Vedanta is a spiritual tradition explained in the Upanishads that is concerned with the self-realisation by which one understands the ultimate nature of reality (Brahman). Vedanta which implies "the end of all knowledge" - by definition is not restricted or confined to one book and there is no sole source for Vedantic philosophy. Vedanta is based on immutable spiritual laws that are common to religions and spiritual traditions worldwide. Vedanta as the end of knowledge refers to a state of self-realisation, attainment, or cosmic consciousness. Historically and currently Vedanta is understood as a state of transcendence and not as a concept that can be grasped by the intellect alone (Source Wikipedia).

Vedanta literally translated means the “end or culmination of knowledge” or the essence of knowledge. In the West the Vedanta has been made popular by Swami Vivekananda, who advocated that all religions come from one Source and lead to the same “ocean of wisdom”. According to Swami Vivekananda the essence of the Vedanta is to be understood as follows:

- Although God is the absolute reality, the world has a relative reality. It should therefore not be completely ignored.
- Conditions of abject poverty should be removed; only then will people be able to turn their minds toward God.
- All religions are striving in their way to reach the ultimate truth. Narrow sectarian bickering should therefore be abandoned, and religious tolerance should be practised — between different Hindu denominations, as well as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.

Swami Vivekananda, considered the Vedanta to be more than a esoteric text, he saw in the Vedanta a living approach to the quest for self-knowledge and the development of the spiritual self to understand oneself and the reality beyond this manifest world.

Since this project has been inspired by the works of Swami Vivekananda we might as well recommend you some of his books as an introduction to the Vedanta:

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Essential Yoga Texts for Spiritual Enlightenment (Sacred Wisdom), Swami Vivekananda
- Vivekananda, World Teacher: His Teachings on the Spiritual Unity of Humankind, Swami Vivekananda
- Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga, Swami Vivekananda
- Raja-Yoga, Swami Vivekananda
- Jnana-Yoga, Swami Vivekananda
- Pathways to Joy: The Master Vivekananda on the Four Yoga Paths to God, Swami Vivekananda

The Vedanta Philosophy is a timeless piece of wisdom, that serves to guide people independently of religion, nation, creed, status, spiritual orientation etc. through life and provide them the framework to follow the path to the "real self" and from there re-unite with the "transcendental self", also called Brahma. According to Swami Vivekananda to live the "path of Vedanta" you do not need to follow a guru or an institutionalised religious organisation, through study, meditation, prayer and adopting the appropriate mindset you can reach self-realization. However, personal characteristics and motivation do play a role in the process of self-realization; what you need is courage, devotion, patience, a relentless thrive for the acquisition of knowledge, self-discipline and a "loving mind", that guides you to the source of wisdom.