Causality in Advaita Metaphysics

Abstract

<p>Throughout Śaṁkara's bhāșyas on the Upanișads, Bhagvad Gītā, and Brahma Sūtra, we are entreated to oft elaborate discussions on the principle of causality. These latter discussions are metaphysical in flavour and seem to have as their intent the establishment of a transcendental ground, Brahman. However, on the other hand, there are arguments adopted and utilized by Śaṁkara tat deny the causality principle ultimately. This thesis is an attempt to place these seemingly antithetical positions in proper perspective , and to illustrate that the principle of casuuality, for the Advaita, is no real hermeutical principle of Being (Brahman), but only a tentative proposition adopted within the structure of māyā and avidyā. At most causality is a tentative proposition utilized in a endeavour to appease the gods of reason, and not Brahman.</p>