Bhartṛhari

Bhartṛhari (Devanagari: ; Bhartrihari; fl. c. 5th century CE), was an Indian philosopher and poet known for his contributions to the fields of linguistics, grammar, and philosophy. He is believed to have been born in the 5th century in Ujjain, Malwa, India. He decided to live a monastic life and find a higher meaning but was unable to detach from worldly life. He lived as a yogi in Ujjain until his death.

He is best known for his works, the ''Vākyapadīya'' (a treatise on sentences and words), ''Mahābhāṣyatikā'' (a commentary on Patanjali's ''Mahabhashya''), ''Vākyapadīyavṛtti'' (a commentary on ''Vākyapadīya kāṇḍas'' 1 and 2), ''Śabdadhātusamīkṣā'', and the 300-verse collection ''Śatakatraya''.

Bhartrhari's philosophy is marked by the concept of "Shabda-Brahman", that the ultimate reality is expressed through words. He posited that language and cognition are linked and that by understanding grammar one can attain spiritual liberation.

Bhartrhari's works have been studied in various Indian philosophical traditions, including Vedanta and Mimamsa. Islamic and Western scholars have also shown interest through various translations and commentaries. In the field of Indian poetics, Bhartrhari's ''Śatakatraya'' continues to be revered and studied and has been translated into many languages, affording access to a global audience. Provided by Wikipedia