Philosophy

Vedanta

वेदान्त · vedānta

Definition

'End of the Vedas' — the Upanishads and the philosophical schools based on them (Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita are the prasthana-trayi). Major sub-schools: Advaita (Shankara), Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja), Dvaita (Madhva). Vedanta is the end or culmination of the Veda, especially the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita as interpreted by major acharyas. Vedanta study usually combines scripture, commentary, teacher-guided reflection, meditation, and inquiry into Self, Brahman, bondage, and liberation. Related terms include advaita, vishishtadvaita, dvaita, prasthana-trayi, which give the word its surrounding vocabulary. References for this entry include Brahma Sutras, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita; exact usage can vary by sampradaya, text, and family practice.

हिन्दी अर्थ

वेदान्त; उपनिषद्-सिद्धान्त।

Sources Cited

· Brahma Sutras
· Upanishads
· Bhagavad Gita

How Vedanta Fits into Sanātana Dharma

Hindu thought is built from a vocabulary of carefully-distinguished terms. Words like vedanta are not loose translations — each has a precise scriptural genealogy, a specific role in ritual or philosophy, and often a counterpart that completes its meaning. Many of the major Hindu darśanas (Sāṅkhya, Yoga, Vedānta, Mīmāṃsā, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika) refined their vocabulary over centuries; the same Sanskrit term can carry different shades in different schools.

Vedanta sits within a cluster of related concepts — advaita, vishishtadvaita, dvaita, prasthana-trayi. Reading these together gives you the actual texture of the idea, rather than treating it as an isolated definition. Each Sanskrit term in this glossary is cross-linked to the others it presupposes.

Where useful we cite the primary scriptural source — the Upaniṣad, sūtra, or smṛti passage where the term is given its classical sense — alongside trusted modern dictionaries (Monier-Williams, V.S. Apte, Sanskrit Heritage). For practical questions about usage in pūjā or daily life, ask a paṇḍita in your tradition.

Concept Context

Vedanta is the end or culmination of the Veda, especially the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita as interpreted by major acharyas.

Vedanta study usually combines scripture, commentary, teacher-guided reflection, meditation, and inquiry into Self, Brahman, bondage, and liberation.

FAQs

What does Vedanta mean?

How is Vedanta used in Hindu practice or study?

Vedanta study usually combines scripture, commentary, teacher-guided reflection, meditation, and inquiry into Self, Brahman, bondage, and liberation.

More from Philosophy

Atmanआत्मन्

The Self; the eternal, conscious, unchanging essence of the individual; identical with Brahman in Advaita Vedanta. Distinguished from the body-mind complex (the non-Self body-mind complex). Atman is the Self, the innermost reality of the person. Vedanta schools debate its exact relation to Brahman, but all treat it as deeper than body, mind, and passing identity. The term appears in meditation, Upanishadic study, self-inquiry, and teachings that distinguish the witness from changing thoughts and experiences. Related terms include brahman, jiva, purusha, anatman, which give the word its surrounding vocabulary. References for this entry include Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.7, Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 ('tat tvam asi'), Chandogya Upanishad, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad; exact usage can vary by sampradaya, text, and family practice.

Composing…

Definition

How Vedanta Fits into Sanātana Dharma

FAQs

What does Vedanta mean?

How is Vedanta used in Hindu practice or study?

Vedanta study usually combines scripture, commentary, teacher-guided reflection, meditation, and inquiry into Self, Brahman, bondage, and liberation.