The Upnishads

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in essence or philosophy Vedas have to be followed as that is what makes a person complete. It must be noted that in the field of spirituality Veda is the only pramana. Just as in the field of vision, eyes are the only pramana. This philosophy comes at the end of each branch of Veda. Hence the name Vedanta or Upanishad. Veda + anta. Originally there were 1180 branches of Vedas. So there were 1180 Upanishads. Now about 200 or so remain. Out of these, Adi Shankaracharya's commentary is there for 10 Upanishads. So in tradition we study these 10 Upanishads. Adi Shankaracharya chose these 10 Upanishads because Vyasacharya in his Brahma Sutra selects verses from these 10 Upanishads mostly. Then also because each of these 10 Upanishads have their own unique methodology of reaching Brahman. The Upanishads covered in this book are 5 because the work was getting voluminous.

Vartika Srivastava a dedicated homemaker, brings a unique blend of spirituality and fashion expertise to her writing. With a passion for delving into the spiritual dimensions of life, she draws inspiration from the teachings of her revered guide, Swami Paramarthananda.

Her qualifications and experience as a fashion designer add a distinctive touch to her perspective, intertwining creativity and spiritual wisdom, in her book. "The Upanishad', penned at the behest and advice of Swamiji, explores profound insights, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation.

Through her literary work, Vartika aims to bridge the realms of spirituality and style, offering readers a thought provoking and aesthetically enriching experience.

I am writing this book with the objective to introduce Vedas to my readers. Vedas are apaurusheya in origin. Apaurusheya means not of human intellect. It has been revealed to the rishis of the long gone era. The rishis are only the transmitters of the Vedas. In tradition they have been conveyed orally down the generations from guru to shishya. That is why they are called shruti. Shruti means that which is heard.

However Vedas are no longer prevalent in our society nowadays. We are not a vaidika society anymore. But no matter what, in essence or philosophy Vedas have to be followed as that is what makes a person complete. It must be noted that in the field of spirituality Veda is the only pramana. Just as in the field of vision, eyes are the only pramana. This philosophy comes at the end of each branch of Veda. Hence the name Vedanta or Upanishad. Veda + anta. Originally there were 1180 branches of Vedas. So there were 1180 Upanishads. Now about 200 or so remain. Out of these. Adi Shankaracharya's commentary is there for 10 Upanishads. So in tradition we study these 10 Upanishads. Adi Shankaracharya chose these 10 Upanishads because Vyasacharya in his Brahma Sutra selects verses from these 10 Upanishads mostly. Then also because each of these 10 Upanishads have their own unique methodology of reaching Brahman. The Upanishads covered in this book are 5 because the work was getting voluminous.

Literally the word Upanishad means sitting close to the guru in a position below. Up+ni+shad. Up means below. ni means close and shad means to sit. Along with Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutra, the 10 Upanishads constitute the Prasthan trayam. This should be understood like spiritual course for a seeker where Bhagavad Gita is equivalent to 10+2 level. The ten principal Upanishads mean the graduate course while the Brahma Sutra means a post graduate course. In fact Lord Krishna borrows heavily from the Upanishads in Gita. Thar is why it is said by Swami Madhusudan Saraswati in Gita dhyana shloka 'sarvopanishado gavo dogdha gopalanandana'.

I have started my book with Tattvabodha. It is a prakarana granth. Means it is an auxiliary text which provides support to the Vedas. It would be good idea to read and re-read it because all the terms used in the Upanishads are very well explained and defined in it. Also I would request my readers to read the mantras in the devanagari script. This is called Veda paryanam, which generates positive vibes in and around you.

I have begun my book with Mundaka Upanishad. It has 6 chapters and contains the teachings of Angira Rishi to Saunaka, regarding two types of knowledge the lower type about the material universe and the higher knowledge about the transcendental Brahman that cannot be described or perceived by the senses, the mind or intellect. It has the famous verse, 'satyameva jayate'. The two birds allegory also comes in this Upanishad.

The next is Kena Upanishad. It is a short text divided into 4 parts, of which 2 are verse (describing the nirguna Brahman and 2 are in prose describing the saguna Brahman. Kenopanishad describes the allegory of Yaksha.