Vedantist refers to an adherent or practitioner of Vedanta, a philosophical and spiritual tradition stemming from the ancient scriptures called the Vedas. Vedanta, derived from two Sanskrit words, "Veda" meaning knowledge and "anta" meaning end or culmination, can be understood as the "culmination of knowledge" or "end of the Vedas."
A Vedantist primarily follows the teachings and principles outlined in the Upanishads, which are considered the philosophical sections of the Vedas. The Upanishads delve into profound inquiries regarding the nature of existence, reality, self, and the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman).
Vedantists embrace the notion that the ultimate reality is non-dualistic, where the individual self and the universal consciousness are fundamentally not separate but interconnected. They recognize the divine essence within all beings and believe in the existence of a metaphysical oneness that transcends boundaries of religion, caste, or gender.
Through rigorous study, contemplation, and meditation, Vedantists seek self-realization and spiritual enlightenment, aiming to attain a direct experience of the ultimate reality. Central to Vedantic teachings is the concept of "moksha," liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, aligning oneself with a state of eternal bliss and transcendence.
Vedantists often engage in philosophical discourse and may follow different paths of Vedanta, such as Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), or Dvaita (dualism), each emphasizing a particular understanding of the relationship between the individual and the divine.
