An Examination of Vedanta Philosophy

Abstract

The aim of this article is to offer an interpretation of the history of Vedanta philosophy, the scriptures of Vedanta philosophy, Vedanta's perspective on knowledge, teachings on Atman in the Upanishads, teachings on Brahman in the Upanishads, the concept of Maya or non-Maya, the law of karma and rebirth, and to analyze Vedanta philosophy. Therefore, it can be summarized that the primary teachings in the Upanishads revolve around what exists in this world, both as the self, referred to as "Atman," and what is not the self, referred to as "Anatman." The universal self is known as "Paramatman," while the individual self is termed "Jivatman." Paramatman is boundless and unrestricted, while Jivatman is confined by the body. Every human possesses Jivatman as the core of life, with the body undergoing transformation and eventual dissolution. Jivatman is inherently connected to Paramatman. The practice to enable Jivatman to access Paramatman involves the pursuit of knowledge, specifically through the elimination of ignorance (Avidya). The process to attain this knowledge is through threefold practice: Sammakammanta, which denotes performing virtuous deeds and acts of charity; Sammasamadhi, which signifies the concentration of the mind by separating it from sensory perceptions; and Samma?ana, which means having a clear understanding of Atman and Paramatman. This knowledge is attained in a state of true realization.