How does Vedanta define ignorance?​​

Explores ignorance (avidya) not as a lack of information, but as a fundamental misidentification of the Self with the body, mind, and world. Drawing on Advaita Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita, it shows how freedom comes not through acquiring knowledge, but through removing the veil that hides our true nature.

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What is consciousness?​​

Delves into the nature of consciousness from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta, positing that consciousness is not a byproduct of the brain but the fundamental reality in which all experiences arise. It emphasizes that true understanding comes not from defining consciousness, but from recognizing it as the ever-present, unchanging witness behind all thoughts and perceptions.

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What is "good"?​​

Examines the concept of “good” through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, highlighting its subjective nature and dependence on individual perspectives. It suggests that while notions of good and bad are often shaped by personal likes and dislikes, a deeper understanding aligns “good” with dharma—actions that uphold universal order and harmony. By adhering to ethical principles and recognizing our interconnectedness, we move beyond subjective judgments toward a more profound sense of goodness rooted in spiritual awareness.

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What is evil and why does it exist?​​

Examines the nature of evil through the lens of Vedanta, suggesting that evil arises not from inherent malevolence but from ignorance and misperception (maya) that distort one’s understanding of reality. It emphasizes that individuals commit harmful acts due to conditioning and inner pressures, rather than being intrinsically evil, and highlights the importance of understanding these factors to address the root causes of suffering.

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Is spiritual enlightenment real?​​

Critically examines the concept of spiritual enlightenment, challenging the notion of it as a mystical or transformative event. Drawing from Advaita Vedanta, it posits that enlightenment is not about attaining something new but recognizing the Self’s true nature by removing ignorance. The author cautions against the commercialization of enlightenment and emphasizes that genuine realization arises from self-inquiry and discernment, not from fleeting experiences or charismatic teachings.

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Does Vedanta agree with science?​​

Explores the relationship between Vedanta and science, noting that while both seek truth, their approaches differ. Science investigates the natural world through empirical observation and seeks to understand its mechanisms, whereas Vedanta focuses on consciousness and the removal of perceived limitations. The author argues that while science excels in explaining the material universe, it may fall short in addressing the fundamental nature of consciousness, a realm where Vedanta offers profound insights.

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Does life have purpose?​​

Explores the question of life’s purpose through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, examining it from three perspectives: the individual (jiva), the cosmic order (Ishvara), and the Self (Atman). It discusses the universal human pursuits of security (artha), pleasure (kama), and virtue (dharma), and how these goals shape our sense of purpose. Ultimately, the essay suggests that while these pursuits provide meaning within the empirical world, true fulfillment arises from recognizing the Self as non-dual awareness beyond all roles and actions.

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

Explores the question through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, distinguishing between the scientific view of consciousness as a byproduct of brain activity and the Vedantic view of consciousness as the fundamental, non-objective reality. It argues that while technology may simulate or influence aspects of mental processes, true consciousness—as the unchanging witness—is beyond manipulation. Thus, concerns about technology controlling consciousness are misplaced; the real issue lies in the ignorance of our true nature.

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What is death and is there an afterlife?​​

Explores the concept of the afterlife through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, suggesting that any post-death experience, even a celestial one, is part of mithya—apparent reality—and thus still within the cycle of illusion. According to Vedanta, the cycle of rebirth (samsara) is driven by unresolved desires (vasanas) and actions (karma), which persist until one attains Self-knowledge. Upon realization of the Self, these binding desires dissolve, breaking the cycle of rebirth and revealing the true nature of existence beyond birth and death.

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What is truth?​​

Explores the nature of spiritual truth through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, positing that true knowledge arises from direct realization rather than conceptual understanding. It emphasizes that spiritual truth is not about acquiring new information but about removing ignorance to recognize the Self’s true nature. The essay underscores that genuine realization transcends intellectual comprehension, pointing to an experiential understanding of non-dual awareness.

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Is life a dream?​​

Delves into the Advaita Vedanta perspective that our waking life is akin to a dream—transient and illusory. It posits that just as dreams are projections of the mind, our perceived reality is shaped by Maya (illusion) and Avidya (ignorance), obscuring the true Self (Atman). Recognizing this dream-like nature of existence is a step toward spiritual awakening, leading to the realization of the non-dual reality (Brahman) beyond all appearances.

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Do objects exist when nobody is looking at them?​​

Examines the question of whether objects exist independently of observation, contrasting interpretations of quantum mechanics with the Advaita Vedanta perspective. While some interpretations suggest that observation affects reality, Advaita Vedanta posits that the material world is a manifestation of maya—an illusory projection of consciousness. Thus, objects do not possess independent existence; they are transient forms arising within the singular reality of Brahman. 

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

Explores how Advaita Vedanta approaches the concept of non-duality, emphasizing that while empirical proof is unattainable, logical reasoning and introspective inquiry can lead to the recognition that all experiences arise within and are illuminated by awareness. It draws parallels between scientific understandings of space and Vedantic views, suggesting that at the most fundamental level, reality is not composed of discrete objects but is a manifestation within consciousness. Ultimately, the essay posits that non-duality is not a hypothesis to be tested but a perspective to be realized through self-inquiry and discernment.​​​​​