Author Archives: Surabhi Solanki

Dr. Surabhi Solanki is an internationally recognized author, philosopher, and modern interpreter of Indian wisdom traditions. With a unique background grounded in both scientific training and deep spiritual insight, she brings ancient Vedantic teachings to contemporary readers with clarity, depth, and relevance.

From Healing to Inner Wisdom

Dr. Surabhi Solanki began her professional journey as a homeopathic physician, trained in systematic medical diagnosis and compassionate care. Her clinical background provided her with profound firsthand experience of the interplay between body, mind, and awareness—a foundation that later shaped her philosophical perspective.

Over time, she found herself drawn toward the source of inner freedom itself—the realm of consciousness and self-understanding. This led her to study the deepest texts of Indian philosophy, including the Upanishads, Vedanta, and Yoga Vasistha.

A Modern Voice in Timeless Wisdom

Dr. Solanki’s writings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, the philosophical tradition that teaches non-dual reality:

The self you seek is not separate from the reality you already are.

Her work focuses on making this subtle, high-level wisdom accessible, practical, and deeply transformative for today’s seekers—without diluting its essence.

Published Works

Dr. Solanki has authored several books that retell and reinterpret classical Indian scriptures in clear modern English, preserving their philosophical depth while removing barriers that often make traditional translations difficult for contemporary readers.

Some of her key works include:

📘 Essence of Yoga Vasistha: The Book of Liberation

A clear and faithful retelling of the wisdom of Yoga Vasistha, guiding readers through the nature of mind, suffering, and freedom.

📘 Divine Truth Unveiled: Hidden Secrets of Gaudapada’s Mandukya Karika

A modern, accessible commentary on one of Advaita Vedanta’s most important texts.

📘 Bhagavad Gita: Insights from Adi Shankaracharya

A simplified yet authentic interpretation of the Gita, rooted in classic Vedantic insight.

📘 Upanishad Retellings & Vedantic Guides

Including Power Beyond Perception: Modern Insights into the Kena Upanishad and The Hidden Secrets of Immortality – Katha Upanishad Retold, among others.

What Makes Her Work Stand Out

Clarity without compromise: Dr. Solanki avoids oversimplification but makes complex metaphysical insight understandable for modern minds.

Depth without dogma: Her writing is philosophical, not devotional. She focuses on self-knowledge, not belief.

Practical relevance: Her books connect timeless teachings to the real challenges of life—relationships, identity, suffering, anxiety, and the search for inner peace.

A bridge between East and West: While rooted in Indian tradition, her works speak to global readers without requiring cultural or religious background.

A Guide for Modern Seekers

Dr. Surabhi Solanki’s mission is to help individuals move from confusion to clarity, and from seeking to seeing. Her books are widely appreciated by those who seek spiritual insight that:

• is intellectually honest
• does not require abandonment of life
• integrates psychology and philosophy
• supports real transformation

In Summary

Dr. Surabhi Solanki is:
✔ A published author and philosopher
✔ A former homeopathic physician
✔ A modern interpreter of Indian spiritual texts
✔ A guide for seekers of self-knowledge and inner freedom
✔ A voice that brings ancient wisdom into contemporary life

Her work is a resource for anyone who wants to explore:

• Vedanta
• Upanishads
• Yoga Vasistha
• Bhagavad Gita
• Consciousness and liberation

👉 If you want clarity over confusion and insight over instruction, her books are designed to take you there.

If you are searching “what are Upanishads and how many are there”, you are seeking the very heart of Indian spiritual philosophy. The Upanishads are not mythological stories or ritual manuals—they are direct teachings about reality, self-knowledge, and liberation.

This article explains what the Upanishads are, how many Upanishads exist, and why they remain deeply relevant today, along with guidance on how to study them clearly through modern books.

What Are the Upanishads?

The Upanishads are ancient Indian scriptures that form the philosophical foundation of Vedanta.

The word Upanishad literally means:

• Upa — near
• Ni — down
• Shad — to sit

It signifies sitting near a teacher to receive direct knowledge.

In essence:

The Upanishads are teachings that reveal the nature of the Self, reality (Brahman), and liberation (moksha).

What Do the Upanishads Teach?

The Upanishads focus on:

• Who am I? (Ātman)
• What is reality? (Brahman)
• Why do we suffer?
• What is liberation?
• How does ignorance arise?

Their central declaration is:

Ātman (the Self) is Brahman (ultimate reality).

This insight is the foundation of Advaita Vedanta.

How Are Upanishads Different from the Vedas?

The Vedas and Upanishads are not separate traditions—they are connected.

• The Vedas focus on rituals, duties, and cosmic order
• The Upanishads focus on knowledge, inquiry, and liberation

The Upanishads are therefore called Vedānta—the culmination of Vedic wisdom.

How Many Upanishads Are There?

The Short Answer

• There are over 200 Upanishads in total
• 108 Upanishads are traditionally listed in the Muktika Upanishad
• 10–13 are considered Principal (Major) Upanishads

The Principal (Major) Upanishads

These are the most studied and philosophically significant Upanishads, commented upon by Adi Shankaracharya.

Some of the most important ones include:

• Isha Upanishad
• Kena Upanishad
• Katha Upanishad
• Prashna Upanishad
• Mundaka Upanishad
• Mandukya Upanishad
• Taittiriya Upanishad
• Aitareya Upanishad
• Chandogya Upanishad
• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

These Upanishads alone are considered sufficient for liberation when properly understood.

What About the Other Upanishads?

The remaining Upanishads explore themes such as:

• Yoga
• Renunciation
• Meditation
• Devotion
• Symbolism
• Specific deities

They support and elaborate on the core non-dual vision of the principal Upanishads.

What Is the Goal of the Upanishads?

The Upanishads do not aim to:

• Create belief
• Promote ritual
• Establish religious identity

Their goal is simple and radical:

To remove ignorance and reveal what is already true.

Liberation, according to the Upanishads, is:

• Not an achievement
• Not a future event
• Not heaven after death

It is clear understanding here and now.

Why the Upanishads Still Matter Today

In a world filled with:

• Anxiety
• Identity confusion
• Constant seeking
• Information overload

The Upanishads address the root problem—mistaking the temporary for the permanent.

Their wisdom remains timeless because human confusion has not changed.

Understanding the Upanishads Without Confusion

Many readers struggle because traditional Upanishad texts are:

• Extremely symbolic
• Linguistically dense
• Written for advanced students

To make this wisdom accessible, Dr. Surabhi Solanki has authored modern, faithful retellings that preserve depth while offering clarity.

Recommended Books

• Power Beyond Perception: Modern Insights into the Kena Upanishad
• The Hidden Secrets of Immortality – Katha Upanishad Retold
• Divine Truth Unveiled: Hidden Secrets of Gaudapada’s Mandukya Karika
• Awakening Through Vedanta: Timeless Wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya

These books are ideal for readers who want:

• Authentic Vedantic insight
• Clear modern English
• Practical relevance
• Philosophical depth without academic burden

Final Answer: What Are Upanishads and How Many Are There?

✔ Upanishads are philosophical teachings revealing self-knowledge
✔ They form the heart of Vedanta
✔ Over 200 Upanishads exist
✔ 108 are traditionally listed
✔ 10–13 are considered principal and essential

The Upanishads do not tell you what to believe.
They help you see clearly.

Continue Your Exploration

If this article clarified your understanding, the books by Dr. Surabhi Solanki offer a guided, modern path into the Upanishads—faithful to tradition, yet perfectly suited for today’s seeker.

Knowledge does not add anything.
It removes what never belonged.

If you are searching “what is Brahma Sutra Bhashya”, you are exploring the core explanatory text of Advaita Vedanta—the work that systematizes and clarifies the teachings of the Upanishads into a coherent philosophy of non-duality.

This article explains what Brahma Sutra Bhashya is, who wrote it, why it matters, and how modern readers can understand it clearly without academic difficulty.

The Short Definition

Brahma Sutra Bhashya is the authoritative commentary on the Brahma Sutras, written by Adi Shankaracharya.

It explains:

• The nature of Brahman (ultimate reality)
• The identity of Atman (the Self)
• The cause of bondage
• The meaning of liberation (moksha)

In essence:

Brahma Sutra Bhashya establishes non-duality as the final teaching of Vedanta.

What Are the Brahma Sutras?

The Brahma Sutra, also known as Vedanta Sutra, is a concise collection of aphorisms attributed to Badarayana.

They:

• Summarize the philosophical conclusions of the Upanishads
• Resolve apparent contradictions among different teachings
• Require explanation due to their extreme brevity

Without a commentary, the Brahma Sutras are almost impossible to understand.

What Does “Bhashya” Mean?

Bhashya means authoritative commentary.

A bhashya:

• Explains each sutra in depth
• Establishes philosophical intent
• Defends the interpretation through logic and scripture
• Refutes opposing viewpoints

Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhashya is considered the most influential and definitive interpretation of the Brahma Sutras.

Why Brahma Sutra Bhashya Is So Important

Brahma Sutra Bhashya is important because it:

• Systematically presents Advaita Vedanta
• Establishes knowledge (jnana) as the means to liberation
• Refutes ritualism as the final path
• Clarifies that liberation is recognition, not achievement
• Integrates the Upanishads into a single philosophical vision

Together with the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, it forms the Prasthana Trayi—the three foundational pillars of Vedanta.

Core Teachings of Brahma Sutra Bhashya

1. Brahman Alone Is Real

The Bhashya teaches that:

• Brahman is infinite, formless, and changeless
• The world appears due to ignorance
• Reality is non-dual consciousness

2. Atman Is Brahman

One of its central conclusions is:

The individual self (Atman) is not different from Brahman.

Liberation arises when this identity is clearly understood.

3. Liberation Comes Through Knowledge, Not Action

Adi Shankaracharya establishes that:

• Actions purify the mind
• Knowledge alone liberates
• No ritual or practice can produce liberation

Freedom is immediate upon right understanding.

4. The World Is Relatively Real

The world is not denied, but understood as:

• Experientially real
• Not absolutely real
• Dependent on consciousness

This balanced view avoids both nihilism and blind realism.

Why Traditional Brahma Sutra Bhashya Is Difficult

Many readers struggle because:

• The language is highly technical
• Arguments are scholastic
• Context is assumed
• It was written for advanced students

As a result, sincere seekers often feel excluded from its wisdom.

A Clear Modern Introduction

Brahma Sutra Bhāṣya: Shankaracharya’s Defining Work — A Modern Retelling

To make this foundational text accessible, Dr. Surabhi Solanki authored:

Brahma Sutra Bhāṣya: Shankaracharya’s Defining Work — A Modern Retelling

This book offers:

• Clear modern English
• Faithful Advaita Vedanta interpretation
• Simplified explanations without dilution
• Conceptual clarity for modern readers
• A structured understanding of Vedanta’s core logic

It is ideal for:

• Beginners in Advaita Vedanta
• Readers intimidated by classical commentaries
• Serious seekers seeking clarity, not complexity
• Students of philosophy and spirituality

How Brahma Sutra Bhashya Completes Vedantic Study

• Upanishads reveal truth intuitively
• Bhagavad Gita applies it to life
• Brahma Sutra Bhashya systematizes and defends it logically

Together, they form a complete vision of Vedanta.

Final Answer: What Is Brahma Sutra Bhashya?

✔ The authoritative commentary on the Brahma Sutras
✔ Written by Adi Shankaracharya
✔ Foundation of Advaita Vedanta philosophy
✔ Teaching liberation through knowledge
✔ Clarifying non-duality beyond doubt

Brahma Sutra Bhashya does not offer beliefs.
It offers clarity.

Continue Your Study

If this article clarified your understanding, Brahma Sutra Bhāṣya: Shankaracharya’s Defining Work — A Modern Retelling is an ideal next step—bringing one of Vedanta’s most important works into clear, contemporary language.

Truth does not require complexity.
It requires understanding.

If you are searching “What are the differences between Vedas and Upanishads?”, you are asking one of the most important questions in Indian philosophy. While the Vedas and Upanishads are deeply connected, they are not the same in purpose, structure, or spiritual approach.

This article explains the differences clearly, authentically, and simply, helping both beginners and serious seekers understand how these sacred texts guide the journey from ritual to realization.

The Short Answer

• Vedas focus on rituals, duties, and cosmic order
• Upanishads focus on knowledge, self-inquiry, and liberation

The Upanishads are the culmination and inner essence of the Vedas.

What Are the Vedas?

Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hindu tradition and are considered revealed knowledge (śruti).

There are four Vedas:

• Rig Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Sama Veda
• Atharva Veda

Purpose of the Vedas

The Vedas primarily deal with:

• Rituals (yajña)
• Prayers and hymns
• Duties (dharma)
• Cosmic harmony
• Prosperity and well-being

They guide human life within the world, teaching how to live rightly and harmoniously.

What Are the Upanishads?

Upanishads form the final and philosophical portion of the Vedas, often called Vedānta (the end of the Vedas).

Purpose of the Upanishads

The Upanishads focus on:

• The nature of Self (Ātman)
• The nature of Reality (Brahman)
• The cause of bondage and suffering
• The direct path to liberation (moksha)

They shift attention from outer action to inner understanding.

Key Differences Between Vedas and Upanishads

1. Difference in Focus

2. Difference in Teaching Style

• Vedas use hymns, chants, and ritual instructions
• Upanishads use dialogues, questioning, and deep reflection

The Upanishads encourage direct inquiry into truth, not blind belief.

3. Difference in Spiritual Aim

The Vedas aim to improve life within the world.
The Upanishads aim to reveal freedom from limitation itself.

In simple terms:

• Vedas ask: How should I live?
• Upanishads ask: Who am I?

4. Karma vs Knowledge

• Vedas emphasize karma (action and ritual)
• Upanishads emphasize jñāna (knowledge and understanding)

The Upanishads declare that liberation cannot be achieved through action, only through right knowledge.

5. God vs Reality

• Vedas often describe multiple deities as cosmic forces
• Upanishads reveal one non-dual reality behind all forms

This is where Advaita Vedanta finds its foundation.

Are the Upanishads Separate from the Vedas?

No.

The Upanishads are part of the Vedas, but they represent:

• The highest teaching
• The final insight
• The ultimate purpose of Vedic wisdom

Without the Upanishads, the Vedas remain incomplete.

Why the Upanishads Matter More to Modern Seekers

In today’s world, people seek:

• Peace, not ritual complexity
• Understanding, not obligation
• Freedom, not fear-based belief

The Upanishads address the root of suffering—the mind’s misunderstanding of reality.

That is why they remain timeless.

Understanding the Upanishads Clearly (Without Struggle)

Many readers find traditional Upanishad texts:

• Too symbolic
• Linguistically complex
• Difficult to apply to daily life

To bridge this gap, Dr. Surabhi Solanki has written a series of modern, faithful retellings that preserve depth while offering clarity.

Recommended Books

• Power Beyond Perception: Modern Insights into the Kena Upanishad
• The Hidden Secrets of Immortality – Katha Upanishad Retold
• Divine Truth Unveiled: Hidden Secrets of Gaudapada’s Mandukya Karika
• Essence of Yoga Vasistha: The Book of Liberation

These books are ideal for readers who want:

• Authentic Advaita Vedanta
• Clear modern English
• Philosophical depth without academic heaviness
• Wisdom applicable to real life

Vedas and Upanishads: Not Opposites, But Stages

The Vedas prepare the mind.
The Upanishads free it.

The journey is:
Action → Understanding → Liberation

Final Summary: Differences Between Vedas and Upanishads

✔ Vedas focus on ritual and duty
✔ Upanishads focus on knowledge and freedom
✔ Vedas guide life in the world
✔ Upanishads reveal truth beyond the world

To understand Indian philosophy fully, both are essential—but for liberation, the Upanishads are decisive.

Continue Exploring Vedantic Wisdom

If this article clarified your understanding, the books by Dr. Surabhi Solanki offer a deeper, clearer exploration of Vedanta and the Upanishads—faithful to tradition, yet accessible to the modern seeker.

True knowledge does not add beliefs.
It removes ignorance.