Sri Adi Sankaracharya

Sri Adi Shankaracharya   Light of the Self

EFFULGENT REALITY

 

Words fade and fall off when I try to say something about Sri Ādi Sankarāchārya, who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. However, in my feeble words, I can describe Him as the One who revived and revitalized in India the so-called Hinduism, which in reality is the Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Way of Life.

Sri Ādi Sankarāchārya has offered guidance, to since seekers of true happiness, through so many wonderful works – treatises, commentaries, poetry etc. – that help ardent seekers to progress rapidly towards their goal, perfect happiness and Self-realization.

At a time when new misleading philosophies were confusing the people of India into extreme ritualism and false notions of God, Sri Shankara established “Advaita Vedanta”, knowledge of the non-dual Brahman in the nature of “Being, Awareness, Bliss”. He brought Knowledge of the Real Self into the limelight, offering methods and practices to attain the same. He traveled across the Indian subcontinent to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers.  He founded four “Mathas”(“Monasteries”), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta, a task of Himalayan proportions.

His lifetime was just 32 years and he accomplished all of this during that short period of time.  Just one of His countless accomplishments may be a Herculean task for others, even for sages and saints.

My Heart is filled with Gratitude and Devotion to Him, because the benefits I have obtained through His Teachings are so many considering the miniscule efforts I have put in. Om Namah Sivaya. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Hi.