vedanta

Vedanta refers to a major tradition within Hindu philosophy that interprets the teachings of the Vedas, especially the Upanishads, focusing on questions of ultimate reality, consciousness, and liberation. The term means "end of the Vedas" or "essence of the Vedas." Its central concerns include Brahman, the universal reality; Atman, the individual self; Maya, the illusory appearance of the world; and Moksha, release from the cycle of birth and death.

The foundational texts are the Prasthanatrayi—the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras (Vedanta Sutras), and the Bhagavad Gita. Classical commentaries by thinkers such as Adi Shankaracharya established the major systematic positions and debates, though diverse interpretations emerged across centuries.

The principal schools are Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), most associated with Shankaracharya, which posits that Brahman alone is real and the individual self is ultimately identical with Brahman; the world is Maya. Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) of Ramanuja teaches a unity of self with Brahman but maintains a personal relationship with a supreme God, emphasizing devotion. Dvaita (dualism) of Madhvacharya argues for an eternal distinction between God, souls, and matter, with liberation through grace and devotion. There are other approaches, such as Bhedabheda and others, but these three form the core.

In later history, Vedanta shaped Hindu thought, devotional movements, and modern philosophy. Notable figures include Ramana Maharshi, Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, and contemporary scholars who have interpreted Vedanta for global audiences. Academic study treats Vedanta as a family of related but distinct interpretations of the same canonical texts.