The Upanishads: The Seven Principal Upanishads

The Upanishads, often referred to as Vedanta or the culmination of Vedic thought, represent the final portion of each Veda, encapsulating "Brahma Vidya"—the Ultimate Truth. Through meticulous organization by Maharshi Krishna Dvaipayan, the Vedas were divided into four parts: Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka, and Upanishad. Each section is interwoven, with the Upanishads serving as the spiritual heart of the Vedic tradition.

Among the 108 Upanishads, thirteen are recognized as Primary Upanishads, including Isha, Kena, Katha, Prashna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Aitareya, Chandogya, Brihadaranyaka, Shvetasvatara, Kaushitaki, and Maitrayaniya. This collection varies in form, encompassing both poetic and prose expressions, yet collectively forms the bedrock of Indian philosophy.

The teachings within the Upanishads illuminate the essence of the Supreme Self—Brahman—and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation (moksha). The profound realization that the individual soul (Atman) and Brahman are fundamentally one lies at the heart of these teachings, revealing a pathway to unity with the divine.