2025, Vol. 11, Issue 5, Part C

The Prasthānatrayī (प्रस्थानत्रयी), or “threefold foundation”, comprises the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gītā, and Brahma Sūtras canonical texts that form the epistemic and spiritual core of Vedānta (Panoti 2003). Far beyond literary heritage, these works serve as metaphysical cartographies guiding seekers toward the realization of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
This article explores how each text contributes uniquely: the Upanishads unveil non-dual metaphysical truths; the Bhagavad Gītā offers ethical and practical guidance through karma, bhakti, and jñāna; and the Brahma Sūtras provide a rigorous logical framework to synthesize Vedantic thought. Together, they illuminate the triadic structure of existence Jīva (individual soul), Jagat (world), and Īśvara (Supreme Being) charting a path from ignorance to self-realization.
The article further examines interpretations across major Vedantic schools Advaita, Vishishtādvaita, and Dvaita highlighting their philosophical diversity. It also correlates Prasthānatrayī with the six orthodox Darśanas, showing how epistemology and metaphysics converge to deepen spiritual inquiry.
By tracing the evolution of Smṛti texts through thinkers like Sage Śuka and Madhusūdana Sarasvatī, the article underscores Vedanta’s adaptability in addressing ethical, societal, and ecological challenges. Finally, it draws parallels between ancient wisdom and modern scientific paradigms including quantum consciousness and bio-nano interfaces proposing a holistic framework that bridges spiritual insight with contemporary inquiry.
Ultimately, the Prasthānatrayī emerges not merely as scripture, but as a timeless guide for integrative knowledge, ethical living, and transformative understanding in an age of complexity