Swamiji’s followers, Maharshi, Swamiji in orange, Pandit Prasad, Lakshmi (Panditji’s wife)

The Brahma Sutras are a portion of the Vedas that addresses Vedanta. Sri Adi Shankara in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras set forth the non-dualistic( Advaita) interpretation of Vedānta. It is said that knowledge is structured in consciousness. In other words, the knowledge a person has of any subject is a function not only of the information they have, but even more so it is a function of their level of consciousness. Certainly this is true when addressing a topic as sublime and profound as Vedanta and the Brahma Sutras. Even as it is stated in the Veda, Knowledge does not dwell in books, it dwells in the consciousness of enlightened individuals.

Furthermore, translations, interpretations of the texts themselves, interpretations of the commentaries, and the changes of subtle meaning of words and expression over time result in the study of Vedanta and Brahma Sutras texts and commentaries being an incredibly elusive field of knowledge.

Swami Paripoornananda Saraswathi, a renowned saint, scholar and visionary, recently visited Mount Soma. It was wonderful to spend time with him. Everyone at Mount Soma greatly enjoyed the talk he gave to the group. He and I became great friends, even in the little time we had together. I would love to some day offer a conference with him to discuss, not just academically, but experientially the Brahma Sutras and Vedanta. He and I did have the opportunity to privately have a brief discussion on the topic. It was fascinating. He is a great reservoir of knowledge. He has invited me to join him to tour and give lectures in India. I very much look forward to that magnificent opportunity. It is a great joy to have him as a dear friend.