Advaita Vedanta is a prominent philosophical and spiritual tradition within Hinduism, known for its profound exploration of the nature of reality and the self. “Advaita” means “non-dual” in Sanskrit, and this term encapsulates one of its central teachings: the ultimate reality, often referred to as Brahman, is non-dual, meaning there is only one undivided, unchanging reality, and everything else is an illusion. This philosophy was expounded by the renowned philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya in the early 8th century CE, although it has roots in earlier Hindu scriptures and teachings.
The two key concepts of Advaita Vedanta are the Brahman and Atman. Brahman is the ultimate, formless, and unchanging reality that underlies and transcends all of creation. It is often described as infinite, all-pervading, and blissful. Brahman is considered the only true reality, and everything else, including the material world and individual selves, is an illusion (maya) or a temporary manifestation of Brahman. Atman refers to the individual self or soul. Advaita Vedanta teaches that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to Brahman, which means that the true self of every living being is not separate from the ultimate reality. This realization of oneness is central to the spiritual journey in Advaita Vedanta.
Maya is the principle of illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of reality. It is the force that creates the appearance of duality and multiplicity in the world. Advaita Vedanta holds that overcoming maya through self-realization is the key to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) is the ultimate goal of human life. It is achieved through self-realization, which is the direct realization of one’s true nature as identical to Brahman. This realization leads to freedom from suffering and the cycle of reincarnation.
Advaita Vedanta places a strong emphasis on Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge and wisdom. It involves intense self-inquiry and contemplation to discern the difference between the eternal reality (Brahman) and the ephemeral world of appearances (maya). The method of neti-neti (not this, not this) is a system systematically negate all aspects of their identity that are subject to change or are not eternal, ultimately realizing the unchanging self beyond all attributes.
Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece, founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. It is a practical philosophy that offers a framework for living a good and meaningful life, focusing on personal virtue, wisdom, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Stoicism has had a lasting influence on Western philosophy and continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions about personal development, ethics, and well-being.
Stoicism asserts that the highest good in life is virtue (arete in Greek), which encompasses qualities like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline. Virtue is seen as the path to eudaimonia, which can be translated as “flourishing” or “living in accordance with one’s true nature.” Central to Stoicism is the idea that some things are within our control (our thoughts, actions, and choices), while others are not (external events, other people’s actions, and circumstances). Stoics advise focusing on what is within your control and accepting the rest with equanimity.
Stoicism introduces the concept of the “dichotomy of control,” which divides things into two categories: things we can control (our attitudes, judgments, and actions) and things we cannot control (external events, other people’s opinions). Stoics emphasize directing your efforts and emotions toward the former and letting go of attachment to the latter. Stoicism encourages the practice of negative visualization, where individuals contemplate the possibility of losing the things they value. This exercise helps reduce attachment to external possessions and prepares individuals to accept adversity with greater resilience.
Mindfulness and introspection are highly revered by Stoics who believe in examining their thoughts and behaviors to ensure they align with virtuous principles. This self-examination helps individuals cultivate wisdom and self-improvement. It also teaches that hardships and difficulties are inevitable parts of life and we are encouraged to endure adversity with courage and resilience, viewing challenges as opportunities for personal growth and character development.
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of regulating emotions, particularly negative ones like anger, fear, and envy, believing that by understanding the underlying beliefs and judgments that give rise to emotions, individuals can gain better control over their emotional responses. It aligns with the idea that living in accordance with nature means living in harmony with the natural order of the universe. This involves accepting the inevitability of change, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all things.
Stoicism and Advaita Vedanta are two very diverse philosophical and spiritual traditions that have some common features despite originating in different cultural and historical contexts. Both remain popular today because they provide practical tools for individuals to navigate the complexities of life, find meaning in adversity, and cultivate inner peace and wisdom. Both prioritize inner transformation and self-realization. They teach that true happiness and contentment come from within, rather than relying on external circumstances. Both philosophies advocate for detachment from material possessions and a focus on spiritual growth. Stoicism teaches that one should not be overly attached to wealth or luxury, while Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the illusory nature of material reality.
Stoicism teaches the importance of accepting the present moment and not dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future. Advaita Vedanta similarly emphasizes the significance of living in the present and experiencing the oneness of existence. Both traditions encourage individuals to transcend the ego or the sense of a separate self. Stoicism advises individuals to overcome their desires and fears, while Advaita Vedanta teaches that the ego is an illusion and that the true self is universal consciousness. Stoicism emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s emotions and maintaining emotional equanimity in the face of adversity. Advaita Vedanta teaches that understanding one’s true nature leads to emotional stability and liberation from suffering.
Both promote ethical behavior and virtuous living. Stoicism outlines a set of virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-discipline, while Advaita Vedanta highlights the importance of living in harmony with the underlying reality of Brahman. Stoicism teaches acceptance of fate and events that are beyond one’s control, focusing instead on how one responds to them. Advaita Vedanta similarly emphasizes surrender to the divine will and acceptance of the unfolding of life as it is.
Advaita Vedanta specifically emphasizes the concept of non-dualism (Advaita), which suggests that there is only one ultimate reality, and everything is interconnected and part of that reality. Stoicism, while not explicitly non-dualistic, shares the idea of interconnectedness through its emphasis on the commonality of human reason and the unity of the cosmos.
While Advaita Vedanta and Stoicism arise from different cultural and historical backgrounds, they share several profound lessons that can offer valuable insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life. These common lessons bridge the gap between East and West, offering a universal wisdom that transcends cultural boundaries. In essence, Advaita Vedanta and Stoicism offer us timeless wisdom that encourages us to look inward, cultivate virtue, embrace the present moment, and find freedom from the ego and external attachments. By weaving these shared lessons into our lives, we can navigate the challenges of existence with greater wisdom, resilience, and inner peace, regardless of our cultural or philosophical background. These two philosophies remind us that the quest for a meaningful life is a universal endeavor, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries.
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