Definition

Noun: 1. A sacred Hindu text of a mystical and philosophical nature: An Upanishad is one of a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that form the concluding part of the Vedic scriptures. They explore profound metaphysical questions concerning the nature of ultimate reality (Brahman), the self (Atman), and the relationship between the two.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scholars study the Upanishad to understand early Indian philosophy.
  • The teachings of that particular Upanishad focus on meditation and self-knowledge.
  • The Upanishad presents a dialogue between a teacher and a student.

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: The word is often capitalized, especially when referring to a specific text (e.g., the ).
• Used in a collective sense: The term is frequently used in the plural ("the Upanishads") to refer to the entire body of these texts.
  • The Upanishads are considered the foundation of much Hindu thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Upanishadic (adjective): Of or relating to the Upanishads.
  • Upanishadic thought is deeply philosophical.

Synonyms

• Vedanta (in its original meaning as the "end of the Vedas"): Refers specifically to the Upanishads as the concluding portions of the Vedas.
• Śruti ("that which is heard"): The category of supreme, revealed scripture in Hinduism, which includes the Vedas and the Upanishads.

Different Meanings / Contexts

• Historical/Religious Context: Primarily denotes the specific set of Sanskrit texts composed in ancient India.
• Philosophical Context: Refers to the ideas and doctrines contained within these texts, which form the basis for Vedanta and other schools of Hindu philosophy.

Noun

1. a later sacred text of Hinduism of a mystical nature dealing with metaphysical questions
   • the Vedanta philosophy developed from the pantheistic views of the Upanishads