Advaita Vedānta

Advaita Vedānta is a classical Indian teaching emphasizing non-duality (advaita): ultimate reality (Brahman) is not separate from the self (ātman).

Core themes

Reality is one without a second
The separate self is a superimposition on awareness
Liberation comes through knowledge (jnāna), often supported by inquiry and discrimination

Common practices

Self-inquiry (ātma-vichāra), especially in modern Advaita lineages
Study of texts such as the Upaniṣads and works of Śaṅkara
Contemplation with a qualified teacher

Distinctive emphasis

Strong focus on the absolute level: consciousness as primary, the world as appearance or māyā in some interpretations.

Integral cautions

Advaita language can be misused to bypass ethics, psychology, or social responsibility. Hold the teaching alongside relative life.