The Philosophy of Life in Simple Terms

Here we sincerely attempt to offer a free forum and the requisite resources to facilitate svādhyāya (self-study) of the Indian philosophical system of Vedanta. The fundamental texts of Vedanta are the Upanishads (the ten principal ones, although there are many more in number), the Brahma Sūtra, and the Bhagavad Gita, all several millennia old. Together they are known as Prasthāna-traya. The materials presented here are primarily thoughtful notes prepared based on the study and research of such texts and their commentaries. Beginners should find them comfortable to follow since they include ample explanations of the terminology and the essential principles.

Why Vedanta?

People at some point in their life develop an interest in learning what spirituality entails. Some look for solace in their unhappy life and reach a fair conclusion that spirituality would restore the calmness in life. They might seek the instructions of a spiritual teacher, a swami, or an ashram. In most cases, spiritual interest arises out of sheer dissatisfaction in life.

There was a time in India, maybe elsewhere too, when the basic curriculum of young pupils included spiritual studies. They learned Vedanta, the branch of study that taught the philosophy of life and the interpretation or the meaning of the world. The discerning students who absorbed the wisdom teaching could find their own answers when they faced the challenging questions of life. Spirituality was integral to life in those days rather than adopting it opportunistically when life was stuck.

Vedanta is a philosophy that takes life seriously, for it teaches what is of supreme value in life, what true happiness means, how to realize that true value and lasting happiness. And it emphasizes how important it is for one to work for the happiness of others if one wants to realize one’s own happiness. The philosophy envisions the well-being of all living beings, and instructs human beings to attain the supreme well-being here, in this life. Vedanta does not advocate a life in heaven hereafter.

Spiritual orientation is the key to ensure moral and ethical balance in society. It thus enables peaceful coexistence among human beings and the same between them and Nature. History has ample examples of lost moral and ethical stability. Life will be meaningful when humans recognize the value of spirituality in practice based on a universal philosophy. A close look will show that Vedanta is one of true universal significance.

Resources are available in plenty these days to learn Vedanta. But, a coherent set of materials is rare for someone to chart a self-study program (svādhyāya) of the very basics. Ekatma helps such learners develop a sound understanding of Vedanta even if they have little knowledge of any philosophy.

Who stands to benefit from this svādhyāya?

This svādhyāya (self-study) is for people from anywhere of any background who are eager to know, in simple terms, the secret of perfect happiness. However, it is not any quick fix but a method to transform life into one of inner calm and lasting happiness. Further, the lessons will help those who are interested in the answers provided by the Indian sages to the fundamental questions of life and about the world. [The typical questions are: Who am I? Am I just this body which will die one day? Or am I something more than that? How did the universe come into existence and who created it? What is the ideal way to live this life? ...] Their wisdom teachings continue to inspire the scientists and philosophers of modern times.

Today, when we need solutions to life-related problems, we tend to go entirely by the reasoning and judgment of modern science and technology. We come across people who have earned enough wealth to afford all the comforts they have dreamed of for the rest of their life. Yet they always think something is missing. Being unable to figure out what is missing is more frustrating. That is when they feel life has no meaning. In this world of prosperity, despite having enough wealth, name, and fame, millions are unhappy ̶ not at all satisfied with what life has been offering to them. Some strive to convince themselves that they are content, and many others are busy struggling to buy happiness. Will modern science and technology bring one day the final eternal satisfaction and happiness? It can happen only when humankind discovers the one secret which sustains life and drives the universe. The realization of the secret alone can fill the void people suffer from but cannot even recognize.

Seized by the charms of science and technology, we have difficulties reconciling with the fact that our true nature is spiritual. Scientists’ greatest dream has always been to discover the intriguing principles that keep the universe functioning with absolute accuracy. It will be, therefore, fascinating for us to hear the views of the top modern scientists about the theory of the spiritual origin of the universe. A majority of them endorse the philosophy of the ancient mystics. In this section, an article by the title of Modern Science Meets the Philosophy of Mystics presents a summary view of the modern scientists on this point.

The Benefits from the Study of Vedanta

• Not all of us want to become erudite philosophers.

• The study of Vedanta would enable a personal transformation ̶ a fundamental change in our thoughts, perceptions, and values. A life of inner calm and lasting happiness is what one gains.

• A Vedantin is free from the fear of death. The philosophy declares unequivocally that the sincere seekers attain absolute contentment and liberation from the ‘bondage’ of the worldly ties.

• Perhaps the most important benefit to the world: here we learn how to experience that all beings, living or non-living, are manifestations of the one all-pervading Truth, Brahman. Every one of us is nothing but the same Brahman. At present, we do not experience it, owing to a ‘misfortune’. Most of the study is about this Vedantic truth, and we learn how to overcome that misfortune. A deep and sincere intellectual understanding of this profound doctrine will bring in anybody an awakening to one’s dharma (naturally suited role in the world), let alone the final liberation. It keeps people stay uninfluenced by any narrow considerations. Even one person’s transformation is of incredible advantage not only to the individual but to the entire world. A deeper understanding of the philosophy will show how meaningful this point is.