Q. With reference to Adi Shankaracharya (c. 8th century CE), a key figure in the philosophical background of Bhakti, consider the following statements:
1.His philosophy of Advaita Vedanta asserts that the individual soul (Atman) is ultimately identical to the Supreme Reality (Brahman), and the phenomenal world is illusory (Maya).
2.He advocated that moksha (liberation) can be achieved primarily through self-realization and the knowledge (jnana) of the non-dual truth, considering ritualistic actions secondary.
3.He established four major mathas (monastic centres) at Puri, Sringeri, Dwaraka, and Badrinath to propagate his monistic doctrine and unify diverse spiritual traditions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The fundamental tenet of Advaita (non-dualism) is that Brahman alone is real, the world is illusory (Maya), and the individual soul is non-different from Brahman.
- Statement 2: Correct. Shankaracharya’s Advaita is known as Jnana Marga (Path of Knowledge). He emphasized that knowledge of one’s true identity as Brahman is the only means to destroy ignorance and attain liberation.
- Statement 3: Correct. He is traditionally credited with establishing the four major mathas across India’s cardinal points to preserve and spread the Advaita Vedanta tradition and organize the Hindu monastic order.
