Esoteric Teaching Seminars: Sri Vedanta-sutra

Essays and Articles on the Conclusions of the Vedas

The Domain and Nomenclature of the Absolute Truth

The first principle of Vedānta is to inquire into Absolute Truth. Absolute Truth, for the purpose of this discussion, is defined as the source from which everything emanates, or Brahman. The domain of inquiry into Absolute Truth of Vedānta is therefore, in the broadest sense, the field of ontology or the study of origins.

Introduction to Vedanta-sutra

Vedānta-sūtra describes five tattvas (truths): 1. īśvara (The Supreme Personality of Godhead); 2. jīva (the individual living entity, or spirit-soul); 3. prakṛti (matter); 4. kāla (time); and 5. karma (action). The īśvara is omniscient, but the jīva has only limited knowledge. Still, both are eternal beings, are aware of the spiritual reality, and have a variety of spiritual qualities. Both are alive, have personality, and are aware of their own identity.

Quantum Physics and Vedic Metaphysics

Consciousness is the primary issue in human life. Indeed, without consciousness, there are no other issues. Consciousness and its corollaries are fundamental to every thought, word and action. Yet how strange it is that no universally accepted, comprehensive theory of consciousness exists in Western science. The reason for this is clear: until recently, science intentionally restricted its domain to empirical investigations of the manifest objective world, while consciousness is intrinsically subjective and immanent.

Vedānta as a State of Absolute Consciousness

The essence of Vedānta is not so much a particular philosophical or theological interpretation of some obscure ancient scriptures, but a fresh and living approach to solving the real problems of life for everyone’s practical benefit. We therefore abstract the principles of Vedāntic exegesis and apply them to subjects of paramount concern to everyone: the problems of suffering and death.

Adhyaya 1 Outline

This outline shows the structure of the first major division of Vedanta-sutra, including the four Padas, Adhikaranas and Sutras.

Adhyaya 1 Pada 1: Inquiry into the Absolute

The first adhikarana or topic of Vedānta begins the inquiry into the Absolute [Brahman or the Universal Quantum Wave Function]. Everyone should inquire very seriously about the Absolute. Why? Because knowledge of the Absolute—the science of consciousness—is the only source of unconditional happiness. There is no other means to obtain perfect, uninterrupted, endless happiness, because consciousness is the fundamental existential issue. Such exalted happiness is possible only through understanding and practicing the recondite truths of Vedānta in regard to one’s personal relationship with the Absolute. Because without happiness life is not worth living, one should inquire extensively about the Absolute until one reaches a conclusive practical understanding. In other words, one should dedicate a significant portion of one’s time and resources to inquiring about the science of consciousness and practicing transcendental knowledge until one attains self-realization, the source of unlimited happiness. This will bring the greatest satisfaction obtainable in human life.

Adhyaya 1 Pada 2

Adhyaya 1 Pada 3

Adhyaya 1 Pada 4

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