Upanishads

Summary

Learn about Hinduism by listening to its most important texts - the Upanishads! Have you always been interested in Hinduism but didn’t know where to start? The Upanishads are ancient texts explaining mediations, philosophy, and spiritual ideas of Hinduism. The Vedas are the core scriptures of Hinduism. In Sanskrit, "Veda" translates to knowledge. These texts offer exactly that - timeless, ancient knowledge and an understanding of some of the highest ideas mankind has ever had.  The Upanishads represent the oldest and most revered part of the Vedas. They are the beating heart of Hinduism thought and practice. For centuries, these texts were memorized and passed through generations by oral transmission. They predate Buddhism and Christianity and fascinate both Western and Eastern modern philosophers. Two central topics covered by the Upanishads are concepts of brahman and atman. Brahman represents the all-pervasive fabric of our reality. It’s timeless, infinite, and eternal, the truth that never changes but causes all change. All existence is described by brahman, manifested or not. It’s formless, but contains all forms. Atman, on the other hand, signifies the inner self, what we call the soul. It’s the immortal essence of all living beings, humans, animals, and trees. The Upanishads state that the true self of a person is not to be found in their body, mind, or ego - the true self is always atman. As such, it’s eternal and at the core of every being. The relationship between brahman and atman is discussed throughout the Upanishads and by Hindu philosophers ever since. Some say they are the absolutely same; some say they are the same, but different. Since they were translated in the 19th century, the Upanishads have fascinated and impressed the Western minds. There’s no source better to reveal the wisdom of Hinduism, its philosophy, and spiritual practices.

©2020 Indira Easwaran (P)2020 Indira Easwaran