Question

According to Advaita Vedanta as taught by Śankarācārya, what is the nature of the individual soul (Atman) in relation to Brahman?

• A. Atman is identical to Brahman; any perception of difference is due to ignorance (avidya).
• B. Atman and Brahman are two opposing forces in the universe.
• C. Atman is a servant of Brahman and remains eternally distinct.
• D. Atman is a modified form of Brahman, possessing individual characteristics.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Atman is identical to Brahman; any perception of difference is due to ignorance (avidya).

Further Divisions of Vedanta Philosophy Three major schools of Vedānta emerged through the commentaries on the Brahma Sutra by renowned philosophers: Sankaracarya’s Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), Ramanujacarya’s Visistadvaita Vedanta (qualified non-dualism), and Madhvacharya’s Dvaita Vedanta (dualism). Each of these thinkers offered distinct interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), shaping the core philosophical branches within Vedanta.