HINDUISM FOR ALL

UPANISHADS

Upanishads are the result of the quest for answers to problems of life, death, rebirth and liberation. The enlightened master, who alone can answer to these questions, reply to the questions put to them. These set of questions are recorded in various Upanishads.

Of the 108 principal Upanishads, 10 are connected with Rig Veda 19 with Shukla Yajur, 12 with Krishna Yajur, 16 with Saama and 31 with Atharva Veda. But of these only ten (eleven according to some) were taken up and commented upon by Aadi Shankara and hence are considered to be the most ancient and authoritative. Muktikopanishad gives the names of these 10 Upanishads as

eesha - kena - katha - prashna

munda - maandukya - tittirah |

aitreyam cha chaandogyam

brihadaaranyakam dasha ||

Eeshaavaasyopanishad :

It is named after the first verse – Eeshaavaasyam idam sarvam.... This is the 40 th chapter of Shukla Yajur Veda It is a very small Upanishad with just eighteen verses. These mantras give out the details of the spiritual science in a language known for its brevity.

Kenopanishad :

It is named after the first verse – Keneshitam Patati Presitam manah..... This forms a part of the nineth chapter of Braahmana of Saama Veda Jaiminiya recension (saakha) school of veda. Hence it is also called Braahmanopanishad. Brahmatattva i.e. supremacy of Brahman is the point established in this Upanishad.

Kathopanishad :

This forms a part of the Katha recension of the Krishna Yajur Veda, hence named as Kathopanishad. It has two chapters and six sub-sections. This has the famous dialogue between Nachiketa, a young boy and Yama the Lord of Death regarding the status of soul after death. It deals with the knowledge leading to liberation of soul.

Prashnopanishad :

This Upanishad is a part of Pippalaada samhita of Atharva Veda. It is in a form of a question and answer session between Rishi Pippalaada and his six disciples regarding the knowledge of Self.

Mundakopanishad :

Mundakopanishad forms a part of Shaunaka Shaakhaa of Atharva Veda. It is named as Mundaka (tonsured head) because it was meant to cater to the enquiry of the Sanyaasins (the people with tonsured head). It deals with the creation of the World and the Supreme Self.

Maandukya Upanishad :

It is one of the smallest Upanishads with twelve mantras, belonging to Atharva Veda. It contains an exposition about the greatness and nature of OM. It is the only Upanishad which has been commented upon by Gaudapaadaachaarya, the grand preceptor of Aadi Shankara thus highlighting its greatness.

Taitreeya Upanishad :

This is the seventh, eighth and nineth chapter of Taitreeya Braahmana of the Krishna Yajur Veda. The three chapters are named as Shikshaavalli, Brahmaanandavalli and Brighuvalli. The first chapters speaks about greatness of spiritual education, the second regarding the nature of Supreme and the third deals with the methodology adopted by Varuna to teach his son Brighu, the science of Supreme Self.

Aitreya Upanishad :

This forms part of Aitreya Braahmana’s second chapter, belonging to Rig Veda. It contains three chapters dealing with the nature of creation (world), the individual Self (jiva) and Brahman (the supreme Self).

Chaandogya Upanishad :

It is found in the last eight chapters of the Taandya, Sadvimsha and Mantra Brahmanas belonging to Kautama recension of Saama Veda. These eight chapters put together are called Chaandogya Braahmana or Chaandogya Upanishad. It contains a detailed exposition on various topics such as Upaasana (worship), Antaryaamitva (presence of Lord in all beings) etc. It also contains, the famous mahaavaakya ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ – “Thou art That”.

Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad :

The last six chapters of the Shatapatha Braahmana of Shukla Yajur Veda goes by the name Brihadaaranyaka. The nomenclature is apt as ‘Brihat’ = large; since it may be considered as the longest Upanishad. It contains a detailed exposition on many topics. It contains interesting anecdotes, especially an interesting episode involving Sage Yaajnyavalkya and his debate in the court of King Janaka.

Sage Yaajnyavalkya One may realize that though the subject matters of all the Upanishads was to establish the importance of spiritual knowledge and find a way to secure a permanent release from the cycle of birth and death, the numerous examples, anecdotes and methodologies offered in various Upanishads cater to the variety of seekers. These Upanishads serve as the philosophical treatises whose concepts called Vedaanta, have been utilized by philosopher saints to spread the meanings of universal brotherhood and eternal compassion.

Commentaries on Upanishads:

Aadi Shankara:

Aadi Shankara, who is considered as the authority to comment on many philosophical scripts was the oldest commentator on the 10 principal Upanishads along with a commentary on Shvetaashvatara Upanishad. His commentary was based on his philosophy of Monotheism i.e. Advaita.

Madhvaachaarya and Ranga Raamaanuja have written commentaries on the 10 Upanishads from the Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita point of view respectively.

Upanishad Brahma Yogin of 17th century has commented on all 108 upanishads and has offered a synthesis of all the Upanishads.

This article is a snippet from the Book Hinduism For All, Authored by TS Srinivasan and Edited By Dr Ramchandrashekar. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in & across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture & Tradition.

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