Śaṅkara’s Interpretation of the Blissful Self
Śaṅkara’s Interpretation of the Blissful Self

Summary/Abstract: Śaṅkara (seventh century) is among the most influential philosophers of Indian classical thought and considered as the founder of non-dual (Advaita) Vedānta, branched during the centuries in numerous Vedānta traditions. His teachings form the basis for understanding Brahman-the Absolute-as one with Ātman, the Self, an inner state described as ānanda (bliss). This study comparatively analyses Śaṅkara’s commentaries on Chapter 6, Ānandamayādhikaraṇa, of the Brahmasūtra, alongside excerpts from the Taittirīya Upaniṣad (Ānandavallī), with his commentaries. It examines exegetical methods and philosophical stance, especially his claim that ānandamaya is Brahman (Brahmasūtrabhāṣya 1.1.12–18), later refuted in 1.1.19 and Taittirīya Upaniṣad Bhāṣya (2.5). The study explores whether this contradiction is incidental or a synthesis of two seemingly opposing ideas like a feature of Śaṅkara’s oeuvre, leading students beyond logic to direct experience. Тhe study aims to deepen understanding of Śaṅkara’s thought and his notion of the doctrine of the blissful self-ānandamaya.

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