Upanishads

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism. Written in Sanskrit between 800 BCE and 500 BCE, they explore profound metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the universe. The term "Upanishad" means "sitting down near," reflecting the tradition of students sitting close to their teacher to receive spiritual knowledge.

The Upanishads are considered the end part of the Vedas, hence they are sometimes referred to as Vedanta, meaning "the end of the Vedas." They discuss concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality or universal soul), Atman (the individual soul), karma (action and its consequences), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).

Through dialogues, parables, and poetic verses, the Upanishads delve into the relationship between the human soul and the cosmic spirit, emphasizing inner knowledge and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Their teachings have profoundly influenced Hindu philosophy and spirituality, as well as other Eastern religions and philosophical systems.