Vedanta

Vedanta is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and represents the culmination of the philosophical teachings found in the Upanishads, which are the concluding parts of the Vedas, the ancient sacred texts of India. Vedanta is a prominent and influential philosophical tradition within Hinduism that explores the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Key features and characteristics of Vedanta include:

1. The Upanishads as the Source: Vedanta’s philosophical foundation is rooted in the Upanishads, which are considered the highest and most profound scriptures of Hinduism. The Upanishads contain the philosophical teachings and insights on the nature of reality, the self, and the divine.
2. Non-dualism (Advaita) and Dualism (Dvaita): Vedanta is divided into different sub-schools, the two most prominent being Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism) and Dvaita Vedanta (Dualism). Advaita Vedanta, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, posits that the ultimate reality is non-dual, wherein the individual self (Atman) and the universal reality (Brahman) are one and the same. On the other hand, Dvaita Vedanta, founded by Madhvacharya, asserts a dualistic view, emphasizing the eternal distinction between the individual self and the divine reality.
3. Monism and Pantheism: Vedanta is often described as monistic, meaning it believes in the unity and oneness of all existence. In Advaita Vedanta, this leads to a form of pantheism, where Brahman is understood as the ultimate reality that pervades and encompasses everything in the universe.
4. Maya: Both Advaita and Dvaita Vedanta acknowledge the concept of Maya, which refers to the illusory nature of the phenomenal world. According to Vedanta, the material world is not the ultimate reality but rather an appearance created by the power of Maya.
5. Scriptural Authority: Vedanta places great importance on scriptural authority, particularly the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras, a text that systematizes the teachings of the Upanishads. These texts are regarded as authoritative sources of philosophical knowledge.
6. Liberation (Moksha): The primary goal of Vedanta is to attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Advaita Vedanta teaches that realizing the identity of the individual self with Brahman leads to liberation, while Dvaita Vedanta emphasizes devotion and surrender to the divine for attaining liberation.

Vedanta has had a profound influence on Hindu thought, culture, and spirituality. It continues to be a vibrant and diverse tradition, with numerous scholars and practitioners exploring its philosophical intricacies and seeking spiritual realization through its teachings. Additionally, Vedanta has also attracted the interest of scholars and seekers from various cultural backgrounds outside of India due to its profound insights into the nature of existence and the self.