If you’re exploring different schools of Hindu philosophy, you’ve probably come across the concept of Advaita. According to the International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration (IAST), Advaita means “non-secondness” or non-duality. This philosophy identifies three levels of existence: absolute existence (paramarthikasatta), worldly existence (vyavaharikasatta), and illusory existence (pratibhāsika).
Nowadays, many people interested in self-awareness are turning to Advaita Vedanta. However, incorporating its principles into everyday life can be challenging. Advaita often conflicts with our day-to-day experiences, making some feel like giving up. Here’s a look at the challenges Advaita presents, ways to overcome them, and steps to incorporate its practice into daily life.
### The Conflict
Studying this philosophy within the context of your everyday life is riddled with challenges. Advaita teaches oneness, yet our daily reality is filled with duality. Originating from ancient Hindu texts called the Upanishads, Advaita requires guidance from a knowledgeable teacher. This creates an initial conflict: Advaita preaches non-duality, yet the relationship between teacher and student is inherently dual. So you might wonder, “How do I learn this practice?”
### Overcoming the Conflict
The key to resolving this conflict is looking inward. Through self-inquiry and focusing the mind, you can overcome this duality. This requires a mindset of detachment, dispassion, and renunciation of all perishable things, including personal attachments and worldly possessions (known as rajas and tamas).
Since today’s lives are filled with these distractions, complete renunciation can be tough. Some philosophers suggest a middle path, balancing worldly engagement with inner peace.
### Long-Term Mindset
To adopt Advaita Vedanta, you need lifelong commitment. If you’re dabbling in this philosophy temporarily, you won’t gain its full benefits. True enlightenment requires ongoing practice (Sadhana), self-discipline, and a Sattvic (pure) way of life.
### Resilience
The journey to self-purification is long and challenging. It takes years of perseverance and practice, especially at the beginning, when the temptation to give up is strongest. Overcoming old habits and the initial resistance from the mind and body is crucial. You need resilience, steady determination, courage, and an unwavering thirst for truth.
### Questioning Yourself
A significant step in this journey is self-inquiry. Daily, set aside time to focus on the question, “Who am I?” This practice starts you on the path of non-duality by delving into the origin of the sense of “I.” For instance, your hand doesn’t tell you it belongs to you; neither do your thoughts. Questioning such aspects leads to true self-discovery.
### Find Some Quiet Time
You need to carve out peaceful time away from your routine to reflect on your inner self. Think about your mind, body, thoughts, and the source of those thoughts. Ignore distractions and focus on where the sense of “I” originates. This process helps elevate the ego to a higher, non-earthly level.
### Start Meditating
Dedicate at least 45 minutes daily to meditation. Reaching a state of unity while awake can be challenging and initially unimaginable, but persist. You must rise above your ego to achieve this state of mind. Pause all thoughts and align your existence with the universe. Over time, with consistent practice, you’ll reach a higher self-awareness.
Adi Shankara, a revered philosopher, might have also found practicing Advaita challenging, as seen in his work “Soundarya Lahari,” which focuses on a goddess’s beauty and power. If even Shankara faced struggles, you might wonder how you’ll achieve complete self-awareness.
The goal of Advaita Vedanta is to help you transcend limited thinking. It encourages viewing the world holistically, appreciating your uniqueness, and moving forward on a path of unity, tolerance, acceptance, and harmony.