The Problem of Illusion

Brahman is the fundamental reality in Advaita Vedanta, representing the unified, infinite, and unchanging consciousness that underlies all existence.

In Advaita Vedanta, the world we perceive is considered illusory (maya) and dependent on Brahman. It is not ultimately real but appears real due to our limited understanding.

Maya is the term used in Advaita Vedanta to refer to the illusion or ignorance that conceals the true nature of reality and leads us to perceive the world as separate and real.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad uses the phrase 'Neti Neti' to convey the idea that Brahman cannot be described or defined using ordinary language or concepts.

In Advaita Vedanta, self-inquiry (vichara) is considered the primary means to dispel illusion and attain self-realization. It involves questioning the nature of the self and the world to uncover the underlying unity of consciousness.

Adi Shankara is considered the founder of Advaita Vedanta, a prominent school of Indian philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality.

Atman is the term used in Advaita Vedanta to refer to the individual soul or consciousness, which is ultimately identical to Brahman, the universal consciousness.

Ramanuja is known for his theory of 'Vivartavada,' which explains the relationship between Brahman and the world as a transformation or appearance, rather than an illusion.

Samsara is the term used in Advaita Vedanta to refer to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is considered a manifestation of illusion and a result of our attachment to the world.

Nimbarka is known for his theory of 'Bhedabheda,' which posits that Brahman and the world are both real and distinct, yet ultimately unified in a harmonious relationship.

Moksha is the term used in Advaita Vedanta to refer to the state of liberation or freedom from illusion and the cycle of rebirth, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

Madhvacharya is known for his theory of 'Dvaita,' which posits that Brahman and the world are eternally distinct and separate, and that individual souls are eternally different from Brahman.

Samadhi is the term used in Advaita Vedanta to refer to the state of consciousness in which the individual realizes their identity with Brahman, experiencing a profound sense of unity and transcendence.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is known for his theory of 'Acintya Bhedabheda,' which posits that Brahman and the world are simultaneously different and non-different, existing in an incomprehensible and mysterious relationship.