What is Prasthana Traya?
Prasthana Traya is a term used in the tradition of Hindu philosophy to refer to the three primary sources of knowledge and wisdom. These three sources are:
- Upanishads: The Upanishads are a collection of ancient texts that contain the core philosophical teachings of Hinduism. They are considered to be the final section of the Vedas, and are often referred to as Vedanta, which means “the end of the Vedas”. The Upanishads explore topics such as the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate goal of human life.
- Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Hindu text that is part of the epic poem, the Mahabharata. It contains a dialogue between the warrior prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna, and explores topics such as dharma (duty), karma (action), and the nature of the self.
- Brahma Sutras: The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are a series of short aphorisms that summarize the key teachings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. They are considered to be the foundational text of the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.
Together, these three texts form the basis of Hindu philosophy and are regarded as authoritative sources of knowledge and wisdom. They are studied and interpreted by scholars and spiritual seekers in order to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality, the purpose of human life, and the path to spiritual liberation.