Adhyasa, or superimposition, is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta philosophy, particularly as expounded by Adi Shankaracharya.
It refers to the process by which the attributes of one entity are mistakenly attributed to another due to ignorance or lack of discrimination. In Advaita Vedanta, Adhyasa is considered the root cause of samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and the source of all suffering.
Here’s a breakdown of Adhyasa and why Shankaracharya refers to avidya (ignorance) as anirvachaniya (indeterminate or inexplicable):
1. Adhyasa (Superimposition):
- Adhyasa occurs when the mind superimposes characteristics of one object onto another, leading to confusion and misperception. It involves mistakenly attributing qualities of the mutable, transient world (the realm of Maya) to the immutable, eternal Self (Atman).
- For example, mistaking the body, mind, or ego for the true Self (Atman) is a form of Adhyasa. This leads to the erroneous identification with the limited and perishable aspects of existence, causing bondage and suffering.
2. Role of Avidya (Ignorance):
- Avidya, or ignorance, is considered the primary cause of Adhyasa in Advaita Vedanta. It is the fundamental misunderstanding of one’s true nature as identical with Brahman (the ultimate reality) due to the veiling power of Maya (illusion).
- Shankaracharya explains that Avidya is anirvachaniya, meaning it is indeterminate or inexplicable. This is because Avidya cannot be defined positively as something real, nor can it be completely negated as non-existent. It is a mysterious and inherent aspect of empirical existence that veils the true nature of reality.
3. Role of Avidya in Adhyasa:
- Avidya obscures the true nature of the Self (Atman) and leads to the mistaken identification with the body, mind, and ego. This ignorance gives rise to Adhyasa, as individuals project the attributes of the phenomenal world onto the Self and vice versa.
- Adhyasa perpetuates the cycle of samsara by reinforcing the illusion of duality and separateness. It leads to attachment, desire, and suffering, as individuals continue to seek fulfillment and identity in the external world, unaware of their innate divinity.
4. Resolution of Avidya:
- According to Shankaracharya, the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta is to overcome Avidya and Adhyasa through knowledge (Jnana) of one’s true nature as Brahman. Through self-inquiry (Atma-Vichara) and the guidance of a qualified teacher (Guru), individuals can transcend ignorance and realize their identity with the supreme reality.
- By directly experiencing the non-dual nature of consciousness and recognizing the illusory nature of the phenomenal world, one can attain liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death and abide in the eternal bliss of Brahman.
In summary, Adhyasa (superimposition) is the erroneous attribution of qualities to the Self due to Avidya (ignorance), which Shankaracharya describes as anirvachaniya or indeterminate. Avidya veils the true nature of reality and perpetuates the cycle of samsara by causing individuals to mistakenly identify with the limited aspects of empirical existence. Through knowledge and self-inquiry, one can overcome Avidya and Adhyasa, realizing their innate identity with the supreme reality and attaining liberation.