How to Practice Vedanta
Vedanta, "the end of knowledge," is an ancient philosophical system that provides the foundation for the umbrella of beliefs that is Hinduism. There is a great deal of literature that shows the depth of Vedanta, which can lead to a practical and deeply spiritual way of life.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Vedanta, a Journey of True Self
-
1
Read the Vedas, India's ancient sacred texts. Learn that, according to Vedanta philosophy, God is supreme consciousness, infinite, eternal and is the source of all reality. Brahman also is the personal self in every person that is identified with God, known as Atman. This is Advaita (not two) Vedanta,
-
2
Affirm that "Truth is one." For Vedanta, all religions follow their distinct paths up the same mountain. Every religion is true and no religion has the only way to God. While acknowledging the differences among religions, Vedanta affirms the similarities.
-
-
3
Study the writings of Sri Ramakrishna and his disciple, Swami Vivekananda. The open spirituality of Vedanta comes through. Swami Vivekananda brought Vedanta to the West.
-
4
Practice Bhakti Yoga, the Path of Love for the Divine.
-
5
Follow the Way of Knowledge, Jnana Yoga. Deny what is not real and affirm what is real. Sensory knowledge is unreliable. Truth is One, affirms the Self/Atman and Brahman, the Divine Source of all.
-
6
Practice Karma Yoga, the Path of Work. Offer the results of all your work to God. Jnanis are free from expectations and, therefore, from disappointment or emotional unrest.
-
7
Meditate. This is Raja (Royal) Yoga. Meditation disciplines the unruly mind and gives focus to life. Ways of mediation vary. Chanting mantras or names of God is a form of meditation. Set a time and sacred space for your meditation.
-
8
Live a moral life. Moral principles are specific and include Yama, and Niyama. These are principles such as non-violence, truthfulness (Yama) and cleanliness and austerity (Niyama).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Investigate the different Yogas
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.vedantastl.org/Vedanta/LotusLogo2Lr8.jpg, http://www.venoastrology.com/vedas4.gif, http://spjimr-nimitt.org/adminimages/ved_vedanta6.jpg, http://www.richardpettinger.com/spirituality/sri_ramakrishna/sri_ramakrishna.jpg, http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/303362064_15cb132c46.jpg, http://images.exoticindiaart.com/batik/part_of_the_supreme_brahman_bd23.jpg, http://www.eng.vedanta.ru/img.php?id=18, http://www.niroga.org/store/images/rajadvd/rajadvd_thumbnail.gif, http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/809/10095645.JPG
