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Art & Science of Meditation
Yoga and Meditation 6. VEDANTA
The Vedanta, or later Mimamsa school, concentrates on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads rather than the ritualistic injunctions of the Brahmanas Etymologically, Vedanta means, the last segment of knowledge in the Vedas. It is also known as the 'Gnan' (knowledge) 'Kanda' (section). While the earlier segments of the Vedas are called "Karma Kanda', parts of Vedas that focus on spiritual practices such as worship, devotion and meditation are called 'Upasana Kanda'.
While the traditional Vedic rituals continued to be practised as meditative and propitiatory rites, a more knowledge-centered understanding began to emerge. These were mystical aspects of Vedic religion that focused on meditation, self-discipline, and spiritual connectivity, more than traditional ritualism.
The more abstruse Vedanta is the essence of the Vedas, as encapsulated in the Upanishads. Vedantic thought drew on Vedic cosmology, hymns and philosophy. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is believed to have appeared as far back as 3,000 years ago. While thirteen or so Upanishads are accepted as principal, over a hundred exist. The most significant contribution of Vedantic thought is the idea that self-consciousness is continuous with and indistinguishable from consciousness of Brahman.
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