Summary
The traditional method for the study of advaita vedanta is to find a competent guru. Then, the student must go through a consistent and systematic study of vedantic scriptures for a length of time under the guidance of the competent guru. This is not practically possible for most students (including the author). So, the alternative is suggested – self-study.
Sankaracharya in 8th century systematized the core concepts, theories, and principles in vedic scriptures to formulate the advaita vedanta philosophy. Over last 1200 years post sankara acharyas have further clarified, expanded, and systematized (CES) the sankara’s advaita vedanta. These CES has been done in conformity with the foundational concepts. This document is focused on the study of post sankara advaita vedanta.
The scriptures that are studied in advaita vedanta are: Upanishads, Gita, and Brahmasutra. In addition, the works of sankara and post sankara acharyas are included.
There are prerequisites for the study of advaita vedanta. They are called sadhana-catustayam in sanskrit. Sadhana means qualification, and catustayam means four-fold. The four qualifications are: discrimination, dispassion, six-fold discipline, and desire.
These prerequisites are acquired by two sadhanas – karma-yoga and upasana-yoga. Karma and upasana are proper actions and meditations respectively. Yoga is proper attitude.
The method for the study of advaita vedanta detailed in this document relate to the goal of moksa – acquisition of self-knowledge (jnana-yoga in sanskrit). The goal of moksa starts with the desire to acquire permanent happiness and transforms into acquisition of self-knowledge. This method of study has three stages: sravanam (listening or reading), mananam (deliberation), and nididhyasanam (internalization).
There are three possible results of the study of self-realization: successful in this life (jivan mukti) or successful at death (vidheya mukti) or not successful in this life (punar janam)
This document is part two of five parts of the introduction to the study of advaita vedanta
I – Why should I study and practice the advaita vedanta philosophy
II – How should I study of advaita vedanta philosophy
III – Indian schools of philosophy
IV– Vedic scriptures
V – Advaita vedanta philosophy
Relevance
The study of advaita vedanta starts with the desire to alleviate the limitations of artha, kama, and leads to the understanding (self-knowledge) of identity of individual (jiva) and ultimate reality (brahman). This study is different from the conventional study. Let us remember the following two equation.
- Conventional study methodology + advaita vedanta study = informational knowledge
- Scriptural study methodology + advaita vedanta study = transformational knowledge (self-knowledge)