'Adi Shankaracharya Established Coordination Between Shaiva, Vaishnava Sects'

Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): A workshop was organised on the occasion of Adi Shankaracharya’s birth anniversary at Prime Minister Government Madhav College of Excellence under the joint aegis of Indian Knowledge Tradition Cell, department of philosophy and department of Sanskrit.

In the inaugural session, the chief guest, Prof Vijay Kumar Menon CG, vice-chancellor of Maharishi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University, presented a detailed explanation of Vivek Chudamani composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Referring to the many compositions propounded by the Acharya, he said that Prasthanatrayi, Bhajagovindam, Aparokshanubhuti are the major compositions.

He presented a detailed explanation of Saundarya Lahari and Chatusutri. Referring to many Sanskrit verses, he also explained how the Acharya established coordination by ending the conflict between the Shaiva and Vaishnava sects through Advaita Vedanta.

In his presidential address, principal Dr Kalpana Singh said that the traditions of Advaita Vedanta are propounded by Acharya Shankar. According to the new education policy, they are inclusive and coordinated. The works of Acharya Shankar are paving our way even today.

On this occasion, a poster related to Advaita Vedanta was unveiled. The topic was introduced by Dr Shobha Mishra. It was conducted by Dr Zafar Mahmood.

In the second session of the workshop, Dr Praveen Joshi, district coordinator, Anandam department, mentioned the integrity of the country done by the Acharya.

He also told about Dashnami Akhara and also highlighted the importance of titles like Giri and Saraswati etc. Dr Anshu Bhardwaj said that Shankaracharya, while giving the knowledge of Brahma, presented the depth of the Bhakti movement in front of the Indian society and tried to erase the distance that had been created from the Vedas for centuries.

Kabirpanthi Manish Kumar, while differentiating between knowledge and ignorance, emphasised on the destruction of vices and development of virtues and talked about the destruction of ignorance.

In the third session, Sanskrit department head Dr Nalini Tilkar explained the theory of Maya. Thereafter, Dr Archana Pandey spoke about moral development, stressing on the practical aspect of Advaita Vedanta.

Dr Saroj Shukla emphasised on the importance of Advaita Vedanta in education. In the fourth session, Dr Lakshmi Mehar highlighted the establishment of the four monasteries established by Acharya Shankar and the importance of these monasteries in maintaining the unity of the country.

Dr Jyoti Goyal explained Acharya Shankar’s method of creation of the universe through the Panchikaran principle. Dr Kiran Baderia highlighted Aparokshanubhuti.

Dr Shailaja Savle highlighted the lives of saints. Research student Vishwas explained the life of Shankaracharya, describing him as an ideal. Prof Deepak Bhartiya proposed the vote of thanks.