Thread by @BhandarkarI

7 Things to know about the Upanishads -

1) The word “Upanishad” has several meanings.

It signifies esoteric knowledge.

It also indicates interactions between a Guru and their mentees. Upa (close)–Ni (below)–Sada (sit) – it means sitting in front a Guru to gain knowledge.

In essence, the word signifies knowledge.

2) In Upanishads, the focus lies on knowledge: the Jnana Marga (ज्ञान मार्ग).

Upanishads constitute a definitive stage in the evolution of Indian philosophy.

3) In Upanishads, we can see contributions of individuals from varied backgrounds.

That includes people from different varnas, men and women philosophers, and some young children such as Nachiketa, as well.

4) Atman (आत्मन) and Brahman (ब्रह्मन्) are the two major concepts around which the philosophy of Upanishads revolves.

5) Adi Shankaracharya classifies these 10 as the major Upanishads:

Īśā, Kena, Kaṭha, Praṣna, Muṇḍaka, Māṇḍūkya, Taittirīya, Aitareya, Chāndogya, and Bṛhadāraṇyaka.

6) Not all the Upanishads were composed at the same time or by the same person.

Some are in Verse form, some in prose.

It is often considered that Upanishads run parallel to the Buddhist era, but several Upanishads, esp. those in the verse form, are thought be much older.

7) Upanishads often impart intricate philosophical concepts through simple conversations between a Guru and their mentees.

In their simplicity and subtlety lies the true richness of the Upanishads.

These 7 points are some of the key highlights from the first episode of the Upanishads Series, which you can visit here –