Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : According to Ādi Śaṁkara, Brahman alone is absolutely real.
Reason (R) : For something to be absolutely real, it has to be non-sublatable at all three periods of time.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Analyzing Assertion (A): Brahman as Absolute Reality
Assertion (A) states: "According to Ādi Śaṁkara, Brahman alone is absolutely real." This statement aligns with the core tenet of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy founded by Ādi Śaṁkara. Advaita Vedanta posits that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the sole existent entity. All phenomena perceived through the senses are considered empirically real but ultimately illusory or relatively real, subordinate to Brahman.
Understanding Reason (R): Criteria for Absolute Reality
Reason (R) states: "For something to be absolutely real, it has to be non-sublatable at all three periods of time." This defines the characteristic of absolute reality (paramārthika-satya) in Advaita philosophy. A reality is considered absolutely real if it remains unchanged and uncontradicted across the past, present, and future. It cannot be sublated (negated or proven false) by any subsequent experience or knowledge.
Evaluating the Relationship between (A) and (R)
Ādi Śaṁkara argued that Brahman fits this definition of absolute reality perfectly. Brahman is eternal, unchanging, and not subject to negation by any other experience. The world of multiplicity, on the other hand, is sublatable—it appears and disappears, changes, and is contradicted by the realization of Brahman. Therefore, the criterion presented in Reason (R) directly supports and explains why, according to Ādi Śaṁkara, Brahman alone is absolutely real (Assertion A).
Conclusion
- Assertion (A) is correct: Brahman is identified as the sole absolute reality by Ādi Śaṁkara.
- Reason (R) is correct: The condition of being non-sublatable across past, present, and future is the definition of absolute reality in Advaita Vedanta.
- Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A): The philosophical reasoning (non-sublatability) is the basis for Ādi Śaṁkara's claim about Brahman's absolute reality.
Thus, both statements are correct, and (R) provides the correct explanation for (A).
Important Questions from Indian Philosophy and Education
Match the Book given in the List I with their respective Author given in the List II
List I List II Book Author A. Karma Yoga I. M. K. Gandhi B. Women and Evil II. Sri Aurobindo C. Ethical Religion III. Swami Vivekananda D. Synthesis of Yoga IV. Nel Noddings V. J. Krishnamurthy Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Match the School of Philosophy given in List I with the respective Metaphysics given in List II:
List I List II School of Philosophy Metaphysics A. Idealism I. The world is "characterised throughout by process and change" B. Realism II. The cosmos is made up of number of entities having various relations to one another and various qualities C. Naturalism III. A surrounding world which is spiritual D. Pragmatism IV. Nature in terms of process rather than either substance or structure Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The primary belief of Existentialism is:
J. Krishnamurthy believed that 'teaching' means:
A. Giving or receiving something
B. Studying first and then translating into actions
C. Sharing together
D. Helping students to pass examination
E. Realising the 'self
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Arrange the 'puruśārthas' in the correct sequence-
(A) Mokşa
(B) Dharma
(C) Kāma
(D) Artha
