About the Vedic Tradition
Vedanta is not merely a philosophy – it is a timeless tradition, born of the Vedas, and ultimately, from the Source – the very Creator. It reveals a vision of non-duality (Advaita) through three foundational texts: the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras.
Yes Vedanta exists to systematically unfold the profound methodology of these teachings – guiding the sincere seeker to arrive at the same clarity, realization, and inner freedom as the sages who first saw the truth.
This isn’t a belief system or a new ideology. It’s a means of knowledge that reveals the absolute reality – right here, right now. Liberated while living. Awakened to what-is.
We are not an institution, not a business.
We welcome everyone – regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality.
The Ideal Student
Our ideal student is one who is actively engaged in the world. One who faces common work place, family and personal challenges. One who needs guidance on how to live this perennial knowledge in the complex modern age – whether in India or the Western cultures. You have humility, critical-thinking, curiosity and willingness to do whatever it takes until last breath. You are hungry for knowledge and personal transformation. You enjoy systematic, step by step approach in learning, each lesson building upon the previous. You want concrete ideas, instead of flowery abstracts. You desire palpable change in your perception of the world, self and reality.
Cost
Most essential to life like sunlight, air, plants are all free. While man made non-essentials, cost. Ironic indeed! In the same way, eternal self-knowledge is essential, thus remains free. If insist, donations may go here. Otherwise main payment student can provide is your attention and willingness to learn from start to end of session.
Reason for the Name
The word Vedanta comes from the ancient wisdom of the Vedas, pointing to the ultimate knowledge that liberates you from all limitations. It reveals the truth of who you are – whole, complete, and free. Saying “Yes” to Vedanta is saying yes to freedom, yes to truth, and yes to the highest purpose of human life. Yes Vedanta!
Teaching Lineage
Teaching style and language usage is based on Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya), Swami Paramarthananda, and Swami Advayananda from Chinmaya International Foundation (Kerala).
About the Teacher – Andre Vas
” Andre Vas is a full-time teacher of traditional Advaita Vedanta (Non-Duality). For the past nine years, he has taught the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, helping students approach self-knowledge through a clear, systematic and time-tested method.
Lineage and Traditional Study
His teaching is rooted in the tradition of Adi Shankaracharya and shaped especially by the methodology of Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya) and Swami Paramarthananda.
He studied for seven years with Neema Majmudar, a disciple of Swami Dayananda, and spent three years immersed in Swami Paramarthananda’s teachings.
He also completed extensive study through the Chinmaya International Foundation in Kerala, particularly under the influence of Swami Advayananda, and undertook two years of formal Sanskrit study at the Australian National University.
From Business Success to the Search for Meaning
Before dedicating himself to teaching, Andre spent many years in business. Beginning immediately after high school, he built and managed successful ventures across wholesale, retail, internet hosting and the automotive industry. By thirty, he had attained the financial security he once believed would bring lasting peace. Instead, he discovered that external success, however valuable, could not resolve the underlying sense of restlessness and limitation.
That recognition led him to Arunachala to pay respect to Ramana Maharshi, whom Andre deeply revered, where he met his first proper teacher – and eventually to a traditional study of Advaita Vedanta.
Classes and Residential Retreats
Andre now conducts ongoing classes and twice-yearly residential retreats. These retreats offer participants the rare opportunity to step away from their usual routines and immerse themselves fully in the teachings. The atmosphere is focused but informal, allowing time for systematic study, reflection, discussion and questions.
A Clear, Analytical, and Practical Approach
With a background in business and enduring interests in metaphysics, biology and programming, Andre naturally speaks to analytical and practically minded people. His teaching is precise yet approachable, traditional yet relevant to contemporary life.
He does not present Vedanta as a belief system, mystical experience or escape from the world, but as a means of understanding oneself and living with greater freedom, clarity and peace.
Gallery of Kindred Spirits
Feedback from Students
Favorite aphorism:
काव्य-शास्त्र-विनोदेन कालः गच्छति धीमताम्, व्यसनेन च मूर्खाणाम् निद्रया कलहेन वा
kāvya-śāstra-vinodena kālaḥ gacchati dhīmatām, vyasanena ca mūrkhāṇām nidrayā kalahena vā
“The wise spend time in poetry and learning… while fools waste time in vices, sleeping or fighting.”