Outline of Vedanta Study

Those new to Vedanta may wonder what it is and how it works.

Vedanta means jñānam, knowledge enshrined in the Upaniṣads. Through śravanam, listening to the teacher, the fundamental nature of oneself and the world are enquired into, bringing a fresh and more accurate perspective.

If, due to preconceptions, etc., the subtleties of that perspective are not grasped, mananam refines understanding.

In mananam one thinks over what one has heard during śravanam (seeking clarifications where necessary) until one’s understanding becomes clear and accurate, with doubts resolved.

To gain the capacity for clear enquiry, the intelligently disciplined living summarised in sādhana-catuṣṭaya is needed – so too is a prayerful life of Dharma.

Dwelling on the understanding gained from śravanam and mananam is nididhyāsanam. Assimilation of that understanding counters contrary, flawed, habitual, subconscious influences.

Knowledge thereby becomes niṣṭhā, certain, established, unshakeable. Jñāna niṣṭhā, fully assimilated knowledge, is mokṣa.