Adhy§sa-bh§>yam

Introduction

Among all the Ved§nta literature, the Brahma-S%tra occupies a unique position. It is one of the oldest commentaries on the Upani>ads. Out of all commentaries on the Brahma-S%tra, |a°kara’s commentary stands pre-eminent.  It elaborates on the doctrine of Advaita-ved§nta according to the teachings of his samprad§ya (tradition). There is doubt as regards authorship of some of the works attributed to |a°kara, there is agreement among the savants that the Bh§>ya on the Brahmas%tra was authored by {di |a°kar§c§rya. This is evident from  the fact that the genesis of post |a°kara schools arise from sub-commentaries on primarily his Brahma-s%tra Bh§>ya. In these sub-commentaries (of which the so-called Bh§mati and Vivara;a schools are widely studied), the authors profess to be elaborating on |a°kara’s system of Advaita, and they clearly identify |a°kara as the author of the Bh§>ya. 

            |a°kara wrote a scholarly introduction to Brahma-S%tra Bh§>ya.  This introduction written in Sanskrit, spanning around fifty lines, is called the Adhy§sa-Bh§>ya. This is one of the finest pieces of texts written on the Ved§nta.  It holds the status of a <ruti. In it, there is absence of any quotation from other <§stras in support statements made. This text is simply outpourings from anubhava (empirical experiences) of an enlightened sage. It appeals to all, since it confirms to anubhava of all human beings.

Adhy§sa Bh§>ya serves well the purpose of an introduction. The author manages to summarise all the key points that will unfold in his Brahma-S%tra Bh§<ya and connects them to the core of the underlying theme.

Note: For full article, pls contact the blogger.