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The term ''Vedānta'' commands immense respect within philosophical circles, but its true purport is often concealed by indirect interpretations. To protect the innocent from misleading doctrines, Śrīla Prabhupāda systematically establishes that the culmination of all knowledge is pure devotional service. By studying the natural commentary written by the author himself, we can perfectly understand the absolute truth without falling prey to mental speculation.

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=== The True Meaning of Vedānta ===
The essence of all Vedic literature is intended to guide the conditioned soul toward the Supreme Lord. It is directly taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda that the word ''Vedānta'' literally means the ultimate end of knowledge, which is Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, any philosophical pursuit that lacks Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot be considered genuine ''Vedānta''.

* [[Vaniquotes:Actually they (Mayavadi philosophers) do not know Vedanta means bhakti. Real Vedanta commentary is Srimad-Bhagavatam. Bhasyam brahma-sutranam. Brahma-sutra means the Vedanta-sutra|Actually they (Mayavadi philosophers) do not know Vedanta means bhakti. Real Vedanta commentary is Srimad-Bhagavatam. Bhasyam brahma-sutranam. Brahma-sutra means the Vedanta-sutra.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhagavad-gita is real Vedanta. And if one understands Bhagavad-gita as it is, he is really Vedantist. Veda means knowledge, and anta means the last word. So last word of knowledge is Krsna|Bhagavad-gita is real Vedanta. And if one understands Bhagavad-gita as it is, he is really Vedantist. Veda means knowledge, and anta means the last word. So last word of knowledge is Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:I wish that you may spread real Vedanta. That is essence of Vedas. Vedanta means essence of Vedas. Vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah - BG 15.15|I wish that you may spread real Vedanta. That is essence of Vedas. Vedanta means essence of Vedas. Vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyah - BG 15.15.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Unless there is Krsna consciousness, there is no question of Vedanta. That is my point. That is real Vedanta|Unless there is Krsna consciousness, there is no question of Vedanta. That is my point. That is real Vedanta.]]

=== Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as the Natural Commentary ===
To prevent future misinterpretations, the compiler of the Vedic texts provided his own explanation of the philosophical codes. In his purports, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Vyāsadeva wrote the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' under the instruction of Nārada Muni to illuminate the true meaning of the ''Vedānta-sūtras''. Any attempt to study the sutras without this natural commentary leads to confusion.

* [[Vaniquotes:Real Vedanta is Srimad-Bhagavatam, because this is commentary. Bhasya ayam brahma-sutranam (Garuda Purana). Brahma-sutra is Vedanta|Real Vedanta is Srimad-Bhagavatam, because this is commentary. Bhasya ayam brahma-sutranam (Garuda Purana). Brahma-sutra is Vedanta.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Vyasadeva was not satisfied simply with compiling the Vedanta-sutras, but over and above this, by the advice of his spiritual master, Narada, he compiled the Srimad-Bhagavatam in order to understand the real import of Vedanta|Srila Vyasadeva was not satisfied simply with compiling the Vedanta-sutras, but over and above this, by the advice of his spiritual master, Narada, he compiled the Srimad-Bhagavatam in order to understand the real import of Vedanta.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The commentation on the Vedanta-sutra by Vyasadeva in the Srimad-Bhagavatam gives the real understanding of Vedanta-sutra. BG 1972 purports|The commentation on the Vedanta-sutra by Vyasadeva in the Srimad-Bhagavatam gives the real understanding of Vedanta-sutra.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The real commentary on the Vedanta-sutra is Srimad-Bhagavatam. Artho ’yam brahma-sutranam: Srimad-Bhagavatam is the original commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, written by the author himself, Srila Vyasadeva|The real commentary on the Vedanta-sutra is Srimad-Bhagavatam. Artho ’yam brahma-sutranam: Srimad-Bhagavatam is the original commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, written by the author himself, Srila Vyasadeva.]]

=== Rejecting Mayavadi Interpretations ===
Impersonalist philosophers often claim exclusive rights to the title of Vedantist, using complex grammar to obscure the straightforward message of the texts. It is powerfully argued by Śrīla Prabhupāda that such unscrupulous deviation deprives human society of the actual benefit of spiritual knowledge. Following the example of Lord Caitanya, pure devotees reject these indirect meanings.

* [[Vaniquotes:As stated in the Bhagavad-gita, whoever hears Vedanta philosophy from Krsna is actually aware of the real meaning of Vedanta. The Mayavadis call themselves Vedantists but do not at all understand the purport of Vedanta philosophy|As stated in the Bhagavad-gita, whoever hears Vedanta philosophy from Krsna is actually aware of the real meaning of Vedanta. The Mayavadis call themselves Vedantists but do not at all understand the purport of Vedanta philosophy.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Caitanya replied to Bhattacarya, There is nothing really difficult about the meaning of the original Vedanta-sutra, but the way you explain Vedanta-sutra appears to obscure the real meaning|Caitanya replied to Bhattacarya, There is nothing really difficult about the meaning of the original Vedanta-sutra, but the way you explain Vedanta-sutra appears to obscure the real meaning.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Mayavadi philosophers deprive human society of the real message of Vedanta-sutra|Mayavadi philosophers deprive human society of the real message of Vedanta-sutra.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Such unscrupulous deviation from the real meaning of the Vedanta-sutra has created a class of men who by word jugglery try to derive various indirect meanings from the Vedic literatures, especially the Bhagavad-gita|Such unscrupulous deviation from the real meaning of the Vedanta-sutra has created a class of men who by word jugglery try to derive various indirect meanings from the Vedic literatures, especially the Bhagavad-gita.]]

=== Chanting and Pure Devotion ===
The highest philosophical realization must be accessible and practical, rather than merely an intellectual exercise. As demonstrated by Śrīla Prabhupāda, a true Vedantist is one who surrenders to Kṛṣṇa and engages in the joyful process of chanting the holy names. This simple act of devotion encapsulates the entire essence of Vedic wisdom.

* [[Vaniquotes:Caitanya Mahaprabhu knew it very well that all the rascals, they will call them vedanti and do all nonsense. So don't become falsely a vedanti. Real vedanti means if you simply know Krsna and surrender unto Him, then you become a vedanti, real vedanti|Caitanya Mahaprabhu knew it very well that all the rascals, they will call them vedanti and do all nonsense. So don't become falsely a vedanti. Real vedanti means if you simply know Krsna and surrender unto Him, then you become a vedanti, real vedanti.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One can become liberated simply by chanting Hare Krsna mantra. This is real Vedanta. And actually it is happening. So they want to be misguided. And there are so many bluffers, they misguide them. What can be done?|One can become liberated simply by chanting Hare Krsna mantra. This is real Vedanta. And actually it is happening. So they want to be misguided. And there are so many bluffers, they misguide them. What can be done?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Those who are Krsna conscious actually have full knowledge of the essence of Vedanta philosophy, for they study the real commentary on the Vedanta philosophy, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and follow the actual words of the SPG as found in Bhagavad-gita As It Is|Those who are Krsna conscious actually have full knowledge of the essence of Vedanta philosophy, for they study the real commentary on the Vedanta philosophy, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and follow the actual words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as found in Bhagavad-gita As It Is.]]

=== Conclusion ===
True spiritual philosophy is not meant to confuse the mind with obscure word jugglery, but to illuminate the heart with devotion. Through his translations and purports, Śrīla Prabhupāda has firmly established that the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' is the pure, unadulterated commentary on the ''Vedānta-sūtras''. By accepting Kṛṣṇa as the ultimate goal of knowledge, we become genuine Vedantists in the truest sense.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Real_Vedanta|Real Vedanta]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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