Who am I? What am I not?

How is the universe created?

What came first?

If reality is without a second (non-dual) — why do I experience many (duality)?

What is the highest purpose of human birth?

How to know which decision is most appropriate?

What is the absolute, universal meaning of “Truth”?

What is the relationship between myself (jiva), world (jagat) and the Whole (ishvara)?

And most importantly, through what method do we unmistakably discern truth from falsehood?

Such questions have already been thoroughly resolved throughout texts of Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras, Pancadasi, Tattva Bodha, etc.

As result of their irrefutable logic (which you'll learn about in the course) — the answers to above questions can't be negated from any point of view at any time.

Because upon investigation, you'll find they are pointing to the One reality which is true even now. Yet the aspirant's mind hasn't captured THE reality yet because of distorted notions.

Just like one is unable to clearly make out whether it's a rope or a snake due to insufficient light. So we feel, speak and act according to our mistaken projections, and not THE reality.

Because the margin for error between personal projections and the absolute reality is minuscule…

The knowledge of Vedanta does not make any unverifiable claim which you and I can't directly experience or discern for ourselves.

Nor is it asking to adhere to set of beliefs which can't be proven right now, here.

Nor is it a mystical lineage, philosophical discussion, or a religion.

Vedanta is an observation of WHAT-IS.

Just like Newton didn't create “gravity”. He only discovered what-is on bases of observation and contemplation.

Therefore gravity can't be considered a religion or a philosophy. It's is not owned by any author. It is a non-negatable fact.

It's existence remains independent and true – whether we think of it or not.

In the same way, Vedanta directly points out the one unchanging Truth of everything.

Consequently, Advaita Vedanta reveals the reality of self, of “I AM”.

And the method is done by a special kind of knowledge, called self-knowledge (brahmavidya / jnana-yoga). It's purpose is to free oneself from sense of limitation. From projection. From assumption.

Self-knowledge is free of personal biases owning to vast literature covering every possible angle of Reality.

Hence the only purpose of Vedanta is to show the qualified student…

THAT knowledge, once known, nothing else remains to be known.

For example, in some cirtumstances, the teacher-guru will handpick parts one personally understand and stick with that.

But this attitude robs the devotee from hearing the full message. It doesn't address emotions. Bypasses psychology. Skips world of matter. Disregards science.

This leads to contradictions. A disharmony in worldly engagements.

Neo-Advaita is a typical example of handpicking and avoiding the rest.

This results in spiritual bypassing.

One ends up discounting world duties, dharma, spouse, family, work — while proudly trumpeting “I'm spiritual “.

Is this what a rational, intelligent seeker wants? Self-denial or escapism are qualities of children. Not adults.

Life transformation requires a detailed investigation into one's thoughts. Discounting nothing.

And this is why devotee needs to be guided through the process of self-inquiry.

Otherwise life circumstances quickly overshadow our realizations. The progress seems to fade into the background.

For this reason, the student needs to stick to the tradition if he or she desires a complete spiritual metamorphosis.

What does “traditional” mean?

It's important because a proper order is crucial for proper, whole and direct knowledge of oneself.

Else the truth remains partially assimilated. A case of superficial intellectualism. Or an enlightened ego.

It's like a person who learns arithmetic, but is never shown addition.

Consequence he will be a limited mathematician whose convinced “I figured it out “.

Face it, humans seek the path of least resistance.

The consequence of shortcuts is an artificial sense of security and freedom, justified as “spiritual awakening”.

Although worry not. The “happy awakened” bubble always bursts through passage of time.

For example once life throws addition onto our mathematician, he or she discovers there is no way of solving the equation.

In fact, nothing is faulty with one's ability or effort.

Instead the problem lies in ignorance of the missing knowledge. And once it's known, the equation is solved.

Again, to emphasize the cruciality in sticking with the tradition…

Can a doctor cure the patient's sickness with partial medical knowledge? No.

Perhaps the patient may be temporarily relieved. Although the disease will inevitably resurface – unless an informed diagnosis is conducted.

In the same way, only complete knowledge of Reality can fully and definitively destroy ignorance.

This is the purpose of traditional Advaita Vedanta as Yes Vedanta is dedicated to disseminating.