Theology Discussion: Upanishads live read

Passcode: 233392

Come enlighten us on the Upanishads.

We will be doing a live read of this version of the Upanishads:

https://estudantedavedanta.net/The-Upanishads-Translated-by-Swami-Paramananda.pdf

Why? because its the first version that shows up when you type in "Upanishads pdf" to google.

The format is we will read one paragraph and then discuss the meaning. If we are having trouble understanding we can look to the translator's/author's explanation for assistance.

We will be starting with the Isa-upanishad on page 25.

(Link and password will be posted shortly before meeting)

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About the text:

The Upanishads are ancient Hindu philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self (Ātman), and the ultimate truth or cosmic principle (Brahman). They form the concluding portion of the Vedas, the oldest sacred scriptures of India, and are sometimes called Vedānta, meaning “the end of the Veda,” both literally and philosophically.

Composed between roughly 800 and 300 BCE, the Upanishads are written in Sanskrit and present a shift from ritual and sacrifice toward meditation, knowledge, and spiritual insight. Instead of focusing on external worship, they seek to answer profound questions such as:

• What is the true self beyond body and mind?
• What is the source and essence of the universe?
• How can one attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth?

There are over 200 Upanishads known today, but about a dozen—such as the Bṛhadāraṇyaka, Chāndogya, Kena, Katha, and Taittirīya Upanishads—are considered principal. Their teachings have deeply influenced Hindu philosophy, particularly schools like Advaita Vedānta, and have also inspired thinkers worldwide.