Vedanta-sutra means codes of all Vedic knowledge

Prabhupada, New Vrindaban, May 22, 1969: So Vedanta-sutra means codes of all Vedic knowledge, Sutra. Sutra means codes.

Just like athato brahma-jijnasa. Atha, “now”, atah, “after this,” brahma, “the Supreme Absolute Truth”, jijnasa, “one should inquire”. Now you can explain in volumes of books, athato brahma jijnasa. So there are different commentators, they have explained when brahma-jijnasa should begin, when one should be prepared to inquire about the Supreme.

Somebody says, “After karma-kandiya, after finishing all these sense gratificatory processes”, or, “After this, after this”. Because the word is atha, “now, hereinafter”. “Therefore”. “Therefore”, that’s atha. This word is very significant, atha. Why “therefore”?

Especially in your America — you are all American boys and girls — you should take note of this atha, “therefore.” What is that “therefore”? “Therefore” means that “You have enjoyed your material life as luxuriantly as possible, but you are confused. You are not happy. You have produced hippies, frustration. Therefore.”

You can take this word, “therefore.” Because we have failed, the Americans have failed to achieve the highest pleasure of life even by arranging all kinds of material facilities, therefore they should be eager to understand. At least, they should inquire what is the cause.

So brahma-jijnasa. This brahma-jijnasa is answered immediately in the Vedanta-sutra. What is Brahman or what is the greatest? Say, greatest happiness. Now you have enjoyed material happiness, but you are not satisfied. You are confused.

Then you should inquire what is greatest happiness? So these codes are so important thing, Vedanta-sutra. You can explain, “therefore”, in so many ways according to your knowledge. But scientifically, this, “therefore”, means we are trying to find out the original source of everything.

We are trying to find out what is the original source of this cosmic manifestation, why we are hankering after happiness, why we are confused? So many things.

What is the original source? The original source is replied immediately in the next sutra, next code. Janmady asya yatah [Bhag. 1.1.1].
Full Lecture