VEDANTA: AN OVERVIEW

Vedanta is often, but less correctly, called Hinduism, a word first used by the Persians for the inhabitants of India living on the far side of the river Sindhu, or Indus. 

Vedanta teaches that the purpose of a person’s life is to realize the one ultimate Reality, or Godhead, here and now, through spiritual practice.  The word Vedanta often refers to the nondualistic aspect of the philosophy, Advaita Vedanta. 

Advaita Vedanta states that the universe of name and form is a misreading of the one ultimate Reality.  This one ultimate Reality is called Brahman when regarded as transcendent, and Atman when regarded as immanent.  Since this one ultimate Reality is omnipresent, it is in every creature and object, making them, and man, divine.

Direct superconscious experience of his identity with Atman-Brahman releases a person from all the worldly bondages, karmas, he has brought upon himself, freeing him from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.