Brahma Sutras
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Concise aphorisms that bring together the teachings of the Upanishads. Every school of Vedanta is built on a commentary on them.
| Tradition | Hindu (Vedanta) |
|---|---|
| Type | Sutra |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Period | c. 5th century BCE – 4th century CE (scholarly estimate; dates are debated) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally attributed to Badarayana, identified in tradition with Vyasa |
What it contains
- About 555 sutras in four chapters.
- Begins: "Athato brahma jijnasa", now, therefore, the enquiry into Brahman.
- Harmonises the Upanishads and answers other schools of thought.
- On the means and fruit of liberation.
Significance
Commentaries by Adi Shankaracharya (Advaita), Ramanujacharya (Vishishtadvaita) and Madhvacharya (Dvaita) founded the major schools of Vedanta.