Adi Shankara
c. 8th century CE · India
- First attested
- 800 CEBrahmasutrabhasya and Prasthanatrayi commentaries; Shankara Matha lineages.
Underneath all apparent divisions and multiplicity, there is only one indivisible reality.
Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta (radical non-dualism). Shankara wrote extensive commentaries on the Principal Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita, establishing four monastic centers (mathas) across India.
Light
Dissolution of egoic separateness, transcendent clarity, and supreme non-dual peace.
Shadow
Premature intellectual transcendence that ignores relative ethical and practical suffering.