Lacuna in Sankara studies:A thousand teachings (Upadeśasāhasri)
Donald R. Tuck
Asian Philosophy November 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1080/09552369608575445 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that Sankara's A Thousand Teachings presents a path from ignorance, through the transitional idea of 'Unevolved Name-and-Form' (avyākrte nāmarūpe), to the 'knowledge of Brahman,' which transforms the seeker's life experience and, through disciplined meditation (parisamkhyāna), leads to becoming an experiencer of non-duality (advaitavāda). |
Abstract
In an important text, A Thousand Teachings, sometimes overlooked by scholars, Sankara expounds non‐dualist religion. This article analyses Sankara's thought for its theoretical and practical perspectives. First, the discussion views non‐duality from the viewpoint of ignorance. This pluralistic/dualistic perspective obscures the unenlightened seeker's vision of the Ultimate Truth. Secondly, the study examines Sankara's introduction of a transitional idea, Unevolved Name‐and‐Form (avyākrte nāmarūpe). Such an idea assists the seeker's intellectual progress from the state of ignorance to a rational understanding leading toward nonduality (Advaita Vedānta). Finally, the exposition clarifies Sankara's expression of the “knowledge of Brahman”. This fulfilling wisdom affects a transformation of the life experience of the unenlightened. Subsequently disciplined in meditation (parisamkhyāna), the persistent seeker develops into an experiencer of the non‐duality (advaitavāda).