The Vedic Concept of Brahman: The Supreme Intelligence

Brahman is a significant term in Vedic literature, representing an infinite and eternal cosmic principle. The term is used to describe the ultimate reality or supreme being, which is beyond conception and convention. In this article, we will explore the concept of Brahman, its application in Vedic philosophy, and the process of understanding Brahman through the method of neti neti.

Understanding Brahman in Vedic Terminology

Brahman is a Sanskrit term that has deep philosophical and spiritual significance in Vedic philosophy. It is often described as the infinite and immutable essence of the universe. The Akshara, an unalterable and infinite Brahman, is one of the reverent terms used to address this supreme reality. However, it is crucial to understand that Brahman cannot be described with any limited language or terminology. The essence of Brahman goes beyond any word or description, making it a challenging concept to express fully in human language.

Neti Neti: A Path to Understanding Brahman

Vedic texts provide a method to grasp the concept of Brahman through the philosophical tool known as neti neti (not this, not this). This process involves eliminating all that is not Brahman in order to define what Brahman truly is. It is a dialectical method used to approach the concept of Brahman by negating all that is not part of the ultimate reality. By systematically differentiating Brahman from all that is not Brahman, one can come closer to understanding the true essence of this supreme being.

The Correct Spelling and Pronunciation of Brahman

It is important to note that the correct spelling of Brahman is not as commonly understood or represented. Many Indologists have used inaccurate spellings, such as 'God' or 'Goddess' or even 'Brahman,' which do not accurately represent the phonetics of the term in Sanskrit. The term Brahman is actually a translation of the original Sanskrit word, and its correct pronunciation is brahman. This word is phonetically and linguistically accurate, and it is the term used in Vedic literature to describe the ultimate reality.

Brahman as the Supreme Intelligence

Brahman is often described as the supreme intelligence or intellect. In Vedic philosophy, Brahman is considered the underlying source of all intelligence and consciousness. He/She/It is the supreme intelligence that exists prior to the material universe and is responsible for the creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the cosmos. Brahman is described as the causal factor for the universe, the source of all knowledge, and the ground of all being.

Aspect of Brahman as Purusha and Prakriti

The concept of Brahman also encompasses aspects of Purusha (the masculine aspect) and Prakriti (the feminine aspect). These aspects represent the dual nature of reality, where Purusha refers to the conscious principle and Prakriti refers to the material or inert principle. Brahman, as the supreme Purusha-Prakriti, is beyond gender dichotomy and can be related to as both masculine and feminine. All other deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi are manifestations of this supreme Purusha-Prakriti.

Limitless and Transcendent Nature of Brahman

Brahman is described as having neither form nor name, and it transcends all limitations of space and time. It is the ultimate transcendental reality, beyond all conceptualization and description. Brahman is known as adhi-, which means the primary or supreme. It is also referred to as anantam, meaning limitless. Brahman is also known as adi-purusha, the first observer who is greater than all other observers and smaller than the smallest.

Examples from Vedic Texts

Brahman is described in various Vedic texts. For instance, in the Vishnu Purana, Brahman is depicted as a timeless entity that measuring the cosmos with three strides: one step covering the earth, another step covering the heavens, and the third step encompassing the transcendental realms. Interestingly, this form of Brahman, known as Vamana avatar, can reside in the heart space of every being as the smallest measurable particle.

Conclusion

Understanding the concept of Brahman in Vedic philosophy is a profound and complex journey. Through the process of neti neti, the method of negation, one can gain insight into this supreme reality. Brahman, as the ultimate intelligence, is the foundation of all existence, and it encompasses both the masculine and feminine aspects of reality. By exploring these concepts, one can gain a deeper understanding of the eternal and infinite essence of Brahman.