Upanishads

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Sanskrit philosophical texts that form the concluding part of the Vedas, often referred to as Vedanta, focusing on metaphysical inquiries into the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth.

Why it matters

They mark the transition from ritualistic Vedic sacrifice to internalised philosophical reflection.
They introduce foundational concepts of Indian philosophy such as Brahman, Atman, Karma, and Moksha.
They serve as the primary source material for the various schools of Vedanta philosophy.
They represent a shift towards individual spiritual inquiry and the role of the teacher-student dialogue.

How it is asked

Focus on the shift in religious thought from the early Vedic period to the Upanishadic period, the core philosophical doctrines, and their influence on the development of later Indian schools of thought.

In the syllabus

In the news

Spiritual discourse on Bhagavad Gita 25 July

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