The sage is tallest in Hindu thought and way of life. He propounded Advaita as a unifier through debate, conciliation, logic and reasoning!
Dr Aniruddh Subhedar
Each person leaves some positive or negative impact on his or her surroundings and people. In some cases, it’s negligible and a few individuals are giants that leave their imprint not only on the immediate neighbourhood but that transcends centuries and geographies.
Adi Shankaracharya’s persona extends beyond being a scholar and teacher of Vedic philosophy. His impact on shaping modern Hindu thought could never be overstated. He died young at 32 and but left an undying intellectual and philosophical legacy behind. Adi Shankaracharya’s time period is uncertain as some ascribe him to the 8th century CE while others argue that he was here before CE. His influence on Hindu philosophy can be gauged by his work that speaks for itself.
Adi Shankara’s philosophical influence:
Most iconic and unique representation of Hindu thought today is the concept reflected in Aham Brahmasmi (I am the Brahman) or Shivoham (I am Shiva). The idea that the Supreme Being / God and Jivatama, humans are not two different entities were put forth by the iconic sage philosopher. Jivatma is just a reflection of that immortal Supreme Being. It’s the ignorance which makes Jivatma not see this reality.
This philosophy of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) is one of the most revolutionary contributions of ancient Indian spiritual thought and Adi Shankaracharya was its most influential and outstanding proponents in Bharat’s spiritual journey over millennia. Vedanta is one of the six traditional schools of thought in Vedic Hinduism which can be traced to its most foundational scriptures.
But, Adi Shankaracharya has been historically seen as one of the most articulate and influential teachers. The idea of “Brahma Satya Jagat Mithya” (This world is an illusion, only the Brahman / Supreme Being is the reality) is unique to Indian philosophy and it sets a person on the path to self-realization. Adi Shankaracharya preached that every mortal being is part of that immortal Supreme Being. It’s the illusion which hinders one from seeing this reality. Advaita allows a person to reach spiritual heights. This concept of self-realization is what Hindu philosophy is known for.
Though, in modern times Swami Vivekananda popularized Advaita world over, Adi Shankaracharya is easily recognized as its most revered teacher.
Panchayatan system of worship:
Adi Shankaracharya is not known for just idealistic philosophical musings. Au contraire, he was a synthesizer of philosophy and practical knowledge. Though there are prominent orthodox schools of thought, today Hindu philosophy is majorly identified with Advaita. Similarly, in practice, Hindusim is identified with worship of many deities and related rituals.
It was Adi Shankaracharya who brought order to daily worship through Panchayatan. Adi Shankaracharya preached that many diverse forms of gods are basically variations of five basic deities (who ultimately are manifestations of the Supreme Being only). The five deities being Ganesh, Adi Shakti Goddess, Shiva, Vishnu, Surya (sometimes deities defer depending on the worshiper’s ishta devata). As such, he harmonised various strands of Hinduism.
Another significant facet of a devout Hindu way of life today is “Bhakti” or devotion which is different from rituals and philosophy. It is simply devoting oneself to the worship of one’s ishta devata. If Adi Shankaracharya has written commentaries on Upanishads, the pinnacle of Hindu philosophy and abstract thoughts, we also see him propounding some of the most touching works on Bhakti.
In his immortal “Bhaj Govindam” one of the most formidable philosophers of India writes “सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ् करणे “, when the time of death come, rules of grammar (i.e. intellectual and philosophical discourse) won’t save you; worship the Govind, you foolish mind.
In his “Bhavani Ashtakam”, Adi Shankara leaves most profound Bhakti saints behind in devotion when he says:
न जानामि दानं न च ध्यानयोगं,
न जानामि तन्त्रं न च स्तोत्रमन्त्रम् ।
न जानामि पूजां न च न्यासयोगं
गतिस्त्वं गतिस्त्वं त्वमेका भवानि ।।
(Neither do I know meditation nor Tantra, hymns, prayers, rituals, etc. You are my only refuge Oh Mother Bhavani!)
Thus, in Adi Shankaracharya we find this rare combination of Gyan (Knowledge), Karmakand (Rituals) and Bhakti (pure devotion); three pillars of Hindu way of life.
Living Legacy: Mathas & Ascetics
Adi Shankaracharya is not only confined to books and writings but his legacy is visible in more tangible forms too. Most remarkable is the four Mathas (monasteries) he set up in far flung places like Badarinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri and Shringeri; thus covering all four corners of Bharat. He appointed Shankaracharyas in these Mathas as his successors. Till today, we find Shankaracharyas being appointed through a line of succession (That is why the name “Adi” Shankaracharya, as he was the initial Shankaracharya who established this system). It’s an established fact that Hinduism doesn’t have unitary form of saithood with one single head or priest, à la Pope. The institution of Shankaracharyas is what could be nearest to it. Hindus have sects like Shaivas, Shaktas, etc. but, majority Hindus are practicing Smartas (whether they know this term or not is immaterial) and for Smartas, Shankaracharyas are highest, most elevated and devout heads.
Historically we find that they have been highly revered by Hindu States like Vijaynagar and the formidable Maratha Empires. When in a military raid, rogue elements following Maratha army looted Shringeri Matha, Peshwa was left aghast pleading Shringeri Shankaracharya for forgiveness and propitiating him by returning all the money, as it was considered ‘”Swami’s” (Lord’s) displeasure does not augur well for the empire.
The institution of Shankaracharyas has survived most tumultuous times for Hindus through the era of Sultanates, Mughals and British imperial invaders. It still serves as a beacon of light and guidance.
Pan-India appeal and influence of Adi Shankaracharya can be gauged by orders of Sanyasis (ascetics), most importantly the Dashnami Sect. It was Adi Shankara who either founded these sects or formulized the norms under which they function even today. The names taken by Sanyasis like ‘Giri’, ‘Saraswati’, etc. were established by him.
Impact of Sanyasis in socio-cultural and political life of Hinduism cannot be over-emphasised whether in the form of majestic Kumbh Mela or their influence on lay people in every nook and corner of the country. Adi Shankara realized the importance of this institution and systematized it for centuries. Like his contribution through writings in the spheres of Gyan, Karmakanda, and Bhakti, we find his legacy also alive in his Mathas and monastic orders too.
Adi Shankara Shows is the Path:
Hindu philosophy says “महाजनो येन गतः स पंथाः”, “on which great men treaded that’s the path (for you)”. The path Adi Shankaracharya followed is most appropriate for hoi polloi in this era too. In fact, it is more relevant today than ever before. Adi Shankara lived in the times when different religions and philosophies were prevalent in India. Rifts between these were not uncommon.
Adi Shankara chose the path of Shastrarth, debate and discussion to bring about reconciliation. On one hand he debated non-Vedic sects like Buddhists and Jains and worked with people from non-Adavaitic Vedic school of thoughts. His debate with the great Mimansak of that era, Mandan Mishra is immortal in the annals of Indian intellectual history.
Adi Shankaracharya thoroughly believed in supremacy of Sanatan Vedic Dharma and its philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. But to establish his point of view, he chose debate and dialogue, not quarrel and conflict. Here lies the real greatness of Acharya Shankara.
When he defeated Mandan Mishra in debate, the latter’s wife, Ubhaya Bharati challenged Shankaracharya for a debate citing ‘Shastras that say a wife forms one-half of husband’s body (Ardhangini). Hence, Shankara can’t claim victory without defeating his wife too’. Shankaracharya debated Ubhaya Bharati for days and only after winning in this debate that it was considered that he won against both Mandan Mishra and Ubhaya Bharati.
His whole life was devoted to doing Shastrarth with other scholars. Due to this intellectual rigour, Adi Shankara could synthesize various conflicting schools of thoughts and bring out the very essence of Hindu philosophy. His commentaries on Upanishads, various stotras like Saundarya Lahari composed by him, his debates and discussions are his richest and most valuable contribution to Hindu intellectual thought. That he could do all this in modest life of just 32-years speaks volumes on his stature as an intellectual and philosopher.
Adi Shankara’s relevance Today
Adi Shankaracharya was staunch adherent of Vedas (called Shruti), debated and defended them all his life. This doesn’t mean he was opposed to logic and practical science. In fact, Adi Shankaracharya never minced words while stressing upon use and importance of logic.
In his Bhashya (commentary) on Bhagawad Gita, he wrote “
न हि श्रुतिशतमपि ‘शीतोऽग्निरप्रकाशो वा’ इति ब्रुवत् प्रामाण्यमुपैति । यदि ब्रूयात् ‘शीतोऽग्निरप्रकाशो वा’ इति, तथापि अर्थान्तरं श्रुतेः विवक्षितं कल्प्यम्…
“Even if hundreds of shrutis (Vedas) say that ‘Fire is cold, it doesn’t shine’, it cannot be considered valid knowledge. If “shruti should at all declare that fire is cold or that it is dark,” we would still suppose that it “intends” quite a different meaning from the apparent one…”
Adi Shankaracharya was never averse to logic and reason. He was a believer of Shastras but not blind to authority of pratyaksh praman (practical and direct knowledge). This makes him shine brighter in the mist of centuries so brightly. And, this makes him one of the most relevant spiritual giants even in this age of science, reason and logic.
In Adi Shankaracharya, we find the rare confluence of a philosopher of highest order, a logical and practical thinker, a devout renunciate and a trail blazing legacy builder. Undoubtedly, he is one of those rare people whose influence can be seen on philosophers, intellectuals and laymen alike with or without knowing him.
(Author is an assistant professor at Gurugram University in Haryana)