The Brahma Sutras, also known as Vedanta Sutras, were composed by Sage Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa, also called Badarayana, who is believed to be an incarnation of the Supreme Being. Along with the Upanishads and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, they form the foundational texts of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) as presented in the Vedas. These three sacred scriptures are highly revered and referred to as the 'Prasthana-Trayee' or the Three Pillars of Spiritual Wisdom. The Brahma Sutras consist of concise and authoritative statements that elucidate the true meaning of Upanishadic teachings.

Understanding the meaning of the Brahma Sutras requires guidance from a Guru, or at least studying one of the major commentaries written by enlightened masters and scholars of the past. Notable seers such as Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhava, and others have written over ten commentaries to help decode the profound teachings of the Brahma Sutras.

To comprehend the Brahma Sutras, it is necessary to possess knowledge of the twelve classical Upanishads. The second chapter of the text requires familiarity with Sankhya, Nyaya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vaiseshika Darsana, and Buddhist schools of thought. Interestingly, Sri Sankara refutes all these schools in his commentary, which is widely regarded as the best.

As one of the books within the Prasthanatraya, the Brahma Sutras holds authoritative status in Hindu philosophy. It consists of four chapters (Adhyayas), sixteen sections (Padas), 223 topics (Adhikaranas), and 555 aphorisms (Sutras). The first chapter (Samanvayadhyaya) unifies the concept of Brahman, while the second (Avirodhadhyaya) refutes alternative philosophies. The third chapter (Sadhanadhyaya) explores the practices (Sadhana) required to attain Brahman, and the fourth chapter (Phaladhyaya) delves into the outcomes of self-realization. Each chapter contains four sections (Padas), and each section consists of specific topics (Adhikaranas) for discussion. Notably, the first five topics of the first chapter hold significant importance.