Vedanta: A Path of the Heart or Intellectual Pursuit?

By on July 13, 2009 in Spirituality

At one of our  last satsangs, a teacher   mentioned a comment she received stating that ‘Vedanta was too intellectual and not of the heart’  (apologies as this is not a verbatim quote).  I have been contemplating this since it was said and today brought it up to our small Vedanta Study Group for their feedback.  Responses included that Vedanta was “heady,”  “that it works through the head or mind and filters into the rest of your Life,” “Vedanta is practical and can make you a better person,“ and my own thought that it helps you develop discrimination and a different lens through which to view Life.

Well, our study group concluded two hours ago but my mind is still mulling this over and incorporating my friends comments.  It was only when I took a break from thinking that the most beautiful and appropriate response popped up.  “The teachings of Vedanta provide a foundation from which Life can be lived.”  I say this is appropriate because this is exactly how it has affected me.  I have a rock solid foundation that allows me to explore our magnificent world and understand It through Vedanta.  From the principles of the basic elements of the material world, the vasanas that drive our thoughts and actions, and the perceiving that all is Brahman to the application that we are all intricately connected to all beings and every thought, word and deed affects the whole. 

Now, we’re talkin’.  This realization doesn’t feel so heady  and it reminds me of many instances where these teachings  caused me to make a different choice, a more compassionate choice.  This also reminds me of why we gather in satsang: to be in the company of truth seekers, to exchange perspectives and learn from each other.  So, thank you to my fellow seekers of Truth, to our Beloved teachers, to those who make it possible to gather and of course, to Our Ancestors for passing down the teachings of Vedanta.

May we all know Peace,

About Muktabai

Currently working as a psychotherapist and Ayurvedic counselor.  Have been meditating since 1989.  Have practiced agnihotra since 2005, co-lead a Vedanta study group and participate at least once weekly, in kirtan.  I have come to accept that everything, absolutely everything comes down to energy.  As a result, I place a strong emphasis on paying attention to what I am emitting and receiving.  I am, after all, responsible for both my actions and what I attract into my Life that comes under the guise of the actions of others.

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2 Responses to Vedanta: A Path of the Heart or Intellectual Pursuit?

  1. mydomainpvt July 12, 2009 at 11:52 pm #

    dear linda,

    I agree, these texts give us a solid foundation of life, upon which we can build our lives.

    Wish you love, peace and happiness.

    Trisha

  2. Muktabai July 13, 2009 at 4:20 am #

    Dearest Trisha,

    These teachings have brought me so many gifts. They fill in the blanks that i and many of us, don't learn from parents. thank you for your consistent friendship and support.

    In Peace, Love and Laughter

    Linda M