Brahma-Sutra
Brahma-Sūtra (IAST)Translation: "threads of the Absolute"
A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy
Sanskrit: ब्रह्मसूत्र
Transliteration: Brahma-Sūtra
Translation: "threads of the Absolute; brief aphorisms written by Bādarāyaṇa harmonizing the teachings of the Upaniṣad(s)"
Definition:- An authoritative treatise on the Vedānta philosophy dealing with the knowledge of the Absolute (Brahman). It is ascribed to Vyāsa and known by various names such as Bādarāyana Sūtra, Vedānta Sūtra, Vyāsa Sūtra, Śarīraka Sūtra. Every founder of a Vedantic school has to write a commentary on the book, though Śaṅkarācārya's is perhaps the most famous.
- It sets forth the teachings of the Vedānta in a logical order.
- The Bhāṣyakāra(s) or main commentators (exponents) on the Brahma-Sūtra are Śaṅkara, Bhāskara, Yādava, Nimbārka, Rāmānuja, Śrīkaṇṭha, Madhva, Vallaba, and Baladeva.
- Other names for the Brahma-Sūtra include Vedānta-Sūtra, Śarīraka-Sūtra, Bhikṣu-Sūtra, and Uttara-Mīmāṃsā-Sūtra.
- It is divided into four chapters (Adhyāya), with each chapter consisting of four parts (Pāda) and each part being divided into a number of sections (Adhikaraṇa). Each section contains one or more Sūtra(s) depending upon the interpretation of the Bhāṣyakāra thereof.
- Its four chapters are entitled "harmony" (Samanvaya)—bringing out the coherent import of the Upaniṣad(s) by explaining apparently doubtful statements; "non-conflict" (Avirodha)—presenting the Vedāntic position philosophically with regard to other systems; "the means" (Sādhana)—outlining the spiritual pathway to liberation; and "the fruit" (Phala)—discussing the nature of the goal itself.
Reference:
- Grimes, John (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. Albany: State University of New York Press
