In Hindu philosophy, Brahman is the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit, often considered synonymous with the absolute, supreme, and unchanging divine reality. The knowledge of Brahman that leads to liberation is a central concept in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy founded by Adi Shankaracharya.
According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate goal of human
life is to realize one's identity with Brahman, transcending the limitations of
the individual self (jivatman). This realization is known as "Brahma
Jnana" or "Atma Jnana," meaning knowledge of Brahman or
knowledge of the self.
The key principles regarding the knowledge of Brahman that
leads to liberation include:
Non-Duality (Advaita): Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the
non-dual nature of reality, asserting that Brahman is the only true and
ultimate reality. The apparent diversity in the world is considered an illusion
(maya), and the individual self (atman) is seen as identical to Brahman. The
realization of this non-dual nature is crucial for liberation.
Self-Realization: Liberation comes through the direct
experiential knowledge of one's true nature as Brahman. This knowledge is not
intellectual but rather a deep, intuitive realization that goes beyond
conceptual understanding.
Neti, Neti (Not this, Not this): Another approach to
understanding Brahman is through negation. By recognizing what Brahman is not,
individuals strip away the layers of illusion and arrive at the essence of
their true nature. This process is often expressed through the phrase "Neti,
Neti."
Upadesha (Spiritual Instruction): Guidance from a qualified
teacher (guru) is considered essential for understanding the nature of Brahman.
The guru imparts spiritual wisdom and helps the seeker overcome ignorance
(avidya).
Meditation and Contemplation: Practices such as meditation
and contemplation are employed to quiet the mind and turn inward, facilitating
the direct experience of Brahman. The Upanishads, which are foundational texts
in Advaita Vedanta, often provide meditative insights into the nature of
Brahman.
Ultimately, the knowledge of Brahman that liberates is a
transformative realization that transcends ordinary perception and leads to a
profound understanding of the unity of the self with the ultimate reality. This
liberation is known as "moksha" or "mukti," representing
freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the attainment of
ultimate spiritual liberation.