Advaita Vedanta - Monism or NonDualism

Advaita Vedanta was originally known as Puruṣavādha. Literally, it means not two. It is an ancient school of Hindu philosophy which gained acceptance with the growing popularity of Vedism or Brahmanism and the rise of Upanishadic devotional philosophy. It is believed to be one of the classic paths to spiritual realization as per Hindu tradition The term Advaita refers to the idea that Atman, the individual self, is the same as the Supreme Self or Brahman, the highest, transcendental reality which exists beyond the mind and senses and cannot be realized or experienced without becoming one with it.

The followers of this school are known as Advaita Vedantins, or just Advaitins or Mayavaadis. They seek spiritual liberation by overcoming ignorance and impurities of the mind and body and by gaining knowledge of the true Self as the very Brahman, and the only reality, without a second. The philosophy and the principles of the school are derived almost exclusively from the Vedas, especially the Upanishads, which constitute Vedanta, literally meaning the end part of the Vedas. Hence, Advaita is considered a school of Vedanta, which is one of the six branches, philosophies or Darshanas of Hinduism. For more information on Advaita Vedanta, please check the following links.¹