3

How did adi shankara view Buddhists. Did he consider them to be on right path or did he consider them to be on wrong path.

Did he believe that, if so one follows buddhist philosophy (alone) will attain Moksha.

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    He has written a Brahma Sutra Commentary where the Buddhists are referred to as Shunyavadis and Vijnanavadis. I’m sure there would most likely be an existing question for this.
    – Adiyarkku
    Jun 10, 2021 at 18:49
  • 2
    Interestingly, he adopts slightly different positions towards Buddhism. In Mandukya and Gaudapada karika bhAshya, he acknowledges that one particular school of Buddhism is at least partly correct. However, in Brahmasutra bhashya, he makes an unqualified rejection of Buddhism.
    – user23407
    Jun 10, 2021 at 18:57

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Regards how did Shankaracharya view Buddhists , its already answered here 1 and 2 . As regards to his view if Buddhists get Moksha, he opinions that his path is better than Buddhism but in end says if Buddhists accept Vedas, they can be included among Vedantic Schools which perhaps means they are eligible for same Moksha as all Advaitans in his opinion.

But if the Bauddhas accept the authority of the Vedas, then they would be included within the Vedantic school and no longer remain outside it, but as a matter of fact they do not accept the Vedas. (Bramha Sutra Bhasya of Shankaracharya 2.2.29)

He also worshipped Buddha in Hari Hara Stotra Verse 10 :

I worship the spiritual radiance manifested as Buddha, who was all-knowing, who was the conqueror of Mara, who was full of mercy, who was of the nature of Bodha (spiritual consciousness), and who was the adored of those who were opponents of Yagnyas.

Improve this answer
8
  • Please provide reference links for first quotation.
    – user23407
    Jun 11, 2021 at 2:56
  • "means they are eligible for same Moksha" please provide reference for this.
    – Dark Knight
    Jun 11, 2021 at 5:18
  • 1
    Thanks for the answer
    – Dark Knight
    Jun 11, 2021 at 5:18
  • When he is saying that Buddhists would be included within Vedantic school, What does it mean @DarkKnight ?
    – Sethu Srivatsa Koduru
    Jun 11, 2021 at 6:57
  • 1
    He is saying they can be subpart of his school if they accept vedas @DarkKnight
    – Sethu Srivatsa Koduru
    Jun 11, 2021 at 10:38

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .