ADVAITA VEDANTA

The term Advaita refers to the identity of the true Self, Atman, which is pure consciousness, and the identity of the highest Reality, Brahman, which is also pure consciousness.  Advaita is a non-dualistic philosophy which means that there is no separation between Brahman and the manifested world.  It is all one.

The philosophy is based on the sacred texts of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.  Followers of Advaita seek liberation (moksha) by acquiring knowledge (vidya) of the identity of Atman and Brahman.

Advaita is widely seen as the most influential and most dominant sub-school of Vedanta.  Its teachings have influenced various sects of Hinduism and acquired a broad acceptance in Indian culture, and beyond.

The principal, though not the first, exponent of Advaita was Shankara Bhagavadpada who systematized the works of preceding Hindu philosophers.  Shankara's commentaries have become central texts in the Advaita tradition.