Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Vedanta - Introduction - 4

[Paritala Gopi Krishna]

The Bhagavad Gita:

The Bhagavad Gita does not belong strictly speaking to the category of the texts revealed (Sruti or 'what is heard' or the Vedas) and is part of the Smrti ('what is remembered' and authored by human beings) like the Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Bhagavad Gita is the central portion of a well-known epic, the Mahabharata. For the Vedanta tradition, it enjoys the same status as an Upanishad  since it deals with the same subject matter. In addition to unfolding the reality, the Gita emphasizes on the maturity of the student. It highlights the human predicament and analyzes in length the role of values and ethics, action, meditation, devotion as means to gain the maturity necessary to understand the vision of Vedanta. In that sense, it is particularly valuable to the modern student of Vedanta.

The Brahma Sutras:

The Brahma Sutras authored by Vyasa in form of aphorisms or sutras, is an analytical text studied after the study of the Upanishads. Sankara has written an extensive commentary on Brahma Sutras, with an introduction called "Adhyasa Bhasyam" that is considered to be a literary masterpiece. Brahma Sutras not only analytically expose the vision of all the Upanishads but also defend its position by refuting the views of the prominent schools of philosophy existing at those times namely Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisesika, and some schools of Buddhism.

The other texts studied in the tradition of Vedanta are the following:

Texts authored by Sankara or attributed to him (Upadesasahasri, Vivekacudamani, Atma Bodha, Tattva Bodha, Daksinamurtistotra, Aparoksanubhuti,Satasloki, Vakyavrtti, Sarvavedantasiddhantasarasamgraha, Drk Drsya Viveka)

Texts written by the direct disciples of Sankara, like Suresvara (Naiskarmya Siddhi, two commentaries on Sankara's commentaries on Taittriya and Brhadaranyaka Upanishad), Padmapada(Pancapadika), Totaka (Srutisarasamuddharana)

Texts from other Vedanta teachers like Gaudapada, the teacher of Govinda, who in turn was the teacher of Sankara , are also considered to be integral part of study of Vedanta. Gaudapada wrote a famous commentary on Mandukya Upanishad in the form of verses called "Mandukya Upanishad Karika", which Sankara himself further commented upon. The book "Pancadasi" authored byVidyaranya is another example of a widely studied text on Vedanta.