Basics of Vedanta

Introduction

The Basics of Vedanta Online Course is primarily based on the teachings of our teachers: James Swartz
(Ramji), Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Paramarthananda. It is designed for people who are
new to the spiritual path but have a strong desire for Self-Realization or freedom.

This course is also equally suited to someone who has a long history of spiritual seeking, and has
become tired of going from one Guru to another, chasing an ever-elusive enlightenment experience,
and has never come across a traditional exposition of Vedanta on enlightenment with its unique
capacity to give knowledge of the Self. Because only knowledge can give the deep understanding that
everyone is already free and complete.

Main Purposes Of This Course

To provide the reader with a proper understanding of traditional Vedanta, a means of Self-
1.
Knowledge in the form of words and sentences, which has been tried and tested over the centuries.
To introduce the Vedantic method of Self-Inquiry through which one can discover the real
2. meaning of the word “I”, while fully accepting the need for preparing a qualified mind in which
the Universal values have been assimilated.
To explain the practical Vedantic tools which help spur a student’s spiritual growth leading to a
3.
higher degree of assimilation of Self-Knowledge.
The Structure

The Basics of Vedanta Course is presented in modular units and consists of a logical sequence of 8
modules. Every module is organized around a well-defined topic; for e.g. “What is Enlightenment”,
and includes many sub-modules.

Each sub-module is a self-contained, independent unit consisting of an introductory description of the

main goal of the text, the main text, graphical images, summary, and in some cases practical exercises
and videos.

We strongly recommend that you start your studies from the 1st module, and move sequentially from
module to module. It is advisable not to skip modules or sub-modules, and move forward only after full
understanding and comprehension of the current module.

While reading the text you will encounter some Sanskrit words. Sanskrit cannot be avoided in any
Vedantic text because sometimes there is no accurate translation of the word in English. We are
planning to provide a small glossary of various Sanskrit words in the near future.

Personal Guidance

As you study this course many questions and doubts may arise. Some questions will be answered as
you read on, but some may remain unanswered. At such a stage you require a teacher. Since we are not
qualified Vedanta teachers, we cannot perform the role of a Vedanta teacher for the readers of this
course.

However we can help the readers in the following ways:

We can answer technical questions related to the Vedantic terms, graphical images etc. used in the
1.
course.
We can direct readers to external websites, audio talks, videos or books where their questions may
2.
be answered.
3. We can provide information on upcoming seminars or retreats of other Vedanta teachers.
Table of Contents

Module 1

What is Advaita Vedanta?

1.1 Overview of Vedas

1.2 The 10 Main Upanishads
1.3 The Role of Scriptures
1.4 The Role of Vedanta
1.5 Is Vedanta Relevant Today?

Module 2

Why Do I Suffer?

2.1 The 4 Goals of Human Life

2.2 The Fundamental Problem

Module 3
 What is Enlightenment?

3.1 The Self – A Primer

3.2 The Role of Knowledge vs Experience
3.3 Common Myths about Enlightenment

Module 4

Preparing the Mind for Self Inquiry

4.1 The 4 Qualifications

4.1.1 Discrimination – Viveka
4.1.2 Dispassion – Vairagya
4.1.3 Desire – Mumukshutvam
4.1.4 Discipline – Shatka Sampatti
4.1.4.1 Shama – Mastery of the Mind
4.1.4.2 Dama – Mastery of the Sense Organs
4.1.4.3 Uparama – Focusing of the Mind and Sense Organs
4.1.4.4 Titiksha – Forbearance
4.1.4.5 Shraddha – Trust Pending Verification
4.1.4.6 Samadhana – Concentration of the Mind
4.2 How to Gain the 4 Qualifications?
4.3 Qualities of a Prepared Mind
 Module 5

Universal Values

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Values as a Means for Self Knowledge
5.3 20 Values of an Enlightened Mind
5.4 Value 1 – The Absence of Self-Conceit
5.5 Value 2 – The Absence of Pretence
5.6 Value 3 – Not Hurting
5.7 Value 4 – Accommodation
5.8 Value 5 – Rectitude
5.9 Value 6 – Service to the Teacher
5.10 Value 7 – Inner and Outer Purity
5.11 Value 8 – Steadfastness
5.12 Value 9 – Mastery Over the Mind
5.13 Value 10 – Dispassion Towards Sense Objects
5.14 Value 11 – Absence of Self-Importance
5.15 Value 12 – Seeing the Limitations in Life Itself
5.16 Value 13 – Absence of a Sense of Ownership
5.17 Value 14 – Absence of Obsession to Son, Wife, House and so on
5.18 Value 15 – Constant Equanimity Towards Desirable and Undesirable Results
5.19 Value 16 – Unswerving Devotion to the Self characterised by Non-Separateness from the Self
5.20 Value 17 – Preference for a Secluded Place
5.21 Value 18 – Absence of Craving for Social Interaction
5.22 Value 19 – Commitment to Self-Knowledge
5.23 Value 20 – Understanding the Ultimate Validity of Self-Knowledge
 Module 6

The Teacher

6.1 The Student of Vedanta

6.2 The Guru
6.3 The Teaching Tradition of Vedanta

Module 7

Self Knowledge

7.1 The 3 Bodies

7.2 The 3 States
7.3 The 5 Sheaths
7.4 Atma – The Self
7.5 Creation
7.6 Isvara – The Concept of God
 Module 8

Practising Vedanta

8.1 Managing the 3 Gunas

8.2 Karma Yoga
8.3 Upasana Yoga
8.4 Jnana Yoga
8.5 Law of Karma
8.6 Dharma
8.7 Bhakti
8.8 I Am Not The Doer
8.9 The 3 Stages of Enlightenment

Module 9

Conclusion

9.1 The 5 Capsules of Vedanta

9.2 The Song of the Self