Advaita in the Thick of Life: A Modern Lens on Non-Duality
Advaita Vedanta has often been perceived as a philosophy of renunciation—a worldview that urges seekers to retreat from the world to realize the ultimate truth. Yet, when we look at the teachings of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, we see that profound truths were rarely delivered in isolation from life. Instead, they were woven into myths, stories, and dialogues that unfolded in the heart of society—amidst kings, warriors, and householders.
This same tradition of embedding philosophical wisdom within the pulse of everyday life continues today. One of the members of the NEEV Community for Self-Inquiry & Sustainability, Vivek, has brought this ancient wisdom into a contemporary context by exploring Advaita through the lens of the Indian Premier League (IPL)—a stage of fierce competition, passion, and drama. In a world where cricket is almost a religion in itself, Vivek’s storytelling bridges the gap between spiritual abstraction and modern experience, showing that Advaita is not just an esoteric doctrine but a living, breathing truth that can be understood in the thick of life.
While we use IPL as an analogy here, we do not endorse it as a sport or a model for society. IPL is a product of capitalism—designed for profit, commercialization, and spectacle—often prioritizing entertainment over the essence of the game. It commodifies players, fuels hyper-consumerism, and reinforces corporate control over what was once a people’s sport. In critiquing IPL, we also recognize that capitalism itself operates on the illusion of separation—dividing people through competition, marketing artificial desires, and making individuals believe they are fragmented entities in pursuit of success. In this sense, IPL becomes not just an example but also a mirror reflecting the very Maya (illusion) that Advaita seeks to unveil.
Just as the Puranas used grand epics to illustrate deeper truths, Vivek has turned to IPL—a tournament that ignites the emotions of millions—to reveal the non-dual essence beneath apparent rivalries and individualistic pursuits. His article playfully yet profoundly explores how concepts like Maya (illusion), Sakshi Bhava (witness consciousness), and Moksha (liberation) are present even in the heat of the game.
By engaging with this piece, you may find that Advaita is not about withdrawing from life but about seeing through the illusion while being fully immersed in the game—whether it is cricket or life itself.
Now, let’s dive into his fascinating perspective on Advaita and IPL.
1. Non-duality (Advaita) vs Duality in IPL
Advaita says: There is no second, only one absolute reality (Brahman). The apparent diversity is just an illusion (Maya).
IPL: There are teams, players, fans divided by loyalty—CSK, MI, RCB—but in the end, it’s just one game, one tournament. Beneath all rivalries, the core is cricket itself, just like Brahman is behind all appearances.
2. The Players and the Self
Advaita says: The ego (individual self) thinks it is separate, but actually it is one with Brahman.
IPL: Every player may play for himself, his stats, his contract, but deep down, everyone is playing the same game, contributing to the same sport. The individual pursuit merges with the collective spectacle.
3. Maya (illusion) in IPL
Advaita: The world we see is Maya, transient and deceptive.
IPL: The hype, advertisements, glamour, fan rivalries, memes—all create a drama, but the actual cricket is simple: bat, ball, field, and skill. The rest is the Maya of IPL!
4. Witness Consciousness (Sakshi Bhava)
Advaita: Be the witness of all actions, unattached.
IPL fans: You cheer, you cry when your team loses, but if you step back like a true Advaitin, you enjoy the game as a neutral witness, appreciating the beauty beyond winning or losing.
5. Moksha (Liberation) in IPL
Advaita: Liberation is freedom from the illusion of separation.
IPL: The moment you stop being just a fan of “your team” and start enjoying every good cover drive, every yorker, you’re free! You’ve found IPL Moksha—joy in the pure play.
Neev Community for Self Inquiry & Sustainability 