Adi Shankara and His Commentary on Hindu Philosophy in the 9th Century CE
Adi Shankara and His Commentary on Hindu Philosophy in the 9th Century CE
Adi Shankara, one of the most influential figures in Hindu philosophy, wrote extensive commentaries in the 9th century CE, a period vastly different from the traditional dates associated with figures like Gautama Buddha. This article explores Adi Shankara's life, his teachings, and the context in which he spread his philosophical ideas across India.
The Historical Context
There are some conflicting views regarding the chronology of certain historical figures. Many Marxist and colonial sources might have provided misleading information about the timeline of events. For instance, Adi Shankara is believed to have lived in the early 2nd millennium BCE, roughly 500-1000 years after Gautama Buddha. However, colonial records suggest the Buddha's life to be around 500 BCE. This discrepancy is a common issue in historical scholarship and requires careful examination.
The Mahabharata and Philosophical Transition
The Mahabharata, an epic from the 5th millennium BCE, marks a critical time in the evolution of Hindu philosophy. The narrative is deeply rooted in the memories of the great battle of Kurukshetra and the subsequent redefinition of concepts such as dharma (duty or righteousness) and ahimsa (non-violence). These shifts towards more prescriptive, pacifist philosophies transformed the way people viewed the world and their roles within it.
The Rise of Bauddha and Jaina Darshanas
During this period, the philosophies of Bauddha (Buddhist) and Jaina (Jain) darshanas became increasingly popular. These schools of thought, with their emphasis on non-violence, meditation, and spiritual liberation, filled a void left by traditional Vedic practices. The teachings of Adi Shankara emerged as a counterpoint to these developing ideologies, offering a systematic interpretation of the Vedic texts and asserting the importance of the Advaita (non-duality) philosophy.
Adi Shankara and Vedanta Upanishads
Adi Shankara's teachings were primarily focused on the interpretation of the Vedanta Upanishads. These ancient texts form the core of Hindu philosophical thought, particularly in the context of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta, as developed by Adi Shankara, emphasizes the non-duality of the ultimate reality, known as Brahman. Brahman is the unchanging, eternal essence that underlies all existence, encompassing both the individual self (atman) and the external world.
The Impact of Adi Shankara's Commentaries
Adi Shankara's commentaries played a crucial role in standardizing the interpretation of the Vedanta Upanishads. His works, such as Bhashyas (commentaries) on key scriptures, provided clarity and coherence to complex philosophical concepts. By aligning the teachings of the Upanishads with the pragmatic and prescriptive ideologies of his time, Adi Shankara helped to restore a sense of unity and purpose among the followers of Hinduism.
Conclusion
Adi Shankara's contributions to Hindu philosophy remain influential to this day, especially through his commentaries on the Vedanta Upanishads. His teachings of Advaita Vedanta and his systematic elucidation of the concept of Brahman continue to shape Hindu thought and practice. Understanding the historical context and the evolution of philosophical ideas provides deeper insights into the enduring legacy of Adi Shankara and his impact on Hindu philosophy.