key term - Vedanta

Definition

Vedanta is a Hindu philosophical tradition that focuses on the nature of reality, the self, and the relationship between the two. It is considered one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and has had a profound influence on Indian thought and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vedanta is based on the philosophical insights found in the Upanishads, which are considered the culmination of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures.
2. The central tenet of Vedanta is the concept of Brahman, the ultimate, non-dual reality that is the foundation of the universe and the true nature of the self.
3. Vedanta emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the realization of one's own true nature as Brahman, which is believed to lead to the attainment of Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
4. Advaita Vedanta, the most well-known sub-school of Vedanta, teaches that the individual self (Atman) and the universal Brahman are ultimately one and the same, and that the perception of duality is an illusion.
5. Vedanta has had a significant influence on Indian philosophy, religion, and culture, and has also been influential in the development of Western philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of Brahman in Vedanta relates to the philosophical question of 'What is the nature of reality?'
  • The Vedantic concept of Brahman is central to the philosophical question of the nature of reality. Brahman is understood as the ultimate, non-dual reality that is the foundation of the universe. Vedanta teaches that Brahman is the sole, absolute, and unchanging reality, and that the perceived diversity of the world is ultimately an illusion (Maya) that obscures the underlying unity of Brahman. This view contrasts with other philosophical perspectives that posit a plurality of fundamental substances or a dualistic separation between mind and matter. The Vedantic understanding of Brahman as the singular, infinite, and eternal reality is a key contribution to the philosophical exploration of the nature of existence.
• Describe how the Vedantic concept of Atman, the individual self, relates to the philosophical question of 'What is the nature of the self?'
  • The Vedantic concept of Atman, the individual self, is central to the philosophical question of the nature of the self. Vedanta teaches that the true nature of the self is not the individual ego or personality, but rather the universal Brahman. According to Advaita Vedanta, the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to the absolute, non-dual Brahman, and the perception of a separate, individual self is an illusion. This view contrasts with other philosophical perspectives that see the self as a distinct, autonomous entity or as a composite of various psychological and physical elements. The Vedantic understanding of the self as fundamentally one with the absolute reality of Brahman is a key contribution to the philosophical exploration of the nature of consciousness and personal identity.
• Analyze how the Vedantic concept of Moksha, the ultimate goal of liberation, relates to the philosophical question of 'What is the meaning of life?'
  • The Vedantic concept of Moksha, the ultimate goal of liberation, is deeply connected to the philosophical question of the meaning of life. In Vedanta, the meaning of life is understood to be the realization of one's true nature as Brahman, the absolute, non-dual reality. Moksha represents the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the attainment of this state is seen as the highest human achievement. By realizing the fundamental unity of the individual self (Atman) and the universal Brahman, the Vedantic tradition teaches that one can transcend the illusion of separateness and attain a state of permanent peace, joy, and freedom. This understanding of the meaning of life as the realization of one's essential divinity and the ultimate unity of all existence is a profound contribution to philosophical discussions on the purpose and significance of human life.

Related terms

Upanishads:

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that contain the core philosophical ideas of Vedanta, including the concepts of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self).

Advaita Vedanta:

Advaita Vedanta is a sub-school of Vedanta that emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to the universal Brahman.

Moksha:

Moksha is the ultimate goal of Vedanta, representing the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the realization of one's true nature as Brahman.