Central Ideas of Upanishads - Indian Philosophy

Embark on a journey through time and thought in our session "Central Ideas of Upanishads," where we explore the profound wisdom in these ancient texts. Written around 500 BCE, the Upanishads signify a pivotal shift from ritualistic practices to philosophical inquiry in Indian thought. Often referred to as Vedanta, meaning 'the end of the Vedas,' these texts were later incorporated into the Indian Vedas and have since played a crucial role in shaping many contemporary institutions and ideologies.

Of the known 108 Upanishads, approximately 12 are considered major texts, holding immense spiritual and philosophical significance. These texts introduced groundbreaking concepts in the Indian philosophical system, such as Brahman (the ultimate reality or unity) and Atman (individual soul or diversity), offering a unique perspective on the nature of existence and consciousness. The Upanishads are also credited with introducing pluralistic thoughts and key concepts that have become integral to Indian culture and…