Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda What is Vedanta? | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Apr 8, 2025
Swami Sarvapriyananda introduces Vedanta as a core Hindu philosophy, delving into its etymology and significance. He outlines the foundational texts of Vedanta: the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras. Distinguishing Advaita Vedanta, he emphasizes the journey from ignorance to knowledge and the profound teaching of 'That thou art.' The discussion also contrasts God-centered and self-inquiry paths. Finally, he touches on practical Vedanta, emphasizing inner peace and service as vital components of spiritual life.
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Meaning: 'End' And Cutting Edge Of Knowledge
- 'Vedanta' literally means the end or final teaching of the Vedas and can also mean the cutting edge of knowledge.
- Swami Sarvapriyananda highlights the Upanishads as the primary source of Vedantic knowledge.
Learning Vedanta Sara As A Novice
- Swami Sarvapriyananda recalls studying Vedanta Sara as a novice and memorizing its definition of Vedanta.
- He mentions a very elderly teacher, about 105–106 years old, who taught him during monastic training.
The Prasthanatraya And Commentaries
- Vedanta's textual foundation is the Prasthanatraya: Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras with commentarial traditions.
- Different Vedanta schools arise from distinct commentaries on the Brahma Sutras by masters like Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhva.