Entity: ADVAITA-VEDANTA
Advaita Vedanta is a Hindu philosophical school that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, asserting that the individual soul (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman). It is a path of spiritual discipline and experience.
ADVAITA-VEDANTA
Etymology
The term 'Advaita' comes from Sanskrit, meaning 'not-two,' emphasizing the non-dualistic nature of reality. 'Vedanta' is a compound word with 'Veda-' meaning 'knowledge' and '-anta' meaning 'end,' referring to the knowledge set down at the end of each of the four Vedas.
Definition
Advaita Vedanta is a Hindu philosophical school that teaches the non-dualistic nature of reality, emphasizing the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). It is a path of spiritual discipline and experience.
Historical Context
Advaita Vedanta is rooted in the Upanishads and the teachings of Adi Shankara, who is regarded as the promoter of Advaita Vedanta as a distinct school of Indian philosophy. The origins of this school predate Shankara and have influences from Buddhist philosophy.
Cultural Significance
Advaita Vedanta is a significant philosophical tradition in Hinduism, shaping the understanding of the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth. It has influenced various aspects of Indian culture, spirituality, and religious practices.
Related Concepts
Advaita Vedanta is closely related to other schools of Vedanta philosophy, such as Dvaita Vedanta and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, which offer differing interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality.
See Also
A Hindu philosophical school that teaches the non-dualistic nature of reality, emphasizing the identity of the individual soul with the ultimate reality.