Evaluate Samkara’s concept of reality
Introduction
Adi Shankaracharya or Samkara is the key proponent of the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy. His concept of reality centers around non-dualism, emphasizing that only Brahman is ultimately real, and the world of plurality is an illusion (maya).
Samkara’s Non-Dualism
According to Samkara, Brahman is the only unchanging, eternal, and absolute reality. Everything else—including the physical world, individual selves (jivas), and actions—is considered maya or ignorance-induced illusion. Brahman is characterized as nirguna (without attributes), infinite, and beyond human comprehension.
Levels of Reality
Samkara introduces a three-tiered framework to explain reality:
- Paramarthika Satta: Ultimate reality – Brahman.
- Vyavaharika Satta: Empirical reality – the world of everyday experience.
- Pratibhasika Satta: Illusory reality – hallucinations and dreams.
The empirical world exists only until one attains spiritual knowledge and realizes the identity of Atman (self) and Brahman.
Evaluation
Samkara’s metaphysics is both profound and controversial. It promotes unity and spiritual liberation but has been critiqued for dismissing the world as illusion, thereby possibly devaluing ethical and social responsibilities.
Conclusion
Samkara’s Advaita philosophy continues to influence spiritual discourse, emphasizing the pursuit of self-realization and unity with the divine, even as it invites debate on the nature and role of the empirical world.