Adi Shankaracharya

The Persona and The Philosophy to Be a Perfect Man

Abstract

Adi Shankaracharya is a prominent Indian philosopher and theologist. The main objective of his teaching is to convey the principles of Advait Vedanta, which emphasize the non dual nature of reality, the unity of individual soul (Aatma) with the ultimate reality (Brahma) and the Quest of self realisation or enlightenment through knowledge (jnana) in spiritual practice. Advaita philosophy systemised and pronounced by Shankaracharya is capable of accommodating the greatest extent possible what science is revealing in today. Shankaracharya even looked up on the Upanishad as revealed text, Shruti beyond human questioning and took them as the basis of his philosophical system. Shankar's real approach contributed to develop the advanced system of philosophy that was based on essential thrust of Upanishadic thought. Shankar treats the mind as 'sukshm' or subtitle matter his teaching suggest that greatest barrier to the knowing are true self is the mind and ego. His teaching mentions two kinds of knowledge 'para Vidya' or higher knowledge and 'aparavidya' or knowledge of lower order.
The right Guru gives depth to knowledge and mechanical knowledge is not enough to understand the world and become a good human being, understanding to contemplation and contemplation to the wisdom to differentiate between the eternal and a ephemera -nitya- anitya Vivek. One of the Shankara's most quoted aphorism, 'Satyajanam, Anantham Brahma': knowledge is truth , Brahman is eternal .
In short Shankar was not dogmatic about rites of morality for the liberation but he was clear that certain moral practices had an undeniable utilitarian value in the goal of self-realisation. The thoughts of Shankaracharya are most relevant for a person to develop their overall holistic development. Today youth is diverted from their path they need more concentration and to realise themselves thoughts of Shankaracharya have important role in their lives. These thoughts will be a torch bearer for youth not only to build their health, career but also spiritual upliftment.