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.
Learn to feel yourself in other bodies, to know that we are all one. Throw all other nonsense to the winds. Spit out your actions, good or bad, and never think of them again. What is done is done. Throw off superstition. Have no weakness even in the face of death. Do not repent, do not brood over past deeds. Be aazaad (free).
-Swami Vivekananda