Differences in Schools of interpretation:  There are fundamental doctrinal differences between these schools which are the subject matter of continuing and raging debate between the followers of these masters, ever since they were formulated and juxtaposed.  Even there are differences in the recognition of the textual outlay and division by number of aphorisms and organization by sections. For example, Shankara counts   555 aphorisms   grouped in 132 adhikaranas.  Madva counts 564 aphorisms grouped in 223 adhikaranas.  Ramanuja counts 545 aphorisms in 156 adhikaranas.  The major classification of the Brahma sutra text in to Four major sections – Padas is common to all.

Shankara’s (commonly accepted date- 788–820 CE) commentary is called as ‘Shaareeraka meemamsaa’ . Ramanujas (1017–1137 CE) commentary is called Sri Bhashya.  Madhvacharyas (1238–1317 CE) wrote four compositions on Brahma Sutra interpretation, out of which two are considered major, namely – Brahmasutra-bhashya and  Brahmasutra-anuvyakhyana.

Focus of Brahma Sutras:     Brahma sutras deal with a range of metaphysical themes and sub themes addressed in Vedas and upanishads. These include:

1. Brahman (Supreme Divine)
2. Atman ( Souls)
3. Nature of Brahman and Atman
4. The Universe, it’s contents, Process of its Creation (cosmology).
5. The sustenance and end, recycling of the Universe
6. Ultimate Bliss (Moksha)
7. Means to attain Moksha
8. Knowledge, Devotion, Duty and Self-Realization.
9. Multiplicity of other metaphysical concepts and subjects, such as evidence (Pramana), Cognition and Consciousness (Chaitanya), and so on.

The commentaries on Brahma Sutras by these masters are the products of true genius to construct an entire metaphysical thought with internal consistency derived from one sentence aphorisms and weave it in to well defined school of metaphysical system, is an incredible accomplishment. One ancient scholar even while expressing critical disagreement with other masters paid a grudging yet memorable tribute to all masters. He said :

Devo vaa danvao vaa syat, bhashyakaaro na maanavah

(A person who can write a respectable commentary on Brahma Sutras is either a Divine being or a an extraordinary spirt; certainly not mortal human being)

Brahma Sutra Bhashya – Sub commentators:  The subject of ‘master commentators’ (Bhashya Kara’s) deserves mention of a number of their luminary disciples, who further expanded the metaphysical thought enriched and highlighted the genius of these writings.

Some noteworthy names of scholar – disciples of the three Bhasyakaras in each school include :

Shankara : vAcaspati miSra – (bhAmatI), appayya dIkshita ( parimala), padmapAda (pancapAdikA), prakASAtman ( vivaraNa).

Ramanuja : Vedanta Desika (Tattva Tika) , Appayya-Diksita ( Naya-mayukha-malika).

Madhva: Jayateertha (Nyaya Sudha), Vyasateertha ( Chandrika) Raghavendra Yati ( Parimala).

Many scholars marvel at the brilliance and outstanding scholarship of these disciples.

Jijnysa Adhikarana  (Chatuh sutra) Key to understand Brahma Sutras: Traditionally the first four aphorisms of first pada of Brahma Sutras – Jijnysa Adhikarana are considered the stepping stone to the understanding of Brahma sutras focus.

We give these and indicate the broad meaning of these aphorisms without differing sectoral nuances of Vedanta schools.

The beginning and end sound ‘ Om’ is a reverential tribute seek the grace of the Divine in the enquiry.

ॐ अथातो ब्रह्मजिज्ञासा ॐ  ॥ १.१.१॥

OM AthAto Brahma-jijnyAsA OM (1.1.1)

Jijnyasa is the desire to know. Brahma Jijnyasa is the undertaking to know about Brahman – The Supreme Being.

At the beginning of this aphorism, there are two more words: Atha and Ato.

Atha, normally means ‘now’, in the beginning’, connoting that we have fulfilled the pre-requites for such an enquiry, namely the faith and practice of Sanatana Dharma and thus, are qualified for this task. Ato indicates the reason for undertaking this arduous task. Obviously our motivation to understand Brahman is to seek salvation and experience the ultimate bliss of Moksha.

|| ॐ जन्माद्यस्य यतः ॐ || १.१.२

OM JanmAdyasya yataH OM (1.1.2)

Why is this inquiry so crucial? Because Brahman is the creator (origin), the sustainer and dissolver of the entire universe. We being a part of the universe, whatever our nature is, we must inquire about His nature, if we have to seek deliverance. Inquiry of the ultimate Divine is a must for all !

|| ॐ शास्त्रयोनित्वात् ॐ || १.१.३

OM ShAstrayonitvAt OM (1.1.3)

How do we proceed on our quest? What is the source we seek for the necessary knowledge in this inquiry? Obviously, it is the scriptures which are the primordial source of this knowledge. The Vedas, Vedantas and by implication, all the shruti’s and smriti’s, relevant sources from Puranas provide the inquirer with the guidance in our voyage of discovery.

|| ॐ तत्तुसमन्वयात् ॐ || १.१.४

OM Tattu SamanvayAt OM (1.1.4)

And finally, samanvaya ,( made up of two words – Sam and Anvaya) the proper understanding of these source books, the comprehension of the essential principles of the Shastras is what the inquirer has to use for comprehending the kernel of the vast ocean of knowledge.

While for any scholar, this is the most simplistic explanation on these very four aphorisms, volumes and volumes have been written to highlight the endless expanse of vedic thought for the beginning of our humble journey, for the neophyte and common people, this in our opinion is the starting point for this absorbing journey which may take not just a life time, but several births and God’s grace to arrive at his domain.

It will be tempting after this introduction to ask the question: What is the final aphorism, defining the ‘End of Voyage’? The concluding aphorism of Brahma Sutra is:

|| ॐ अनावृत्तिः शब्दादनावृत्तिः शब्दात् ॐ ॥ ४.४.२३

OM anAvR^ittiH shabdAdanAvR^ittiH shabdAt.h OM || 4.4.23||

This is the end of journey – The land of Bliss. There is no return from here! There is no return from here!! OM