Discuss Sankaracharya’s view of the theory of Vivartavada.

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Points to Remember:

  • Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
  • Vivartavāda’s concept of illusionary appearance.
  • Critique of Vivartavāda from an Advaita perspective.
  • Shankaracharya’s emphasis on Brahman as the sole reality.

Introduction:

Shankaracharya (c. 788-820 CE), a pivotal figure in Hindu philosophy, profoundly impacted the understanding and interpretation of Vedanta. His Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman), directly addresses and critiques other schools of thought, including the Vivartavāda theory of appearance. Vivartavāda, meaning “theory of transformation,” posits that the world appears to be different from Brahman but is ultimately a modification or transformation of Brahman itself. This differs from other schools like the creationist theories (Srishti) which propose a separate creation from Brahman. Understanding Shankaracharya’s perspective requires examining his critique of Vivartavāda within the broader context of his Advaita philosophy.

Body:

1. Vivartavāda: A Brief Overview:

Vivartavāda, primarily associated with the Kashmiri Shaivism tradition, suggests that the world, though seemingly distinct, is a manifestation or transformation of Brahman. It’s akin to a wave appearing from the ocean – the wave is not separate from the ocean, but a temporary form. This implies a degree of reality to the world, albeit dependent on Brahman. The illusion lies in perceiving separateness.

2. Shankaracharya’s Critique of Vivartavāda:

Shankaracharya vehemently disagreed with Vivartavāda. His Advaita Vedanta asserts that Brahman is the sole, unchanging reality (Sat-Chit-Ananda – Being, Consciousness, Bliss). The world, according to Shankaracharya, is Maya – an illusion, not a transformation. His critique rests on several key points:

  • The Problem of Causality: If the world is a transformation of Brahman, it implies a change in Brahman, contradicting its unchanging nature. How can an unchanging substance undergo transformation? Shankaracharya argues that true transformation necessitates a change in substance, which is impossible for Brahman.

  • The Issue of Agency: Vivartavāda struggles to explain the agency behind the transformation. Who or what causes Brahman to manifest as the world? Shankaracharya’s Advaita avoids this problem by asserting that the world’s appearance is not caused but is a superimposition (Adhyasa) on Brahman.

  • The Nature of Illusion: Vivartavāda acknowledges the world as an illusion but grants it a certain level of reality as a modification. Shankaracharya, however, argues that Maya is a complete illusion, lacking independent existence. It’s like a rope mistaken for a snake – the snake is not a transformation of the rope but a mistaken perception.

3. Advaita Vedanta’s Alternative:

Shankaracharya proposes Adhyasa (superimposition) as the explanation for the world’s appearance. The world is superimposed onto Brahman, like a dream superimposed on the waking consciousness. This doesn’t imply a change in Brahman but a mistaken perception of the subject. The individual self (Jiva) also suffers from this illusion, mistaking itself as separate from Brahman. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved through the realization of this non-duality.

Conclusion:

Shankaracharya’s critique of Vivartavāda is central to his Advaita Vedanta. He rejects the notion of the world as a transformation of Brahman, arguing that it is a complete illusion (Maya) superimposed on the sole reality of Brahman. His concept of Adhyasa provides a more coherent explanation of the world’s appearance without compromising the unchanging nature of Brahman. While Vivartavāda acknowledges the illusory nature of the world, it falls short in explaining the mechanism of this illusion and the unchanging nature of the ultimate reality. Shankaracharya’s Advaita, with its emphasis on the non-dual nature of reality and the path to liberation through self-realization, offers a more comprehensive and logically consistent philosophical framework. This understanding promotes a holistic approach to life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the ultimate unity underlying apparent diversity, aligning with the pursuit of spiritual liberation and a deeper understanding of reality.

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