Nonduality or the philosophy of true understanding is the theoretical concept of the self, known as Brahman (Brahma), the unseen god; a non-personal, abstract being existing parallel to and independent of humans and all others. According to Shastra, knowledge is the only way to reach reality and liberate the soul from the grasp of desires and intellect. The true knowledge, which is the essence of all learning can be obtained only through a union with Brahma, the unseen God. The basis of all knowledge is a personal relationship with the all-knowing, Brahma. There are two paths of knowledge in Shastra:
Pragyanam Brahma (True Knowledge): Brahman is the all-knowing, all-seeing, unlimited self, or Brahman, which is infinite space and the all-embracing. In our finite existence, we cannot view, touch, taste, hear, smell, taste, or even feel the presence of Brahman, but still we try to make contact by achieving Nirvana through Karma (bad karma) practice. However, true knowledge, being non-dependent, is inaccessible to senses and thus must be accessed through inner experience.