VEDANTA’S VIEW OF EXISTENCE

According to Vedanta the current universe, created by the “Big Bang,” was preceded by an infinite number of other universes, and will be followed by an infinite number of still other universes.

However, there is one ultimate Reality.  When regarded as transcendent this Reality is called Brahman, and when regarded as immanent it is called Atman.  Atman is within every creature and object. 
 
We humans superimpose our relative selves, and all that our relative selves are attached to, on our true nature, Atman, resulting in karmas.  These karmas, positive and negative, are expressed in our present and future lifetimes.
 
The purpose of human life is to identify, through spiritual practice, with Atman/Brahman, for doing so releases us from the karmic cycle of rebirth.  We humans are uniquely positioned to do this.

Vedanta accepts all the great spiritual teachers, and personal or impersonal aspects of the Godhead worshiped by different religions, viewing them as manifestations of the one Reality.