VEDANTA PHILOSOPHY

A brief summary of the ancient practice

By: Aileen KunewaIndia Center

WHAT IS VEDANTA?

Hindu philosophical traditions passed down in the Vedas or ancient texts of India which teaches how to achieve self realization and understanding the ultimate nature of reality.

Vedanta emphasizes how the universe and all beings in it are complete and in order to realize the truth, one must go beyond the limitations of time, space, and material.

This is known as absolute consciousness.

An example referred to in Vedanta is how the ego influences how we view reality and can create illusions from objects and mistake as we accept them for actual reality

The word Anta means end and Veda means knowledge in Sanskrit. Translated together as “The end of knowledge.” Vedanta is seen as the ultimate spiritual practice in order to achieve Moskha (enlightenment) by mastering Atmavidya (self knowledge) and Brahmavidya (absolute knowledge)

THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THIS PHILOSOPHY

Is to view our reality with pure consciousness of the self and the god within us without limitations, being fully aware that both are equally significant. In order to overcome this, one must realize that illusions are the cause of pain and suffering and is a result of unconscious state of self. Without understanding the law of the universe, humans will continue to suffer

HOW WAS THE PHILOSOPHY CREATED?

Vedanta was passed down through the last scriptures of the Vedas known as the Upanishads, which were composed between 2000 BC and 1000 BC. The Upanishads held records of transcendental experiences gained by Rishis or composes of the Vedic hymns. It also contained documents of universal truths regarding how the ultimate reality is defined

Apart from Vedanta, information from the Upanishads created the base for many philosophies found in India. During the 5th century BC these truths were formed and brought together into Sutras (distinct body of teachings) by the author of the Vedanta Sutras named Badarayana . He incorporated Hinduism with philosophy and termed it Sanatana Dharma meaning eternal or universal righteousness .

THE RELEVANCE OF VEDANTA PHILOSOPHY FOR

HUMAN SOCIETY TODAY The philosophy of Vedanta can be used today when we experience suffering on a

personal level and from external influences to help us recognize and

incorporate its teachings and ultimately find peace within ourselves. I believe that

a similar message is found of universal truth is found in many religions and

spiritual teachings around the world today.

“We must accept Vedantic dictum of basic unity of world religions. There are multi-paths to divinity and no religion has a sole monopoly to reach the divine.”

-Karan Singh, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

Spirituality is meant a way of life oriented to the ultimate purpose or goal in life is realization of the supreme spirit or god”

-Ramakrishna mission