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BRAHMA-KNOWLEDGE : An Outline of the Philosophy of the Vedanta as Set Forth by the Upanishands and by Sankara / L. D. Barnett

By: Material type: TextTextLanguage: English Publication details: New Delhi : Maven Books, 2023.Description: 113 p. : Ill. ; 24 cmISBN:
  • 9789355273505
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 23 181.42 BAR
Contents:
• Introduction • Part I: Vedanta, The Vedas' End • The Four Vedas • The Upanishads • Foundations of Upanishadic Ideas • Brahma and Prana • Doctrine of Transmigration and Works • Atma, Self or Spirit • Upanishadic Principles • Origin of the Universe from Brahma • Brahma is Absolute Being • Brahma is Thought • Brahma is Atma • Brahma is Incogitable • Parmenides • Phases of the Self • Maya • Relation of Universal to Individual Soul • Organism of Soul • Karma • Freedom of Will • God • Brahma the Destroyer • Salvation • The After Life • Part II: Some texts of the vedanta • The Advaita-Makaranda of Lakshmidara • Appendix I: The Sambandhas • Appendix II: List of the Chief Upanishads • Bibliography
Summary: Brahma-Knowledge by L. D. Barnett offers a succinct yet profound outline of the Vedanta philosophy, drawing primarily from the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Upanishads and the seminal commentaries of the philosopher Shankara (Sankara), a key proponent of Advaita Vedanta. The book clarifies that "Brahma" in its title refers not to the Hindu deity Brahmā, but to the abstract, primordial spirit of creation—the ultimate reality or supreme consciousness that pervades the universe. Barnett meticulously explores core Vedantic concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality), Atman (the individual self or soul), and their profound interconnectedness. Barnett also draws interesting parallels between Vedantic thought and that of Western philosophers, particularly the Greek Eleatic school, notably Parmenides, and also touches upon Plato's idealism, highlighting the striking coincidences in their philosophical inquiries. However, he emphasizes that while Greek philosophers primarily engaged in theoretical discourse, Vedanta has always carried deep practical significance, offering pathways to understanding the self, achieving inner peace, and realizing profound truths. Beyond the fundamental concepts, the book delves into related doctrines like Karma, reincarnation, the pursuit of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, and the illusory nature of the phenomenal world (Maya). It explores different states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendent "fourth state") and their connection to ultimate reality. This outline serves as an excellent introduction for those seeking to grasp the essence of Vedanta's philosophical system and its enduring relevance.
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• Introduction
• Part I: Vedanta, The Vedas' End
• The Four Vedas
• The Upanishads
• Foundations of Upanishadic Ideas
• Brahma and Prana
• Doctrine of Transmigration and Works
• Atma, Self or Spirit
• Upanishadic Principles
• Origin of the Universe from Brahma
• Brahma is Absolute Being
• Brahma is Thought
• Brahma is Atma
• Brahma is Incogitable
• Parmenides
• Phases of the Self
• Maya
• Relation of Universal to Individual Soul
• Organism of Soul
• Karma
• Freedom of Will
• God
• Brahma the Destroyer
• Salvation
• The After Life
• Part II: Some texts of the vedanta
• The Advaita-Makaranda of Lakshmidara
• Appendix I: The Sambandhas
• Appendix II: List of the Chief Upanishads
• Bibliography

Brahma-Knowledge by L. D. Barnett offers a succinct yet profound outline of the Vedanta philosophy, drawing primarily from the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Upanishads and the seminal commentaries of the philosopher Shankara (Sankara), a key proponent of Advaita Vedanta.
The book clarifies that "Brahma" in its title refers not to the Hindu deity Brahmā, but to the abstract, primordial spirit of creation—the ultimate reality or supreme consciousness that pervades the universe. Barnett meticulously explores core Vedantic concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality), Atman (the individual self or soul), and their profound interconnectedness.
Barnett also draws interesting parallels between Vedantic thought and that of Western philosophers, particularly the Greek Eleatic school, notably Parmenides, and also touches upon Plato's idealism, highlighting the striking coincidences in their philosophical inquiries. However, he emphasizes that while Greek philosophers primarily engaged in theoretical discourse, Vedanta has always carried deep practical significance, offering pathways to understanding the self, achieving inner peace, and realizing profound truths.
Beyond the fundamental concepts, the book delves into related doctrines like Karma, reincarnation, the pursuit of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, and the illusory nature of the phenomenal world (Maya). It explores different states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendent "fourth state") and their connection to ultimate reality. This outline serves as an excellent introduction for those seeking to grasp the essence of Vedanta's philosophical system and its enduring relevance.

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