The Brahmasutras are brief pithy statements (aphorisms) which analyse statements occurring in the Upanisads. Through this analysis a cogent systematic teaching is presented which will help a spiritual seeker to attain the knowledge of Brahman. Brahma-jnanam is the only means of freedom from samsara. There are 555 such sutras and with their commentaries and sub-commentaries, the text is voluminous. However, the first four sutras are considered to be the essence. They are known as the Catussutri.