Vedanta Wisdom Trust

What is Vedanta? Vedanta is simply the study of the essence of the Vedas, the spiritual texts and guides to life and living discovered by the seers of ancient India. Why Vedanta? Some of us think Vedanta is the study of rituals, sacrifice or religion. Actually it is the study of dynamic living. We learn to strengthen our intellects, find true and permanent happiness and live a spiritual life. Material success and prosperity are automatic by-products of the correct application of the principles of Vedanta. It’s not something to turn to only in our old age. In the early days, these principles were taught to young children so that they might lead happy, successful lives. That said, there is no age limit to the study of Vedanta. Does this involve giving up all the fun stuff in life? Vedanta doesn’t tell you to do anything. Anything that you forcibly repress only comes back stronger and you crave it more. We all start at different levels and have different personalities. What we do learn is to separate the superfluous from the eternities. How to drop anger, agitation and jealousy and to learn to truly enjoy life and living. And fun is very much a part of happy living! There are so many new age philosophies and gurus these days – how is this any different? For starters, Vedanta is anything but new-age. It is one of the oldest philosophies in existence. Its principles have successfully been applied in societies and cultures all over the world. Vedanta asks you think for yourself, analyse the teachings, question them and only apply them once you are convinced that they make sense. Additionally, its methodology discourages attachment or over-reliance on one’s guru. You can even study this on your own – but it does help to have a teacher. So how will I know if Vedanta is for me? There’s only one way to find out – attend a class, or read a little. Not everyone chooses the path of learning, but millions have benefited from it.