Non-Dualism and the Nature of Reality: Revisiting Shankara’s Advaita Philosophy
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- Authors
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Koushik Mishra
SACT-1, Department of Philosophy, Chaipat SPB Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal
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- Keywords:
- Advaita Vedānta, Shankara, non-dualism, Brahman, Ātman, māyā, metaphysics, consciousness
- Abstract
- Advaita Vedānta, articulated most prominently by Adi Shankaracharya, represents one of the most influential philosophical systems in Indian thought. At the heart of Advaita Vedānta lies the doctrine of non-dualism, which asserts the essential unity of the individual self (Ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This research article examines the philosophical foundations of Shankara’s Advaita philosophy with particular emphasis on the nature of reality, the concept of māyā, the epistemological framework of knowledge, and the path to liberation (moksha). By analyzing classical sources such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gītā, and the Brahma Sūtras, along with Shankara’s commentaries, the study explores how Advaita Vedānta interprets the relationship between appearance and reality. The article also revisits contemporary philosophical interpretations of non-dualism and evaluates the continuing relevance of Advaita Vedānta in discussions of consciousness, metaphysics, and human identity. The study argues that Shankara’s philosophy provides a profound metaphysical framework that transcends dualistic distinctions and offers a unified vision of existence grounded in spiritual knowledge and self-realization.
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