Introduction to Vedanta – Day 1 : 11-04-2026

1. Introduction (10:00 – 10:15)

Namaskar. Welcome to this session on Introduction to Vedanta.
Today we will explore the fundamental vision of life as revealed in our scriptures.

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2. Invocation – Shanti Mantra (10:15 – 10:20)

🕉️ Opening Shanti Mantra

Sanskrit

ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः।
भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः ।
स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवांसस्तनूभिः।
व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥

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Transliteration (Simple, without diacritics)

Om bhadram karnebhih shrunuyama devah
bhadram pashyema akshabhir yajatrah
sthirair angais tushtuvamsas tanubhih
vyashema devahitam yad ayuh
Om shantih shantih shantih

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Meaning :

• “O Devas (Divine forces), may we hear what is auspicious.”
• “May we see only what is auspicious and uplifting.”
• “May our body and senses remain steady and healthy.”
• “May we live our full life in harmony with the divine order.”

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“Let our perception—hearing, seeing, and living—be aligned with truth and auspiciousness.”

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Meaning of “Shantih- Shantih -Shantih”

The repetition of Peace three times is deeply significant in Vedanta.

It is an invocation for removal of three types of obstacles:

🕉️ Three Types of Obstacles (Why we chant “Shantih” three times)

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🔹 1. Adhyatmika (Internal Disturbances)

(आध्यात्मिक / आन्तरिक कष्ट)

• Mental stress (मानसिक तनाव)
• Doubt (संदेह)
• Confusion (भ्रम)
• Illness (रोग)

👉 These arise from within ourselves—mind and body.

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🔹 2. Adhibhautika (External Disturbances)

(आधिभौतिक / बाहरी कष्ट)

• People (लोगों से परेशानी)
• Environment (पर्यावरण)
• Situations (परिस्थितियाँ)

👉 These come from the outside world around us.

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🔹 3. Adhidaivika (Unseen / Cosmic Disturbances)

(आधिदैविक / अदृश्य या दैविक कष्ट)

• Natural forces (प्राकृतिक शक्तियाँ – जैसे वर्षा, भूकम्प)
• Destiny (भाग्य)
• Unknown factors (अज्ञात कारण)

👉 These are beyond human control.

👉 Thus, “Shantih” is chanted three times to ensure complete peace at all levels.

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Significance of Shanti Mantra

• Establishes harmony between teacher and student
• Prepares the mind for learning and contemplation
• Removes obstacles in the pursuit of knowledge
• Creates a sacred and focused environment
• Aligns the individual with the higher truth (Brahman)

Vedanta is subtle knowledge. Without mental calmness, it cannot be understood.
Hence, every session begins and ends with a Shanti Mantra.

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Shanti Mantras in Upanishads

There are multiple Shanti Mantras (traditionally around 10 commonly used), each associated with different Upanishads.

Examples:

• “Saha Navavatu” – Taittiriya Upanishad
• “Purnamadah Purnamidam” – Brihadaranyaka / Isha tradition
• “Asato Ma Sadgamaya” – Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
• “Apyayantu Mamangani” – Kena Upanishad and so on…….

👉 These mantras are recited at the beginning and end of study.

Each Upanishad has its own Shanti Mantra, but the purpose is the same:

✔ Removal of obstacles
✔ Preparation of mind
✔ Establishment of peace

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What is Vedanta? – Pramanik Granthas

1. “Vedanta is the knowledge unfolded by the Upanishads.”

“Vedanta Nama Upanishad Pramana”

Vedanta is the knowledge revealed by the Upanishads, which are the highest means of knowledge (pramana) for understanding the ultimate truth of life.

It is not a belief system, but a systematic means of knowledge that reveals:

• The true nature of the Self (Atman)
• The ultimate reality (Brahman)
• The essential oneness of existence

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2. Need for Pramana (Means of Knowledge)

In life, every knowledge requires a proper means:

• Eyes → for seeing
• Ears → for hearing

Similarly, the truth of the Self cannot be known through perception or logic alone.

👉 Therefore, we require a special means of knowledge, which is:

👉 Vedanta (Upanishads as Pramana)

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3. Prasthana Traya – Pramanik Granthas

The teachings of Vedanta are systematically presented through three authoritative scriptures called:

Prasthana Traya (Threefold Canon)

These are the Pramanik Granthas (valid sources of knowledge):

1. Upanishads (Shruti Prasthana)
   • Primary revelation
   • Direct teaching of Brahman
2. Bhagavad Gita (Smriti Prasthana)
   • Practical application of Vedanta in life
3. Brahma Sutra (Nyaya Prasthana)
   • Logical and systematic analysis

👉 Together, they form the complete and authentic teaching of Vedanta.

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4. Prakarana Granthas (Introductory Texts)

The Prasthana Traya is profound and subtle.

For beginners, it may be difficult to understand directly.

👉 Therefore, great Acharyas have written Prakarana Granthas.

These are teaching texts designed to:

• Simplify Vedantic concepts
• Prepare the mind of the student
• Build foundational clarity

Prakarana Granthas (Introductory Vedantic Texts)

These texts are written by Acharyas to simplify and systematically present Vedanta for students.

Core Beginner Texts (Must Mention)

• Tattva Bodha

• Atma Bodha

• Vivekachudamani

• Panchadashi

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Additional Important Prakarana Granthas

• Aparokshanubhuti

• Drig Drishya Viveka

• Upadesa Sara

• Dakshinamurti Stotram

• Sadhana Panchakam

• Vakya Vritti

• Atma Anatma Viveka

• Sarva Vedanta Sara Sangraha

• Laghu Vakya Vritti

• Vedanta Sara

5. Importance of Upanishads

Among all, the Upanishads are the core of Vedanta.

They answer fundamental human questions:

• Who am I?
• What is the nature of reality?
• What is death?
• What is liberation?

They are:

• Universal
• Timeless
• Direct means of Self-knowledge

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6. Ten Principal Upanishads

1. Isha
2. Kena
3. Katha
4. Prashna
5. Mundaka
6. Mandukya
7. Taittiriya
8. Aitareya
9. Chandogya
10. Brihadaranyaka

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⛔ PAUSE (10:50 – 10:55)

👉 Stop here during your session

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🌿 AFTER PAUSE : 10:55 to 11:25

Anubandha Chatustaya and Sadhana Chatustaya – Foundation of Vedanta