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Brahma Bindu

This document provides an introduction and overview of the Brahmabindu Upanishad sacred text. It begins by explaining the etymological meaning of the word "Upanishad" as "to sit down near" to receive spiritual instruction. It notes that Upanishads contain dialogues, narratives, symbols and were orally transmitted. The document discusses how Upanishads elaborate on metaphysical states and concepts like karma, rebirth, liberation. It dates the composition of major Upanishads between 800-400 BC and says they are acknowledged as representing the pinnacle of ancient Indian wisdom. The document then presents sections of the Brahmabindu Upanishad text with commentary in Sanskrit.

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4K views4 pages

Brahma Bindu

This document provides an introduction and overview of the Brahmabindu Upanishad sacred text. It begins by explaining the etymological meaning of the word "Upanishad" as "to sit down near" to receive spiritual instruction. It notes that Upanishads contain dialogues, narratives, symbols and were orally transmitted. The document discusses how Upanishads elaborate on metaphysical states and concepts like karma, rebirth, liberation. It dates the composition of major Upanishads between 800-400 BC and says they are acknowledged as representing the pinnacle of ancient Indian wisdom. The document then presents sections of the Brahmabindu Upanishad text with commentary in Sanskrit.

Uploaded by

hjoshi1297
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Sacred Text

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Brahmabindu Upanishad

(Brahmabindu Upanishad)

www.swargarohan.org

Sacred Text

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Brahmabindu Upanishad

UPANISHADS: AN INTRODUCTION
The word 'Upanishad' in Sanskrit language means upa (near), ni (down) and shad (to
sit), which can be summed up as 'to sit down near' (and receive instructions). The teacher
and student or a spiritual master and his disciples setting were not always prevalent in strict
sense. In some cases, it was husband answering questions about immortality to his wife or
a teenage boy was being taught by Yama (God of Death). The teachers, in some cases were
women sages and the seekers of inspiration were kings. Besides dialogues, Upanishads also
contain narrations, similes, metaphors, illustrations and symbolism.
In the quietude of caves and monasteries or ashrams situated on the banks of holy
Ganges, this mystic knowledge was exchanged for centuries. It can be said that Upanishads
are collection of writings representing oral transmission of such knowledge.
Most of the Upanishads are either commentary on or are an extension of four Vedas
and in most cases constitute Vedanta (the end or an ultimate part of Veda). The
characteristics of the Upanishads are their universality and the total absence of any
dogmatism. Upanishads elaborate upon highest metaphysical state, beyond which is the
realm of Silence.
Upanishads are considered as the backbone of Hinduism. The thoughts expressed
inside Upanishadic cluster forms the core of Indian philosophy. One can find doctrines of
Karma (action), Yoga (union), Punarjanma (rebirth), moksha (liberation), atma (soul) and
brahman (super soul), inside these scriptures. Upanishads also gives valuable insight into
Hindu belief system behind the creation of universe and the reasons behind its sustenance.
According to Historians, Upanishads were composed between year 800-400 B.C.
Experts differ on total number of Upanishads, but most agree on 108. Major among them
are Chhandogya & Kena (Sam Veda); Aitareya & Kaushitaki (Rig Veda); Katha, Taittiriya,
Brihadaranyaka, Svetasvatara, Isa & Prasna (Yajur Veda); Mundaka & Mandukya (Atharva
Veda). From various elaboration found inside Upanishadic verses, it can be said that, sages
like Yagnavalkya, Uddalaka, Aitareya, Pippalada, Sanat Kumar, Shwetaketu, Shandilya,
Manu and even Maharshi Narada disseminated Upanishadic knowledge and thus, can be said
to be their authors.
Upanishads are acknowledged as pinnacle of human wisdom. None other scripture
of that time can claim to contain such sublime and noble thoughts as found inside
Upanishads. Written almost at the time of the dawn of civilization, Upanishads continues to
evoke tremendous interest even today, among literates of both, East as well as West.

www.swargarohan.org

Sacred Text

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Brahmabindu Upanishad

www.swargarohan.org

Sacred Text

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www.swargarohan.org

Brahmabindu Upanishad

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