Monday, February 16, 2026

Research Thesis - Advaita - Sankara Philosophy - Upanishads - Brahma Sutra

 


The structure and meaning of Badarayana's "Brahma Sutras": An analysis and translation of "Adhyaya" I
Adams, George Clifton, Jr.   Fordham University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses,  1988. 8818451.
https://www.proquest.com/docview/303677218
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8818451/

Brahma Sutra - Chapter 1 - 4 Sections

 https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=591&parent=570&format=html

In the first chapter the author shows that all the Vedic texts uniformly refer to Brahman and find their Samanvaya (reconciliation) in Him. In the second chapter, it has been proved that there is no conflict between Vedanta and other Sastras. In the third chapter the means of attaining Brahman are described. In the fourth chapter is described the result of attaining Brahman.


This Sastra consists of several Adhikaranas or topics or propositions. Every proposition consists of five parts:(1) Thesis or Vishaya, (2) Doubt or Samsaya, (3) Anti-thesis or Purvapaksha, (4) Synthesis or right conclusion or Siddhanta and (5) Sangati or agreement of the proposition with the other parts of the Sastra.


Chapter 1, Section 1

SAMANVAYA ADHYAYA


Section 1


Jijnasadhikaranam: Topic 1


The enquiry into Brahman and its pre-requisites


Athato Brahmajijnasa I.1.1 (1)


Now, therefore, the enquiry into Brahman.


Atha: now, then, afterwards; Atah: therefore; Brahmajijnasa: a desire for the knowledge of Brahman (the enquiry into the real nature of Brahman).


Sutra literally means a string. It serves the purpose of stringing together the flowers of the Vedanta passages.


JANMADYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 2


DEFINITION OF BRAHMAN

janmadyasya yatah

(Brahman is that) from which the origin etc., (i.e. the origin, sustenance and dissolution) of this (world proceed).

Janmadi: origin etc.; Asya: of this (world); Yatah: from which.

Answer to the enquiry of Brahman is briefly given in this Sutra. It is stated that Brahman who is eternally pure, wise and free (Nitya, Buddha, Mukta Svabhava) is the only cause, stay and final resort of this world. Brahman who is the originator, preserver and absorber of this vast world must have unlimited powers and characteristics. Hence He is Omnipotent and Omniscient. Who but the Omnipotent and Omniscient Brahman could create, rule and destroy it? Certainly mere atoms or chance cannot do this work. Existence cannot come out of non-existence (Ex nihilo nihil fit). The origin of the world cannot proceed from a non-intelligent Pradhana or Prakriti. It cannot proceed from its own nature or Svabhava spontaneously without a cause, because special places, times and causes are needed for the production of effects.


SASTRAYONITVADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 3


BRAHMAN IS REALISABLE ONLY THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES

SASTRAYONITVAT I.1.3 (3)

The scripture being the source of right knowledge.

Sastra: the scripture; Yonitvat: being the source of or the means of the right knowledge.

The Omniscience of Brahman follows from His being the source of scripture. The aphorism clearly points out that the Srutis alone are proof about Brahman.


SAMANVAYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 4


BRAHMAN THE MAIN PURPORT OF ALL VEDANTIC TEXTS

TATTU SAMANVAYAT I.1.4 (4)

But that (Brahman is to be known only from the Scriptures and not independently by any other means is established), because it is the main purpose (of all Vedantic texts).

Tat: that; Tu: but; Samanvayat: on account of agreement or harmony, because it is the main purpose.

The argument in support of Sutra 2 is continued. Brahman or the Absolute can be known only from the scriptures because all the scriptural passages can be harmonised only by such a doctrine. The Vedantic texts refer to Brahman only, because they have Brahman for their main topic. The proposition that Brahman is the only cause of the world is established: because this is the authoritative saying of the scriptures. All the Vedantic texts agree in this respect.


IKSHATYADYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 5 (SUTRAS 5-11)


Brahman (the intelligent principle) is the First Cause

5. IKSHATERNASABDAM I.1.5 

On account of seeing (i.e. thinking being attributed in the Upanishads to the First Cause, the Pradhana) is not (the first cause indicated by the Upanishads; for) it (Pradhana) is not based on the scriptures.

Ikshateh: on account of seeing (thinking); Na:is not; Asabdam:not based on the scriptures.

6. Gaunaschet na Atmasabdat I.1.6 

Gaunah: indirect, secondary, figurative; Chet: if; Na: not; Atmasabdat: because of the word Atman, i.e., soul.


7. Tannishthasya mokshopadesat I.1.7 

Tat: to that; Nishthasya: of the devoted; Mokshopadesat: from the statement of salvation.

Salvation is declared to one who is devoted to that Sat.

The Pradhana cannot be designated by the term Self because Salvation is declared to one who is devoted to that Sat.

It is declared in the Sruti that he, who is absolutely devoted to the Creator or cause of the world, attains the final emancipation. It is not reasonable to say that one attains his release by devotion to unintelligent  matter, Pradhana. Hence Pradhana cannot be the Creator of the world (Creator of the world is Brahman).

Heyatvavachanaccha I.1.8 
Heyatva: fitness to be discarded; Avachanat: not being stated (by the scriptures); Cha: and.

Svapyayat I.1.9 (9)

On account of (the individual) merging in its own Self (the Self cannot be the Pradhana).

Svapyayat: on account of merging in one's own self.

Gatisamanyat I.1.10 (10)

On account of the uniformity of view (of the Vedanta texts, Brahman is to be taken as that cause).

Gati: view; Samanyat: on account of the uniformity.

Srutatvaccha I.1.11 (11)

And because it is directly stated in the Sruti (therefore the all-knowing Brahman alone is the cause of the universe).

Srutatvat: being declared by the Sruti; Cha: also, and.




Sutras 5 to 11 refute the arguments of the Sankhyas and establish Brahman alone as the First Cause.

ANANDAMAYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 6 (SUTRAS 12-19)


ANANDAMAYA IS PARA BRAHMAN

ANANDAMAYO'BHYASAT I.1.12 (12)

Anandamaya means Para Brahman on account of the repetition (of the word `bliss' as denoting the Highest Self).

Anandamayah: full of bliss; Abhyasat: because of repetition.

Now the author Badarayana takes up the topic of Samanvaya. He clearly shows that several words of the Srutis which are apparently ambiguous really apply to Brahman. He begins with the word `Anandamaya' and takes up other words one after another till the end of the chapter.


ANTARADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 7 (SUTRAS 20-21)


THE BEING OR PERSON IN THE SUN AND THE EYE IS BRAHMAN.

ANTASTADDHARMOPADESAT I.1.20 (20)

The being within (the Sun and the eye) is Brahman, because His attributes are taught therein.

Antah: (Antaratma, the being within the sun and the eye); Tat Dharma: His essential attribute; Upadesat: because of the teaching, as Sruti teaches.

The wonderful Purusha of Chhandogya Upanishad described in chapters 1, 6 and 7 is Brahman.


AKASADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 8


THE WORD AKASA MUST BE UNDERSTOOD AS BRAHMAN.

AKASASTALLINGAT I.1.22 (22)

The word Akasa i.e., ether here is Brahman on account of characteristic marks (of that i.e. Brahman being mentioned).

Akasah:the word Akasa as used here; Tad: His, of Brahman; Lingat: because of characteristic mark.

Brahman is shown to be Akasa in this Sutra. The Akasa of Chh. Up. I-9 is Brahman.


PRANADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 9


THE WORD `PRANA' MUST BE UNDERSTOOD AS BRAHMAN.

ATA EVA PRANAH I.1.23 (23)

For the same reason the breath also refers to Brahman.

Ata eva: for the same reason; Pranah: the breath (also refers to Brahman).

As Prana is described as the cause of the world, such a description can apply to Brahman alone.


JYOTISCHARANANDHIKARANAM: TOPIC 10 (SUTRAS24-27)


THE LIGHT IS BRAHMAN.

JYOTISCHARANABHIDHANAT I.1.24 (24)

The `light' is Brahman, on account of the mention of feet in a passage which is connected with the passage about the light.

Jyotih: the light; Charana: feet; Abhidhanat: because of the mention.

The expression `Jyotih' (light) is next taken up for discussion. The Jyotis of Chhandogya Upanishad III-13-7 refers to Brahman and not to material light; because it is described as having four feet.


PRATARDANADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 11 (SUTRAS 28-31)


PRANA IS BRAHMAN

PRANASTATHANUGAMAT I.1.28 (28)

Prana is Brahman, that being so understood from a connected consideration (of the passage referring to Prana).

Pranah: the breath or life-energy; Tatha: thus, so, likewise like that stated before; like that stated in the Sruti quoted before in connection therewith; Anugamat: because of being understood (from the texts).

The expression `Prana' is again taken up for discussion.





Chapter I, Section 2

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Synopsis


Doubts may arise as to the exact meaning of certain expressions of Sruti, whether they indicate Brahman or something else. These expressions are taken up for discussion in this and the next sections.


It is proved in this section that the different expressions used in different Srutis for Divine contemplation indicate the same Infinite Brahman.


SARVATRA PRASIDDHYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 1 (SUTRAS 1-8)

THE MANOMAYA IS BRAHMAN.

SARVATRA PRASIDDHOPADESAT I.2.1 (32)


(That which consists of the mind `Manomaya' is Brahman) because there is taught (in this text) (that Brahman which is) well-known (as the cause of the world) in the Upanishads.


Sarvatra: everywhere, in every Vedantic passage i.e., in all Upanishads; Prasiddha: the well-known; Upadesat: because of the teaching.


Vivakshitagunopapattescha I.2.2 (33)


Moreover the qualities desired to be expressed are possible (in Brahman; therefore the passage refers to Brahman).


Vivakshita: desired to be expressed; Guna: qualities; Upapatteh: because of the reasonableness, for the justification; Cha: and, moreover.

Anupapattestu na saarirah I.2.3 (34)


On the other hand, as (those qualities) are not possible (in it) the embodied (soul is) not (denoted by Manomaya etc.).

Anupapatteh: not being justifiable, because of the impossibility, because of the unreasonableness, because they are not appropriate; Tu: but on the other hand; Na: not; Saarirah: the embodied, the Jiva or the individual soul.

Such qualities cannot apply to the individual soul. The argument in support of the Sutra is continued. The preceding Sutra has stated that the qualities mentioned are possible in Brahman. The present Sutra declares that they are not possible in the Jiva or the embodied Soul.

Karmakartrivyapadesaccha I.2.4 (35)


Karma:  Kartri: ; Vyapadesat:; Cha .

Because of the declaration of the attainer and the object attained. He who consists of the mind (Manomaya) refers to Brahman and not to the individual soul.

Karma: object; Kartri: agent; Vyapadesat: because of the declaration or mention; Cha: and.

Sabdaviseshat I.2.5 (36)


Because of the difference of words.

Sabda: word; Viseshat: because of difference.

Smritescha I.2.6 (37)


From the Smriti also (we know the embodied self or the individual soul is different from the one referred to in the text under discussion).

Smriteh: from the Smriti; Cha: and, also.

Arbhakaukastvattadvyapadesaccha neti chet na nichayyatvadevam vyomavaccha I.2.7 (38)


If it be said that (the passage does) not (refer to Brahman) on account of the smallness of the abode (mentioned i.e. the heart) and also on account of the denotation of that (i.e. of minuteness) we say, No; because (Brahman) has thus to be meditated and because the case is similar to that of ether.

Arbhakaukastvat: because of the smallness of the abode; Tadvyapadesat: because of the description or denotation as such i.e. minuteness; Cha: and also; Na: not; Iti: not so; Chet: if; Na: not; Nichayyatvat: because of meditation (in the heart); Evam: thus, so; Vyomavat: like the ether; Cha: and.

Sambhogapraptiriti chet na vaiseshyat I.2.8 (39)


If it be said that (being connected with the hearts of all individual souls to) Its (Brahman's) Omnipresence, it would also have experience (of pleasure and pain) (we say) not so, on account of the difference in the nature (of the two).

Sambhogaprapti: that it has experience of pleasure and pain; Iti: thus; Chet: if; Na: not; Vaiseshyat: because of the difference in nature.



ATTRADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 2 (SUTRAS 9-10)


THE EATER IS BRAHMAN.

ATTA CHARACHARAGRAHANAT I.2.9 (40)


The Eater (is Brahman), because both the movable and immovable (i.e. the whole world) is taken (as His food).

Atta: the Eater; Characharagrahanat: because the movable and immovable (i.e. the whole universe) is taken (as His food).



Prakaranaccha I.2.10 (41)


And on account of the context also the (eater is Brahman).

Prakaranat: from the context; Cha: also, and.




GUHAPRAVISHTADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 3 (SUTRAS 11-12)


THE DWELLERS IN THE CAVE OF THE HEART ARE THE INDIVIDUAL SOUL AND BRAHMAN.

Guham pravistavatmanau hi taddarsanat I.2.11 (42)


The two who have entered into the cavity (of the heart) are indeed the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, because it is so seen.

Guham: in the cavity (of the heart) Pravishtau: the two who have entered; Atmanau: are the two selfs (individual soul and the Supreme Soul); Hi: indeed, because; Taddarsanat: because it is so seen.


Viseshanaccha I.2.12 (43)


And on account of the distinctive qualities (of the two mentioned in subsequent texts).

Viseshanat: on account of distinctive qualities; Cha: and.

An argument in support of Sutra 11 is given.



ANTARADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 4 (SUTRAS 13-17)


THE PERSON WITHIN THE EYE IS BRAHMAN.

Antara upapatteh I.2.13 (44)


The person within (the eye) (is Brahman) on account of (the attributes mentioned therein) being appropriate (only to Brahman).

Antara: inside (the eye), the being within the eye; Upapatteh: on account of the appropriateness of (attributes).

Sthanadivyapadesaccha I.2.14 (46)


And on account of the statement of place and so on.

Sthanadi: the place and the rest; Vyapadesat: on account of the statement; Cha: and.

Sukhavisishtabhidhanadeva cha I.2.15 (46)


And on account of the passage referring to that which is distinguished by bliss (i.e. Brahman).

Sukha: bliss; Visishta: qualified by; Abhidhanat: because of the description; Eva: alone; Cha: and.

Srutopanishatkagatyabhidhanaccha I.2.16 (47)


And on account of the statement of the way of him who has known the Truth of the Upanishads.

Sruto: heard; Upanishatka: Upanishads; Gati: way; Abhidhanat: because of the statement; Cha: and.


Anavasthiterasamhhavaccha netarah I.2.17 (48)


(The person within the eye is the Supreme Self) and not any other (i.e. the individual soul etc.) as these do not exist always; and on account of the impossibility (of the qualities of the person in the being ascribed to any of these).

Anavasthiteh: not existing always; Asambhavat: on account of the impossibility; Cha: and; Na: not; Itarah: any other.


ANTARYAMYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 5 (SUTRAS 18-20)


THE INTERNAL RULER IS BRAHMAN.

Antaryamyadhidaivadishu taddharmavyapadesat I.2.18 (49)

The internal ruler over the gods and so on (is Brahman) because the attributes of that (Brahman) are mentioned.

Antaryami: the ruler within; Adhidaivadishu: in the gods, etc.; Tat: His; Dharma: attributes; Vyapadesat: because of the statement.

A passage from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad  III-7-1 
He who within rules this world and the other world and all beings and later on He who dwells in the earth and within the earth, whom the earth does not know, whose body the earth is, who rules the earth from within, he is thy Self, the ruler within, the immortal etc., III-7-3.

Na cha smartamataddharmabhilapat I.2.19 (50)


And (the Internal Ruler is) not that which is taught in the Sankhya Smriti (viz., Pradhana) because qualities contrary to its nature are mentioned (here).

Na: neither; Cha: also, and; Smartam: that which is taught in (Sankhya) Smriti; Ataddharmabhilapat: because qualities contrary to its nature are mentioned.

An argument in support of Sutra 18, .


Sariraschobhaye'pi hi bhedenainamadhiyate I.2.20 (51)


And the individual soul (is not the Internal Ruler) for both also (i.e. both recensions viz., the Kanva and Madhyandina Sakhas of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) speak of it as different (from the Internal Ruler.)

Sarirah: the embodied, the individual soul; Cha: also, and; (Na: not); Ubhaye: the both namely the recentions Kanva and Madhyandinas; Api: even, also; Hi: because; Bhedena: by way of difference; Enam: this, the Jiva; Adhiyate: read, speak of, indicate.


ADRISYATVADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 6 (SUTRAS 21-23)


THAT WHICH CANNOT BE SEEN IS BRAHMAN

Adrisyatvadigunako dharmokteh I.2.21 (52)


The possessor of qualities like indivisibility etc., (is Brahman) on account of the declaration of Its attributes.

Adrisyatva: invisibility; Adi: and the rest, beginning with; Gunakah: one who possesses the quality (Adrisyatvadigunakah: possessor of qualities like invisibility); Dharmokteh: because of the mention of qualities.



Mundaka Upanishad (I-1-5 & 6) The higher knowledge is this by which the indestructible is known or realised. That which cannot be seen nor seized, which is without origin and qualities, without hands and feet, the eternal, all-pervading, omnipresent, infinitesimal, that which is imperishable, that it is which the wise consider as the source of all beings.


Viseshanabhedavyapadesabhyam cha netarau I.2.22 (53)


The other two (viz. the individual soul and the Pradhana) are not (the source of all beings) for distinctive attributes and differences are stated.

Viseshanabhedavyapadesabhyam: on account of the mention of distinctive attributes and differences; Cha: and; Na: not; Itarau: the other two.

An argument in support of Sutra 21.

Rupopanyasaccha I-2-23 (54)


And on account of its form being mentioned (the passage under discussion refers to Brahman).

Rupa: form; Upanyasat: because of the mention; Cha: and.

The argument in support of Sutra 21 is continued.

Mundaka Upanishad II-1-4 Fire is His head, His eyes the sun and the moon, the quarters His ears, His speech the Vedas, the wind His breath, His heart the universe; from His feet came the earth, He is indeed the inner Self of all beings.

VAISVANARADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 7 (SUTRAS 24-32)


VAISVANARA IS BRAHMAN.

Vaisvanarah sadharanasabdaviseshat I.2.24 (55)

Vaisvanara (is Brahman) on account of the distinction qualifying the common terms (Vaisvanara and Self).

Vaisvanarah: Vaisvanara; Sadharana sabda: common word; Viseshat: because of the distinction.

This Sutra proves that the word Vaisvanara used in Sruti for worship indicates Brahman.

Smaryamanamanumanam syaditi I.2.25 (56)


Because that (cosmic form of the Supreme Lord) which is described in the Smriti is an indicatory mark or inference (from which we infer the meaning of this Sruti text under discussion).

Smaryamanam: mentioned in the Smriti; Anumanam: indicatory mark, inference; Syat: may be; Iti: because thus.

Sabdadibhyo'ntahpratisthanaccha neti chet na tatha drishtyupadesat asambhavat purushamapi chainamadhiyate I.2.26 (57)


If it be said that (Vaisvanara is) not (Brahman) or the Highest Lord on account of the term (viz., Vaisvanara which has a different settled meaning viz., gastric fire) etc., and on account of his abiding within (which is a characteristic of the gastric fire) (we say) no, because there is the instruction to conceive (Brahman) as such (as the gastric fire, because it is impossible for the gastric fire to have the heaven etc., for its head and other limbs) and also because they (the Vajasaneyins) describe him (viz. the Vaisvanara) as man (which term cannot apply to the gastric fire).

Sabdadibhyah: on account of the word; Antah: within; Pratishthanat: because of abiding; Cha: and; Na: not; Iti chet: if it be said; Na: not so; Tatha: thus, as such; Drishtyupadesat: on account of the instructions to conceive it; Asambhavat: because of impossibility; Purusham: as person; Api: also; Cha: and; Evam: him; Adhyate: (they) describe.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.


Ata eva na devata bhutam cha I.2.27 (58)


For the same reasons (the Vaisvanara) cannot be the deity (fire) or the element (fire).

Ata eva: for the same reasons; Na: (is) not; Devata: the presiding deity of fire; Bhutam: the element of fire; Cha: and.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.

Sakshadapyavirodham Jaiminih I.2.28 (59)


Jaimini (declares that there is) no contradiction even (if by Vaisvanara) (Brahman is) directly (taken as the object of worship).

Sakshat: directly; Api: also, even; Avirodham: no objection, no contradiction; Jaiminih: (so says) Jaimini.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.

Abhivyakterityasmarathyah I.2.29 (60)


On account of the manifestation, so says Aasmarathya.

Abhivyakteh: because of manifestation; Iti: thus, so; Aasmarathyah: (says) Asmarathya.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.


Anusmriterbadarih I.2.30 (61)


For the sake of meditation or constant remembranceso says the sage Badari.

Anusmriteh: for the sake of meditation or constant remembrance; Baadarih: (so says) the sage Baadari.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.

Sampatteriti jaiministatha hi darsayati I.2.31 (62)


Because of imaginary identity the Supreme Lord may be called Pradesamatra (span long). So says Jaimini because so (the Sruti) declares.

Sampatteh: because of imaginary identity; Iti: thus, so; Jaimini: (says) Jaimini; Tatha: in this way; Hi: because; Darsayati: (the Sruti) declares.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is continued.

Amananti chainamasmin I.2.32 (63)


Moreover they (the Jabalas) teach that this (Supreme Lord is to be meditated upon) in this (the space between the head and the chin).

Amananti: (they) speak, teach, recite, declare; Cha: moreover, also, and; Enam: this; Asmin: in this.

The argument in support of Sutra 24 is concluded.







Chapter I, Section 3

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 The Third Section refers to the Nirguna aspect of Brahman. Here the subject of discussion is to Para Brahman or the Supreme Nirguna Brahman.







Synopsis


Adhikarana I: (Sutras 1-7) proves that that within which the heaven, the earth etc., are woven (Mun. Up. II-2-5) is Brahman.

Adhikarana II: (Sutras 8-9) shows that the Bhuma referred to in Chh. Up. VII-23 is Brahman.

Adhikarana III: (Sutras 10-12) teaches that the Akshara (the Imperishable one) of Bri. Up. III-8-8 in which the ether is woven is Brahman.

Adhikarana IV: (Sutra 13) decides that the Highest Person who is to be meditated upon with the syllable OM according to Prasna Up. V-5 is not the lower but the higher Brahman.

Adhikarana V: (Sutras 14-21) shows that the small ether (Daharakasa) within the lotus of the heart mentioned in Chh. Up. VIII-1 is Brahman.

Adhikarana VI: (Sutras 22-23) proves that he after whom everything shines, by whose light all this is lightedKatha Up. II-2-15is not some material luminous body, but Brahman itself.

Adhikarana VII: (Sutras 24-25) decides that the person of the size of a thumb mentioned in Katha Up. II-1-12 is not the individual soul but Brahman.

Adhikarana VIII: (Sutras 26-33) The next two Adhikaranas are of the nature of a digression. They raise a side issue and decide that deities are equally entitled to practise Brahma Vidya as prescribed in the Vedas. Sutras 29 and 30 establish the conclusion that the Vedas are eternal.

Adhikarana IX: (Sutras 34-38) explains that Sudras are altogether not entitled for Brahma Vidya.

Adhikarana X: (Sutra 39) proves that the Prana in which everything trembles according to Katha Up. II-3-2 is Brahman.

Adhikarana XI: (Sutra 40) proves that the `light' (Jyoti) mentioned in Chh. Up. VIII-12-3 is the Highest Brahman.

Adhikarana XII: (Sutra 41) decides that the ether which reveals names and forms (Chh. Up. VIII-14) is not the elemental ether but Brahman.

Adhikarana XIII: (Sutras 42-43) teaches that the Vijnanamayahe who consists of knowledge of Bri. Up. IV-3-7 is not the individual soul but Brahman.

DYUBHVADYADHIKARANAM : TOPIC 1 (SUTRAS 1-7)


THE ABODE OF HEAVEN, EARTH ETC. IS BRAHMAN.

Dyubhvadyayatanam svasabdat I.3.1 (64)

The abode of heaven, earth, etc., (is Brahman) on account of the term, `own' i.e., `Self'.

Dyu: heaven; Bhu: earth; Adi: and the rest; Ayatanam: abode; Sva: own; Sabdat: from the word (Sva sabdat: on account of the word `Self').



BHUMADHIKARANAM: TOPIC (SUTRAS 8-9)


BHUMA IS BRAHMAN.

Bhuma samprasadadadhyupadesat I.3.8 (71)

Bhuma (is Brahman) because it is taught after the state of deep sleep (i.e. after Prana or the vital air which remains awake even in that state).

Bhuma: the vast, the Infinite, the full; Samprasadat adhi: beyond the state of deep sleep (here the vital principle or Prana); Upadesat: because of the teaching.


AKSHARADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 3 (SUTRAS 10-12)


AKSHARA IS BRAHMAN.

Aksharamambarantadhriteh I.3.10 (73)

The Imperishable (is Brahman) on account of (its) supporting everything up to Akasa (ether).

Aksharam: the Imperishable; Ambaranta dhriteh: because it supports all up to Akasa.

KSHATIKARMAVYAPADESADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 4


THE HIGHEST PERSON TO BE MEDITATED UPON IS THE HIGHEST BRAHMAN.

Ikshatikarmavyapadesat sah I.3.13 (76)

Because of His being mentioned as the object of sight, He (who is to be meditated upon is Brahman).

Ikshati: seeing, realising; Karma: object; Vyapadesat: because of his being mentioned; Sah: he.



DAHARADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 5 (SUTRAS 14-21)


THE DAHARA OR THE `SMALL AKASA' IS BRAHMAN.

Dahara uttarebhyah I.3.14 (77)

The small (ether, Akasa, is Brahman) on account of the subsequent arguments or expression).

Daharah: the small; Uttarebhyah: from subsequent texts or expressions or arguments.


ANUKRITYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 6 (SUTRAS 22-23)


EVERYTHING SHINES AFTER BRAHMAN.

Anukritestasya cha I.3.22 (85)

On account of the acting after (i.e. the shining after) (that after which sun, moon, etc. are said to shine is the Supreme Self) and (because by the light) of Him (everything else is lighted).

Anukriteh: because of the acting after, from imitation, from the following; Tasya: its; Cha: and.

PRAMITADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 7 (SUTRAS 24-25)


THE PERSON OF THE SIZE OF A THUMB IS BRAHMAN.

Sabdedeva pramitah I.3.24 (87)

From the very word (viz., the term Lord applied to it) the (person) measured (by the size of the thumb) (is Brahman).

Sabdat: from the very word; Eva: even, only, itself; Pramitah: measured, i.e., described as having the size of the thumb.

DEVATADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 8 (SUTRAS 26-33)


THE DEVAS ALSO ARE ENTITLED TO THE STUDY OF VEDAS and to meditate on Brahman

Taduparyapi Baadarayanah sambhavat I.3.26 (89)

Also (beings) above them (viz., men) (are entitled for the study and practice of the Vedas) on account of the possibility (of it) according to Badarayana.

Tad upari: above them i.e. higher than men namely Devas; Api: also, even; Baadarayanah: the sage Baadarayana is of opinion; Sambhavat: because (it is) possible.


KAMPANADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 10


THE PRANA IN WHICH EVERYTHING TREMBLES IS BRAHMAN.

Kampanat I.3.39 (102)

(Prana is Brahman) on account of the vibration or trembling (spoken of the whole world).

Kampanat: on account of shaking or vibration.


JYOTIRADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 11


THE `LIGHT' IS BRAHMAN.

Jyotirdarsanat I.3.40 (103)

The light (is Brahman) on account of that (Brahman) being seen (in the scriptural passage).

Jyotih: light; Darsanat: on account of (Brahman) being seen.


ARTHANTARATVADIVYAPADESADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 12


THE AKASA IS BRAHMAN.

Akaso'rthantaratvadivyapadesat I.3.41 (104)

Akasa (is Brahman) because it is declared to be something different etc., (from names and forms).

Akasah: Akasa; Arthantaratvadi-vyapadesat: because it is declared to be something different; Artha: with a meaning; Antaratva: differentness. Adi: etc.; Vyapadesat: from statement on account of designation.

SUSHUPTYUTKRANTYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 13 (SUTRAS 42-43)


THE SELF CONSISTING OF KNOWLEDGE IS BRAHMAN.

Sushuptyutkrantyorbhedena I.3.42 (105)

Because of the Highest Self being shown as different (from the individual soul) in the states of deep sleep and death.

Sushupti utkrantyoh: In deep sleep and death; Bhedena: by the difference, as different; (Sushupti: deep sleep; Utkranti: departing at the time of death).





Chapter I, Section 4


This Pada or Section proceeds to deal with the consideration of other Vedic texts which are asserted by the Sankhyas to declare that the Pradhana is the cause of the universe.

The whole of Section 4 gives suitable and cogent answers to all objections raised by the Sankhyas.

Synopsis

The fourth Pada or Section of the first Chapter is specially directed against the Sankhyas. This Section examines some passages from the Upanishads where terms occur which may be mistaken for the names of the insentient matter of Sankhyas. It declares authoritatively that the Vedanta texts lend no support whatsoever to the Sankhya theory of creation or the doctrine of Pradhana. This Section proves that Brahman is the material as well as the efficient cause of the universe.

Adhikarana I: (Sutras 1-7) discusses the passage in Katha Upanishad I-3-10, 11 where mention is made of the great (Mahat) and the undeveloped (Avyaktam). Avyakta is a synonym for Pradhana in the Sankhya Sastra. `Mahat' means intellect in Sankhya philosophy. Sri Sankaracharya shows that the term Avyakta denotes the subtle body or Sukshma Sarira as well as the gross body also and the term Mahat Brahman or the Supreme Self.

Adhikarana II: (Sutras 8-10) shows that according to Sankara the tri-coloured `Aja' spoken of in the Svetasvatara Upanishad IV.5 is not the Pradhana of the Sankhyas but either that power of the Lord from which the world takes its origin or the primary causal matter first produced by that power.

Adhikarana IlI: (Sutras 11-13) shows that the `Pancha-pancha- janah' mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV-4-17 are not the twenty-five principles of the Sankhyas.

Adhikarana IV: (Sutras 14-15) shows that although there is conflict as regards the order of creation, scripture does not contradict itself on the all-important point of Brahman i.e., a Being whose essence is intelligence, which is the cause of this universe.

Adhikarana V: (Sutras 16-18) proves that He who is the maker of those persons, of whom this is the work mentioned in Kau. Up. IV-1-19 is not either the Prana (the vital air) or the individual soul, but Brahman.

Adhikarana VI: (Sutras 19-22) decides that the Self to be seen, to be heard etc. (Bri. Up. II-4-5) is the Supreme Self, but not the individual soul. The views of Jaimini, Asmarathya, Audulomi and Kasakritsna are expressed.

Adhikarana VII: (Sutras 23-27) teaches that Brahman is not only the efficient or operative cause (Nimitta) of the world, but its material cause as well. The world springs from Brahman by way of modification (Parinama Sutra 26).

Adhikarana VIII: (Sutra 28) shows that the refutation of the Sankhya views is applicable to other theories also such as the atomic theory which says that the world has originated from atoms, etc.


ANUMANIKADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 1 (SUTRAS 1-7)


THE MAHAT AND AVYAKTA OF THE KATHOPANISHAD do not refer to the Sankhya Tattvas

Anumanikamapyekeshamiti chet na

sarirarupakavinyastagrihiter darsayati cha I.4.1 (107)

If it be said that in some (recensions of the Vedas) that which is inferred (i.e. the Pradhana) (is) also (mentioned), (we say) no, because (the word `Avyakta' occurring in the Katha Upanishad) is mentioned in a simile referred to the body (and means the body itself and not the Pradhana of the (Sankhyas); (the Sruti) also explains (it).

Anumanikam: that which is inferred (i.e., the Pradhana); Api: also; Ekesham: of some branches or school of Srutis or recensions of the text; Iti: thus; Chet: if; Na: No; Sarirarupa- kavinyastagrihiteh: because it is mentioned in a simile referring to the body (Sarira: body, Rupaka: simile, Vinyasta: contained, Grihiteh: because of the reference); Darsayati: (the Srutis) explain; Cha: also, too, and.


CHAMASADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 2 (SUTRAS 8-10)


THE AJA OF SVETASVATARA UPANISHAD DOES NOT MEAN PRADHANA.

Chamasavadaviseshat I.4.8 (114)

(It cannot be maintained that `Aja' means the Pradhana) because no special characteristic is stated, as in the case of the cup.

Chamasavat: like a cup; Aviseshat: because there is no special characteristic.

SANKHYOPASANGRAHADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 3


THE FIVE-FOLD-FIVE (PANCHA-PANCHAJANAH) DOES NOT refer to the twenty-five Sankhyan categories

Na sankhyopasangrahadapi nanabhavadatirekaccha I.4.11 (117)

Even from the statement of the number (five-fold-five i.e., twenty-five categories by the Sruti it is) not (to be understood that the Sruti refers to the Pradhana) on account of the differences (in the categories and the excess over the number of the Sankhyan categories).

Na: not; Sankhya: number; Upasangrahat: from statement; Api: even; Nanabhavat: on account of the differences; Atirekat: on account of excess; Cha: and.

This Sutra discusses whether the twenty-five principles of the Sankhyan philosophy are admitted by the Sruti.

KARANATVADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 4 (SUTRAS 14-15)


BRAHMAN IS THE FIRST CAUSE.

Karanatvena chakasadishu yathavyapadishtokteh I.4.14 (120)

Although there is a conflict of the Vedanta texts as regards the things created such as ether and so on, there is no such conflict with respect to Brahman as the First Cause, on account of His being represented in one text as described in other texts.

Karanatvena: as the (First) cause; Cha: and; Akasadishu: with reference to Akasa and the rest; Yatha: as; Vyapadishta: taught in different Srutis; Ukteh: because of the statement.

BALAKYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 5 (SUTRAS 16-18)


HE WHO IS THE MAKER OF THE SUN, MOON, ETC. IS BRAHMAN and not Prana or the individual soul.

Jagadvachitvat I.4.16 (122)

Jagat Vachitvat

(He whose work is this is Brahman) because (the `work') denotes the world.

Jagat: the world; Vachitvat: because of the denotation.


VAKYANVAYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 6 (SUTRAS 19-22)


THE ATMAN TO BE SEEN THROUGH HEARING ETC., OF THE Bri. Up. II-4-5 is Brahman and not Jivatma.

Vakyanvayat I.4.19 (125)

(The Self to be seen, to be heard etc., is the Supreme Self) on account of the connected meaning of the sentences.

Vakyanvayat: On account of the connected meaning of the sentences.


PRAKRTYADHIKARANAM: TOPIC7 (SUTRA 23-27)


BRAHMAN IS BOTH THE EFFICIENT AND THE MATERIAL CAUSE.

Prakritischa pratijna drishtantanuparodhat I.4.23 (129)

Prakritih: Cha: ; Pratijna:  Drishtanta:  Anuparodhat: 

(Brahman is) the material cause also on account of (this view) not being in conflict with the proposition and the illustrations (quoted in the Sruti).

Prakritih: the material cause; Cha: also; Pratijna: the proposition; Drishtanta: illustrations; Anuparodhat: on account of this not being in conflict.

This Sutra states that Brahman is the efficient as well as the material cause of the universe.


SARVAVYAKHYANADHIKARANAM: TOPIC 8


THE ARGUMENTS WHICH REFUTE THE SANKHYAS REFUTE THE OTHERS ALSO.

Etena sarve vyakhyata vyakhyatah I.4.28 (134)

By this all (the doctrines concerning the origin of the world which are opposed to the Vedanta texts) are explained.

Etena: by this, by what has been said; Sarve: all; Vyakhyatah: are explained.

The argument is concluded in this Sutra.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

Various Related Links


https://www.swami-krishnananda.org/brahma/Analysis_of_the_Brahma_Sutra.pdf

https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/05-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-5.pdf



https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/01-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-1.pdf



https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-adhikaranam-1-vol-1-introduction-with-shankarabashyam/
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https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-adhikaranam-1-vol-3-sutra-1-1-1-introduction-with-shankarabashyam/


https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-pada-3-adhikaranam-1-to-13-sutra-1-to-43/

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search  -  brahma sutra site:vedantastudents.com

http://hinduonline.co/DigitalLibrary/SmallBooks/BrahmaSutraAnalysisEng.pdf



http://www.sankaracharya.org/spiritual_library.php

Upanishads are available.  In english as translation to each shloka in the upanishad.


https://arunsingha.in/2023/06/25/brahma-sutras-a-comprehensive-study-part-1/


https://groups.google.com/g/bvparishat/c/yGzP4CR-0BM?pli=1


Videos 

Brahma Sutra - 134 Lectures - All sutras - Surya Nanda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp7fxPR031Y&list=PL-BTBhLYYASuMyy2OYPy5uhnBFnTwg70m




Ud. 16.2.20206

Pub. 22.9.2025




Sunday, February 15, 2026

Advaita Vedanta - Prasthana Trayam - Brahma Vidya - 10 Principal Upanishads - Brahma Sutra - Bhagvad Gita

Three sources of  axioms with  epistemic authority, for the Vedanta schools. 


They are: 


The Upanishads, known as Upadeśa Prasthāna (injunctive texts), and the Śruti Prasthāna (the starting point for axioms of revelation), especially the Principal Upanishads.

The Bhagavad Gita, known as Sādhana Prasthāna (practical text), and the Smṛti Prasthāna (the starting point for axioms of remembered tradition)

The Brahma Sutras, known as Sūtra Prasthāna (formulative texts) or Nyāya Prasthāna or Yukti Prasthāna (logical text for axioms of logic)



The ten Upanishads are 

Aitareya, 

Bṛhadāraṇyaka.

Chāndogya 

Īśā, 

Kaṭha,


Kena, 

Māṇḍūkya, 

Muṇḍaka, 

Praṣna, 

Taittirīya, 







Aitareya, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=587&parent=577&format=html

5. In the beginning, all this was, verily, the Atman alone. There was nothing else living. Nothing else, whatsoever, living, existed. There was no other thing that winked at all.


26. Then he tried to catch it (food) by Apana, and he caught it. It is this Apana which catches food. This Apana is the giver of life, by food.

The Story of Birth

32. First indeed is the germ in man. That which is the semen is the essence of strength or vigour, drawn from all his limbs. He bears himself within his self alone. When he deposits it in the woman, he causes it to be born. This is its first birth.

The universe has Consciousness for its guide. Consciousness is the basis or stay of all. Verily, consciousness (Prajnanam) is Brahman.

42. Prajnanam Brahma: Pure Consciousness is Brahman. This is one of the Maha-Vakyas or great sentences of the Upanishads.

43. This is called the Lakshana-Vakya, because it gives a description of the nature of Brahman.

45. A liberated sage does not move to any world. He gets absorbed in the all-pervading Brahman. He realises that the individual soul is identical with Para Brahman.



Bṛhadāraṇyaka.

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=589&parent=577&format=html


Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi Samvada


The Inner Ruler


19. Gautama asked: O Yajnavalkya, tell me who is the Inner Ruler?


22. He who dwells in all beings and within all beings, whom all beings do not know, whose body are all beings, and who from within rules all beings, is thy Self, the Inner Ruler, Immortal.


The Indestructible Being


28. Gargi said: O Yajnavalkya, that of which they say it is above the heavens, beneath the earth, embracing heaven and earth, past, present and future, tell me in what is it woven like warp and woof?


29. Yajnavalkya replied: In ether (Akasa).



40. But he who departs from this world, knowing this Indestructible Being, is a true Brahmana.


The Guiding Light


41. Janaka said: Yajnavalkya, what is the light of this Purusha?


42. Yajnavalkya replied: The sun, O king; for by the light of the sun man sits down, moves about and does his work and returns home.


49. When the sun has set and the moon has set, and the fire has gone out and sound is hushed, what is then the light of man?


50. The Self indeed is his light; for by the light of the Self he sits down, walks about, does his work and returns home.


51. What is that Self?


52. He who is within the heart, surrounded by the Pranas, the Purusha who is light, who is of the nature of Knowledge.

101. Therefore, let one learn the triad of restraint, liberality and mercy (da, da, da).

Lectures 4 

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Taittiriya_Upanishad


Chāndogya 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=588&parent=577&format=html

 It is presented in the form of an instruction by Uddālaka Āruni Gautama  to his son Śvetaketu,


6. In the beginning, all this was Pure Being, One without a second.


7. It thought: 'May I be many, may I grow forth.' It created fire.


8. The fire thought: 'May I be many, may I grow forth.' It created water. Therefore, whenever anybody is hot, he perspires and water is produced on him from fire alone.


The Tri-Colour Analysis


11. The red colour of the sun is the colour of fire. The white colour of water. The black of the earth. Thus vanishes what we call the sun, being only a modification which is a mere name based upon words, the only truth being that there are three elements. So are moon, lightning, fire, etc., mere combinations of these elements.


78. Hope is greater than memory. Fried by hope does memory read the Mantras, perform sacrifices, desires sons and cattle, desire this world and the next.


79. Meditate on hope. He who meditates on hope as Brahman, all his desires are fulfilled by Hope. His prayers are never vain. He becomes independent so far as hope reaches.


104. Indra, chief of Devas, and Virochana, chief among Asuras, went to Prajapatji, with fuel (samidhas) in hands, as was the custom for pupils approaching their Guru.


105. They dwelt there as religious students observing the vow of celibacy for a period of thirty-two years.


106. When questioned by Prajapati, they said: It is with the purpose of knowing the Self that we have dwelt here.


107. Prajapati said: The person that is seen in the eye, that is the Self. This is the Immortal, the Fearless. This is Brahman.


108. They asked: Sir, He that is perceived in the water, and He that is seen in the mirror which of these is That?


109. He said: He himself indeed is seen in all these.


110. They went away satisfied. Virochana with a satisfied heart went to the Asura and preached this doctrine to them. The body alone is to be worshipped (as the Self).


111. Therefore, they call even now a man who does not give alms here, who has no faith, and offers no sacrifices, an Asura, for this is the doctrine of the Asura.



119. At Prajapati's command, Indra remained with him for a further period of five years.


120. Then Prajapati said to Indra: Indra! This body is mortal. It is subject to death. It is the abode of that Self which is Immortal and bodyless.


121. The embodied self is subject to pleasure and pain. But Self without the body is not troubled by pleasure and pain.


122. The wind is without body; the cloud, lightning and thunder are without body. Now, as these, rising above, appear in their own form, as soon as they have approached the highest light.


123. Thus does this Being, rising above this body, and having reached the Highest Light, appear in Its own form.


124. This is the Uttama-Purusha, the Supreme Person.


125. He moves about there laughing, playing and rejoicing, never minding that body in which he was born.


126. Just as a horse is attached to the cart, so also the Prana is attached to this body.


127. Now where the eye has entered into Akasa, (in the act of seeing), that is the person in the eye, the eye itself is the instrument of seeing.


128. He who knows: May I smell this, he is the Self, the nose is the instrument of smelling.


129. He who knows: May I think, he is the Self, the mind is his divine eye. And it is by means of his divine eye of the mind that he sees desires and rejoices.


130. The Devas who are in the world of Brahman meditate upon this Self (as taught by Prajapati to Indra, and by Indra to the Devas).


Lectures 200

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Chandogya_Upanishad




Īśā, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=580&parent=577&format=html


The whole is all That. The whole is all this. The whole was born of the whole. Taking the whole from the whole, what remains is the whole.


4. The Upanishads teach the philosophy of absolute unity.


7. This world is indwelt by Para-Brahman or the Absolute.


8. Renounce all desires. Renounce egoism, selfishness and identification of self with the body (Deha-Adhyasa). Then alone will you attain Moksha or release.


9. Desire for liberation will destroy all earthly desires.


Nature of The Atman


17. The Atman is very subtle. It is Antaratma, the inner self of all beings. It fills and covers everything. It is all-full. Hence it is within and without.


18. The Atman is the substratum or support (Adhishthana) of all beings.


19. The sage sees all beings in the Atman and the Atman in all beings.


46. Brahman, the only real entity, cannot be attained by any other means than the removal of ignorance through knowledge of the Self.


47. When one attains the supreme Brahman which is unborn, unchangeable, birthless, undecaying, immortal, fearless, eternal, self-luminous, all-blissful, and all-pervading, one is freed from births and deaths.


50. Having abandoned the sense of I-ness in these, and rising above sense-life, the wise becomes immortal.


Kaṭha,

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=582&parent=577&format=html


The Pleasant vs. The Good


4. One is good while another is pleasant. Blessed is he who, between them, chooses the good alone (Sreyas); but who chooses what is pleasant (Preyas) loses the true end.


32. Brahma-Vidya is the most wonderful science. This is the science of sciences.


46. Brahma-Jnana or knowledge of the Self cannot be obtained by mere reasoning or argument. One has to feel and realise the Brahmic consciousness through spiritual experience or direct intuitive perception.



Who Gets Atma-Jnana


104. This Atman cannot be attained by studies of the Vedas, nor by intelligence, nor by much hearing. He whom the Self chooses, by him the Self can be attained. To him this Atman reveals its true nature


The Inner Order of Priority


132. Here is given the ascending degree of the subtlety of things. Beyond the senses are the rudiments of objects, beyond rudiments is the mind, beyond the mind is the intellect; beyond the intellect is the Cosmic intellect.


133. Beyond the cosmic intellect is the unmanifested (Avyaktam). Beyond the unmanifested is the Purusha; beyond the Purusha there is nothing; that is the end; that is the highest goal.


153. The Purusha is the cause of all causes. He fills all. Hence he is called Purusha.


Unity of Brahman, Man and World


231. Brahman appears as the Jiva through Upadhi or a limiting adjunct, viz., Avidya.


232. Brahman appears as Hiranyagarbha through the Upadhi or limiting adjunct of Maya.


233. The sum total or aggregate of Jivas (Samashti) is Hiranyagarbha.


234. The Jiva is a microcosmic aspect of Brahman.


235. When the limiting adjunct drops, Hiranyagarbha and Jiva become identical with the transcendent Brahman.

242. He who thinks: I am different from Brahman, is again born and dies; but he who feels; I am verily the all-pervading immortal Satchidananda Brahman, attains immortality.



281. The real source of life is the Atman. The Prana, Apana, etc. cannot be the source of life. Their work conjointly for the benefit of the Atman only, which is distinct from them.


419. Nachiketas, having acquired this knowledge imparted by Yama, and also the whole teaching about Yoga, attained Brahman, having become free from all impurities and from death. Thus it will be with others also who thus know the nature of Brahman.



Kena, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=581&parent=577&format=html



10. You will become immortal while living in this body, if you attain knowledge of Brahman. You need not wait till you leave this body.


11. Just as the water in a cup borrows its heat from the sun or the fire, so also the mind. Prana and senses borrow their light and power from the Atman.


12. The ear hears through the light of the Atman, the tongue speaks through the power of the Atman, the mind thinks through the power of the Atman, and the Prana performs its functions through the power of the Atman only.


13. The mind and the organs are inert and non-intelligent. They appear to be intelligent through the light and power of the Atman.


29. Brahman is the only Reality. It is the basis and source for everything.


30. Brahman is not an object. It is all-pervading, mysterious, incomprehensible, Chaitanya or pure consciousness.


31. Brahman must be known through intuition.


39. The soul of man is the Atman. The soul of the universe is Brahman. The Atman is identical with Brahman.


48. Vedanta is not hostile to devotion. It only deprecates worship with selfish interest.


49. A Vedantin or a Sage is a perfect devotee.


50. Para-Bhakti or supreme devotion and Jnana or wisdom are one.


51. Vedanta says that Isvara whom people worship is one's own Self. It teaches an expanded form of Bhakti, the highest form of devotion.


64. Brahman is the Lord or the Proprietor of this mind-factory. The eyes, ears, etc. are ordinary clerks. The mind is the head-clerk. The intellect is the managing director.


65. What cannot be heard by the ears, but by which the ears are able to hear, know that alone is Brahman.



104. If one does not know Brahman, he is caught in the round of births and deaths.


126. Truth excels others as an aid to knowledge.



Māṇḍūkya, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=585&parent=577&format=html


1. Om, the word, is all this. Its further explanation is this. All that is past, present and future is verily Om. That which is beyond the triple conception of time, is verily Om.


2. All this is verily Brahman. This Atman (the Supreme Self) is Brahman. This Atman has four quarters, four feet, not like those of a cow, but like the fractions of a coin


8. This is that Atman even with regard to the letters (of the word Om); it is the Omkara with its parts. The quarters are the parts, and the parts the quarters. The parts of OM are 'A', 'U' and 'M'.


12. That which has no parts is the fourth, transcendental, destitute of phenomenal existence, all bliss and non-dual. This verily is Omkara. He who knows this merges his self in the Self.


Muṇḍaka, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=584&parent=577&format=html


1. The knowledge which is a means to the attainment of the highest Brahman can be attained only by the grace of the preceptor, after one's having renounced all desire and egoism, and having acquired the four means of salvation.


6. Cultivate discrimination, dispassion, austerity, faith, concentration, love for solitude, for the attainment of immortality and eternal bliss.


7. Seek the knowledge of Brahman from a qualified teacher who is versed in the Vedas (Brahma Stotriya) and is established in Brahman (Brahma-Nishtha).


8. There are two kinds of Vidya Apara (the lower) and the Para (the higher). The former is founded on the four Vedas and the six Vedangas. The latter refers to Brahman which is all-pervading, immortal, indivisible and self-luminous.


9. Just as a spider projects the web out of its body and then again withdraws it into itself, so also Brahman projects this world and then withdraws it into itself.


10. Brahman is a target to be penetrated by meditation on Om.


14. Brahma, the creator and protector of this universe, arose as the first among Gods. He expounded the science of the knowledge of Brahman (Brahma-Vidya), the foundation of all knowledge (all sciences) to Atharvan, his eldest son.



15. Whatever Brahma told Atharvan, that knowledge Atharvan gave to Angir. Angir taught it to Satyavaha of the family of Bharadvaja, and Satyavaha taught to Angiras the knowledge traditionally obtained by the success on of teachers.


16. Saunaka, the great householder, approached Angiras in the manner laid down by the scriptures and questioned; What is that, O Bhagavan, which being known, all this becomes known?


The Origin of Things


30. As a spider sends forth and draws in its web, as herbs grow from the earth, as hair grows from living man, so this universe proceeds from the immortal (Brahman).


31. Creation is not a real transformation (Parinama) but only a projection of a certain inscrutable, illusory power of Brahman.


32. Just as seeds remain latent underground in winter and burst forth into herbs and plants in the rainy season, so also the Jivas remain latent in Pralaya with their different Karmas as their seeds, and come out at the time of creation as trees of different kinds, but with their roots always in Brahman.



60. But sages who have attained the knowledge of the Self attain Kaivalya Mukti. They do not go to any Loka or world. Their Pranas, etc. are directly absorbed in Brahman. They become one with the supreme Self. They attain liberation in this very life.


78. Knowledge of Brahman is not mere intellectual knowledge. To know Brahman is to become Brahman.


79. Know this Brahman which is beyond the reach of the intellect and senses, through intuition or direct spiritual experience in deep meditation.



90. There are three kinds of Karmas, viz., Sanchita (accumulated works) Prarabdha and Agami or Kriyamana (current works done in this present life, which will bear fruit in future lives).


91. Prarabdha is the name given to the effects of one's works which brought about this birth which have already begun to germinate and bear fruit in this life.


Auxiliaries to Wisdom


118. The realisation of Brahman as the one common consciousness in all beings, the knowledge of the Atman alone, is real wisdom.


158. He who knows the highest Brahman becomes even Brahman. In his line no one who does not know Brahman will be born. He overcomes grief, good and evil, and being freed from the fetters of the heart, becomes Immortal.


159. Let one teach this knowledge of Brahman to those only who perform the Karma enjoined, who are versed in the Vedas, and firmly established in the Brahman (lower), who, endowed with full faith, offer oblations, themselves, to the fire called Ekarshi, and who perform the vow called Sirovrata (who carry fire on the head) according to the rule (of the Atharvanas).





 Praṣna, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=583&parent=577&format=html




1. Six seekers of Brahman go to a sage called Pippalada and put him six questions. These questions and answers form the substance of this Upanishad.


18. Sukesa, Satyakama, Gargya, Kausalya, Bhargava, Kabandhi, all these devoted to Brahman and centered in Brahman, seeking the highest Brahman, approached the revered Pippalada with offering (Samit) in their hands, thinking that he would explain all to them.


Life and Matter


27. Life has no beginning. The world is not created. It is simply projected by God.


28. Then Katyayana Kabandi approached Pippalada and asked; Venerable master, whence are these creatures born?


29. He replied: Prajapati (the Lord of creatures) was desirous of offspring. He performed penance (thought) and having performed he created a pair-matter (Rayi) and life (Prana), food and eater, thinking that these together would produce creatures for him in many ways.


Prana: Greater than Senses


70. Then Bhargava, son of Vidarbha questioned Pippalada.: O Bhagavan, how many Devas support the creation? Which of them enlighten that? Who, again, is, amongst them, the greatest?


72. He replied: Those Devas verily are the ether, wind, fire, water, speech, mind, eye and the ear. They, manifesting their glory, disputed among each other and said, we hold together and support this body.


73. Prana, the greatest, said to them: Be not lost in delusion

The Mystery of Life


92. Then Kausalya, son of Asvala, questioned Pippalada: O, Bhagavan, where is this Prana born? How does it come into the body? How does it abide after it has divided itself? How does it go out? How does it support what is without, and all within the body?


94. This Prana is born of the Atman. As is this shadow in the man, so is this Prana in the Atman. By the action of the mind this enters into the body.


Functions of Prana


96. As a king commands his officers, saying to them, Reside in and govern these or those villages, so does this Prana dispose the other Pranas each for their separate work.


97. The Apana dwells in the organs of excretion and generation; the Prana itself abides in the eye, ear, mouth, and nose. In the middle is Samana. It. distributes the food supplied equally and the seven flames proceed from it.


98. Apana dwells in the anus and the generative organs. It does excretion. Prana does the sensory life function. It dwells in the eye, the ears, etc. Samana dwells in the navel. It does the digestive function. Vyana does the circulation of blood. It is all-pervading. Udana helps swallowing of food and drink. It takes the Jiva to Brahman during deep sleep. It takes the Jiva out of the body during death and conducts him to the other world. It abides in the throat.


Glory of Meditation on Om


130. Then Satyakama, son of Sibi questioned Pippalada; O Bhagavan, what world does he who, among men, meditates on Om until death, attain by that.


131. Om is the Pratika or substitute for Brahman. It is the symbol of Brahman.


132. Meditation on Om with Bhava (feeling) and its meaning is really meditation on Brahman.


133. Meditation on Om is the keeping up of the continuous flow of the one idea of the supreme Self, like the flow of oil from one vessel to another (Tailadharavat) .


134. The mind should be steady like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.


135. Meditation can be practised only by that aspirant whose senses are turned away from external objects, who has a calm mind, who is endowed with discrimination, self-restraint, purity, faith, endurance and a strong yearning for final emancipation.


136. Pippalada replied: O Satyakama, the syllable Om is indeed the higher and the lower Brahman. Therefore, he who knows it by this means, surely attains either of them.


137. Om primarily signifies Para-Brahman and secondarily denotes Hiranyagarbha.


Fundamentals of Sankhya Philosophy


152. According to the Sankhya philosophy, Prakriti or Pradhana is the creator and Purusha is the enjoyer.


153. Prakriti transforms itself into Mahat (intellect), mind, egoism, Tanmatras, elements, etc., for the benefit or enjoyment of the Purusha.


154. He created Prana, from Prana faith, ether, air, fire, water, earth, senses, mind and food; and from food, strength, penance, Mantras, Karma and the world, and in the world, name (i.e., the individual) .


155. Akasa, ether, has the attribute of sound.


156. Air is born of Akasa. It has two attributes, its own, touch, and that of its cause, sound.


157. Fire is born of air. It has three attributes, its own, form, and the two attributes of previous elements, sound and touch.


158. Water is born of fire. It has four attributes its own, taste, and the three attributes of the elements previously named.


159. Earth is born of water. It has four attributes its own, smell, and the attributes of the four previously named.


162. Then Pippalada said to them: This much alone I know of this highest Purusha; there is nothing higher than this.


163. They, worshipping him, said: Thou art our father who helps to cross over the ocean, of ignorance. Salutations to the highest Rishis! Salutations to the highest Rishis!



Taittirīya, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=586&parent=577&format=html


2. This Upanishad is divided into sections called vallis, viz., (1) Siksha-valli or the section on instruction. (2) Brahmananda-valli or the section on Brahma-bliss. (3) Bhrigu-valli or the section on Bhrigu.




9. Vayu is Hiranyagarbha or Cosmic Prana.


10. The repetition of �Om-Santi' thrice is to remove the three kinds of obstacles, viz. Adhyatmika (from our self), Adhidaivika (from the heavens) and Adhibhautika (from living beings).


11. Mitra is the presiding deity of the activity of the Prana and the day. Varuna is the presiding deity of the activity of Apana and of the night. Aryama (the sun) is the presiding deity of the eye and of the sun. Indra is the presiding deity of strength and of the hands. Brihaspati is the presiding deity of speech and intellect. Vishnu is the presiding deity of the feet.



The Exhortation


12. Now comes the final instruction which the students in those days received when they completed their studies under the preceptor. Having taught the Vedas the preceptor exhorts the disciple.


13. Speak the truth. Do your duty (righteousness). Never swerve from the study of the Vedas. Do not cut off the thread of the offspring after giving the preceptor the fee he desires. Never swerve away from truth. Never swerve from duty (righteousness). Never neglect your welfare. Never neglect your prosperity. Never neglect the study and the teachings of the Vedas.


14. Never swerve from your duties to the gods and to men. May the mother be thy god (Matrudevo bhava). May the father be thy god (Pitrudevo bhava). May the preceptor be thy god (Acharyadevo bhava). May the guest be thy god (Atithidevo bhava). Let only those actions that are free from blemish be done, and not others. Only those that are good acts to us should be performed by thee, and not others.


15. You should remove the fatigue of Brahmins who are superior, by serving them with seats, etc.


16. Gift should be given with faith; it should never be given without faith. It should be given in plenty, with modesty, with reverence, with sympathy.


17. Now, if there should arise in thee any doubt as regards any action or conduct, thou shouldst act in those matters as do those Brahmins there, who are thoughtful, religious, not cruel, and devoted to Dharma.


18. Now as regards persons accused of sin, do thou deal with them as do the Brahmins there, who are thoughtful, religious, not cruel, and devoted to Dharma.


19. This is the injunction. This is the teaching. This is the secret of the Vedas. This is the word of command. This should be observed. Thus is this to be meditated upon.

Lectures 118

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Taittiriya_Upanishad


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https://estudantedavedanta.net/Taittiriya%20Upanishad%20-%20Swami%20Sarvanand%20[Sanskrit-English].pdf


https://archive.org/details/AitareyataittiriyaUpanishadsWithShankaraBhashya-English






Brahma Sutras



1


My notes


https://guide-india.blogspot.com/2025/09/brahma-sutra-chapter-2.html

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Full book English Translation







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Videos

Brahma Sutra - 134 Lectures - All sutras - Surya Nanda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp7fxPR031Y&list=PL-BTBhLYYASuMyy2OYPy5uhnBFnTwg70m


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📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda




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Chinmayananda


All chapters - All verses
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Ch.3
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Chapter 6
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aitareya
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Brihadaranyaka
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Chandyog
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Kathopanishad


Kenopanishad
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Isavyasa



Mundaka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ehRswln7A&list=PLjkKZOXg8kxsUhz6FCLksi-IYZb5CD8J-

Mandukya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyH5JJBBpRw&pp=ygUadXBhbmlzaGFkICNDaGlubWF5YU1pc3Npb24%3D

Prasna
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Taittiriya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zC7LSt1rNQ&list=PL_ObtCKpTBXRVOn9SBTNZdjgRz-AI2KJ7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAbPkcvZCY&list=PLjkKZOXg8kxta8Q13g1ZjBgYjb2WTQHHF



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu9OFsLgSU8&list=PLm6DKuwwu5zoG_yJt9QGqzGL4E35g0t4C
Ud. 2.2.2026, 5.9.2025

Pub. 14.5.2024