Jagadguru adi shankaracharya biography
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He has also authored Aprokchanubhooti, Dash Shloki, Saundarya Lahiri, and numerous prayers and tributes to the personal form of God.
Legacy and Impact and Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya's legacy endures through his Advaita Vedanta philosophy, efforts to unify Hinduism, and promotion of diversity and inclusivity.
Under Govinda Bhagavatpada's mentorship, Shankara delved into 'Gaudapadiya Karika', 'Brahmasutra', Vedas, and Upanishads. This balanced approach allowed Him to integrate diverse spiritual practices within a coherent framework, leading ultimately to non-dual realization.
Compassion in Action
Though His philosophical achievements alone would secure His place among humanity's greatest teachers, Sri Shankaracharya's compassion extended beyond the intellectual realm to address practical human suffering.
The divine form of God is described as all-beautiful and all-compassionate in the form of Krishna, who graciously appeared in the Yadu dynasty. During that time, people were more involved in rituals and sacrifices, hoping to reach heaven. The life should shine forth with pious qualities like knowledge, devotion and asceticism.
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Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 C.E.)
The Divine Purpose of Avatara
When spiritual darkness engulfs humanity and eternal principles of Dharma face extinction, the Supreme Consciousness manifests in human form to restore cosmic order.
Meanwhile, Jain and Buddhist monks critiqued the Vedas rather than practising their own beliefs. This childless couple went to Lord Vadakkunnathan temple at Trichur (in Kerala), and the couple devoutly prayed for 41 days at the temple of Lord Vadakkunathan (Lord Shiva) for a son. Lord Shiva considered their request and blessed them that he will be born in this world.
His commentary, known as the Advaita Bhashya, emphasises the existence of a single absolute Brahman, which is formless, impersonal, and attributeless. Even at a young age Sankaran, had become proficient in Prakrit Magadhi and Sanskrit languages
It is universally acknowledged that if Sanatana Dharma thrives today, allowing us to partake in its spiritual treasures, it is primarily due to Sri Shankaracharya's divine intervention and tireless work. He stressed that the soul is Divine and eternal and surpasses the limitations of the body and mind. His teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers with messages of unity, empathy, and self-discovery, transcending generations.
To watch Hindi lecture by Swami Mukundananda on Life and Teachings of Adi Shankaracharya: Click Here
Jagadguru Adi Sankaracharya was born in Kaladi, Kerala -India in an orthodox Namboothiri Brahmin family ( Home – Kaippilly Mana).
With his sharp reasoning, eloquent speaking, and Divine guidance, he journeyed throughout India, engaging in debates with proponents of different philosophical beliefs, persuading them, and successfully advancing the initial stage of his mission.
Sanatan Dharma encompasses two dimensions of God-realization: Nirakar and Sakar Brahma.
- Nirākār Brahma (निराकार ब्रह्म): Uniting with the formless Brahman
- Sākāra Brahma (साकार ब्रह्म): Experiencing God's divine bliss in a personal form.
In his works, Shankaracharya expounded on the Brahma Sutra, Upanishads, and Gita, focusing primarily on the first dimension of Sanatan Dharma in the initial phase of his spiritual teachings.
At the age of seven, he delved into studying the Vedas and left home when he was eight. (Sri Suresvaracharya – Naduvil Madhom, Sri Padmapadacharya -ThekkeMadhom, Sri Hastamalakacharya – Idayil Madhom and, Sri Totakacharya – Vadakke Madhom) for the purpose of spreading Sanathanadharmam
You are not of this world; your soul is divine, unquestionably the same as Brahma. The journey towards understanding the impersonal aspect of God is known to be quite challenging. This shift led to teachings that lacked focus on God and the spiritual essence of the soul, turning many religions into non-theistic practices.
He needed to develop a profound theory that could effectively dispel these misconceptions and practices.
In connection with this unification, Acharya’s plan was to establish four centers in four corners of Bharat for spreading Vedanta and for guiding persons practicing Vedanta. The reality that lies behind all these things and activities Brahman.