Adwaita
This is an Indian school of thought which holds that nothing is real apart from the Brahman (the absolute spirit). Brahman is Nirguna (without characteristics) and Nirvishesha (without distinction) but not characterless. Atma Ca Brahma – the self is Brahman, ie., the living soul is in essence the same as Brahman. According to great sages of India, the world is but an illusory appearance – Maya – that which (ya) is not (ma). The self can go beyond Maya since Moksha (liberation from reincarnation) is its ultimate goal. The direct means of release is through the attainment of Jnana (true wisdom), with the dispelling of ignorance.
