Brahma Sutras

Bronze figure of Kashmiri in Meditation by Malvina Hoffman Wellcome M0005215

Shri Shankaracharya

Om symbol

Ramanujacharya

Jagadguru Madhvacharya

నింబాచార్యుడు ప్రేమమందిరం

Brahma Sutras are a collection of 555 sutras (aphorisms) that systematically summarize and interpret the teachings of the Upanishads. They are attributed to Badarayana, also known as Vyasa, who is considered one of the most important figures in the Hindu tradition. The Brahma Sutras aim to clarify the concepts found in the Upanishads, addressing the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality, and Atman, the individual soul, and their interrelation. The text is a foundational scripture in the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.

Structure

The Brahma Sutras are divided into four chapters (adhyayas), each of which is subdivided into four quarters (padas). The sutras are terse and cryptic, requiring extensive commentary to be fully understood. Over the centuries, several major Vedanta philosophers, including Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, and Vallabha, have written extensive commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, each interpreting the text according to their own philosophical perspective.

Adhyayas

1. Samadhi Adhyaya: Establishes the necessity of inquiry into the nature of Brahman and discusses the source of knowledge about Brahman.
2. Avirodha Adhyaya: Addresses apparent contradictions in the Upanishadic teachings and reconciles them.
3. Sadhana Adhyaya: Discusses the means (sadhana) to attain realization of Brahman.
4. Phala Adhyaya: Describes the state of liberation (moksha) and the nature of the liberated soul.

Philosophical Significance

The Brahma Sutras play a crucial role in the Vedanta philosophy, serving as a textual authority that scholars and practitioners refer to when elucidating the concepts of Brahman and Atman. The text's aphoristic style allows for a wide range of interpretations, leading to the development of various sub-schools within Vedanta. The major commentaries on the Brahma Sutras have significantly influenced the direction of Hindu thought and practice.

Major Commentaries

• Adi Shankaracharya: His commentary, known as the Shariraka Bhashya, advocates the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which posits non-dualism between Atman and Brahman.
• Ramanuja: His Sri Bhashya presents the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta viewpoint, emphasizing qualified non-dualism, where the soul and the universe are considered to be attributes of Brahman.
• Madhvacharya: Propounds the Dvaita Vedanta perspective through his commentary, arguing for a strict dualism between the individual soul and the ultimate reality.
• Vallabha: His Anubhashya commentary introduces the Shuddhadvaita Vedanta philosophy, which suggests pure non-dualism, with a focus on loving devotion to Brahman.

Influence

The Brahma Sutras have had a profound impact on the development of Hindu theology, philosophy, and religious practice. The text's authority in Vedanta philosophy has made it a central point of reference for debates on metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics within the Hindu tradition. Its influence extends beyond academic and philosophical circles, impacting the spiritual practices and devotional life of many Hindus.

See Also

• Upanishads
• Vedanta
• Hindu Philosophy
• Moksha