AS

Adi Shankara

31quotes

Adi Shankara: A Philosopher-Poet of Ancient India
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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Adi Shankara is widely regarded as one of the most influential philosophers in Indian history. Born around 788 CE in Kalady, Kerala, India, he was known by various names throughout his life, including Sankaracharya, Sankara Bhagavatpada, and Shankaracharyaluhur.

Birth and Death Dates


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Although there is some debate among scholars about the exact dates of Adi Shankara's birth and death, most historians agree that he was born around 788 CE in Kalady, Kerala, India. He passed away around 820 CE at the age of 32, a remarkably young age for someone who achieved such great spiritual and philosophical accomplishments.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Adi Shankara was an Indian sage and philosopher from the Kerala region of southern India. His profession was that of a scholar, poet, and spiritual teacher. He traveled extensively throughout ancient India, sharing his teachings on the nature of reality and promoting a philosophy of non-dualism (Advaita Vedanta).

Early Life and Background


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Adi Shankara's early life was marked by tragedy when he lost his father at a young age. His mother, Aryamba, played an important role in shaping his spiritual development and sent him to the famous Guru Govindapada for study and spiritual guidance. Under the tutelage of Guru Govindapada, Adi Shankara developed a deep understanding of the sacred Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads.

Major Accomplishments


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Adi Shankara's most significant accomplishment was his development of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which posits that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is non-dual and identical with the individual self (Atman). He also wrote numerous commentaries on the Upanishads and other sacred texts, as well as several philosophical treatises. Adi Shankara's teachings and writings had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some of Adi Shankara's most notable works include:

Brahmasutrabhashya: A comprehensive commentary on the Brahma Sutras, one of the foundational texts of Hindu philosophy.
 Vedantasara: A brief but powerful summary of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
* Upadesasahasri: A collection of 70 short treatises on various aspects of Advaita Vedanta.

Adi Shankara also founded several influential monasteries and spiritual institutions throughout ancient India, including the Kerala Math in Thrissur. These institutions served as centers for spiritual learning and growth, helping to spread his teachings and ideas far beyond his own lifetime.

Impact and Legacy


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The impact of Adi Shankara's teachings can be seen in the many philosophical and spiritual traditions that have developed throughout Indian history. His Advaita Vedanta philosophy has influenced countless thinkers and scholars over the centuries, shaping the course of Indian thought and culture. In addition to his profound contributions to Indian philosophy, Adi Shankara is also revered as a great poet, with many of his compositions still studied and admired today.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Adi Shankara's quotes are widely quoted and remembered due to their profound insight into the nature of reality. His teachings on non-dualism, the unity of all existence, and the importance of spiritual growth continue to inspire people around the world. As a philosopher-poet who lived over 1,000 years ago, Adi Shankara's words remain remarkably relevant today, offering guidance and wisdom for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

In conclusion, Adi Shankara was an extraordinary individual whose impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality cannot be overstated. His teachings continue to inspire and guide people around the world, making him one of the most influential thinkers in human history.

Quotes by Adi Shankara

Adi Shankara's insights on:

All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All pervading Vishnu, whose nature is Existence- Intelligence ; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold.
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All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All pervading Vishnu, whose nature is Existence- Intelligence ; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold.
AS
What is enquiry into the Truth? It is the firm conviction that the Self is real, and all, other than That, is unreal.
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What is enquiry into the Truth? It is the firm conviction that the Self is real, and all, other than That, is unreal.
AS
Do not look at anybody in terms of friend or foe, brother or cousin; do not fritter away your mental energies in thoughts of friendship or enemity. Seeking the Self everywhere, be amiable and equal-minded towards all, treating all alike.
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Do not look at anybody in terms of friend or foe, brother or cousin; do not fritter away your mental energies in thoughts of friendship or enemity. Seeking the Self everywhere, be amiable and equal-minded towards all, treating all alike.
AS
Reality can be experienced only with the eye of understanding, not just by a scholar.
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Reality can be experienced only with the eye of understanding, not just by a scholar.
AS
The witness of the three states of consciousness [waking, dream and deep sleep] and of the nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss is the Self
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The witness of the three states of consciousness [waking, dream and deep sleep] and of the nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss is the Self
AS
#self #dream #sleep
But the jiva [living being] is endowed with ego and his knowledge is limited, whereas Ishwar is without ego and is omniscient.
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But the jiva [living being] is endowed with ego and his knowledge is limited, whereas Ishwar is without ego and is omniscient.
AS
#knowledge #ego
All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All-pervading Vishnu, whose nature is Existence-Intelligence; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold.
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All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All-pervading Vishnu, whose nature is Existence-Intelligence; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold.
AS
#imagination #different #gold
Thus one should know oneself to be of the nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss[Sat-Chit-Ananda].
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Thus one should know oneself to be of the nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss[Sat-Chit-Ananda].
AS
#consciousness #bliss #should
Space seems broken and diverse because of the many forms in it. Remove the forms and pure space remains. So, too with the Omnipresent Self.
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Space seems broken and diverse because of the many forms in it. Remove the forms and pure space remains. So, too with the Omnipresent Self.
AS
#self #broken #space
Like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl, the world seems real until the Self, the underlying reality, is realized.
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Like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl, the world seems real until the Self, the underlying reality, is realized.
AS
#dream #real #mother
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