Essays

How does Vedanta define ignorance?

There’s that old adage that says “ignorance is bliss.” What it implies is not knowing equals having no worries. As human beings we worry...

What is consciousness?

The first thing to know about consciousness is that no definition of it can ever be satisfactory. We may attempt to define consciousness...

How does Vedanta define "good"?

The obvious answer to the question “What is ‘good’?” is that good is the opposite of bad. And yet, the first thing to know about “good”...

What is evil and why does it exist?

I know what virtue is, but it is not my inclination to practice it. I know what vice is, but refusing it is not up to me but Him. I do as...

Is spiritual enlightenment real?

The topic of spiritual enlightenment enchants us like few others. Its mysterious and exotic allure conjures up images of radiant beings...

Does Vedanta agree with science?

First, it must be acknowledged that while both Vedanta and science are interested in eliminating any and all obstacles to knowing the...

Does life have purpose?

Like so many answers, this one depends on who you’re asking. There’s one answer from the viewpoint of the individual (jiva), one answer...

Will tech companies ever be able to fully understand, manipulate or control consciousness?

It depends on how you define “consciousness.” If you define it as many scientists do—that is, as inert material (tissue and chemicals)...

What is death and is there an afterlife?

If we stop to wonder what an afterlife might look like, it starts to look a lot like this one. Any discussion of an afterlife, or whether...

What is truth?

A truth isn’t only that which is in accordance with fact, but also that which is aligned with universal laws and the nature of...

Is life a dream?

Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits, and Are melted into air, into thin air; And, like the...

Do objects exist when nobody is looking at them?

"We often discussed his notions on objective reality. I recall that during one walk Einstein suddenly stopped, turned to me and asked...

What proof does Vedanta show that experience is non-dual?

Vedanta defines non-duality as that which is free from subject-object duality. In other words, there is no separation between you as...

Traditional Vedanta in a Non-Traditional Format