Śārīraka Bhāṣya by Adi Shankaracharya

Śārīraka Bhāṣya is Adi Shankaracharya's profound commentary on the Brahma Sutras of Vyasa. It is one of the central texts of Advaita Vedanta and systematically expounds the philosophy of non-duality (Advaita). Here’s the essence of this work:

1. The Core Teaching: Brahman is the Only Reality

Shankaracharya asserts that Brahman (the Absolute, Pure Consciousness) is the only truth and the world is ultimately an illusion (Māyā). The individual self (Jīva) is not different from Brahman but appears separate due to ignorance (Avidyā).

2. Refutation of Dualism and Pluralism

He refutes the dualistic (Dvaita) and qualified non-dualistic (Vishishtadvaita) views, arguing that any apparent distinctions between God, soul and the world are due to ignorance. When this ignorance is removed, what remains is pure, undivided consciousness.

3. Role of Knowledge (Jnana) vs. Rituals (Karma)

Shankaracharya strongly emphasises that liberation (Moksha) is attained through self-knowledge (Jnana), not rituals or actions (Karma). While he acknowledges the role of Karma Yoga in purifying the mind, he insists that ultimate realisation comes only through direct knowledge of the Self.

4. Interpretation of Key Vedantic Texts

His commentary interprets crucial Upanishadic statements such as Tat Tvam Asi (You are That), Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman), and Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma (All this is Brahman), showing that they all point toward absolute non-duality.

5. The Illusion of the World (Māyā)

Shankara introduces the concept of Māyā, the power of illusion, which makes the one indivisible Brahman appear as the manifold world. He gives the classic example of mistaking a rope for a snake—just as the rope remains unchanged, Brahman is always real, while the perceived world is an illusion.

6. Liberation (Moksha) as Self-Realization

Liberation is not something to be attained but realizing what already exists—that one is and has always been, Brahman. This realisation destroys ignorance and ends the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

7. Practical Implications: Detachment and Inner Peace

Shankara’s Advaita philosophy leads to a life of detachment, self-inquiry and inner peace. By seeing everything as Brahman, one transcends suffering and lives with equanimity.

Hence, follow the path of Direct Investigation. Give up the routes and props. Just know that you are the Brahm itself. The path of dissolution starts from here.