The Root of Illusion: Sankara’s Vision in Adhyasa Bhasyam
Adhyasa Bhasyam is the profound introduction written by Adi Sankaracarya to his commentary on the Brahma Sutras. It lays the philosophical foundation for Advaita Vedanta by exploring the concept of adhyasa, or superimposition—the mistaken attribution of the non-Self onto the Self. Sankara explains how ignorance (avidya) leads individuals to falsely identify the body, mind, and senses with the pure, changeless ātman. This initial confusion is seen as the root cause of bondage and suffering. The Bhasya emphasizes the need for discrimination (viveka) to remove this error and realize the non-dual Self. Through logical reasoning and scriptural references, it prepares the seeker for deeper inquiry into the nature of reality. For More Information Click Here
Unveiling the Error: The Core Message of Adhyasa Bhaṣyam
Adhyasa Bhasyam, the introductory commentary by Adi Sankaracarya to the Brahma Sutras, presents the core philosophical problem that Advaita Vedanta seeks to resolve—adhyasa (superimposition). It explains how ignorance (avidya) causes the Self (Atman), which is pure consciousness, to be wrongly identified with the non-Self—body, mind, senses, and worldly attributes. This mistaken identity leads to bondage, suffering, and the cycle of birth and death.
Sankara systematically analyzes the origin and nature of this superimposition, showing it to be universal and beginningless, yet removable through right knowledge (jnana). He justifies the need for Vedanta inquiry by stating that liberation (moksa) cannot be achieved through ritual actions, but only through the knowledge of Brahman. The Bhasya highlights how true freedom lies in realizing the non-duality of the Self and Brahman, and it prepares the student to enter the main Brahma Sutra discussions with the right philosophical framework.
Adhyasa: The Fundamental Error and the Path to Liberation
The core teaching of Adhyasa Bhasyam is that bondage arises from adhyasa (superimposition)—the erroneous mixing of the Self (Atman), which is pure, eternal consciousness, with the non-Self (body, mind, senses, etc.). Adi Sankaracarya establishes that this false identification, caused by beginningless ignorance (avidya), is the root of all human suffering. He asserts that liberation (moksa) is possible only by removing this adhyasa through self-knowledge (atma-jnana), not through rituals or actions. The Bhasyam teaches that true understanding of one’s real nature as non-dual, ever-free Brahman dissolves the illusion and leads to ultimate freedom. For More Information Click Here
Sankara’s Vision of Non-Duality: The Essence of Adhyasa Bhasyam
In Adhyasa Bhasyam, Adi Sankaracarya’s vision is deeply rooted in the Advaitic understanding that the one reality—Brahman—is pure consciousness, and all duality is a result of illusion (adhyasa). His central insight is that human suffering and bondage do not arise from any real limitation of the Self but from ignorance-driven superimposition, where people wrongly identify themselves with the body, mind, and ego.
Sankara views this universal error as beginningless (anadi) but not endless—it can be removed through self-inquiry and right knowledge (jnana). He emphasizes that rituals and karmas, though useful at the preparatory stage, cannot grant liberation, which is the recognition of one’s true nature as limitless Brahman. His thoughts reflect clarity, precision, and a logical approach, showing how Advaita is not merely philosophy but a transformative vision that leads to the end of all sorrow.
Key Insights and Philosophical Foundations in Adhyasa Bhasyam
- Definition of Adhyasa (Superimposition):
Adi Sankaracarya defines adhyasa as the erroneous attribution of the qualities of one thing (non-Self) onto another (the Self), such as identifying the atman with the body or mind. - Nature of Ignorance (Avidya):
He establishes that this superimposition arises from beginningless ignorance, which is universal and affects all beings. - Cause of Bondage:
The text explains that this misidentification is the root of samsara—the cycle of birth, death, and suffering. - Inadequacy of Rituals:
Sankara emphasizes that Vedic rituals and karmas cannot destroy ignorance or grant liberation; only self-knowledge (jnana) can do so. - Necessity of Vedanta Inquiry:
He justifies the need for philosophical inquiry (jijnasa) into Brahman as the only valid means to overcome adhyasa. - Foundation for Advaita Vedānta:
The Bhasyam lays the groundwork for the entire Advaita tradition by framing the problem (adhyasa) that the Brahma Sutras aim to resolve. - Qualification of the Seeker:
It implies the importance of the fourfold qualifications (sadhanacatuṣṭaya)—viveka, vairagya, sama-adi saṭka-sampatti, and mumuksutva—for spiritual inquiry. - Role of Knowledge in Liberation:
Liberation is not something newly created but a revelation of the ever-liberated Self, once ignorance is removed.
These themes form the philosophical backbone of Advaita Vedanta and prepare the seeker for deeper study of the Brahma Sutras. For More Information Click Here
Conclusion
Adhyasa Bhasyam stands as a profound gateway into the heart of Advaita Vedanta. Through the concept of adhyasa, Adi Sankaracarya identifies the root error behind human suffering—the superimposition of the non-Self upon the Self. He emphasizes that liberation cannot be achieved through action or ritual but only through self-knowledge that removes this ignorance. The Bhasyam not only introduces the purpose of the Brahma Sutras but also sets the stage for the seeker’s journey from illusion to truth. It is a timeless call to awaken to the non-dual reality of the Self, which is ever free, pure, and infinite.
