Vedānta

Vedānta (devanāgarī: वेदान्त) is a Sanskrit term originally used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for the texts known as the Upanishads, found in the last part of the Vedas. The meaning comes from Veda-anta = "Veda-end" meaning "the appendix to the Vedic hymns", although it is also speculated that it means "the purpose or goal [end] of the Vedas".

By the 8th century, the word came to be used to describe a group of philosophical traditions concerned with the realization of the ultimate nature of reality (Brahman). There are several schools of Vedanta (also known as Uttara-Mīmāṃsā), the most popular being the Advaita Vedānta.

Advaita Vedanta

The Sanskrit term advaita literally means not-two. It refers to the idea that the true Self, Atman, is the same as the highest Reality, Brahman. It gives "a unifying interpretation of the whole body of Upanishads",[2] providing scriptural authority for the postulation of the nonduality of Atman and Brahman. Followers seek liberation/release by acquiring vidyā (knowledge)[3] of the identity of Atman and Brahman. It emphasizes Jivanmukta, the idea that moksha (freedom, liberation) is achievable in this life.