Vedanta

The end of all knowledge, or the scriptures containing knowledge of all branches of science, especially the science of self-realisation; the Aranyakas and the Upanishads.

Also a name given to a particular system of philosophy. The ten principal schools are as follows.

1. Advaita Vedanta

   
   Founder: Sankara (788-820 C.E.)
   Main work: Sarirakabhasya

2. Visistadvaita Vedanta

   
   Founder: Ramanuja (1017-1137)
   Main work: Sribhasya

3. Dvaita Vedanta

   
   Founder: Madhva (1238-1317)
   Main work: Anivakhyayana

4. Bhedabheda

   
   Founder: Bhaskara (9th century)
   Main work: Brahmasutrabhasya

5. Dvaitadvaita (I)

   
   Founder: Nimbarka (11th century)
   Main work: Vedantaparijatasaurabha

6. Suddhadvaita

   
   Founder: Vallabha (1473-1531)
   Main work: Anubhasya

7. Acintya Bhedabheda

   
   Founder: Baladeva (18th century)
   Main work: Govindabhasya

8. Dvaitadvaita (II)

   
   Founder: Sripati (13th century)
   Main work: Srikarabhasya

9. Sivadvaita

   
   Founder: Srikantha (13th century)
   Main work: Srikanthabhasya

10. Samanyavada

    
    Founder: Vijñanabhiksu (16th century)
    Main work: Vijñanamrta

table after Klostermaier's A Short Introduction to Hinduism, p. 95

In each case the main work is a commentary on the Brahmasutra.

Ve*dan"ta (?), n. [Skr. Vdanta.]

A system of philosophy among the Hindoos, founded on scattered texts of the Vedas, and thence termed the "Anta," or end or substance.

Balfour (Cyc. of India.)

© Webster 1913.