Introduction to Vedanta – A Crash Course

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The four ‘Mahavakayas’, which mean ‘great ‘sayings’ are from the Upanishads. They contain the core essence of the non-dualistic school of Advaita Vedanta..

They are:

1. Pragnyaanam Brahma’ : ‘The highest form of Knowledge is (the All-pervading) Brahman.’
2. ‘Aham Brahmasmi’: ‘I (not the ego but the SELF) am (the All-pervading) Brahman.’
3. ‘Tat Tvam Asi’: ‘That (the All-pervading Brahman) you are.’
4. ‘Ayam Atma Brahma’: The Atman is (the All-pervading) Brahman.

The Mahavakyas should give you a fair idea of what you will be learning in this crash course made up of two parts.

In order to learn an organised religion, you would need to read one or more of its prime scriptures, learn the dos and don’ts by heart, make up your mind to blindly believe in one or more theistic beings, and pledge your allegiance to the religion and your obedience to the clergy.

On the other hand, all that a person who intends to study the Vedas needs is an open heart, mind, and soul. The journey through the Vedas is spiritual and intellectual, which takes a seeker through the different stages, right from the early learning stages to that of being a Self-realised person. The ultimate goal is Self-realisation.

You do not need to ‘become’ something, but through the Knowledge of Vedanta, you will learn to ‘be’ what you really are – DIVINE.

However, due to various reasons, in the name of religion, devotion, and spirituality, different kinds of practices have emerged over a large period of time. These have succeeded in leading seekers far away from the Vedas, of which, the Upanishads are the summit and contain the core non-dualistic philosophy.

It is quite natural for people who decide to study the Vedas and Vedanta to consider taking lessons from great teachers. However, in the busy lives that people lead these days, finding the time or even the right teacher becomes a major stumbling block.

This programme is aimed at enabling seekers to acquire an overview of the non-dualistic philosophy, the Vedic and Upanishadic ‘god concept,’ the greatness and advanced thinking of ancient sages of the Vedic and later periods, and to take the first step towards comprehending their own innate Divinity.

I wish you a spiritually enriching and enjoyable journey through this short programme.

Jai Shri Krishna.

The Video course: Part 1/2 and 2/2

There is no place for superstition, blind faith, irrational ideas, or anything that could cause stress or fear in the minds of people. Vedanta is empowering and liberating.