Vedanta

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The term Veda is derived from the Sanskrit root. 'Vid'-to

know. 'Anta' means end. Thus Vedanta literally signifies " end of

wisdom. " Philosophy is called Vedanta, because, it explains what that

end is and how to achieve it. Vedanta is the religion of the Vedas or

the Upanishads. It is the only universal, eternal religion. It is the

essence of the teachings of the Srutis.

 

Vedanta is that bold philosophy which teaches unity of life or

oneness of consciousness. It is that supreme philosophy which boldly

proclaims, with emphasis and force, that this little Jiva or human

being is identical with the Supreme Soul or the Eternal. It is that

sublime philosophy which elevates the mind at once to the magnificent

heights of Brahmanhood, divine splendour and glory, which makes you

absolutely fearless, which destroys all barriers that separate man

from man, and which brings concord, unruffled peace and harmony to

the suffering humanity at large. It is the only philosophy that can

really unite, on the basis of the one common Self in all, a Hindu and

a Mohammedan, Catholic and a Protestant, a Vaishnavite and a Saivite,

an Irishman and an Englishman, a European and an American, on a

common platform, and in the core of their hearts also. It is the only

philosophy that, when properly understood and practised, can put a

definite stop to the world war, dissensions, splits, communal fights,

skirmishes, etc., that exist in different nations and communities.

 

Vedanta is a magnetic healing balm for the wounded and afflicted in

the dreadful battle-field of this dire Samsara. It is the divine

collyrium which removes the cataract of ignorance and gives a new

inner eye of intuition or wisdom. It is the direct royal road to the

domain of unalloyed felicity and the Supreme Abode of Immortality and

Eternal Bliss.

 

It eradicates ignorance-the root-cause of human sufferings-puts an

end to the ever-revolving wheel of births and deaths and confers

immortality, infinite knowledge and bliss. It gives hope to the

hopeless, power to the powerless, vigour to the vigourless and joy to

the joyless.

 

Vedanta speaks of one Atma or Brahman which is beginningless,

endless, timeless, spaceless, immortal, self-luminous, indivisible

and all-pervading, who is Sat-Chit-Ananda.

 

Vedanta gives freedom for all. It embraces or includes one and all.

Vedanta is neither theory nor dry philosophy for contention and

argumentation. It is actual life of perennial bliss in Brahman or

Truth. Equip yourself with four means. Enquire, " Who am I? " Meditate

on Brahman. Know " Thou art That. " O aspirants bold! Say Om Tat Sat;

Om-Sat-Chit-Ananda-rupah, Sivoham, Sivoham; Sat-Chit-Ananda-

Svarupoham. "

 

(Source: Essence of Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda)