Questions tagged [upanishads]
The last part of the Vedas, consisting of dialogues between teachers and students clarifying the philosophical teachings of the Vedas.
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Where is the concept of Prapatti/Saranagati mentioned in the mukhya upanishads, as per the Sri Vaishnava interpretation?
Srivaishnavas, followers of Ramanuja, believe in the concept of prapatti or Saranagati, where, if I understand correctly, God himself becomes the savior after the devotee surrenders completely to God. ...
4
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2answers
124 views
Mention of “Bhagavan” in Upanishads
Brahman / Brahma is frequently mentioned in the Upanishads as in the famous statement from Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1:
सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म
sarvam khalvidam brahma
All this is Brahman
Is the ...
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42 views
Do upanishads speak about disposition based varna (caste) rather than birth based?
In following blog there is an article on vajra suchi upanishad which has some statements regarding disposition based varna vs birth based varna. This upanishad is believed to be a vedantic text.
What ...
5
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1answer
82 views
What are the details of this process of identifying a thief in the scriptures?
'A red-hot axe was placed before two persons accused of theft charge and both were asked to touch the axe one by one. The thief got his hand burnt while the other one remained unhurt'
the above is ...
0
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1answer
48 views
Are Mundaka and Mandukya Upanishads one and the same?
I had mistaken Mandukyam and Mundakam as different pronounciations of the title of the same upanishads, but just recently learnt that they are infact different. My questions are as follows:
What are ...
3
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1answer
71 views
Are people really punished for their bad deeds?
In this world people commit many bad deeds in their day to day life. Some on extreme level, but still those people live their life happily. There are many historical examples of such people for ...
4
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0answers
53 views
What is the earliest reference to the “yo vapyetam” verse of the Katha Upanishad?
The first chapter of the Katha Upanishad, in the recensions commented on by Adi Shankaracharya and Madhvacharya, has 29 verses. But the recension of the Katha Upanishad commented on by the Sri ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Where can I read Prasthana Trayi from Satya Sai school?
Satya Sai baba advocated Premadvaita and he explained the prasthana trayi very lucidly. Where can I read his works on bhagavad gita, upanishads and vedanta?
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33 views
Why Does Torture Exist? [duplicate]
please give me your best explanation from a spiritual point of view (from Brahman's point of view). I am not talking about what can be called "meaningful pain." I am speaking of meaningless pain, ...
5
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1answer
105 views
Who decided to include only three particular texts in the group called “Prasthanatrayi”? [duplicate]
From Wikipedia:
Prasthanatrayi (Sanskrit: प्रस्थानत्रयी, IAST: Prasthānatrayī),
literally, three sources (or axioms), refers to the three canonical
texts of Divine philosophy, especially of ...
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47 views
Can Kshatriyas teach Brahmanas some Brahma Vidyas?
According to Hindu scripture, only Brahmanas can teach the Vedas and knowledge that directly comes from Vedic texts:
Manu 1.88 - For the Brāhmaṇas he ordained teaching, studying, sacrificing and ...
3
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1answer
58 views
In Which Upanishad Can I Find The Story of the Creation of the Universe by Brahman?
I only know a very basic narrative of the Brahman mythology - Brahman splits itself into Trimurti (Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu) and Trimurti give rise to countless other forms and consciousness.
...
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0answers
38 views
Is everything fixed and I (as a limited individual) am not the doer in spite of Heisenberg's uncertainty? [duplicate]
Is everything fixed in spite of Heisenberg's uncertainty and the so called 'doer-ship of limited individuals'?
Is there free-will or is life just a movie that we are forced to watch?
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1answer
61 views
Why according to Vyasadeva, Shaiva-mata is inconsistent with the Vedas?
In our Vedas/ Upanishads, Vishnu/Narayana, Shiva/Rudra and Uma/Devi are all names of the Supreme Godhead. They same holds for different Puranas also.
Why does then Vyasadeva declare the Shaiva Mata ...
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40 views
In garbha upanishad, in what way the seven types of colors were classified? And what are the significant of it?
In garbha upanishad it says,
the colors are basically of seven types viz., white, red, black, smoky gray, yellow and golden white.”
What are these seven types? How these are categories in 7 types?
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1answer
58 views
How many verses are there in the Mukhya Upanishads?
Wikipedia says the following 13 Upanishads are the Mukhya Upanishads:
Isha Upanishad
Kena Upanishad
Kaṭha Upanishad
Praṣna Upanishad
Muṇḍaka Upanishad
Māṇḍūkya Upanishad
Taittirīya Upanishad
Aitareya ...
2
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1answer
92 views
What are the dates of Subala and Mudgala Upanishads?
Scholarly opinion is as follows:
https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Mudgala_Upanishad.html
The author or composition date of Mudgala Upanishad is unknown. Jan ...
5
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1answer
104 views
Why do people perform rites and meditate if its a hindrance?
According to the īśā Upaniṣad and the latter Śrī Śaṅkarācārya (of Advaita) commentary:
अन्धं तमः प्रविशन्ति येऽविद्यामुपासते । ततो भूय इव ते तमो य उ
विद्यायां रताः ॥
andhaṃ tamaḥ praviśanti ...
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0answers
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What is this verse in Garbha Upanishad trying to say?
Garbha Upanishad mentions following:
If the father’s seed is more potent, it becomes male; if the mother’s
seed is stronger, it becomes female. If the seeds are equal, it
becomes an intersexual....
3
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1answer
130 views
Are there any Gaudiya Vaishnava commentaries on the Upanishads?
Sri Adi-Sankaracharya's commentaries on the Upanishads are most popular in present time. Are there any Gaudiya Vaishnava commentaries available on the Upanishads?
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1answer
89 views
Are there English translations of Upanishad bhAshyas from dvaita and vishishtha advaita perspectives?
Sri Madhva wrote commentaries on upanishads from dvaita perspective.
Sri Ranga Ramanuja wrote commentaries on upanishads from vishishtha advaita perspective.
Are these commentaries available in ...
4
votes
1answer
74 views
In which scripture does the word “Bhagavan” appear first?
We all know that the words Bhagavan and Ishwar are used in many Hindu scriptures. They give their meanings also. I want to know, in which scripture did the word "Bhagavan" appear first?
2
votes
3answers
444 views
What is the original Hare Krishna mahamantra [duplicate]
The Hare Krishna mahamantra which I have heard from my family and saints is the following:
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Wikipedia ...
5
votes
3answers
344 views
Is sannyasa a Vedic way of life? Is it recommended by the Vedas, the ten authentic Upanishads or Grhyasutras?
Sannyasa is BELIEVED to be the so called "fourth stage" of life, i.e after brahmacharya, grihastha, and vAnaprastha. However, when one has ALREADY moved to the forest in seclusion after retiring from ...
4
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1answer
155 views
Why the three levels of reality of Advaita Vedanta are not mentioned in any scriptures?
According to Advaita Vedanta, there are three levels of reality:
Pāramārthika (Absolute reality)
Vyāvahārika (Relative reality)
Prāthibhāsika (unreality)
Now, as far as I know, this concept is not ...
3
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2answers
152 views
How do the traditional Vedic commentators interpret VajraSuchika Upanishad?
Traditional Vedanta commentators and Acharyas like Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, etc always held that Varna system is based on birth. However, Vajrasuchika Upanishad goes to another extreme and ...
5
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0answers
69 views
Are the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads revealed texts, or are they composed?
No Hindu disputes that the mantras in the Samhita part of the Vedas are direct revelations by Rishis.
But what about the texts of the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads? These don't seem to be ...
6
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1answer
112 views
Do the Karma Kanda of Vedas themselves anywhere say performing rituals won't give us liberation?
Karma Kanda of Vedas, Vedangas are treated as Apara Vidhya and Upanishads are treated as Para Vidhya, since the former only give us rebirth and Upanishads provide us Knowledge of Brahman, through ...
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0answers
124 views
Differences in explanation for this verse “Yato vā imāni bhutāni jāyante” which describe the parabrahman
In few upanyasams by Srivaishnava scholars, on the question of what is Brahman, I have come across this verse from Taittirīya Upanishad -
Yato vā imāni bhutāni jāyante; yena jātāni jivanti; yat ...
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0answers
94 views
How many upanishads were there traditionally?
As per Muktika Canon, there are 108 upanishads. Is it the exact number or this is just 108 important upanishads. I read elsewhere that each branch of 4 Vedas have one upanishad each. Traditionally, ...
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0answers
29 views
Why is Isha upanishad in two recensions?
It seems Isha upanishad is available in Kanva and Madhyandhina recensions. These two appear to be two shakas. How can same upanishad be available in two shakas? Which version is generally used while ...
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2answers
344 views
On what basis are 4 mahavakyas chosen?
There are many upanishadic statements.
I want to know why these four only are considered mahavakyas?
Prajnanam Brahma (प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म)
Aham Brahma Asmi (अहम् ब्रह्म अस्मि)
Tat Tvam Asi (...
3
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1answer
89 views
On what basis Vedas, Upanishads etc. are named?
The names of Vedas are Rig, Sama,etc.. Similarly upanishads like Isha, Kena, Katha etc.. How exactly are they named the way they are? What about brahmanas, samhitas etc?
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1answer
136 views
Are the upanishads later to the Vedas?
This question is in connection with my previous question related to Puranas and upanishads. It is also a follow up to my another question.
Chhāndogya Upanishad verses 7.1.2 and 7.1.4 mention the ...
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87 views
Any Vedantic messages from Karma Kanda of Vedas?
It is well known that Upanishads contain Vedantic statements, but I want to know Vedantic statement from Karma Kanda of Vedas if any.
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1answer
213 views
Which scripture is Zakir Naik referring to here?
In his website, Zakir Naik claims that the name Allah appears in Upanishads:
"Allah" in Rigveda Book 2 Hymn I verse II
Even in the Rigveda which is
the most sacred scripture of the Hindus, one ...
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1answer
82 views
Where can I find a good comparitive study of the prasthana trayi commentaries?
Are there any good editions of texts available online or offline that provide a side by side, comparative study of the commentaries on the Prasthana trayi (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita)?...
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3answers
297 views
Who is offering prayers in Isha Upanishad and to whom?
From the last few mantras in Isha Upanishad, it is clear that all mantras are offered as a prayer?
Who is praying and to whom?
6
votes
5answers
339 views
As per Hindu scriptures does lord Śiva explicitly claim himself to be a deity that has to be worshiped?
Note: I have limited knowledge in these matters. But I am a curious person and go with reasoning.
I want to know that in which all Hindu's divine/sacred scriptures lord Śiva has claimed or explicitly ...
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2answers
423 views
What does the word Shambhu mean? [closed]
Shambhu is modified word from Swayam bhu which means "Self Born" and is another name of Brahman or Purush from Upanishads. No other Deity is called Shambhu or has a Nirakaar form like Shiva Lingam. ...
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0answers
34 views
Are there any references to Niralambopanishat and SukaRahasyopanishat prior to Adi Shankaracharya?
Among Vedantins; Advait is a widely followed philosophy.
The famous quote of Shree Adi Shankaracharya goes:
Brahma Satya, Jagat Mithya.
Now many Advaitins have mentioned that the verse was not ...
5
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2answers
151 views
What are the qualities of Brahman according to Upanishads?
According the major Upanishads what are the qualities of the Brahman?
Note: Not interested in any cliche like 'Brahman is attributeless' because attributelessness itself is an attribute hence makes ...
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0answers
85 views
What is the Patra and Mukha mentioned in Isha Upanishad?
Ishavasya Upanishad of Shukla Yajurveda (actaully it's the last part of the Samhita itself) has the following verse-15:
Quoting with Adi Shankaracharya's Bhashya from Wisdom Library:
हिरण्मयेन पा...
4
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1answer
114 views
Where is causal body in this analogy used by Swami Sarvapriyananda?
Listening to one of the talks by the swami. He explains the three States by using the following analogy of the sun and buckets filled with water.
Sun: Witness Consciousness (ultimate reality, god, ...
4
votes
3answers
241 views
Why does chandogya upanishad use kannada-telugu words?
In the Chandogya Upanishad, the word “मटची” “maTacI” is used to
describe famine in the Kuru kingdom.
“मटचीहतेषु कुरुष्वाटिक्या सह जायया उषस्तिर्ह चाक्रायण इभ्यग्रामे
प्रद्राणक उवास” (1.10.1).
...
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0answers
74 views
What is the final message conveyed by Shvetashvatara Upanishad? [closed]
Upanishads are long texts. So it is useful to know to know the final message and implement the same in our day to day life.
4
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0answers
148 views
Connection between Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas
Is there any connection between Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas? If there is a connection, any citation from scriptures of yesteryear's between the three?
8
votes
2answers
567 views
What is Kaivalya Moksha?
Here in Muktika Upanishads, Rama describes Kaivalya Moksha is ultimate. What is it? Is it merging into existence of Brahman?
I-i-15-17. Hanuman: Rama, sages speak differently: some say there is ...
2
votes
1answer
135 views
Translation of excerpt from Madhva Bhashya on Mandukya Upanishad [closed]
Following is taken from Madhva Bhashya on Mandukya Upanishad Agama karika 6 to 9:
तां सृष्टिं बहुधा प्राहुः ज्ञानिनोऽज्ञानिनस्तथा ।
विष्णर्विकृतिमायाति महदादिस्वरूपीणीम् ।
तत्तद्विविधभूतिरस्तु ...
5
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0answers
87 views
Are only the hymns of the Vedas considered apaurusheya, or are the Upanishads considered apaurusheya as well? [duplicate]
I've read multiple times that the Vedas are considered to be without error, and I was wondering whether the same thing is thought of the Upanishads that are often claimed to be part of the Vedas.
