The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are
ancient Indian philosophical texts that systematize the teachings of the
Upanishads. Shankara, one of the most prominent philosophers of Advaita
Vedanta, wrote a comprehensive commentary known as "Shankara Bhashya"
on the Brahma Sutras. Here are some important points from Shankara's
commentary:
Adhyasa (Superimposition): Shankara discusses the concept of
adhyasa, which refers to the superimposition of attributes of one entity onto
another. This is crucial in understanding the relationship between the
individual soul (jiva) and Brahman (ultimate reality).
Maya (Illusion): Maya is a central concept in Advaita
Vedanta, representing the power of Brahman that creates the illusory diversity
of the world. Shankara elaborates on the nature of Maya and its role in
obscuring the true nature of reality.
Jiva-Brahma Aikya (Identity of the individual soul and
Brahman): Shankara emphasizes the identity of the individual soul (jiva) and
Brahman, asserting that the ultimate reality is non-dual (advaita). He
elucidates how the apparent differences between the individual and the supreme
reality are due to ignorance (avidya).
Sadhana (Means of Attainment): Shankara discusses various
means of attaining liberation (moksha) such as knowledge (jnana), devotion
(bhakti), and meditation (dhyana). He emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry
and discrimination (viveka) to realize one's true nature.
Tattva (Truth): Shankara elucidates the nature of truth
(tattva) and the importance of discerning between the eternal and the
transient. He guides seekers to realize the imperishable essence (Brahman)
underlying the changing world of phenomena.
Prakriti (Nature): Shankara discusses the concept of
prakriti, which represents the material cause of the universe. He explains how
prakriti is ultimately unreal in the absolute sense and how it undergoes
modifications to manifest the universe.
Karma (Action) and Karma Yoga: Shankara discusses the
significance of performing selfless actions (karma) as a means to purify the
mind and cultivate detachment. He emphasizes the practice of karma yoga, where
actions are performed without attachment to the fruits thereof.
These are some key themes and points from Shankara's
commentary on the Brahma Sutras, providing profound insights into the nature of
reality, the self, and the path to liberation according to Advaita Vedanta.