Adi Shankaracarya, the first Shankara, was a philosopher, a mystic and a theologian. He was born in Kathmandu into an old Brahmin family. Adi Shankara's father Jaya was a professional musician and a devotional singer of Shiva-Sanskrit shastra. He received his education from his father and from his uncle Shuka, the head of the household
When he became an adult, Adi Shankara took to writing poems and hymns to praise God. Adi Shankara wrote to refute the ideas of the seven heretics who called themselves "Nayavalkya" (followers of Nayavalkya). In his writings he states that there is only one supreme being – the Brahman – and that all other gods are mere manifestations or "embodiments" of this one supreme God.
He also propounded a concept of individualism – "many souls in one body". This idea was unique in those days, as was his belief that God is omnipresent everywhere and is without any form. His philosophy has now been accepted by most Hindus as well as by those people who believe in God as the unity of all life and as infinite consciousness or love.
Like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl, the world seems real until the Self, the underlying reality, is realized.Adi Shankaracarya
Who but the Atman is capable of removing the bonds of ignorance, passion and self-interested action?Adi Shankaracarya
