Adi Shankara: Illusion of World

Adi Shankara Argued the World is an Illusion

On a specific date, 788 CE, in the town of Kalady, India, Adi Shankara was born, who would later become a prominent philosopher arguing that the world is an illusion. This idea would eventually lead him to become a revered saint in Hinduism. Shankara's philosophy was shaped by his studies under Govinda Bhagavatpada, a prominent scholar of the time.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think Adi Shankara's philosophical ideas were widely accepted during his time, but the standard story goes that his arguments about the world being an illusion were met with resistance. The common understanding is that Shankara's ideas were influenced by Buddhism and that he single-handedly revived Hinduism in India. However, a closer examination of historical records reveals a more complex picture.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Romila Thapar notes in her book "A History of India" that Adi Shankara's philosophy was shaped by his debates with Buddhist scholars in the 8th century, specifically in the year 750 CE. Shankara's arguments, as recorded by his biographer Madhava in the "Shankara Digvijaya", demonstrate a clear understanding of Buddhist philosophy, which he incorporated into his own ideas. The fact that Shankara's concept of Maya, or illusion, was heavily influenced by Buddhist ideas of Sunyata, or emptiness, is a crucial aspect of his philosophy. According to the "Brihadaranyaka Upanishad", a primary text that Shankara commented on, the idea of the world as an illusion is rooted in the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Shankara's commentary on this text, written in 790 CE, further solidifies his argument that the world is an illusion. Historian Surendranath Dasgupta, in his book "A History of Indian Philosophy", analyzes Shankara's ideas and notes that his arguments were not universally accepted, with some scholars of the time criticizing his views as too radical.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the University of Calcutta and the Indian Council of Historical Research made decisions that contributed to the suppression of Adi Shankara's philosophical ideas, specifically his concept of Maya, or the illusion of the world. They prioritized the study of other historical figures and events, allocating more resources to those areas. As a result, Adi Shankara's teachings were not thoroughly examined or widely disseminated. The British colonial authorities also played a role in shaping the narrative around Indian philosophy, often favoring a more simplistic or stereotypical representation of Eastern thought. For instance, they promoted the idea that Indian philosophy was primarily focused on spirituality and mysticism, rather than acknowledging its complexity and diversity. This narrow perspective led to a lack of understanding and appreciation for Adi Shankara's philosophical contributions, including his argument that the world is an illusion.

The Ripple Effect

Adi Shankara's ideas about the illusion of the world influenced the development of subsequent philosophical and spiritual traditions in India. The monasteries he established continue to thrive, with many of them serving as centers of learning and spiritual growth. In modern times, the concept of Maya has been applied in various fields, including psychology and neuroscience, where it is used to describe the limitations and distortions of human perception. For example, the concept of Maya is referenced in the work of cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, who argues that our perception of reality is shaped by our individual experiences and biases. This idea has far-reaching implications for our understanding of reality and our place within it.

The Line That Says It All

Adi Shankara's philosophical ideas were largely overlooked by Western scholars until the 20th century, when they were rediscovered and reevaluated in the context of modern philosophical and scientific debates.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 8th-century Indian philosophy and the life and teachings of Adi Shankara.