Pedagogical Application of the Three Levels of Reality in Advaita Vedanta for School Education

Abstract

Vedanta philosophy, especially in Advaita tradition written by Adi Shankaracharya, introduces a unique epistemological framework through the doctrine of the Three Levels of Reality: Pratibhasika Satya (illusory reality), Vyavaharika Satya (empirical reality), and Paramarthika Satya (absolute reality). This three-level framework provides a graded approach to knowledge and logical understanding. Rooted in Upanishadic knowledge and philosophical understanding, the three-level of reality structure offers not only metaphysical insights but also serves as an educational tool for learning, inquiry-based understanding, and value orientation. The levels of reality—from illusion to practical reality to absolute truth—the three stages of learning and help students develop rational and critical thinking, discernment, and holistic understanding of the world. This paper examines the educational and philosophical importance of these Vedantic three levels of reality and proposes a pedagogical framework for integrating into school curriculum and education. The study draws connections with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023, both of which guided the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems in mainstream education. Exploring the Pedagogical Application of the Three Levels of Reality in Vedanta Philosophy for School Education. It also brings to the potential challenges faced by the teachers and teacher educators while applying the three levels of reality with subject pedagogy along with narrating major roles of teacher and learning outcomes derived through integration with the traditional philosophical ideas with pedagogy.