Book Description

Vedanta, which is the philosophical part of the Vedas, has been the kernel of Hinduism for a few thousand years. It provides the ontological and ethical core to Hinduism. Around this philosophical core, the religion has been developed, adapted and modified as per the needs of the age. Hundreds of sages, saints, philosophers, teachers and practitioners have contributed to the dynamic form of the religion around Vedanta. This system of a loose wrapper around a well developed stable core, is a great example to build ideological systems, including religions, that can serve humans constructively and effectively over thousands of years of human development.This book is a collection of articles curated by the author from his blog at http: //www.practicalphilosophy.in The articles in the blog are the result of the author's experience of teaching Vedanta to mostly doctoral students of one of India's leading Science research institute. The articles show how Vedanta builds up a rational, practical and egalitarian system around just a couple of simple assumptions, to answer most of the big questions of life like the following.1.What is the real nature of individual and the Universe? What is the relationship between them? Is there anything beyond matter?2.Why is there sorrow? Is it possible to be free from sorrow? What is the way?3.How can a person be inspired to follow the path of virtue in the face of extreme trials or temptations?4.How can a person be inspired not to give up in life in the face of a series of failures, directionlessness and despair?5.Is there a purpose to human life? Is there a purpose to mankind as a whole?6.Why should a person lead a moral life? Is it only for the society or is there a personal benefit?Practicing and non-practicing Hindus will find the logical explanation of most of the concepts that they had assumed to be blind beliefs. Students of Western Philosophy will get a taste of how philosophy has been practiced in India, and being continued to be practiced. Practitioners of other religions also can find new insights and inspirations into their own religious practices.Please feel free to contact the author if you have any questions or want to engage with the author. The contact details are the blog mentioned above