Today on the birth anniversary of Sage Sri Shankaracharya lets us know some interesting things about him. The great Indian philosopher and social reformer who lived during the 8th century was born in a tiny village called Kalady in the Ernakulam District of Kerala, India, located on the banks of famous River Periyar. In his short lifespan of 32 years, he became one of the greatest teachers of the Vedas. The only weapon he used for this achievement was pure knowledge and spirituality. Shankara is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He had given many of the teachings to Indian history let's have a look at some.

The Teachings of Sri Shankaracharya
The teachings of Shankara can be summed up in half a verse:
“Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Jivo Brahmaiva Na Aparah—Brahman (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal, and the Jiva or the individual soul is non-different from Brahman.”

This is the whole essence or summary of his philosophy. Adi Shankara Acharya traveled widely in India. He taught his Advaita philosophy wherever he went. He explained that supreme Brahman is Nirguna (without the Gunas), Nirakara (formless), Nirvisesha (without attributes) and Akarta (non-agent). Brahman is above all needs and desires. Brahman alone is real, this world is unreal; and the Jiva is identical with Brahman. His teachings are available in the book 'Upadesa Sahasri: A Thousand Teachings', written by the great philosopher himself. Shankara's teachings will continue to live as long as the sun shines.