About the Upanishads

The Upanishads are the concluding portion of the Vedas, often referred to as “Vedanta” - the end or essence of the Vedas. They represent the philosophical and spiritual core of Hindu thought and are among the most important texts in the history of Indian religion and culture.

The word “Upanishad” is derived from “upa” (near), “ni” (down), and “shad” (to sit) - meaning “sitting down near” a spiritual teacher to receive instruction. This reflects the traditional method of transmission: a student sitting at the feet of a guru to learn the deepest truths of existence.

There are over 200 known Upanishads, though traditionally 108 are recognized. Of these, the principal Upanishads (Mukhya Upanishads) are considered the most important:

• Isa Upanishad - On the nature of the Supreme Being
• Kena Upanishad - On the power behind all powers
• Katha Upanishad - The dialogue between Nachiketas and Yama (Death)
• Prasna Upanishad - Six questions on the nature of reality
• Mundaka Upanishad - On higher and lower knowledge
• Mandukya Upanishad - On the syllable Om and states of consciousness
• Taittiriya Upanishad - On Brahman and the layers of existence
• Aitareya Upanishad - On creation and the Self
• Chandogya Upanishad - On the doctrine “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That)
• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - The largest and among the oldest Upanishads

The central teaching of the Upanishads is the identity of the individual self (Atman) with the universal reality (Brahman), expressed in the great sayings (Mahavakyas) such as “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman) and “Tat Tvam Asi” (You are That).

More content will be added to this section in the future.