Upanishads Penguin Classics Audio Book #Part #3

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The Upanishads are foundational philosophical and religious texts of Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma, meaning “Eternal Order/Path”) that elaborate on the concepts introduced in the Vedas. The term "Upanishad" means “to sit down closely,” suggesting a student learning from a teacher, and is also interpreted as “secret teaching” or “underlying truth.”

These texts are considered Shruti (heard wisdom) and are believed by many Hindus to be divinely received, not composed. They represent the Vedanta—the "end" or culmination of Vedic knowledge—focusing on metaphysical questions and encouraging personal spiritual engagement rather than just ritual practice.

There are around 180–200 Upanishads, with 13 principal ones embedded in the four Vedas:

Rig Veda

Sama Veda

Yajur Veda

Atharva Veda

These principal Upanishads include:

Brhadaranyaka – Discusses Atman (Higher Self), unity of all existence, and immortality of the soul.

Chandogya – Introduces Tat Tvam Asi (“Thou Art That”), emphasizing the unity of Atman and Brahman.

Taittiriya – Explores rituals and concludes with the realization of universal unity.

Aitareya – Highlights human dignity and joy in fulfilling dharma.

Kausitaki – Focuses on the illusion of individuality and universal oneness.

Kena – Emphasizes that Brahman is beyond intellectual comprehension; true knowledge is self-knowledge.

Katha – Explores death and rebirth, and the importance of living fully in the present.

Isha – Highlights non-duality and righteous action.

Svetasvatara – Focuses on the First Cause and the power of self-discipline.

Mundaka – Contrasts higher (spiritual) and lower (intellectual) knowledge.

Prashna – Deals with existential questions and devotion as a path to liberation.

Maitri – Discusses the nature of the soul and the means of liberation.

Mandukya – Explores the sacred sound OM and spiritual detachment.

Core Concepts
The Upanishads introduce and refine key Hindu concepts:

Brahman – the Supreme, unchanging reality, source of all existence.

Atman – the individual’s divine essence or higher self.

The central goal is moksha (liberation) from samsara (cycle of rebirth), achieved through self-realization—realizing Atman is one with Brahman.

Tat Tvam Asi conveys that one already is what one seeks; realization is the key.

Dharma (duty) and karma (action) are essential in progressing spiritually.

Suffering is seen as a result of ignorance and poor karma, not divine punishment.

These texts do not always follow a linear philosophical structure but are rather dialogical narratives—conversations between seekers and sages—that invite introspection rather than give definitive answers. This makes them similar in tone to Plato’s dialogues in the Western tradition.

Origins and Influence
There are two major theories about the origin of Vedic thought:

It originated in the Indus Valley and was reintroduced through the Indo-Aryan migration.

It was developed in Central Asia by Aryans and brought to the Indian subcontinent, where it merged with local beliefs—this view is more widely accepted today.

During the Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE), these oral traditions were compiled in Sanskrit. The Upanishads were preserved alongside other Vedic texts:

Samhitas (prayers),

Brahmanas (ritual guides),

Aranyakas (forest texts),

Upanishads (philosophical teachings).

Global Impact
The Upanishads influenced Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and significantly impacted global philosophy after their translation. They were translated into Persian by Mughal prince Dara Shukoh, then into Latin by Anquetil-Duperron and into English by Colebrooke. Influential Western thinkers like Schopenhauer praised them highly, and their ideas inspired poets like T.S. Eliot and authors like Somerset Maugham (The Razor’s Edge).

The Beat Generation of the 1950s and the spiritual movements of the 1960s further popularized the texts. Today, the Upanishads are regarded as timeless works of spiritual philosophy that continue to guide seekers of truth around the world.

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