Knowledge of Brahman

Sage Vyasa’s Brahma Sutra is a Vedanta text of meaningful sutras that sums up the philosophical viewpoints expressed in the Upanishads. A sutra is a brief statement that is packed with prismatic meaning that needs to be explained and interpreted. Since the Upanishads show the way to Moksha or release from samsara, the Brahma Sutra begins with the aphorism, “athato Brahmajigyasa,” which is roughly translated as “Now, therefore, one desires to know the nature of Brahman.” Interpreters see in this statement the quintessence of liberation which lies in the pursuit of most worthwhile knowledge which is knowledge of Brahman, pointed out Sri Madhava Ganapadigal in a discourse. Adi Sankara explains how this knowledge of Brahman destroys the bonds of ignorance. It is not uncommon during one’s lifetime that one ruminates on the purpose of life and also yearns for something higher than mere worldly pursuits. Generally most people are aware of the highest Purushartha, freedom from birth, and may also be familiar with the terms Brahma Vidya, Brahma Tatva, Supreme Brahman, the Transcendent Absolute, etc. It is also true that this knowledge is something wondrous and elusive to grapple with, especially with the aids of human comprehension that one is endowed with. But scriptures show that it is not a futile exercise; for since time immemorial, many realised souls, acharyas, gurus and others have been engaged in this search through practices such as sravana, manana and nidhidyasa. These practices lead one to internally contemplate on the nature of existence and to evaluate the ephemeral against the permanent. The journey to this goal is not similar to reaching a physical destination; it is rather an inner search for the most valued and precious possession Brahman.