Advaita

views updated May 18 2018

Advaita (Skt., ‘not-dual’). The state in which there is only, without differentiation, whatever there is, in which all appearances of distinction (e.g. between subject and object, perceiver and perceived) are known to be a consequence and product of inadequate understanding, or ignorance (avidyā, adhyāsa). This state can only be ascribed to God or to Brahman as Absolute. This perception of non-duality underlies Advaita Vedānta.

Advaita

views updated Jun 27 2018

Advaita (Sanskrit, ‘non-duality’) Most influential school of Vedanta Hinduism, based on the thought of Shankara (ad 788–820). Shankara systematized the teachings of the Upanishads, stressing the indivisibility of Brahman and atman.

About this article

Advaita

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic