Brahma Sutras is one of the books of Prasthana-traya and is an authoritative book on Hindu Philosophy. The Brahma Sutras are attributed to Badarayana. However, some authors including Adi Shankara treat Badarayana, the author of the Brahma Sūtra, as a distinct person, than Krishna Dwipayana Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata.

The word sutra means thread. The Brahma Sutras attempt to reconcile the seemingly contradictory and diverse statements of the various Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, by placing each teaching in a doctrinal context. At the time of composition of Brahma Sutras, there were difference of opinion among the various interpreters of the Vedānta namely Audulomi, Jaimini, Badarayan to name a few. Brahma Sutra seamlessly arrange and interprete their views and offer conclusion.

Brahma Sutras consists of 555 Sutras (aphorisms) arranged in Adhikaranas (topics) and divided in 16 Padas (sections) inside 4 Adhyayas (chapters). Besides elaborating upon Brahman, Brahma Sutras discuss the role of karma and God and critically address the various doctrines associated with Buddhism, Jainism, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Shaiva, Shakta, Atheism, and Sankhya philosophies.

Explore Brahma Sutra verses in Sanskrit.

1.First Adhyaya (Samanvaya: harmony, unifies Brahman)
2.Second Adhyaya (Avirodha: non-conflict, refutes other philosophies)
3.Third Adhyaya (Sadhana: the means, deals with the process to attain Brahman)
4.Fourth Adhyaya (Phala: the fruit, state achieved as a result of Self-realisation).