Gaudapada was on the foremost teachers of the Advaita
Philosophy. He was the spiritual guide and teacher of Govinda, who was the Guru
of Adi Shankaracharya. Gaudapada is believed to have lived during the 5th
century AD. The philosophy of Gaudapada
may be characterized as absolute non-dualism and establishes this doctrine both
by the method of affirmation and negation.
He commented on the Upanishads. The scattered knowledge of
Advaita philosophy were gathered and its principles were explained in a
systematic way first by Gaudapada.
His main ideas can be found in the ‘karika’ of Brahma Sutras,
which is divided into four parts. Adi Shankaracharya further elaborated his
teachings and ideas.
Some important teachings of Gaudapada
Gaudapada states that both waking and dreaming states are
similar, as the objects seen in both are unreal. Only the subject, the constant
witness that is the Self, can be real.
That which is complete in itself, inborn and never ceases to
be itself, is the only reality, as something subject to change, cannot be real.
The world of duality is nothing but a vibration of the mind.
The knowledge of non-difference between the individual and
the supreme soul alone leads to liberation.
As per Dr S Radhakrishnan, Gaudapada accepted many
Buddhist teachings that were not in conflict with his ideas. These teachings
were added and adjusted to the Advaita philosophy.
Source - Hinduism an alphabetical guide Roshen Dalal
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Source - Hinduism an alphabetical guide Roshen Dalal
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy