A journey inward with Dr. Chandra Sekhar Tekal and Swami Sri Adityananda, honoring the timeless legacy of Adi Shankaracharya

06 May, 2025, Bangalore: In honor of Sri Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti, celebrated on May 2, IIM Bangalore hosted a profound session on ‘Vedanta Shravana’ on May 5 in the Institute’s auditorium. The event brought together seekers, scholars, and staff in remembrance of one of India’s greatest philosophers, celebrating not just his birth but the living legacy of his teachings.

Vedanta Shravana—Celebrating Sri Shankara Jayanti 2025

As part of the sacred celebrations of Sri Shankara Jayanti 2025, a Vedanta Shravana session by Vidwan Dr. Chandra Sekhar Tekal and Swami Sri Adityananda explored the profound theme, ‘The Life History of Adi Shankaracharya and National Integration’.

Self-Inquiry and Spiritual Awakening

Dr. Tekal guided listeners beyond the surface of identity into the heart of Advaita Vedanta. One of the most thought-provoking questions he posed was, “If somebody asked you, who were you in your deep sleep, could you answer?”

In deep sleep, we were not aware of our body, our thoughts, or the world, yet we existed. This illustrated a fundamental Vedantic truth: our true self (Atman) existed independently of our mind and senses. The body and ego may have rested, but existence continued unbroken.

This led to a key insight: “Satyam Jñānam Anantam Brahma”—Truth, Knowledge, and the Infinite was Brahman. The self that remained constant in waking, dream, and deep sleep states was none other than Brahman.

Refuting Nāstikata (Non-belief in the Self)

Dr. Tekal further clarified a common misunderstanding about non-belief (Nāstikata). He said, “Common sense told us Nāstikata could not exist. Why? Could anyone say, ‘I don’t exist’? No. Because if someone said that the one saying it was there. Even in the statement ‘I am not there,’ the ‘I’ was present.”

This highlighted a core Advaitic principle: even denial of the self was rooted in the presence of the self. The very ability to negate presupposed an existence to perform the negation.

A Message of National Unity

Adi Shankaracharya, through his relentless travels and teachings, united the spiritual fabric of Bharat. He established institutions, revived Sanatana Dharma, and emphasized unity through philosophical clarity and direct realization—a message still deeply relevant in today’s fragmented world.

About the Speakers:

Vidwan Dr. Chandra Sekhar Tekal was a highly respected scholar and speaker in the field of Vedantic philosophy, known for his rare ability to present deep scriptural truths in a clear, logical, and relatable manner. With a strong academic foundation and years of study under traditional gurus, Dr. Tekal bridged the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding, making timeless teachings accessible to modern audiences.

Swami Sri Adityananda was the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission, Karnataka. He completed the intensive Vedanta Course at Sandipani Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, under Swami Anubhavananda from 1996 to 1998. Swamiji was also a voracious reader and poet at heart, known for weaving profound ideas with poetic elegance. Deeply committed to service and education, Swamiji organized numerous camps for children, youth, and senior seekers, including engaging sessions on Vedic mathematics, fostering holistic growth across generations.

Together, they illuminated the timeless teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, offering seekers both intellectual clarity and spiritual direction in the journey of self-realization.

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