Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Indian religions, deeply rooted in philosophical inquiry, offer diverse perspectives on the relationship between man and God. For the purpose of this answer, we will focus on Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita Vedanta, meaning “non-duality,” posits that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the sole truth, and the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to Brahman. This is not a relationship of subject and object, but rather one of essential unity obscured by Maya (illusion). Understanding this core tenet is crucial to grasping the Advaita perspective on the human-divine connection.
The Concept of Brahman in Advaita Vedanta
At the heart of Advaita Vedanta lies the concept of Brahman. Brahman is described as Sat-Chit-Ananda – Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss. It is formless, attributeless (Nirguna Brahman), and beyond human comprehension. However, Brahman also manifests in the world as Saguna Brahman, with attributes and form, which is what is worshipped as deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti. This manifestation is not a separate entity but a projection of Brahman itself, akin to waves arising from the ocean.
The Nature of the Atman (Self)
Advaita Vedanta asserts that the Atman, the individual self or soul, is not different from Brahman. The famous Mahavakya, “Tat Tvam Asi” (“That Thou Art”), from the Chandogya Upanishad, encapsulates this core belief. The Atman is considered eternal, unchanging, and pure consciousness. However, due to ignorance (Avidya), we identify ourselves with the body, mind, and ego, leading to a sense of separation and suffering.
Maya and the Illusion of Separation
Maya is the power of illusion that veils the true nature of reality. It creates the perception of a separate world, individual selves, and a distinct God. Maya is not unreal, but rather a misperception of reality. It’s like seeing a rope in dim light and mistaking it for a snake. The snake is not real, but the perception is. Similarly, the world appears real, but its ultimate reality is Brahman.
The Relationship: Non-Duality and Essential Unity
The relationship between man and God, therefore, is not one of devotion or subservience, but of inherent unity. The individual is not a separate entity seeking union with God; rather, the individual *is* God, veiled by Maya. The goal of spiritual practice (Sadhana) is to remove this veil of ignorance and realize one’s true nature as Brahman. This realization is known as Moksha (liberation).
Paths to Realization (Sadhana)
- Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): This involves intellectual inquiry, self-reflection, and discrimination between the real (Brahman) and the unreal (Maya).
- Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): While seemingly dualistic, Bhakti Yoga ultimately leads to the realization of non-duality through intense love and surrender to a chosen deity (Saguna Brahman).
- Karma Yoga (Path of Action): Performing actions without attachment to their fruits, dedicating them to Brahman, purifies the mind and prepares it for realization.
- Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation): Through practices like meditation and Samadhi, the mind is stilled, and the Atman is revealed.
Different Schools within Advaita Vedanta
While Advaita Vedanta emphasizes non-duality, there are variations in interpretation. For example, some schools emphasize the importance of grace (Anugraha) in realizing Brahman, while others focus on self-effort (Svadhyaya). The Vivarana school, founded by Prakasatman, emphasizes the illusory nature of the world, while the Bhamati school, founded by Vachaspati Mishra, gives more reality to the empirical world.
Comparison with Dvaita Vedanta
| Advaita Vedanta | Dvaita Vedanta |
|---|---|
| Ultimate reality is Brahman, and Atman is identical to Brahman. | God (Vishnu) is eternally distinct from the individual soul (Jiva). |
| Maya creates the illusion of separation. | The world is real and created by God. |
| Liberation is realizing one's identity with Brahman. | Liberation is attaining eternal service to God. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Advaita Vedanta presents a unique and profound understanding of the relationship between man and God. It transcends the conventional notions of a personal God and emphasizes the inherent unity of all existence. The path to liberation lies in realizing this unity through the removal of ignorance and the direct experience of one’s true nature as Brahman. This perspective offers a powerful message of self-discovery and the potential for ultimate freedom from suffering.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.