What is Vedanta

Vedanta is a tradition of Indian philosophy concerned with the self, the world, and how the two relate. These notes follow A. Parthasarathy’s account in Vedanta Treatise.

Parthasarathy presents Vedanta as something to examine, rather than accept on a teacher’s authority. Reason, observation, and practice all matter in his approach.

A central idea is that the individual self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) are not separate. The book describes several ways to investigate this claim, including action (Karma Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), knowledge (Jnana Yoga), and meditation.

The sections below follow these themes and explain the terms as they appear in the book.