What is philosophy if it does not illuminate the path to the Self? What is a sacred text if it does not guide the seeker toward ultimate truth? The Brahmasūtra and the Bhagavad Gītā are not merely ancient writings; they are the twin beacons of Vedantic thought and dharmic praxis. The Brahmasūtra, ascribed to Badarayana, lays the systematic foundations of Vedanta—distilling the vast ocean of Vedic wisdom into a precise, logical framework that continues to challenge and inspire scholars. In contrast, the Bhagavad Gītā offers a dynamic dialogue between duty and devotion, intellect and intuition—a living conversation that bridges the transcendent and the immanent, inviting each individual to embark on a personal journey of self-realization.
This section of the Journal of Sanātana Dharma invites a rigorous exploration of these seminal texts. How does the Brahmasūtra establish the parameters of valid knowledge (pramāṇa) and the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman)? In what ways does the Bhagavad Gītā reconcile the demands of action (karma) with the quest for liberation (moksha)? Both works, though distinct in their literary form and historical context, converge in their purpose—to unravel the complexities of existence and to offer a path toward spiritual awakening.
We welcome contributions that delve into:
- The systematic exposition of Vedanta in the Brahmasūtra: Its logical structure, methodologies, and interpretations through various commentaries
- The interplay between the metaphysical inquiries of the Brahmasūtra and the ethical, devotional, and existential dimensions of the Bhagavad Gītā
- Comparative studies of classical commentaries—from Śankarācārya’s Advaita perspective to the theistic interpretations by Ramanuja and Madhva—highlighting diverse trajectories of thought
- The role of the Bhagavad Gītā as a practical guide: How its teachings on duty, righteousness, and inner transformation resonate with contemporary ethical and existential challenges
- An exploration of the dialectical method in the Brahmasūtra: The articulation of pūrvapakṣa and uttarapakṣa in refining philosophical debate
- The synthesis of intellectual rigor and devotional fervor: How the dialogue in the Bhagavad Gītā integrates reason and faith, action and renunciation
- The impact of these texts on later philosophical systems, literature, art, and modern spiritual discourse
- Reassessing the historical context of both works to reclaim their indigenous wisdom in the face of modern interpretations and colonial legacies
Together, the Brahmasūtra and the Bhagavad Gītā form a dynamic duo—one providing the scaffold of logical inquiry, the other offering a lyrical, heartfelt vision of dharma. They invite the seeker to move beyond the confines of dogma and towards an integrated understanding of life that honors both the mind’s analytical capacity and the heart’s intuitive grasp of truth. We welcome scholarly articles, critical essays, and reflective explorations that not only deepen our understanding of these texts but also illuminate their continuing relevance as timeless guides for personal and societal transformation.