For centuries, Hinduism was a religion that advocated only Advaita 'There is only one God and he represents the Supreme Self in man'. The sages, the yogis and the gnanis of yore all believed in self-realisation. They believed that each man should equip himself for the absolute reality. It was for every person to realise the divinity within himself.

Dwaita or dualism, believes that God is different from man and resides elsewhere. This was a relatively modern belief that was born of Bhakti. People who were not philosophers or spiritually thinkers, felt more comfortable about praying to a Supreme Being, who, they believed, would look after them in return.

Adi Shankara or Shankaracharya as he is commonly known, was probably the most noteworthy teacher of the Advaita school. He played a very significant role in promoting the philosophy of Vedanta. But he did not originate this philosophy. The Vedanta teachings are taken from the Upanishads. Adi Shankara advocated and promoted this school of thought. His enthusiasm and zeal made him an undisputed leader amongst his peers.

The Hindu philosophy concentrates on preaching that the aim of man should be to realise the purpose of life.

Life on earth would necessarily include material and physical desires like acquiring wealth, social status and satisfying sexual desires.

But man must be aware of and learn to concentrate on his eternal destiny. His salvation lies in the liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

When man follows the teachings of the Vedas and leads an ideal life, he can attain Nirvana or eternal bliss.

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