Vedanta: A Simple Introduction

Vedanta: A Simple Introduction
by Pravrajika Vrajaprana

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Book Summary Information

Author: Pravrajika Vrajaprana
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1999-05
ISBN: 0874813735
Number of pages: 90
Publisher: Vedanta Press

Book Reviews of Vedanta: A Simple Introduction

Book Review: Understand the basics of Vedanta...
Summary: 5 Stars

Vedanta arose from the Sanskrit texts known as "The Vedas." As ancient as they come, the Vedas arguably remain the world's oldest religious texts. They also embody a progression of thought that evolves from polytheism to monism. Vedanta builds on the Vedas' monistic tendencies, or the idea that all things are "one." One reality. One truth. Nothing exists apart from anything else. This idea gets stretched to its absolute limit. According to this book Vedanta even says: "Love your neighbor as yourself because your neighbor is yourself."

This book lives up to its subtitle of "A Simple Introduction." Everyone should finish this diminutive treatise with a basic understanding of one of the world's oldest religions. Short chapters discuss the major elements: the oneness of existence, the divinity of all, maya or illusion, karma, reincarnation, Vedanta ethics (yama and niyama), the Avatar, the harmony of all religions, and spiritual practice. One chapter delineates the four types of yoga practice: Bhakhti yoga, the path of love and devotion; Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge (also known as Advaita); Karma yoga, the path of work; Raja yoga, the path of meditation. Aspirants usually focus on one of these paths, but not to the complete exclusion of the others. Vedanta recognizes that not everyone follows the same path. Nonetheless, the goal remains the same. All paths lead to self-affirmation. The final chapter discusses the 19th century revitalization of Vedanta by Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Through these pivotal individuals Vedanta became a practice of service to humankind. The Ramakrishna Order was born. The book closes with Vivekananda's tumultuous visit to America in 1893 and the founding of Vedanta Centers in America. Often associated primarily with India, Vedanta also has a long history in America, beginning with the founding of the New York Vedanta Society in 1894. A mere 90 pages sum up everything above in a coherent readable manner. Not only that, the entire book is readable in a single sitting. Regardless, it contains much to digest.

Vedanta considers itself a fundamental and universal religion, though it by no means claims to trump other faiths. According to its tenets, all religions have the same goal in mind: self-affirmation in Brahman or God (the book uses these terms interchangeably). But they all get there in their own inimitable fashion. On this point the book quotes the Rig Veda (considered the oldest of the Vedas): "Truth is one; Sages call it by various names." Christ, The Buddha, Muhammad the Prophet, Ramakrishna, they all had the same goal in mind. Though their followers may have taken their core beliefs in different - and sometimes dangerous - directions, the essence of them all, according to Vedanta, remains unity with Brahman or God.

Those with no knowledge of Vedanta should start, but not end, here. This book makes its sometime esoteric subject comprehensible to any general reader. A thorough understanding involves far more than this book can offer, of course, but every path must begin somewhere.

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Summary of Vedanta: A Simple Introduction

A concise, and delightful introduction to Vedanta, the philosophical backbone of Hinduism.

Written with verve and charm by a Western nun for a Western audience, this brief book gives a comprehensive overview of Vedanta philosophy while emphasizing its practical Western application.

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