The Bhagavad Gita and the Prasna Upanishad are the closest examples in the "Eastern Canon" to a dialectical dialogue, such as a Platonic dialogue. In the Prasna Upanishad, we encounter six students full of devotion to Brahman, "the Supreme Spirit." In their quest for the highest Brahman they approach the holy Pippalada to explain the … Continue reading Six Questions in the Prasna Upanishad
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Notes on Creation and Death in the Rig Veda
Creation The Creation Hymn (Nasadiya) is an account of the origins of the cosmos, though curiously, unlike in Genesis, it is not the opening text found in the Rig Veda. Instead, the first hymn of the Rig Veda is dedicated to Agni, god of fire, and Agni is the first word of the Rig Veda signaling the … Continue reading Notes on Creation and Death in the Rig Veda
Notes on the Isha Upanishad
In the Isha Upanishad (perhaps meaning hidden or enveloped in the lord or ruler), there is an acknowledgement of the distinction between the 'transient' and the 'eternal.' In the opening line, the eternal is identified as superior to the transient. One who dwells exceedingly on the latter will descend into darkness, but one who acts according … Continue reading Notes on the Isha Upanishad
Introduction to the Upanishads
The word "Upanishad" comes to us from the Sanskrit meaning 'to sit at the foot of' -presumably referring to a student or a disciple sitting at the foot of a master, eager to consider his esoteric wisdom. Other translations interpret the Sanskrit to mean "to sit below" or "to sit near." The Upanishads are the highest texts of … Continue reading Introduction to the Upanishads
