Vedanta
वेदान्त
Vedanta (वेदान्त) - the end of the Vedas - is the systematized knowledge of the Upanishads. It is the culmination of Vedic wisdom, teaching the nature of reality, the Self, and the path to liberation.
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Vedanta - The Conclusion of Wisdom
Vedanta literally means “the end of the Vedas.” It refers both to the Upanishads (which are the concluding portions of the Vedic corpus) and to the philosophical systems based on them.
The Meaning of Vedanta
The word Vedanta is composed of two parts: Veda (knowledge) and anta (end). It can mean:
- The end portion of the Vedic texts (the Upanishads)
- The ultimate purpose or goal of the Vedas
- The philosophical systems that arise from the Upanishads
Vedanta is not a religion in the conventional sense. It is a systematic inquiry into the nature of reality, conducted through the means of scriptural testimony, reasoning, and direct experience.
The Core Teaching
The central teaching of Vedanta is the identity of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This is expressed in the great sentences (mahavakyas) of the Upanishads:
- Tat tvam asi - “That thou art” (Chandogya Upanishad)
- Aham Brahmasmi - “I am Brahman” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)
- Ayam Atma Brahma - “This Self is Brahman” (Mandukya Upanishad)
- Prajnanam Brahma - “Consciousness is Brahman” (Aitareya Upanishad)
The Three Schools
Vedanta is not a monolithic system. Three major schools arose, each interpreting the Upanishads differently:
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Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism) - Founded by Shankara. Brahman alone is real; the world is a superimposition; the individual self is identical with Brahman.
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Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism) - Founded by Ramanuja. Brahman is a personal God with attributes; the world and individual selves are real parts of Brahman’s body.
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Dvaita (Dualism) - Founded by Madhva. God, souls, and the world are eternally distinct; liberation is the soul’s eternal enjoyment of God’s presence.
Vedanta as a Living Tradition
Vedanta is not merely a historical philosophy. It is a living tradition of inquiry and practice. The study of Vedanta traditionally involves:
- Sravana - systematic hearing of the teaching from a qualified teacher
- Manana - reflecting on the teaching until all doubts are removed
- Nididhyasana - dwelling in the truth until it becomes direct realization
Three hundred million people in India today draw inspiration from Vedantic thought, and its influence has spread worldwide through teachers like Swami Vivekananda, Ramana Maharshi, and Paramahansa Yogananda.