Which text is traditionally studied within the Advaita Vedanta framework?

The Upanishads are traditionally studied within the Advaita Vedanta framework because they are considered foundational texts that explore the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate unifying principle (Brahman). Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy, emphasizes the idea that the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. The Upanishads, with their philosophical inquiries and teachings on meditation and spirituality, provide the necessary context and guidance for practitioners and scholars engaged in Advaita Vedanta.

In contrast, while the Brahmanas, Manusmriti, and Vedas are significant religious texts within Hinduism, they do not focus explicitly on the non-dualistic philosophy characterized by Advaita Vedanta. The Brahmanas typically serve as prose commentaries on the rituals of the Vedas, the Manusmriti addresses legal and ethical codes, and the Vedas encompass a broader framework of hymns, chants, and rituals rather than the philosophical discourse central to Advaita Vedanta. The Upanishads uniquely connect to the core tenets of this philosophical system, supporting the study and understanding of non-duality within Hindu thought.