The Nature of the Self and Maya in Gaudapada’s Teachings
In these verses, Gaudapada explores the nature of reality and illusion. He explains how the world’s apparent diversity arises from ignorance, creating false distinctions. This illusion, or maya, veils the true Self, which is pure, undivided consciousness. The mind, being a product of ignorance, projects duality that disappears upon realization. True knowledge reveals the Self’s eternal, non-dual nature beyond all forms and concepts. Ultimately, these verses guide seekers toward the supreme peace that transcends existence and non-existence. For More Information Click Here
From Maya to Brahman: Understanding Reality in Gaudapada Karika Chapter 3 Verses 34–38
Karika 34
The world appears as diverse and real only due to ignorance (avidya); once knowledge arises, the unreal distinctions dissolve and the unity of Brahman is revealed.
Karika 35
The ignorance that causes differentiation is like a magical illusion (maya); the world’s apparent multiplicity is false and not separate from the Self.
Karika 36
The cause of the world’s illusion is the mind’s false superimposition on the Self; the mind itself is a projection and disappears with true knowledge.
Karika 37
The Self, being pure consciousness, is unaffected by the distinctions and dualities perceived by the mind; it remains always free and non-dual. For More Information Click Here
Karika 38
Realization of the Self transcends all concepts and negations; it is the supreme peace beyond all dualities of existence and non-existence.
Shankaracharya’s Vision of Non-Duality: Insights on Gaudapada’s Teachings
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Maya and Ignorance (Avidya): Shankara explains that the world’s multiplicity and apparent dualities arise due to maya, a power of ignorance that projects names and forms onto the one, non-dual Brahman. This projection creates the illusion of separation where none truly exists.
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Non-Dual Reality (Advaita): According to Shankara, the Self (Atman) is always pure consciousness, unchanging and non-dual. The distinctions perceived by the mind and senses are superimpositions, which fall away upon true knowledge.
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The Role of the Mind: The mind is the instrument through which ignorance operates. It creates the illusion of duality and differentiation but ceases when the Self is realized. Liberation (moksha) is achieved when the mind’s illusions are destroyed.
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Ultimate Peace: Shankara highlights that realization of the Self leads to nirvikalpa samadhi—a state beyond all mental constructs and dualities, where supreme peace (shanti) prevails, untouched by birth, death, or change.
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Beyond Existence and Non-Existence: The Self transcends all categories like existence and non-existence. It is neither created nor destroyed and is the substratum underlying all apparent phenomena.
In sum, Shankaracharya’s commentary reinforces Gaudapada’s teaching that ignorance causes the mistaken perception of duality, and through knowledge (jnana), the seeker awakens to the immutable, non-dual Brahman—resulting in eternal peace and liberation. For More Information Click Here
Conclusion
These verses reveal that the perceived world is a projection born of ignorance, masking the true non-dual Self. Adi Shankaracharya clarifies that liberation arises when this illusion of duality is dissolved by knowledge. The Self, pure and unchanging, remains beyond all mental constructs and distinctions. Realizing this leads to the supreme peace untouched by birth, death, or change. Thus, the journey from ignorance to enlightenment is the removal of false perceptions. Ultimately, only the one, eternal Brahman exists—free, infinite, and whole.
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