Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism's Greatest Thinker

Pavan K Varma

Physical

In Circulation

What is Brahman? What is its relationship to Atman? What is an individual’s place in the cosmos? Is a personalised god and ritualistic worship the only path to attain moksha? Does caste matter when a human is engaging with the metaphysical world? The answers to these perennial questions sparkle with clarity in this seminal account of a man and a saint, who revived Hinduism and gave to Upanishadic insights a rigorously structured and sublimely appealing philosophy.

Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE) was born in Kerala and died in Kedarnath, traversing the length of India in his search for the ultimate truth. In a short life of thirty-two years, Shankaracharya not only revived Hinduism, but also created the organisational structure for its perpetuation through the mathas he established in Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri and Joshimatha.

Adi Shankaracharaya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker is a meticulously researched and comprehensive account of his life and philosophy. Highly readable, and including a select anthology of Shankaracharya’s seminal writing, the book also examines the startling endorsement that contemporary science is giving to his ideas today. A must read for people across the ideological spectrum, this book reminds readers about the remarkable philosophical underpinning of Hinduism, making it one of the most vibrant religions in the world.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Historical Context: The biography provides insights into the historical and cultural context of ancient India during Adi Shankaracharya's lifetime, offering readers a deeper understanding of the era in which he lived.

  2. Early Life: Adi Shankaracharya's early life, including his upbringing, education, and the events that led to his spiritual awakening, are explored, shedding light on his formative years.

  3. Philosophical Teachings: The book delves into Adi Shankaracharya's philosophical teachings, including his advaita vedanta (non-dualistic) philosophy, which emphasizes the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman).

  4. Commentaries and Works: Adi Shankaracharya's extensive commentaries on ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are discussed, highlighting his profound understanding of Hindu philosophy and scriptures.

  5. Establishment of Mathas: The biography explores Adi Shankaracharya's establishment of four monastic centers (mathas) in different parts of India, which served as centers of learning, spiritual practice, and propagation of his teachings.

  6. Debate and Dialogue: Adi Shankaracharya's engagement in philosophical debates and dialogues with scholars of different philosophical schools is depicted, illustrating his intellectual prowess and mastery of dialectics.

  7. Travel and Pilgrimage: The book chronicles Adi Shankaracharya's extensive travels and pilgrimages across India, where he disseminated his teachings, established monastic centers, and engaged in spiritual practices.

  8. Social and Religious Reforms: Adi Shankaracharya's efforts in revitalizing Hinduism and advocating for social and religious reforms, including the revival of Vedic rituals and the promotion of ethical living, are highlighted.

  9. Legacy and Influence: The biography reflects on Adi Shankaracharya's lasting legacy and influence on Hindu philosophy, spirituality, and religious practices, as well as his impact on Indian culture and society.

  10. Relevance Today: Finally, the book explores the relevance of Adi Shankaracharya's teachings and philosophy in contemporary times, emphasizing their continued significance for spiritual seekers and scholars alike.

Language English
ISBN-10 8193655613
ISBN-13 9788193655610
No of pages 376
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Tranquebar
Published Date 21 Apr 2018

About Author

Author : Pavan K Varma

8 Books

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