Advaita Vedanta, one of the principal philosophical schools of Hinduism, is believed to have a divine origin according to traditional narratives. According to these narratives, the foundational teachings of Advaita Vedanta were first revealed by Narayana or Sadashiva, who represents the Supreme Deity in Hindu theology. This revelation occurred in the timeless realm of existence, where the eternal truths are said to reside.
The divine revelation was then passed down through the
lineage of spiritual teachers. Brahma, the creator deity in Hindu cosmology, is
said to have received this knowledge directly from Narayana or Sadashiva.
Brahma then imparted this wisdom to the sage Vasishta, who was renowned for his
wisdom and spiritual prowess. Sage Vasishta, in turn, transmitted these
teachings to his son Shakti, who became a custodian of this profound knowledge.
From Shakti, the lineage of transmission continued through
subsequent generations of sages. It is believed that the knowledge of Advaita
Vedanta was passed on to Parashara, Vyasa, and Shuka, who were prominent
figures in ancient Hindu scriptures and spiritual lore. Each of these sages
contributed to the preservation and dissemination of Advaita Vedanta, enriching
it with their insights and experiences.
This tradition of transmitting spiritual wisdom from master
to disciple, known as guru-shishya parampara, played a crucial role in the
preservation and propagation of Advaita Vedanta throughout the ages. The
teachings of Advaita Vedanta emphasize the non-dual nature of reality,
asserting that the ultimate truth is beyond distinctions and divisions, and
that the individual soul (atman) is identical to the supreme reality (Brahman).
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