Introduction
Sri Adi Shankaracharya stands as the preeminent philosopher in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. His profound interpretations of Vedantic texts established the foundation for classical Advaita philosophy, which teaches the essential oneness of all reality. Through His teachings, He achieved three important goals that revived Sanatana Dharma during one of its darkest hours: He taught the universality of the Vedic religion, dispelled the seeming contradictions in the understanding of the Upanishads caused by partisan adherents of different schools, and integrated the three spiritual paths of action (Karma), devotion (Bhakti), and knowledge (Jnana) into a unified approach to liberation from suffering.
The heart of Sri Shankaracharya's contribution lies in His elucidation of Advaita (non-dualism) as the central truth of the three foundational texts of Indian philosophy—the Upanishads, the Brahmasutras, and the Bhagavad Gita—collectively known as the Prasthanatraya. His commentaries on these texts exemplify both clarity and depth in a language characterized as “prasanna-gambhira” (lucid and profound). The enduring influence of His teachings across centuries, countries, cultures and people of different faiths, testifies to their profound truth and vitality.
Major Works
Sri Shankaracharya's literary legacy can be organized into three primary categories: The Prasthanatrya Bhashyam, Prakarna Granthas and Stotras.
1. Prasthanatraya Bhashyam
Prasthanatraya means the three sources of authority. It is the collective name given to the Upanishads, Brahma Sutra, and Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which are accepted as the three primary sources from which different schools of Vedanta derive their authority.
a. The Upanishads Commentary
The Upanishads generally form the end of the Aranyakas of the Vedas and therefore the philosophy enshrined in them is called as Vedanta meaning `end of the Vedas’. They contain the essence of Vedic teachings, and are the foundations on which most of the later philosophies and religions of India rest.
There is no important form of the Hindu thought which is not rooted in the Upanishads. Sri Shankaracharya's interpretation of these texts remains the most influential in Indian thought.
In His commentaries, Sri Shankaracharya explains that the Upanishads present teachings at two levels:
- For advanced seekers who either possess the necessary mental preparation in this life or have developed an introspective mind through disciplines in past lives. These seekers either need only a reminder of their true nature through an experienced teacher or require guidance through contemplative practices.
- For others, the Upanishads offer methods to meditate on Apara "lower Brahman" (a concept of God with attributes), which leads to the heavenly realm called Brahma Loka.
Sri Shankaracharya resolves the apparent contradiction between a formless and form-based Supreme Reality by explaining that Brahman is formless in its essential nature, beyond all sensory perception and mental concepts, yet can be approached through forms when understood as the Creator, Sustainer, and In-dweller of the universe.
b. The Brahma Sutra Commentary
The Brahma Sutra consists of 555 aphorisms composed by Bhagavan Veda Vyasa, presenting the entire Upanishadic philosophy in condensed form. Considered advanced study material for Vedanta students, these aphorisms guide inquiry into the Supreme Reality, the relationship between individual souls and this Reality, and the ultimate purpose of human existence. These concise formulations serve as memory aids for deep contemplation and, when properly understood, can open the door to supreme bliss.
c. The Bhagavad Gita Commentary
The Bhagavad Gita stands as Sanskrit literature's most beloved philosophical poem. This unique text offers profound teachings on religion, philosophy, ethics, and the art of living with the right attitude towards life's challenges.
2. Prakarana Granthas (Introductory Vedantic Treatises)
Traditionally, spiritual knowledge in the form of granthas (texts) can be classified into two kinds: The texts of the Science (of the Supreme Reality or Brahman), which explain the theory and technique, are called the Shastras, while the books that explain the terms used in the Shastra texts are called Prakarana Granthas. Following are some examples of Prakarana Granthas:
- Vivekachudamani
- Upadesha-Sahasri
- Atma-Bodha
- Aparokshanubhuti
- Dasha-Shloki
- Shata-Shloki
- Vakya-Vritti
- Panchikarana
- Prabodhasudhakara
- Tattva-Bodha
3. Stotras (Devotional Hymns)
Sri Shankaracharya composed numerous devotional hymns, from the widely known Bhaja Govindam to the profound Dakshinamurti Stotram. These compositions reflect His conviction that Brahman (the Absolute) manifests as Ishvara (the personal Bhagavan) through the power of maya (divine creative energy) to bless devotees.
Sri Shankaracharya sanctified worship practices for six divine forms, the Shanmata —Shiva, Devi, Vishnu, Surya, Ganapati, and Kumara—composing devotional hymns for each. He taught that these forms are manifestations of the same Supreme Reality, and that sincere devotion to any of these forms leads to divine grace, spiritual knowledge, and ultimate liberation. For instituting these six modes of worship, He earned the title "Shanmata Sthapaka" (founder of the six traditions of worship).
Despite God's all-pervasiveness, His presence and sanctity can also be localised to specific forms and places. It is akin to the ruler of an entire country who can also be addressed as "the King of Ayodhya" (i.e., a specific city). We do this to help focus our meditation. Sri Shankaracharya instructs to meditate on God as being present in the heart, similar to how devotees might focus on Lord Hari within a sacred Saligrama stone. When the mind is concentrated this way, one is blessed with a glimpse of the divine. Although God exists everywhere, God becomes especially responsive when worshipped in these specific places. It's comparable to how space itself is everywhere, but we still talk about the tiny space inside a needle's eye as being a specific, limited space.
This teaching helps make the abstract concept of an omnipresent God more approachable for spiritual practice.
His hymns, metaphorically harvested from the garden of Upanishadic wisdom and woven with poetic threads, express his profound love for the Divine while embodying profound philosophical insights through evocative similes.
Additional Works
Beyond these major categories, Sri Shankaracharya authored several other significant texts:
- Yogasutra Vivarana Bhashya (Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras)
- Commentary on the Adhyatma Patala of the Apastamba Dharmasutra
- Commentaries on the Vishnu Sahasranama and Lalita Trishati
- Jayamangala (a work on Sankhya philosophy)
- Sthirasiddhi (a treatise on Nyaya logic)
Philosophical Approach
Sri Shankaracharya's approach to spiritual teaching shows remarkable psychological insight. He recognized that abstract philosophical concepts can be difficult to grasp, particularly the notion of a formless Absolute Reality. Therefore, He endorsed the practice of contemplating on the Divine through forms and images as stepping stones to higher understanding.
He compared the relationship between a teacher and disciple to that between a father and child, but with an important distinction: while a father gives physical life, a true spiritual teacher (Guru) saves one from the cycle of rebirth by removing ignorance (avidya). The debt to such a teacher can never be fully repaid, though passing this knowledge to other qualified seekers represents a partial repayment.
The study of Sri Shankaracharya's commentaries requires deep knowledge of Sanskrit, expertise in grammar (Vyakarana), logic (Nyaya), ritual exegesis (Mimamsa), and Vedic recitation (Veda-adhyayana). This tradition of study continues today throughout India through the Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) relationship that is the hallmark of Indian spiritual traditions.
Legacy
Sri Shankaracharya's comprehensive philosophical system transformed India's religious landscape by reconciling diverse spiritual approaches within a coherent framework. His commentaries not only preserved ancient wisdom but also made it accessible and relevant across generations. His devotional compositions demonstrate that profound philosophical understanding and heartfelt devotion are complementary rather than contradictory. Together, His works provide a complete spiritual path that addresses both intellectual understanding and emotional fulfillment.