Upaniṣad / उपनिषद्

The term Upanishad (उपनिषद्) refers to a collection of sacred texts that form the concluding part of the Vedas. The term Upanishad is understood in two ways:

those teachings which are "situated in Brahman" (brahmanyupaniṣaṇṇā), or
those teachings which "lead one to Brahman" (upanishannatvāt vopaniṣat). ¹

Essentially, the wisdom of the Upanishads guides the seeker towards realizing Brahman, the Supreme Reality.

The Upanishads explore profound philosophical and spiritual questions about Reality (Brahman), the Self (Ātman), and their relationship. They form the foundational philosophy of Vedanta, characterized by their esoteric nature and emphasis on jñāna (knowledge) as the path to moksha (liberation). These texts, positioned at the "end of the Vedas" (Vedanta), present the culmination of Vedic thought. They are likened to the 'nectar' extracted from the Vedas (āraṇyakaṃ ca vedebhyo oṣadhībhyo yathāmṛtam).

Significance

The Upanishads are primary scriptural authority for the Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedanta tradition. They are the source for understanding Brahman, the individual self (jīva), and the means to liberation (moksha). Viśiṣṭādvaita acharyas (teachers) rely on these texts to establish that Brahman is a personal Supreme Being with infinite auspicious qualities. The Upanishads also illuminate the nature of the relationship between Brahman and the individual soul, positioning the soul as an attribute of Brahman, eternally dependent on Him as His body. Upāsana (meditation and contemplation) on these teachings is the path to true knowledge of this relationship, which leads to the ultimate liberation of joyful communion with Brahman.

Key Characteristics

Revealed Scripture: As part of Śruti, they hold the highest authority within the tradition. They are the foundation upon which Viśiṣṭādvaita is built.

Focus on Brahman: They emphasize Brahman as the source and goal of existence, exploring His relationship with the individual self (Ātman).

Path of Knowledge: They prioritize jñāna (knowledge) of the form of meditation as a means to moksha, focusing on the meditative experience of Brahman's essence, form, and manifestations.

Symbolic Language: Their teachings are presented through symbolic language, parables, and dialogues, often requiring careful study.

Esoteric Nature: The Upanishads contain profound, hidden knowledge (ca gahane hīyaṃ vidyā saṃnibhiṣṭā), requiring guidance from a qualified teacher.

Unity in Diversity: While diverse in approach, they all point to Brahman as the single, ultimate Reality, not just as a concept but as a personal Reality.

Qualified Non-dualism: Viśiṣṭādvaita interprets the Upanishads as presenting a non-dual reality (advaita) in which Brahman is the unified whole, qualified by conscious souls (cit) and matter (acit) which form his eternal attributes.

Emphasis on Upasana: They emphasize upāsana (devotional meditation) on Brahman as essential for realizing Him and achieving liberation.

The Upanishads teach us how to transcend the cycle of birth and death, leading to liberation. They are not merely theoretical texts, but practical guides for those seeking the highest form of happiness and a deep, experiential knowledge of Brahman through contemplation. This knowledge is not just an accumulation of facts, but a transformative experience. They encourage continuous self-inquiry, contemplation, and meditation. The study of the Upanishads is crucial for understanding the tradition of Ramanuja, as they provide the path to knowing the true nature of reality.

Primary Upanishads

Īśa (ईश)
Kena (केन)
Katha (कठ)
Praśna (प्रश्न)
Muṇḍaka (मुण्डक)
Māṇḍūkya (माण्डूक्य)
Taittirīya (तैत्तिरीय)
Aitareya (ऐतरेय)
Chāndogya (छान्दोग्य)
Bṛhadāraṇyaka (बृहदारण्यक)
Svetasvatara (श्वेताश्वतर)
Kaushitaki (कौषीतकि)
Mahanarayana (महानारायण)
Subala (सुबाल)

¹ Srutaprakasika (↑)

Upanishad