This is an elucidative and reconciliatory interpretation of Sri Shankaracharya's life and philosophy. Sri Shankaracharya, an exponent of Advaita Vedanta, is one of the greatest philosophers of India. He was a brilliant thinker and vigorous debater, who reconciled the conflicting sects prevalent in his time, and refuted the harmful, negative systems of thought, thus reviving the Sanatana Dharma and rescuing the foundering Vedic culture. A careful study of his life and philosophy will reveal Shankara's immense contribution to world thought, and dispel the myths and wrong ideas still held about him.
I do not want to get material life, do not want the sense-life, but something higher. That is renunciation. Then, by the power of meditation, undo the mischief that has been done.
-Swami Vivekananda