BRAHMA SUTRAS

The word "sutra" literally means a thread or line that holds things together and is derived from the verbal root siv-, meaning to sew.  A related medical term is "suture."

The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, consist of 555 aphorisms in four chapters.  Each chapter is divided into four quarters, each quarter consisting of several topical sections.

The first chapter states that all Vedanta texts speak of Brahman, the ultimate reality.  The realization of Brahman by way of the Atman, the subjective aspect of Brahman, is the goal of life.

The second chapter discusses and refutes the possible objections to this philosophy.

The third chapter explains the process by which ultimate emancipation (moksha) can be achieved.

The fourth chapter describes the state that is achieved in final liberation, moksha.

Many commentaries have been written on the Brahma Sutras, the earliest extant being by Sri Adi Shankara. His commentary set forth the non-dualistic (Advaita) interpretation of the Vedanta philosophy. 

Shankara’s interpretation was commented upon subsequently by Vācaspati and by Padmapāda. These sub-commentaries, in turn, inspired other derivative texts in the Advaita school.