Ajātivāda

Ajātivāda is a philosophical concept in Hinduism that asserts the view of “non-origination” or “unborn-ness.” It is primarily associated with the Advaita Vedanta school of thought, which is a major philosophical tradition within Hinduism.

In Advaita Vedanta, Ajātivāda is the notion that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is neither born nor created, and therefore, the entire universe is considered unreal (maya) or an illusion. This concept is closely related to the idea of non-duality (advaita) and the understanding that the individual self (Atman) and Brahman are essentially the same.

Key points of Ajātivāda:

1. Non-Creation: Ajātivāda posits that the universe is not created by any divine entity or force. Instead, it asserts that the universe is a manifestation of the unchanging and eternal Brahman, which is beyond the realm of creation and destruction.
2. Illusory Nature of the Universe: According to Ajātivāda, the entire universe, including the physical world and individual identities, is considered an illusion or Maya. It is likened to a dream or a mirage that appears real but is ultimately unreal.
3. Transcendence of Time: In Ajātivāda, Brahman is considered timeless and beyond the constraints of time and space. It is said to be beyond birth and death, existing in a state of eternal being.
4. Identity of Atman and Brahman: Ajātivāda affirms the identity of the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The true nature of the individual self is identical to the ultimate reality, and the illusion of individuality is dispelled through spiritual realization.
5. Liberation (Moksha): The recognition of the non-origination of the universe and the identity of the individual self with Brahman leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Liberation is achieved through self-realization and the transcendence of ignorance (avidya).

Ajātivāda is a profound philosophical concept that emphasizes the ultimate reality’s timeless and non-dual nature. It challenges conventional notions of creation and existence, encouraging seekers to look beyond the apparent multiplicity of the world to discover the unity of the self and the ultimate reality. As with all philosophical concepts, interpretations and emphasis may vary among different scholars and practitioners within the Advaita Vedanta tradition.