D-032: Advaita Vedanta

Definition

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualist (“non-second”) school of Vedanta that treats ultimate reality as a single, unified ground (Brahman). Apparent multiplicity is explained as dependent/derivative relative to that ultimate reality.

Notes / clarification

Reference definitions

  • Primary: E-009 (IEP overview: Advaita Vedanta)
  • Brahman excerpt: E-010 (IEP Advaita Vedanta)
  • Maya excerpt: E-011 (SEP: Shankara)

Non-examples (to prevent equivocation)

  • Not the claim that absolutely nothing exists.
  • Not a denial that discourse/experience occurs; it reframes ontological status.

Used by

Definition (vault-use)

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualist (“non-second”) school of Vedanta that treats ultimate reality as a single, unified ground (Brahman). Apparent multiplicity is explained as dependent/derivative relative to that ultimate reality.