Question
Why is Vedanta called so and what is its relationship with Upanishads?
Answer
Vedanta means end of the Vedas, it is the cumulation of the Vedas. The Upanishads which teach the Vedanta are spread throughout different parts of different Vedas. Lord Sri Rama says in the Muktika Upanishad (Adhyaya I):
O Hanuman, listen to Me. I shall truly describe to you the nature of the Vedanta. The Vedas were generated manifold through the exhalation of my breath as Vishnu. Like the oil in sesamum seed, Vedanta is latent in the Vedas.
and later:
Of this there is no doubt. O son of Vayu, these 108 Upanishads, which are the essence of all Upanishads and are capable of destroying all sins through their mere study, have been imparted by Me to you as a disciple. This science of the 108 Upanishads taught by Me, is an occult one and will free persons from bondage, whether they read them with or without knowledge.
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