“Advaita is the recognition that the self, the world, and the infinite are one and the same.”
Advaita Vedanta, the philosophy of non-duality, provides a comprehensive framework for realizing the oneness of existence. Here is a summary of its essential teachings:
1. THE SELF IS INFINITE AND ETERNAL
• “You are not the body, nor the mind; you are pure awareness.”
The self (Atman) is the true essence of being—eternal, infinite, and beyond all form. It is the witness of all states (waking, dreaming, and deep sleep) and remains unaffected by the fluctuations of life.
2. THE WORLD IS ILLUSORY
• “The world is a projection of the mind, like a dream or a mirage.”
The world (Maya) appears real due to ignorance (Avidya), but it is an illusory superimposition upon the self. Just as a rope is mistaken for a snake in dim light, the self is mistakenly perceived as the world through ignorance.
3. THE SELF AND BRAHMAN ARE ONE
• “Tat Tvam Asi — You are That.”
The self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The realization of this oneness dissolves the illusion of duality, revealing the infinite as one’s true nature.
4. IGNORANCE IS THE ROOT OF SUFFERING
• “The self is always free; bondage exists only in the mind.”
Suffering arises from identification with the body, mind, and ego. Knowledge (Jnana) of the self dispels ignorance, leading to liberation (Moksha).
5. LIBERATION IS THE RECOGNITION OF WHAT ALREADY IS
• “Liberation is not a future event but the present realization of your true nature.”
Freedom is not something to attain but the recognition that you are already free. The journey is one of uncovering the truth, not achieving it.
6. DETACHMENT IS THE KEY TO FREEDOM
• “Renounce attachment, and you will find peace.”
Attachment to results, possessions, and ego sustains ignorance. Detachment (Vairagya) allows the mind to rest in the self, undisturbed by external fluctuations.
7. SELF-INQUIRY IS THE DIRECT PATH
• “Ask, Who am I? and rest in the silence that follows.”
The method of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), as taught by sages like Ramana Maharshi, leads directly to the realization of the self. It dissolves false identifications and reveals the awareness underlying all experience.
8. ALL IS ONE, BEYOND DUALITY
• “There is no two. The self alone exists, appearing as many.”
Advaita dissolves the illusion of separateness, showing that all forms, beings, and experiences are expressions of the same reality. The ocean and its waves are not separate; they are one.
9. GRACE AND EFFORT ARE INTERCONNECTED
• “Effort purifies the mind; grace reveals the self.”
While realization depends on grace (Kripa), self-effort through meditation, self-inquiry, and detachment prepares the mind for this revelation.
10. PEACE IS YOUR TRUE NATURE
• “When the self is known, the mind becomes silent, and peace prevails.”
The self is inherently peaceful, unchanging, and free from the turmoil of duality. Resting in the self is the ultimate state of bliss (Ananda).
PRACTICES TO REALIZE ADVAITA
1. Self-Inquiry: Constantly ask, Who am I? Dissolve all identifications until only awareness remains.
2. Detachment: Let go of attachment to the body, mind, possessions, and outcomes.
3. Meditation on Oneness: Contemplate statements like Tat Tvam Asi (“You are That”) and reflect on the unity of all existence.
4. Witness Consciousness: Observe your thoughts, emotions, and actions without identifying with them. Recognize yourself as the awareness behind them.
5. Contemplation of Scriptures: Reflect on teachings from texts like the Yoga Vasistha, Mandukya Upanishad, and Ashtavakra Gita to internalize their wisdom.