Sri Vedanta-sutra, Adhyayas 1

VedA nta-sA"tra is the ultimate knowledge of the Vedas. Vedic knowledge is very elevated, having issued forth from MahA -Visa' u, the Supreme Godhead, at the time of creation. The VedA nta-sA"tras are extremely recondite and esoteric, and are thus accessible to ordinary human intelligence only in the context of a commentary. The first Adhikaraa' a or topic of VedA nta begins the inquiry into the Absolute or Brahman. Everyone should inquire very seriously about the Absolute, because knowledge of the Absolute--the science of consciousness--is the only source of unconditional happiness. There is no other means to obtain perfect, uninterrupted, endless happiness, because consciousness is the fundamental existential issue. Such exalted happiness is possible only through understanding and practicing the recondite truths of VedA nta in regard to one's personal relationship with the Absolute.