7.Adi Shankaracharya: A Luminary of Indian Philosophy

 

Adi Shankaracharya, born in 788 AD in the village of Kalady, Kerala, is considered  as one of the greatest philosophers in Indian history and the pioneer of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. His profound teachings and exemplary life have inspired countless individuals, leading them on the path to spiritual enlightenment.

The Context of Shankara's Era

During Shankara's time, Hinduism was facing a critical crisis. The religion was fragmented into 72 sub-sects, such as Charvakas, Lokayatikas, Kapalikas, Shaktas, Samkhyas, Buddhists, and Madhyamikas, often engaged in ideological and physical conflicts. Blind beliefs and immoral practices were rampant, resulting in religious chaos in a land rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Amid this turbulence, Shankara dedicated himself to spiritual studies and took on the monumental task of unifying these fragmented sects. His efforts preserved and revitalized the Vedic practices that survive to this day.

Advaita Philosophy: A Vision of Unity

Advaita Vedanta, one of the three sub-schools of Vedanta, teaches the fundamental unity of the soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Derived from the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras, Advaita emphasizes that the self and the universe are not two separate entities but one indivisible reality.

While divine incarnations like Sri Rama and Sri Krishna restored dharma through physical actions, Shankara achieved this through knowledge, unifying conflicting Hindu sects in a short period. His efforts in Kali Yuga are often compared to divine intervention, earning him recognition as an incarnation for this age.

Institutionalizing Dharma

To ensure the continuity of Hindu Dharma, Shankara established four monastic centres (maths) across India:

  • Puri, Odisha
  • Dwaraka, Gujarat
  • Badrinath, Uttarakhand
  • Sringeri, Karnataka

These maths, led by abbots known as Shankaracharyas, continue to uphold and propagate Sanatana Dharma. Shankara’s mission concluded at the young age of 32 when he attained Samadhi. His final resting place is believed to be either Kedarnath or Kanchipuram, as both locations lay claim to his Samadhi.

Stories from Shankara's Life

1. Divine Birth

Shankara's mother, Aryamba, had a vision of Lord Shiva, who assured her that he would be born as her son. This divine blessing resulted in Shankara's birth. Gifted with extraordinary intellect, he mastered the Vedas at an early age despite losing his father in childhood.

2. The Call to Asceticism

Shankara's journey as a monk began under extraordinary circumstances. While bathing in the Periyar River, a crocodile seized his leg. As his mother watched in horror, Shankara declared that he could only survive if she permitted him to renounce worldly life. Reluctantly, she agreed, and the crocodile released him.

3. Fulfilling His Mother's Last Wish

Despite renouncing familial ties, Shankara promised his mother he would perform her last rites. When her end approached, Shankara returned, performed her funeral rituals, and fulfilled his duty as a son, even though it went against monastic conventions.

4. Cremation with Banana Leaves

Denied traditional funeral materials by relatives due to his monastic vows, Shankara innovatively cremated his mother’s body using dried banana leaves and peels, exemplifying his resourcefulness and devotion.

5. Encounter with a Chandala

In Kashi, Shankara encountered a Chandala (an outcaste) who questioned the essence of Advaita. The Chandala asked:

  • Is there a difference between your body and mine if both are made of the same elements?
  • How can the same Brahman exist in a sacred river and a filthy gutter yet be viewed differently?

Humbled, Shankara realized the Chandala's wisdom and composed the profound Manisha Panchakam, reaffirming that the divine is present in all.

6. Debate with Bharati and Sexual Experience

Shankara's intellectual prowess was tested in a debate with the scholar Madan Mishra and his wife, Bharati. After 18 days, Bharati posed questions about sexual relationships, which Shankara, a celibate, could not answer. Seeking knowledge, he entered the body of a deceased king, experienced conjugal life with the queen, and returned within three days to provide satisfactory answers. Bharati declared him victorious, underscoring his commitment to gaining complete understanding.

7. The Sarvajna Peetham Challenge

Shankara’s journey to the Sarvajna Peetham (Throne of Omniscience) in Kashmir symbolized his intellectual and spiritual conquest. Opponents challenged his authority, but Shankara answered every question with ease. Upon reaching the throne, a divine voice questioned his purity. Shankara defended his celibacy, asserting that his temporary experience as the king did not tarnish his spiritual integrity. This explanation satisfied the divine voice, and Shankara ascended the throne amidst celestial celebrations.

Legacy of Adi Shankara

Adi Shankaracharya's life is a testament to the power of knowledge and devotion. By uniting Hinduism, reviving its core philosophies, and institutionalizing its practices, he preserved India's spiritual heritage for generations. His teachings, embodied in works like Manisha Panchakam and his commentaries on sacred texts, continue to guide seekers on the path of self-realization.

References

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Shankara

https://youtu.be/vlq2kb56T7Q

 


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