advaita

Advaita, in the context of Hindu philosophy, refers to Advaita Vedanta, a major school that teaches nonduality. The term means “not two” and holds that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the true self (atman) is identical with Brahman. The perceived world and individual beings arise from ignorance or maya, and the goal is to realize that there is no real distinction between self and cosmos. Liberation (moksha) is achieved when this nondual discernment is directly experienced.

The Prasthanatrayi—the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita—are the central authorities in Advaita Vedanta. Traditionally, Gaudapada laid early groundwork, while Adi Shankaracharya (8th–9th century CE) systematized and defended the view through extensive commentaries and debates with rival schools. The epistemology emphasizes sruti (sound revelation) as a primary source, along with reasoning and inference to clarify the nature of reality.

Ontology centers on Brahman as the only ultimate reality, with the world described as mithya (not absolutely real) rather than non-existent. Avidya (ignorance) causes the appearance of multiplicity, but it is dispelled through knowledge (jnana) and discernment (viveka). The classical spiritual practice in Advaita stresses self-inquiry (vichara), discrimination between real and unreal, and ethical disciplines, culminating in jivanmukti—liberation while living.

Advaita has profoundly influenced Hindu thought and practice, shaping later monastic orders and philosophical discourse. It is often contrasted with other Vedanta traditions that endorse some form of qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita) or dualism (Dvaita), highlighting a spectrum of approaches to the nature of reality and liberation.