Is Vedanta Relevant in present day life ?

Let us first try to understand what is meant by Vedanta. Vedanta is a systematic knowledge which explains the meaning and purpose of our existence in the world.

Vedanta is made up of two words Veda and Anta.
According to one meaning of the word Anta, Vedanta means the physical end of our scriptures. So the Upanishads which appear at the end of the Vedas make up Vedanta.
But another meaning of Anta is knowledge or vision. So we can also interpret it as the vision of the Vedas.

Vedanta is a knowledge that is founded on its own authority. It trains us to think for ourselves, analyse, investigate and realize the quintessence of life. It ultimately leads us to spiritual enlightenment. Hence we can say that it is universally applicable to all, at all times, under all situations. That is the main reason why we are interested in knowing about it.

What a man tries to do in and through all actions, is to seek happiness and avoid unhappiness. Vedanta is bold enough to say that the only reason why there is life in the universe, or the only thing that sustains the universe, is the basic urge in the heart of every living being of seeking happiness (sukha prapthi) and avoiding unhappiness (dukha nivruthi). Any action, ancient or modern, whether it is performed by the rich or poor, is prompted by one of these two motives. Hence an endeavour to attain happiness is essentially what we mean by life.

Now our enquiry becomes more subtle. The field of enquiry becomes narrow because now we have to say “relevance of Vedanta in the quest of happiness”. This quest is the same irrespective of time, ancient or modern. The basic problem transcends time.

What relevance do the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita have in our lives? They are always applicable because they deal with the fundamental desire of human beings, that is, gaining happiness and avoiding unhappiness. As Vedanta addresses itself to this fundamental problem it becomes relevant even today. It suggests a solution to this problem which is applicable at all times, in all places and under all conditions. That is called Truth or Satyam.

Since we cannot stand sorrow and love happiness, Vedanta is relevant. Since every man, knowingly or unknowingly is interested only in this one thing in life - happiness, Vedanta becomes relevant to everyone.

Love & regards,
Chithra.

 

Dear Kamla, I cannot thank you enough.....

For sending me such an early feedback ! Let me be frank enough to admit, that I am thrilled.
It is sad that vedanta is generally labelled " dry" (varattu vedantam). So I had my own apprehensions about, how vedanta posts will be received. Even if the views and feedbacks are less than for my other posts in this thread, I have decided to offer the F B s to my Vedanta teacher as my Guru Dakshinai.
Vedanta literally has to grow on you over time. But we have to begin at some point of time, isn't it ?
I assure you, I will try my best to present in as simple a language as I possibly can.
I thank you again for the first feed back, my dear friend.
Love & regards,
Chithra.

 

Thankyou Anjana !

My dear Radha,
You are dispelling the fears in my mind, thankyou.
Not only you, many dread that vedanta is dry & tough. Though not so, it is abstract, I don't deny. Besides, the post has to be read atleast 3 times, to understand the contents.
I plan to alternate this with culture posts, so that you will have time to " mull over" the previousa topic, before the next one is posted.
Please continue with me, Radha !
Love & regards,
Chithra.

 

You always encourage me, Varloo !

I am aware that many of the I L ites who frequent my culture threads are quite mature, wise and more than eager, to learn. That is why I am attempting to present vedanta, at all. My knowledge being very limited, I shall present simple ideas in as clear a language as possible.
Please stay tuned, Varloo.
Love & regards,
Chithra.