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What are the main texts or scriptures of Advaita Vedanta?

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the concept of non-dualism, or the idea that the self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) are one. This philosophy is based on the teachings of the Upanishads, which are considered to be the most important texts in Advaita Vedanta. However, there are also other important texts and scriptures that are considered to be foundational to this philosophy.

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that contain the philosophical teachings of Advaita Vedanta. There are over 200 Upanishads, but only 12 are considered to be the most important and are known as the "Mukhya Upanishads". These include the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, and the Mandukya Upanishad, among others. These texts discuss the nature of reality, the relationship between the self and Brahman, and the path to enlightenment.

Another important text in Advaita Vedanta is the Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of the epic Mahabharata. The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between the warrior prince Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna, who is an incarnation of the divine. It discusses the concept of dharma (duty), the nature of the self, and the path to liberation.

The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are a collection of aphorisms that summarize the teachings of the Upanishads. These sutras were written by the sage Vyasa and are considered to be the foundational text of Advaita Vedanta. They provide a systematic and logical analysis of the Upanishadic teachings and serve as a guide for understanding the ultimate reality of Brahman.

The teachings of the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara are also considered to be an important source of Advaita Vedanta. Shankara wrote several commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras, which are collectively known as the Prasthanatrayi (three sources). These commentaries provide a detailed explanation of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and its practical application in daily life.

In addition to these texts, there are also other scriptures and writings that are considered to be important in Advaita Vedanta, such as the Yoga Vasistha, the Ashtavakra Gita, and the Atma Bodha. These texts further elaborate on the concept of non-dualism and provide practical guidance on how to attain self-realization.

In conclusion, the main texts and scriptures of Advaita Vedanta include the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras, commentaries by Adi Shankara, and other related texts. These texts serve as the foundation for understanding