In this first module, we will situate Advaita Vedānta into its historical context, understanding its underpinnings in Vedic thought, particularly the Upaniṣads. Who are we? Why are we here? What is our relationship to the world? What is our purpose? These were questions that the earliest Vedic and non-Vedic philosophers asked themselves. These questions were later codified into systematized philosophical schools of thought. Thus will begin the “story” of Advaita Vedānta.

In this module, we will start by meeting the chief systematizer of Advaita Vedānta, Śaṅkara (788-820 CE). We will then introduce basic concepts of Advaita Vedānta, including brahman, ātman, and mokṣa. To do this, we will encounter the textual canon of Advaitic thought, namely the Upaniṣads, the Brahma Sūtra, and the Bhagavad Gītā. We will conclude this module by introducing the concept of sādhana, or the “means'' of Advaitic realization.

In the third module, we will start by introducing an important catalyst to the development of Vedāntic thought — the Buddha. We will assess his impact by exploring Advaitic epistemology, or answering the question “How do we know what we know?” Following this, we will enquire into Advaitic ontology, or answering the question “What exists?” We will also address Advaitic soteriology, or answering the question “How do I go from where I am now to being liberated?” In other words, “How do I attain mokṣa?” By answering these questions, we will see what it means to construct an “Advaitic practice”.

In the final module, we will be introduced to the crux of the textual canon - the mahāvākyas (“great statements”) from the Upaniṣads. These mahāvākyas are designed to deliver the core message of Advaita Vedānta, i.e. the nonduality between the ātman and brahman. Once we see these, we will gain a taste of some deeper concepts in Advaita Vedānta that students can look forward to in further study.