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What is Advaita Vedanta?
Advaita Vedanta is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in India and is based on the teachings of the ancient Hindu scriptures, specifically the Upanishads. It is a non-dualistic philosophy that emphasizes the ultimate oneness of all beings and the universe.
The term "Advaita" means "non-dual" and "Vedanta" means "end of the Vedas", referring to the philosophical conclusions of the Vedas, which are the oldest Hindu scriptures. Advaita Vedanta is considered to be one of the six main schools of Hindu philosophy, and it is often associated with the teachings of the great sage Adi Shankara.
At the core of Advaita Vedanta is the concept of Brahman, which is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. Brahman is described as being beyond all names, forms, and qualities, and is considered to be the only true and eternal reality. This concept is similar to the idea of God in other religious traditions.
According to Advaita Vedanta, the individual self, or "Atman", is not separate from Brahman, but is in fact a manifestation of it. This means that the true nature of every individual is divine and infinite, but this realization is often clouded by the illusion of individuality and the ego.
The goal of Advaita Vedanta is to attain "moksha", or liberation, by realizing the true nature of the self and the oneness of all beings. This can be achieved through various spiritual practices, such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion to Brahman.
Papaji, also known as H.W.L. Poonja, was a modern Advaita Vedanta teacher who gained popularity in the West in the late 20th century. He taught the practice of self-inquiry, which involves questioning the nature of the self and ultimately realizing one's true nature as Brahman.
In conclusion, Advaita Vedanta is a profound and ancient philosophy that teaches the oneness of all beings and the ultimate reality of Brahman. It offers a path towards liberation and self-realization, and continues to have a significant influence on spiritual seekers around the world.