What is the significance of adhyasa in Samkara’s philosophy?
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What is the significance of adhyasa in Samkara’s philosophy?
In Shankara's Advaita Vedanta philosophy, adhyasa, commonly translated as "superimposition" or "misapprehension," holds significant importance. It refers to the cognitive error where one reality is mistaken for another due to ignorance. The concept plays a crucial role in explaining the apparent diversity observed in the world while emphasizing the underlying non-dual nature of ultimate reality (Brahman).
Significance of Adhyasa:
Illusory Diversity: Adhyasa explains how the world of names and forms (empirical reality) is superimposed on the ultimate reality (Brahman), creating an illusion of diversity. This illusory diversity is a result of ignorance (avidya) and the failure to recognize the underlying unity.
Basis for Vivarta: Adhyasa is the basis for the doctrine of vivarta, which asserts that the world is a mere appearance or modification of the unchanging Brahman. The superimposition of names and forms does not alter the essential nature of Brahman.
Path to Self-Realization: Recognizing and overcoming adhyasa is crucial for self-realization. Shankara teaches that through discernment (viveka) and knowledge (jnana), one can dispel the illusion of diversity, realizing the non-dual nature of the self (Atman) and Brahman.
Analogy of Rope and Snake: Shankara often uses the analogy of mistaking a rope for a snake to illustrate adhyasa. Just as the snake is wrongly superimposed on the rope, the world is superimposed on Brahman. Clear perception and knowledge dispel the illusion.
Ethical Implications: Adhyasa underscores the ethical dimension of Advaita Vedanta. Recognizing the illusory nature of the world encourages individuals to transcend attachment, aversion, and delusion, fostering a life in accordance with dharma and spiritual growth.
In essence, adhyasa is a key concept that elucidates the mechanism through which ignorance leads to the misapprehension of reality. Overcoming adhyasa is central to Shankara's teachings on realizing the ultimate truth of non-duality and attaining liberation (moksha).