation prevailing during that time such as Body: Address the demand under two headings 1) Synthesis of ideas and philosophies and 2) Contribution of Adi Shankaracharya. Conclusion: Type 1: Summarizes the contribution Adi Shankaracharya in the development of Hindu philosophies. Type 2: Summarizes the impact of teachings and Philosophies of Adi Shankaracharya. |
Answer:
Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 CE) was a great philosopher and theologian from India who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of Hinduism. He is particularly known for his efforts to synthesize and reconcile different schools of thought and philosophical ideas that were prevalent in ancient India.
Synthesis of ideas and philosophies:
- Advaita Vedanta: Adi Shankaracharya through Advaita Vedanta advanced the Advaita (Monism) philosophy as well as the concept of Nirgunabrahman (God without attributes).
- Concept of Brahman: By synthesizing various philosophical ideas, he emphasized the existence of a single, ultimate reality named Brahman, while considering all other entities and beings as mere manifestations of this reality.
- Essence of six school of philosophies: He also incorporated elements of the Yoga philosophy of Patanjali, the Nyaya and Vaisheshika systems of logic and ontology, and the Samkhya system of metaphysics.
- Synthesis of Upanishads and Purana: Adi Shankaracharya teachings included knowledge from Upanishads such as knowledge (Gyan) as the only way to salvation from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, origin of Vaishnavism from Vishnu Puranas. He emphasized
- Unified and Comprehensive Hindu philosophy: Adi Shankaracharya created a unified and comprehensive philosophy even included teachings of Buddhism and the Jainism I.e., ahimsa and compassion towards other living beings, etc. that could be embraced by all.
Contribution of Adi Shankaracharya:
- Advaita Vedanta: Adi Shankaracharya is best known for his development of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita Vedanta teaches that there is only one ultimate reality, which is the absolute Brahman.
- Commentaries on the Upanishads: His commentaries such as Upadesasahasri, Vivekachudamani, and Bhaja Govindum Stotra on Upanishad helped to clarify and expound upon the teachings of these texts, and they remain influential to this day.
- Reinterpretation of Hindu texts: Adi Shankaracharya’s statue recently installed at Kedarnath, interpreted Hindu texts, including the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, helped to establish a new way of understanding these works.
- Establishment of monastic orders: Adi Shankaracharya established mathas in Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri, and Badrinath. These orders also served as centers of learning and scholarship, which helped to preserve and spread his teachings.
Adi Shankaracharya's contributions to Hindu philosophy were significant and enduring. His emphasis on non-dualism and the ultimate reality of Brahman, as well as his commentaries on Hindu texts, have helped to shape the intellectual and spiritual tradition of India for centuries. His teachings and works have had a lasting impact on the intellectual and spiritual tradition of India.
