What Vedanta Is
Vedanta is a philosophy taught by the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of
India. Its basic teaching is that our real nature is divine. God, or Brahman
as it is called, exists in every living being.
Vedanta is therefore a search for self-knowledge, a search for the divine within ourselves. We should not think of ourselves as needing to be "saved." We are never lost. At worst, we are living in ignorance of our true nature.
Vedanta acknowledges that there are many different approaches to God, and all are valid. Any kind of spiritual practice will lead to the same state of self-realization. Thus Vedanta teaches respect for all religions.
The Main
Ideas of Vedanta
Following are some of the main tenets of Vedanta:
 | God is one without a second, absolute and indivisible. Though impersonal, beyond name and form, God assumes various personal forms to reveal itself to us. God is our soul. We are primarily consciousness, part of the cosmic consciousness. |
| All of the incarnations (manifestations of God on Earth) are actual embodiments of Divinity. No one incarnation can be regarded as the only manifestation of that Divinity. |
| There is no accident in the cosmic universe. Human destiny is governed by the law of cause and effect. |
| We are born on earth repeatedly to finish the unfinished work of realizing our divinity. Although we suffer because of actions, we can control ourselves and hence our destiny. |
| There is a higher state of consciousness which can be achieved in this human birth. |
| There are many ways to achieve union with God, through the intellect, emotions, actions, and the will. A specific path or a combination should be followed to realize the aim and objectives of life. |
Vedanta stresses the idea of self effort. It encourages every individual to realize God within by the practice of certain methods, called Yogas, which channel the tendencies we already possess and lead us to God.
Right and Wrong
Conduct
All ethics are merely a means to the end of finding God within ourselves.
"Right" action is action which brings us nearer to the knowledge of God.
"Wrong" action leads us away from that knowledge. Our ideas of "good" and
"evil" are, therefore, only relative values and must not be used as an
absolute standard by which we judge others. Each of us has an individual
problem and an individual path of development. But the goal is the same for
all.
Recent
History
India has produced many great saints and illumined teachers.
Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) was such a teacher who brought was
responsible for teaching
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), came to America as the representative of
Hinduism at the World's Parliament of religions held in Chicago in 1893. His
success was so great that he was invited to remain. For three years he
toured the United States lecturing and holding classes. With the help of
some of his brother monks, a number of Vedanta centers were started in
America.
There are 13 Vedanta Societies in the United States and 125 Centers in the world managed by the Ramakrishna Order. Over 1,000 more centers bear the names of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda.
Information from Vedanta Society of Southern California.
