Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). \[ \text{Assertion (A): Shankaracharya believed the world to be a mere appearance.} \] \[ \text{Reason (R): He believed that Brahman is the only absolute reality.} \] In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

In Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is the only absolute reality, and the world is treated as appearance from the ultimate standpoint.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Shankaracharya is the chief philosopher of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta teaches non-dualism. According to this philosophy: \[ \text{Brahman alone is ultimately real} \]

Step 1: Check Assertion (A).
Shankaracharya considered the world as appearance from the ultimate standpoint. The world is not absolutely real like Brahman. So, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Check Reason (R).
The Reason says that Brahman is the only absolute reality. This is the central doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. So, Reason (R) is correct.

Step 3: Check explanation.
Because Brahman alone is absolutely real, the empirical world is considered appearance. Thus, Reason correctly explains Assertion. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]