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الاستماع والقراءة

Dr Sucheta Paranjape

Dr Gauri Moghe

Upanishads follow the four vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda), and Brahmanas and Aranyakas. It is in Upanishads that the focus decisively shifts from rituals to knowledge. The vast expanse of ten major Upanishads and many minor ones cover a great array of philosophical concepts and spiritual inquiry. Upanishads hence signify a pivotal juncture in the evolution of the vedic philosophy. They also are a vital sliver of the literary history of ancient India.

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute

Introduction to Upanishads

Introduction to Upanishads : The Essence of Vedic Philosophy

Prof. V. Kutumba Shastri

Upanishads constitute the pinnacle of the vedic philosophy and the vedanta literature. Consequently, over the course of more than two millenniums, many philosophers have explored Upanishads and have provided their interpretations. Undoubtedly the most significant of them was the Adi Shankara (Adi Shankaracharya). One of the defining philosophers of the ancient India, Adi Shankaracharya belonged to 8th Century CE. The most influential exponent of the Advaita Vedanta, his commentary on Upanishads is considered to be the most authentic one . His commentary on Upanishads led to the classification of the 10 major Upanishads, as well. In this second installment of the series on Upanishads, Prof. V. Kutumba Shastri takes an overview of Adi Shankara's commentary on Upanishads. In doing so, he gives us an elaborate glimpse of the Advaita Vedanta

Introduction to Upanishads : Adi Shankara on Upanishads - A Glimpse into Advaita Vedanta

Ishavasya Upanishad is the first of the ten major Upanishads. One of the smallest upanishads in terms of expanse, it is the only upanishad to be a part of the Vedic Samhita. It comes in the 40th adhyaya of the Shukla Yajurveda. Composed in the verse form, it's also considered to be one of the earliest upanishads. In its 18 verses it explores several philosophical concepts: Isha and jagat, the relationship between karma (action, meaning) and Jnana (wisdom), and the correlation between ill-intended actions and the resultant darkness.

Introduction to Upanishads : Ishavasya Upanishad - A reflection on Karma (action) and Jnana (wisdom)

In this fourth episode of the series, Introduction to Upanishads, Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe gives us a brief glimpse of Kena Upanishad. Kena Upanishad is the second Mukhya (major) Upanishad. It is associated with the Samaveda Samhita. A prominent feature of the Kena Upanishad is its discussion of Brahman with attributes and without attributes (no attributes). It discusses Brahman in great detail. Another peculiar facet of Kenopanishad is that it is composed in both verse and prose format.

Introduction to Upanishads - Kena Upanishad - The attributes to Bramhana

Aitareya Upanishad is a small upanishad, which is the only upanishad associated with the Rigveda. It is true to the Rigveda samhita and its essence. It talks about several themes such as Atman, creation of the universe and different "lokas", etc. In one of its key ideas, it links origins of life to water.

Introduction to Upanishads : Aitareya Upanishad - The Upanishad of the Rigveda

Dr Maithili Joshi

Kathaka Upanishad is attached with the Yajurveda. In the Katha Upanishad, the nature of Atman is revealed through a dialogue with Yama and Nachiketa.

Kathaka Upanishad - The Nature of Atman

Explained through the interactions between rishis, Prashopanishad (Prashna Upanishad) offers ancient Indian views on creation, time, matter & soul through the exposition of points such as the origin of the creation, its forms and functions, the importance of Praana, significance of Omkara-sadhana, discussion of the blissful state of mind, sushupti, and the last pilgrimage of Purusha i.e., its journey of uniting with the Ultimate reality. Prashnopanishad is associated with Pippalada branch of the Atharvaveda.

Introduction to Upnishads : Prashna Upanishad - Ancient Indian View on Creation, Time, Matter and Soul

In Mundakopanishad we find a comprehensive and relevant illustration of its central doctrines – Jiva, Jagat and Brahman. The Upanishad also profoundly explores subjects like Brahmavidya, Paraa-aparaa Vidya, Omkara Sadhana, the doctrine of Satya and the relationship between Jeeva and Ishwar. Of the 10 principal Upanishads, Mundaka Upanishad is embedded in the Shaunaka-branch of Atharvaveda. Mundaka Upanishad consists of 3 Adhyayas and each Adhyaya is further comprised of 2 Khandas each. Thus, it is a compilation of 6 Khandas.

Introduction to Upnishads :Mundaka Upanishad - Finding Self and Divinity (Jiva and Ishvara)

Mandukya Upanishad is attached to the Atharvaveda, and it is the smallest of the 10 major Upanishads. However it deals with very significant concepts such as 4 quarters of Atman (self), the true nature of Atman and the role of Omkara in achieving it.