Vedantic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

  1. Relating to philosophical principles that originate from a branch of Hindu thought emphasizing the end portion of the Vedas ; describing teachings or practices derived from interpretive traditions centered on knowledge, reality, and liberation in Indian philosophy
  2. Pertaining to a systematic interpretation of ultimate reality and self-knowledge rooted in an ancient Indian school of spiritual inquiry ; denoting doctrines, beliefs, or worldviews grounded in sacred texts called the Upanishads
  3. Concerning a tradition of metaphysical and spiritual ideas that arise from the scriptural culmination of Vedic Hinduism ; referring to philosophical perspectives focused on understanding the nature of existence and consciousness through ancient Indian texts

Etymology: The adjective derives from the Sanskrit term "Vedānta," which means "the end of the Vedas." This refers to the concluding portions of the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Vedas, particularly the Upanishads, which form the philosophical core of Hindu thought. Vedānta, as a philosophical tradition, explores profound metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and ultimate truth. The term entered English primarily through scholarly and colonial encounters with Indian philosophy during the 18th and 19th centuries. British Orientalists and Indian reformers introduced Vedānta into English-language discourse as they translated and interpreted these texts for Western audiences. The suffix "-ic," common in English for forming adjectives, was appended to indicate something pertaining to or characteristic of this school of thought. Vedantic, therefore, describes concepts, teachings, or ideas aligned with or derived from this influential philosophical tradition. Its adoption into English reflects the broader 19th-century interest in Eastern religions and philosophies, which significantly influenced Western intellectual and spiritual movements. The word captures not just a historical textual reference but also a rich legacy of metaphysical inquiry that continues to resonate across cultures.

Synonyms: philosophical, spiritual, mystical, metaphysical, theosophical

Antonyms: materialistic, secular, nonspiritual