The term Vedanta is generally used by many to indicate a school of philosophical thought. But Vedanta is only a special section of Vedic literature. All the Upanishadic texts form part of Vedanta. Vedanta is the consummation of Vedic thought. The Vedas themselves are invaluable guides towards the Highest. The rks or hymns of the Rig Veda are ecstatic effusions from the spirit of man extolling the delight derived while contemplating the orderliness and beauty of Nature outside them. The Sama Veda is the precious verbal treasure which enables man to praise the Creator and His Creation in song. The mystery of this world and of the worlds beyond is elaborated in the texts which are comprehensively called Attarvana Veda; the formulae for rites and ceremonials, either beneficial or merit-yielding or sacrificial, have been collated as the Yajur Veda.

The Vedic literature grouped into these four collections - each under a different name - has four more branches - the Mantras, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. The Mantra texts are also called Samhithas (collections); all sacred formulae are grouped together therein. The texts which describe the means and methods of utilising them and benefiting by their proper recital are known as Brahmanas. The word Brahma has many meanings. In the expression, Brahmanas, it means Mantra. The Brahmanas deal mostly with ceremonials and kindred external activities. The Aranyakas, however, deal with the inner significances and internal disciplines like withdrawal of the senses and the elimination of attachments. The Upanishads attempt, by philosophical analysis, to harmonise the two paths. They form the final phase of Vedic studies and are called Vedanta. They can be considered as even the essence of Vedic teachings. They are the cream of the entire Vedic scriptures. When the Vedas are assimilated by scholarship, these emerge as butter does when milk is churned.

All forms of Vedic literature mentioned thus far form the most ancient body of knowledge, Vidya. "Upa-ni-shad" - the word is formed by the root 'sad' getting two syllables 'upa' and 'ni' as prefixes, 'Sad' means 'sitting.' It has also another meaning, 'destroying.' 'Ni' means 'steady', 'disciplined.' 'Upa' means 'near'. The pupil has to sit near the Guru (Acharya) or Preceptor, paying steady attention to what is being communicated to him. Then only can he learn the fund of knowledge and the skill of discrimination.