Question

What does the term "Vedanta" literally mean, and what does it signify in the context of Indian philosophy?

• A. “Path of knowledge” – emphasizing intellectual debate over spiritual insight
• B. “End of the Veda” – indicating both the concluding portion of the Vedas and the culmination of Vedic spiritual thought
• C. “Book of rituals” – focusing on sacrificial ceremonies from early Vedic texts
• D. “Song of the Lord” – referring specifically to the Bhagavad Gita

Answer 1

Answer:

B. “End of the Veda” – indicating both the concluding portion of the Vedas and the culmination of Vedic spiritual thought

Vedanta Philosophy Vedanta refers to the philosophical teachings found in the Upaniṣads, which form the concluding portion of the Vedas. Broadly, it encompasses the core principles expressed in the Prasthana-trayi—the Upaniṣads, the Brahma Sutra, and the Bhagavad Gita. The term Vedanta literally means “the end of the Veda,” signifying both its position in the Vedic corpus and its culmination in spiritual thought. The foundational text of this system is the Brahma Sutra by Badarayaṇa, compiled around the 2nd century BCE. In Vedanta, Brahman is considered the ultimate, unchanging reality, while the phenomenal world is seen as Maya—an illusion or impermanent appearance. The individual self, or Atman, is regarded as identical with Brahman. Realization of this unity through true knowledge leads to liberation (moksha). Both Brahman and Atman are eternal, infinite, and indestructible.