The Upanishads
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Philosophical texts that conclude the Vedas, exploring the self (atman), ultimate reality (Brahman) and liberation. Tradition counts 108; about a dozen are regarded as the principal (mukhya) Upanishads.
| Tradition | Hindu (Vedic) |
|---|---|
| Type | Upanishad |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Period | Oldest c. 800–300 BCE; others later (scholarly estimate) |
What it contains
- The principal Upanishads: Isha, Kena, Katha, Prashna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka, on which Adi Shankaracharya wrote commentaries, together with the Shvetashvatara.
- The Kaushitaki and Maitri (Maitrayaniya) Upanishads are also often counted among the principal ones.
- The Muktika Upanishad gives a traditional list of 108 Upanishads.
- Teaching takes the form of dialogues between teachers and students.
Significance
The Upanishads, with the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras, form the prasthana traya, the three foundations of all schools of Vedanta.