Appearance and Reality in Śaṇkara’s Advaita Philosophy

Appearance and reality is a prime concept in philosophical discourse both in Eastern and Western tradition. Starting from Monistic Idealism to Dualistic Realism the fundamental problem of philosophy is undoubtedly the problem of Reality. Two famous views are found regarding the reality of the appeared world – one is Idealism and another is Realism. As per the view of Idealism there is one spiritual principle underlying, evolving and sustaining the universe and the world of appearance is unreal. On the other hand Realism holds that the world of appearance is as real as it appears to us. But, if it is considered that there are two ultimate reality opposed to each other one is physical and other is spiritual then this is the view of Dualistic Realism. In Indian tradition most of the thinkers holds that Appearance is relative, bound by duality whereas Reality is only one and absolute. In this regard the view of Śaṇkarachārya, the great Vedantist philosopher gained attention in both Eastern- Western discourse. In this paper a humble attempt has been made to explain the idea of reality and appearance in Śaṇkaracharya’s Advaita Philosophy.