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Vedanta
The Sanskrit word Vedanta is made up of two words: “Veda' which means “knowledge” and anta meaning "end.” Thus, Vedanta literally means the “end [goal] of knowledge.” But where does knowledge end? The wise have described four types of knowledge: Listening, thinking, intense repeated meditation, and experiencing. Thus the goal of knowledge culminates in experience.
The attainment of knowledge begins with listening (which includes studying). In ancient times, after listening, the students memorized the teachings. Therefore, the earlier name for the Vedas is Shruti, meaning that “which has been heard.” It is said that in later times people's minds became feeble. Knowledge therefore became bound to the written texts, and these came to
be known as the Vedas. 14
As mentioned above, the Vedas are comprised of different sections. The earlier part is known as Karmakanda (rituals), which includes hymns for sacrificial rituals. The later sections of the Vedas are known as Upasana (meditation) and Jananakanda (knowledge of the Ultimate Reality). The later part primarily contains discourses on metaphysical issues and Wisdom. The
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