Adi Shankaracharya, also known simply as Shankara, was a Siddha Master, thought to have lived in the eighth century. He synthesized the diverse teachings contained in the ancient Upanishads—teachings referred to as Vedanta—which explore the connection of the individual to the great Reality that encompasses all things.

Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and Baba Muktananda have on numerous occasions brought seekers’ attention to Shankara’s teachings, which elucidate concepts central to the philosophy of the Siddha Yoga path. Shankara’s written works teach that we ourselves are the great Self of all beings, just as we are.

Adi Shankaracharya is credited with the founding of study centers in the four corners of India and with the establishment of ten orders of sannyasins, monks. One of these is the Sarasvati Order to which Baba, Gurumayi, and all the Siddha Yoga Swamis have been initiated.