The Upanishads are either a scattered collection of esoteric writings, filled with conflicting messages, or they contain a coherent Vedanta teaching, as demonstrated by later dogmatists. Though they are the collected writings concluding many of the Vedas (the Sanskrit word for either "knowledge" or "wisdom"), the Upanishads are often recognized for the most relevant 10-14 scriptures, and they were … Continue reading What Is The Teaching Of The Upanishads?
upanishads
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
