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Adi Shankara bibliography

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Through Upanishads, Vedas and Jainism

Overview

Methodology

Shankara formulates the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta by validating his arguments on the basis of quotations from the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures.

A large portion of his works is polemical in nature. He directs his polemics mostly against the Sankhya, Bauddha, Jaina, Vaisheshika and other non-vedantic Hindu philosophies.

Authorship

While Shankaracharya's authorship of the commentaries on the Brahman Sutra, the ten principal Upanishads, as well as the Bhagavad Gita is beyond doubt, many works thought to be authored by him are debated and questioned regarding their authorship today. This includes some of the best-known and important Advaita texts, namely the Vivekchudamani (Vivekacūḍāmaṇi), Maniratnamala, Para-puja, and the Mandukya Upanishad (Māṇḍūkya Upaniṣad) Bashya (Bhāṣya).

Classification

Traditionally, Advaita Vedanta works are classified as:

  • Bashya, commentary
  • Prakaraṇa grantha, philosophical treatise
  • Stotra, devotional hymn

The commentaries serve to provide a consistent interpretation of the scriptural texts from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta. The philosophical treatises provide various methodologies to the student to understand the doctrine. The devotional hymns are rich in poetry and piety, serving to highlight the helplessness of the devotee and the glory of the deity.

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