Adi Shankara

Adi Shankara was an eighth-century Indian Hindu philosopher and theologian who systematized Advaita Vedanta, teaching that ultimate reality is nondual Brahman.

Advaita Vedanta: A Hindu philosophical school that teaches the fundamental nonduality of Atman and Brahman. Shankara became its most influential systematizer and commentator.
Brahma Sutras: A concise, aphoristic work that organizes teachings about Brahman and Vedanta. Shankara’s commentary makes this text a central foundation for his system.
Vedic religion: The ancient religious tradition expressed in the Vedas and associated ritual practices. Shankara’s philosophy draws authority from Vedic texts while interpreting their highest teaching nondually.
Govinda Bhagavatpada: A Hindu ascetic traditionally identified as Adi Shankara’s teacher. Biographies place Shankara’s study of Vedanta under Govinda’s guidance.
Bhamati: A major Advaita Vedanta commentary by Vacaspati Misra on Shankara’s Brahma Sutra commentary. It became the foundation of one influential interpretation of Shankara’s teaching.
Brahman: In Hindu thought, the ultimate reality underlying the universe and its apparent diversity. Shankara identifies Brahman as the sole ultimate reality.
Upanishads: Late Vedic texts that explore ultimate reality, the self, and liberation. Shankara reads their teachings as evidence for the identity of Atman and Brahman.
Purva Mimamsa: A Hindu philosophical school focused on Vedic ritual, duty, and interpretation. Its emphasis on ritual action contrasts with Shankara’s account of knowledge as liberating.
Padmapada: A disciple of Adi Shankara associated with the Advaita treatise Panchapadika. His work helped develop and transmit Shankara’s interpretation.
Vivarana: An influential Advaita Vedanta subtradition rooted in Prakasatman’s commentary on Padmapada. It developed a distinct account of knowledge and error within the tradition Shankara inspired.

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