Vedantasara

Vedantasara, authored by Swami Sadananda, is an important prakarana-grantha (topical introductory text) that provides a methodical understanding of the essence of Vedanta.

Vedantasara, is a must-study for all students of Vedanta who want to have a clear comprehension of not only the terms and terminologies and Vedantic concepts but also wish to have an overall birds-eye view of the methodology of Vedanta.

The text begins with expounding the subject matter of Vedanta, and the four-fold qualifications that are required to benefit from it. The role of karma and upasana and the process of approaching the Guru are also dealt with.

The author proceeds to present the entire adhyaropa-apavada prakriya of Vedanta. In the process the causal, subtle and gross worlds and their evolution are enumerated. The identity of the macrocosm and the microcosm are shown at the three levels of the causal, subtle and gross using suitable illustrations.

The author then expounds briefly on other schools of philosophy and how they are all limited in their approach and that they are merely at different levels of this superimposition.

It is then explained how with the help of the mahavakyas, apavada (de-superimposition) is to be accomplished. The role of mahavakya in Self-realisation is expounded. The various steps leading to this Self-realisation – sravana, manana, nididhyasana and samadhi are also explained.

The text concludes with the description of Jivanmukti and Videhamukti.

A total of 37 audio sessions by Swami Advayananda, divided into 15 lessons, are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• Qualifications and subject matter of Vedanta
• The nature of superimposition
• Examination of causal, subtle and gross world and the identity therein at all levels
• The theory of other schools of philosophy
• De-superimposition through the mahavakya
• Means to attain the Self
• The state of Jivanmukti and Videhamukti

Why should I do this Course?

The text provides clarity on all Vedantic terms and concepts. The study of this text along with other prakarana-granthas like Tattvabodha and Atmabodha is of enormous help to undertake the detailed study of the Upanishads.

Both Tattvabodha and Atmabodha are also available in the Svadhyaya series.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Sanskrit will be useful but not necessary
• Keen interest in Vedanta and the purpose of life
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 15 lessons covering 41 audio sessions and 15 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Vedantasara course is 6 months. The suggested maximum duration is 10 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
  • 80% and above ‘O’ Grade
  • 60% and above ‘A+’ Grade
  • 50% and above ‘A’ Grade
  • Below 50% ‘B’ Grade
• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Students get a copy of the text from the link below:

Vedantasara of Sadananda by Swami Nikhilananda from Advaita Ashrama

Course Content

The course on Vedantasara comprises 15 lessons.

Click here for a detailed Course Content

Course Contributors

• Sri Anant Sarma
• Sri Arvind Kannan
• Br. Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries

Phone: +91 9207711140
(Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM IST)
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org