¿A¿KARA has been one of the greatest philosophers of India. He dedicated his brief and intense life (788-820) to re-establish the authority of the Sruti, to codify the Advaita Ved¿nta, the doctrine of Non-duality, and to anchor the Metaphysical Tradition of the Vedas through the foundation of monasteries (mathas) and monastic orders. With his bhashya (commentary) to the Upanisads, the Brahmas¿tra, and the Bhagavadg¿t¿ and with his own writings, Sankara has profoundly influenced not only India's philosophical development, but that of the entire world.