Upanishadien

Upanishadien refers to a collection of philosophical texts that form the concluding part of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The term "Upanishad" literally translates to "sitting down near" or "sitting close to," suggesting a tradition of learning where disciples would sit near their guru to receive profound spiritual knowledge. These texts are considered foundational to Vedanta philosophy, one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy.

The Upanishads delve into metaphysical questions concerning the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate universal principle (Brahman). They explore the relationship between the individual soul and the cosmic soul, proposing that Atman is ultimately identical with Brahman. This realization, achieved through knowledge and meditation, is seen as the path to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Composed over several centuries, typically between the 8th and 2nd centuries BCE, the Upanishads are diverse in their style and content. Some are presented as dialogues, while others are more poetic or aphoristic. Key Upanishads include the Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, Katha, and Mandukya Upanishads, each offering unique perspectives and insights. They have profoundly influenced not only Indian religious and philosophical thought but also spiritual traditions worldwide.