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Significance of Inquiry

Inquiry, as described in Vedanta, involves seeking understanding about Brahman through questions, such as those posed by Shvetaketu, focusing on the concept that the Self encompasses all. This process includes a deeper quest for truth, known as Vicarana. In Theravada, Inquiry emphasizes investigation, illustrated by King Kosala's method of questioning before punishing Sirigutta. Both traditions highlight the importance of inquiry in deepening understanding and ensuring informed actions.1
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Synonyms: Investigation, Examination, Query, Questioning, Exploration, Research, Analysis, Interrogation, Question, Request

In Spanish: Consulta; In Dutch: Navraag; In Finnish: Tiedustelu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Inquiry'

Buddhism Books

Inquiry in Buddhism emphasizes the importance of investigation and understanding before making decisions or judgments, as demonstrated by King Kosala’s approach to evaluating Sirigutta’s actions prior to imposing any punishment.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The principle of investigation emphasized by King Kosala before imposing any punishment on Sirigutta.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Inquiry'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Inquiry involves seeking understanding about Brahman, exemplified by Shvetaketu's questions. It highlights a process of questioning aimed at realizing the Self's unity with everything, culminating in Vicarana for deeper truth.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The process of seeking information or understanding, particularly in relation to the nature of Brahman.[2]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) Vicarana, the second stage involving the quest for truth and a deeper understanding of reality.[3]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) This refers to a question asked by Shvetaketu, and the repeated inquiries are appropriate only if the aim of the whole section is to teach that the Self really is everything.[4]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).