How to Interpret the Upanishads

The Upanishads succeed the Vedas as sacred literature in the Hindu traditions. Upanishads, "sitting at the feet of a teacher" are known as Vedanta , which translates as "end of the Vedas" Not only are the Upanishads essential to understanding Hindu traditions, they have influence in Buddhism as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The Upanishads

Interpreting the Upanishads

1. 
    

   Obtain copies of Upanishadic texts. It is possible to download and print reliable translations of the Upanishads from the Internet. Individual Upanishads are available as well. Upanishads considered primary include Khândogya Upanishad, Kena-Upanishad, Aitareya-Âranyaka, Kaushîtaki-Upanishad, and Îsâ-Upanishad.

2. 
    

   Locate a teacher who is a follower of a Hindu tradition and who understands the value and meaning of the Upanishads. There are Hindu societies and temples in most cities in the United States and around the world.

3. 
    

   Approach the Upanishads with respect. They represent some of the oldest sacred wisdom in the world. Read the Upanishads as they were intended to be read, as essential philosophical and theological treatises on the nature of reality and as part of the Vedas.

4. 
    

   Attend to the Upanishadic texts as sources of the highest sacred knowledge. They contain two great teachings; Tat twam asi (That thou art) and Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). This is a deeply monotheistic theology/ It is the oneness of the Soul and God. These simple, yet complex statements are at the heart of all Hindu traditions.

5. 
    

   Realize the nature of God, who is all and the Source and Goal of all life.

Resources

• Place of the Upanishads in Vedanta
• Introduction to the Upanishads
• Complete Max Muller Translation of the Upanishads
• Links to Upanishads in Sanskrit (PDF Files)