Adi Shankara, a revered philosopher and theologian in Hinduism, was a pioneer of the Advaita Vedanta school of thought. He popularized the concept of 'Neti Neti,' meaning 'not this, not this,' which challenges us to look beyond everyday descriptions and recognize that the ultimate reality, Brahman, transcends all dualities. According to Shankara, our soul and true self are inseparable from Brahman; however, the illusion of the material world, termed 'Maya,' obscures this truth, leading us to perceive separation where none exists. By understanding and transcending Maya, Shankara teaches that we can attain true liberation and experience our innate oneness with the divine.
