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How does Advaita Vedanta explain the existence of suffering and evil in the world?
Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, teaches that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only true existence and that the individual self, Atman, is ultimately one with Brahman. This concept of non-dualism is the cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta and has profound implications for understanding the existence of suffering and evil in the world.
According to Advaita Vedanta, the root cause of suffering and evil is ignorance (avidya) of one's true nature as Brahman. This ignorance leads individuals to falsely identify with their limited, individual selves and become attached to the material world. This attachment causes them to experience suffering and pain as they strive to fulfill their desires and avoid pain and suffering. However, as long as one remains ignorant of their true nature, they will continue to experience the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara.
Furthermore, Advaita Vedanta teaches that the material world, including suffering and evil, is an illusion (maya) created by the mind. This illusion is a result of the limitations of the human mind, which perceives the world through the filter of its own desires and attachments. Therefore, what appears to be suffering and evil is simply a projection of the mind and not the ultimate reality.
In Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is described as pure consciousness, beyond all dualities and beyond the limitations of the mind. It is the only true existence, and everything else is merely a manifestation of Brahman. This means that even suffering and evil are ultimately a part of Brahman and therefore, are not truly real.
Moreover, Advaita Vedanta teaches that the individual self, Atman, is not separate from Brahman but is, in fact, one with it. This means that the individual self is also pure consciousness and is not affected by the illusion of suffering and evil. It is only when the individual self identifies with the limited, individual self that it experiences suffering and evil.
In conclusion, Advaita Vedanta explains the existence of suffering and evil in the world as a result of ignorance and the illusion of the mind. It teaches that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and is the only true existence. By realizing one's true nature as Brahman, one can transcend the illusion of suffering and evil and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This understanding of non-dualism and the true nature of reality can bring peace and acceptance, even in the face of suffering and evil.