Vedanta

Vedanta is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. It is also known as Uttara M_m__s_, which means the "latter" or "end" part of the Vedas. Vedanta reflects ideas that emerged from the speculations and philosophies contained in the Upanishads, specifically, knowledge and liberation.

Etymology

The term "Vedanta" is a compound of "Veda" and "anta," meaning "end of the Vedas." It refers to the teachings found in the end portion of the Vedic texts, primarily the Upanishads.

Philosophical foundations

Vedanta is based on three main texts, collectively called the Prasthanatrayi: the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. These texts form the basis for the various sub-schools of Vedanta.

Sub-schools of Vedanta

Vedanta has several sub-schools, each interpreting the texts in its own way. The major sub-schools are:

Advaita Vedanta

Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic system of thought. It posits that the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are identical. The most prominent proponent of Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankaracharya.

Adi Shankaracharya, a key figure in Advaita Vedanta

Vishishtadvaita Vedanta

Vishishtadvaita is a qualified non-dualistic school of Vedanta, which posits that the individual soul is distinct yet part of Brahman. Ramanuja was the main proponent of this school.

Dvaita Vedanta

Dvaita Vedanta is a dualistic interpretation of the Vedanta, which maintains that God (Vishnu) and the individual souls are distinct entities. Madhvacharya was the founder of this school.

Diagram illustrating the epistemology of Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita

Other schools

Other notable schools include Nimbarka's Dvaitadvaita, Vallabha's Shuddhadvaita, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Achintya Bheda Abheda.

Nimbarkacharya, proponent of Dvaitadvaita

Vallabha, proponent of Shuddhadvaita

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, proponent of Achintya Bheda Abheda

Influence and legacy

Vedanta has had a profound influence on Hindu thought and spirituality. It has also impacted other religious traditions and philosophical systems. The teachings of Vedanta have been spread globally by various spiritual leaders and organizations.

Related pages

• Upanishads
• Brahma Sutras
• Bhagavad Gita
• Hindu philosophy

References

• Radhakrishnan, S. (1929). Indian Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
• Sharma, C. (1962). A Critical Survey of Indian Philosophy. Motilal Banarsidass.
• Flood, G. (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge University Press.

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  Vedanta
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  Nimbarkacharya's holy icon at the Ukhra Nimbarka Peeth Mahanta Asthal
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  Sankaracharya by Raja Ravi Varma
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  Lord Swaminarayan writing the Shikshapatri
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  Shri Mahaprabhuji
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  Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at Jagannath