Introduction to Acharya Shankara's Philosophy

Acharya Shankara, one of the most influential philosophers in Hinduism, has left an indelible mark on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the religion. His teachings are centered around a profound understanding of the nature of reality, existence, and liberation. Let's delve into the core tenets of his philosophy.

1. The Absolute Reality (Brahman)

Shankara emphasizes the existence of an absolute unchanging reality known as Brahman. He asserts that this ultimate truth is the source of all things, encompassing both the world and the individual self (Atman). Shankara argues that the world is temporary and changing in nature, in contrast to the eternal and unchanging Brahman.

2. The Law of Causation (Karma)

A central doctrine in Shankara's philosophy is the principle of causation or law of karma. According to this doctrine, every action has a corresponding reaction. This means that every intention, deed, or event that occurs in the world is the result of past actions (karma) and will influence future actions. Understanding and living according to karma is essential for achieving liberation (moksha).

3. The Quest for Liberation (Moksha)

One of the primary goals in Shankara's philosophy is the attainment of emancipation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Achieving this liberation involves the recognition of the true nature of the self, which is identical to Brahman. Shankara encourages the practice of meditation, knowledge (jnana), and self-realization as means to achieve this ultimate state.

Shaivism: Worshipping the Supreme Being, Shiva

Shaivism is one of the major Hindu traditions that revolves around the worship of Shiva as the Supreme Being. Let's explore the core beliefs of Shaivism and how they align with and differ from Shankara's teachings.

1. Shiva as the Ultimate Reality

According to Shaivism, Shiva is considered the supreme god and the ultimate reality. He is believed to be the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe, eternally infinite, and omnipresent. Shiva is also omniscient and omnipotent, being the source of all knowledge and truth. He is further seen as the embodiment of all auspiciousness and perfection.

The Role of the Subtle Energy Dimension in Society

The fundamental precept of all schools of thought is the recognition of a higher "source" of human capabilities and ideals. This concept is often encapsulated in the idea of the subtle energy dimension (Brahman), from which we derive the four key traits that can uphold and sustain society: wisdom, nobility, industry, and talent. However, the understanding and experience of Brahman are often seen as beyond rational comprehension.

The Challenge of Practicing the Path to Enlightenment

Those who experience Brahman through rigorous spiritual practices are transformed, but those who have not experienced it or who cannot rationalize it in their minds often find it difficult to engage in the necessary rigorous and sustained practice. This creates a significant challenge in the promotion and understanding of spiritual practices in society.

The Charvaks: A Practical Approach to Wisdom

In contrast to the schools of thought that rely on perception, inference, and testimony, the Charvaks have a pragmatic and practical approach to understanding the world. They reject these three primary means of acquiring knowledge and are skeptical of abstract concepts derived from these sources. As a result, they often find it challenging to be convinced of any abstract concept.

The Four Objectives of Hindu Life

While the Charvaks accept two of the four objectives of Hindu life—wealth (artha) and pleasure (kama)—they reject dharma (ethical duty) and moksha (liberation). They even reject space/ether since it is an unperceived entity. The Charvaks focus on enjoyment and happiness as their primary goal, with a pragmatic approach to handling pleasure and pain. They quote: "Even if the paddy grain is covered with husk and dust, the man who desires his prosperity would not cast it away, since it is a good thing."

In conclusion, Acharya Shankara's philosophy offers a profound and transformative journey towards understanding the nature of reality and attaining liberation, while Shaivism emphasizes the worship of Shiva as the ultimate reality. Both philosophies contribute to the diverse tapestry of Indian thought, adding depth and breadth to the understanding of spiritual and philosophical concepts.