Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Shankara or Shankaracharya, was a great philosopher and theologian who lived in India during the 8th century. He is widely considered to be the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, which emphasizes the concept of non-dualism or oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Shankaracharya's teachings have had a profound impact on Hinduism, particularly in shaping the concept of Maya.

Maya, in Hinduism, is often described as the illusory power of the universe that creates the perception of duality and separation from the ultimate reality. It is believed to be the cause of human suffering and the root of all ignorance. Shankaracharya's teachings on Maya revolve around the idea that the world we perceive is not the ultimate reality, but rather a manifestation of Maya. He believed that Maya is a product of our own ignorance and is not a separate entity from Brahman.

One of Shankaracharya's key teachings was the concept of "Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya," which means "Brahman is the only truth, the world is an illusion." This statement encapsulates the essence of his teachings on Maya. Shankaracharya believed that the world we see is not real, but rather an illusion created by Maya. He argued that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the all-pervading consciousness, and everything else is just a manifestation of this consciousness.

According to Shankaracharya, Maya is the result of our limited perception and understanding of reality. He taught that the human mind is conditioned to see duality and separation, which leads to the illusion of the world. He believed that Maya can only be overcome through self-realization, where one realizes the true nature of the self and its oneness with Brahman.

Shankaracharya's teachings on Maya also had a significant impact on the practice of Hinduism. He emphasized the importance of spiritual knowledge (Jnana) over ritualistic practices (Karma). He argued that only through true knowledge and understanding can one overcome Maya and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Furthermore, Shankaracharya's teachings also influenced the understanding of maya in other schools of Hinduism. For example, the Vaishnavite school of Hinduism, which believes in the worship of Vishnu as the supreme deity, adopted Shankaracharya's concept of Maya and incorporated it into their belief system.

In conclusion, Adi Shankaracharya's teachings played a crucial role in shaping the concept of Maya in Hinduism. His emphasis on non-dualism and the illusory nature of the world has had a lasting impact on the understanding of Maya and its role in human existence. His teachings continue to be relevant and influential in the practice of Hinduism, and his legacy as a proponent