Advaita, also known as Advaita Vedanta, is a school of Hindu philosophy that focuses on the concept of non-duality. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "advaita," meaning "not two," and "vedanta," meaning "end of the Vedas." This philosophy was founded by Adi Shankara in the 8th century and has been further developed and taught by many spiritual leaders, including Ramesh Balsekar.

At its core, Advaita teaches that there is only one ultimate reality, known as Brahman, and that everything else is an illusion created by the mind. This concept is based on the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Upanishads, which state that the true nature of the self is identical to Brahman.

According to Advaita, the root cause of all suffering is the belief in the separation between the individual self, or ego, and Brahman. This separation creates a sense of duality and leads to attachment, desire, and fear. Advaita teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the true nature of the self and to understand that there is no separation between the individual and Brahman.

One of the key teachings of Advaita is the concept of "neti neti," which means "not this, not this." This is a method of negation used to help individuals understand the true nature of reality. By recognizing that everything in the world is temporary and subject to change, one can begin to let go of attachments and desires and focus on the eternal and unchanging reality of Brahman.

Advaita also emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and contemplation. Through introspection and questioning, one can come to understand the true nature of the self and transcend the limitations of the mind and ego.

In his teachings, Ramesh Balsekar emphasized the simplicity of Advaita and its practical application in everyday life. He taught that by understanding the non-dual nature of reality, one can experience true peace and freedom from suffering.

In conclusion, Advaita is a profound philosophy that teaches the ultimate non-duality of all existence and the importance of realizing the true nature of the self. Through self-inquiry and contemplation, one can transcend the limitations of the mind and ego and experience the eternal and unchanging reality of Brahman.