The Vedanta philosophy comprises all the various religious sects that now exist in India. There have been various interpretations, beginning with the dualistic or Dvaita philosophy and ending with the non-dualistic or Advaita philosophy. The word Vedanta literally means the "end of the Vedas," since the primary source of Hindu philosophy are the Upanishads.

Vedanta philosophy is based on immutable spiritual laws that are universal and eternal. Vedanta has as its goal a state of self-realisation and transcendence that cannot be grasped by intellect alone.