The Upanishads are the final spiritual revelations found in the Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism. The basis of this text is to enlighten the individual about the ultimate reality, also known as the ‘Brahman’. It is ‘IT’ and the fundamental part of everything—the moment one realises the ultimate truth, they are liberated from the cycles of birth and rebirth. However, the path is not easy, and most people do not find themselves in this way. As a result, their liberation never comes.
The way to this reality or releasing God is through meditation. Thus, a seeker needs to find a spiritual guide who can put them on the right path. However, it is up to the person to do the hard work and enchant or think about this being who knows no boundaries. This unmanifested form of the highest spiritual being can only be realised through the mind while conquering the bodily senses. So, it’s not an easy task and takes a lot from the seeker—a person in search of the ultimate truth.
Wisdom Of The Upanishads
The Upanishads are very different from the Vedas as they mainly deal with the unmanifested part of the ‘Absolute’. The sole focus of the Upanishads is to enlighten the modern man or anyone in general about the way to liberate themselves from the cycle of karma and attain moksha through mediation.
The meditation is not an ordinary one as it is the process that one conducts after the initiation from a master. This master or spiritual teacher (who is most likely the manifested form of the absolute) will show the way to the person. After that, the seeker sits with the mind and body, solely focusing on the ultimate reality, leaving everything behind.
Once the seeker realises that he knows nothing about ‘It’, all his efforts will be wasted until he accepts the grace of the unbound spirit, thus, humility and dying while living is the way for an individual to attain a place in the ‘Absolute.’
God ‘It’ Is Absolute
The Upanishads reveal the knowledge about the ‘Absolute’, and even though mere knowledge is not enough for an individual, the texts still bring a person closer to the truth. Because of this, many seekers over the past have found themselves on the path of the ultimate reality.
Realisation And Moksh
After realising the absolute truth, a person can attain ‘Moksha.’ It means detachment from the material world and attachment to the one. Human beings are stuck in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth because of the cause and effect of the ‘Karma’ that we do throughout our lives. As a result, the soul travels from one body to the other.
Manifestation Form
Even though the Upanishads talk about the unmanifested truth, in Hinduism, the deities (personal or impersonal) represent the image of the absolute. These are the manifestations of the truth. It can be seen in the Hindu trinity—Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiv.
Number of Upanishads
There are ten major Upanishads that comprise many verses, revealing the divine nature of the one. All of them are essential in order to attain knowledge about the supreme. However, more than merely reading is needed once one initiates on the path of the truth.
The different Upanishasd are:
- Isha
- Kena
- Katha
- Prashan
- Mundaka
- Mandukya
- Tattiriya
- Aitareya
- Chhandogya
- Brihadaranyaka
Final Thoughts on The Upanishads
The Upanishads are not ordinary religious texts, as these have some of the finest revelations from spiritual seekers. In this day and age, where we are stuck in materialism, the texts reveal a whole way to escape everything and have a fulfilled life. Thus, it is highly recommended to delve into these texts as many answers are present that can open doors to divine realisation.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What are the 4 Vedas?
The four vedas are:
- Rigveda
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
What is Upanishad in Hinduism?
Upanishads, the religious philosophical text in Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma, explain the eternal path’s fundamentals.
Who wrote Upanishads?
No one knows who authored the Upanishad; to this day, this remains a secret.
What is Upanishad vs Vedas?
The significant difference between the Upanishads and the Vedas is that Upanishads are solely focused on explaining spiritual enlightenment to the individuals. On the other hand, Vedas comprise the knowledge of the centuries-long tradition of Hinduism and safeguard it for future generations.
