Topic: Vedic Period

Que. Do you consider that the Upanishadic principles embody the high point of Vedic religious thought? Comment. [UPSC CSE, 2021]

Approach:

(1) Define Upanishad.

(2) Mention some key Upanishadic principles.

(3) Mention the Vedic religious thoughts.

(4) Mention the Upanishadic principles that embody the high point of Vedic religious thought.

(5) Mention critical arguments about Upanishads as Vedic Religious Thoughts.

(6) Conclude on balanced footing.

Introduction:

The word ‘Upanishad’ is usually understood as referring to pupils sitting near their teacher. The knowledge that was to be imparted and absorbed was no ordinary knowledge. It was all encompassing the key to liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Sometimes it was only to be taught to select or deserving pupils. It was revealed through discussion, debate and contest among seekers.

Some Key Upanishadic Principles:

(1) Brahman: The Upanishads introduce the concept of “Brahman,” the ultimate reality or universal consciousness that is all-pervading, unchanging, and beyond the limitations of time and space. It is the source of all creation and the essence of everything.

(2) Atman: “Atman” refers to the individual self or soul, which is considered identical to Brahman in its true nature. The realization of this unity between individual souls (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman) is a central teaching of the Upanishads.

(3) Maya: The Upanishads introduce the concept of “Maya,” the illusion that creates the perception of multiplicity and separateness in the world. Maya hides the underlying unity of Brahman and Atman.

(4) Karma and Reincarnation: The principle of “Karma” teaches that actions have consequences that affect future experiences. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) is influenced by the accumulated karma of an individual.

(5) Moksha: “Moksha” is the ultimate goal of human life according to the Upanishads. It is liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the realization of the true nature of self (Atman) and Brahman. Achieving moksha ends the cycle of suffering and ignorance.

(6) Meditation and Self-Realization: The Upanishads emphasize the importance of meditation and introspection as means to attain self-realization. Through deep contemplation, one can experience the unity between the individual self and the cosmic reality. 

(7) Guru-Disciple Relationship: The Upanishads emphasize the importance of a qualified teacher or guru in guiding seekers on the path to self-realization. The guru imparts wisdom through direct transmission of spiritual knowledge.

Vedic religious thoughts refer to the spiritual and philosophical ideas that are found in the ancient Vedic texts, primarily the Vedas. These texts from the foundation of Hinduism and provide insights into the beliefs, rituals, cosmology, and moral values of the Vedic period. Vedic religious thoughts encompass a wide range of concepts, rituals, and philosophical reflections. 

Here are some key aspects:

(1) Rituals and Sacrifices: The Vedas emphasize rituals and sacrifices (yajnas) as a means of maintaining cosmic order, seeking divine blessings, and maintaining harmony with the gods and the universe.

(2) Gods and Deities: The Vedas contain hymns dedicated to various deities, such as Agni (fire), Indra (god of thunder), Varuna (god of cosmic order), and Surya (sun god). These deities represent different aspects of the natural and cosmic forces.

(3) Concept of Dharma: Dharma refers to ethical duties, righteousness, and moral obligations. The Vedas stress the importance of adhering to dharma as a way of maintaining order in society and aligning with cosmic harmony.

(4) Hymns and Devotional Poetry: Many Vedic hymns are expressions of devotion, gratitude, and awe towards the natural world and the divine forces. These hymns are rich in symbolism and poetic language.

(5) Role of Priests and Rituals: The Vedic texts emphasize the role of Brahmin priests in performing rituals and sacrifices. The rituals were seen as a way to establish a connection with the gods and to maintain cosmic harmony.

(6) Nature Worship: The Vedic texts show reverence for natural elements like fire, water, earth, and sky, considering them as manifestations of divine forces.

(7) Connection to Nature: Vedic religious thoughts often reflect a deep connection to the natural world and the cycles of nature. Rituals were conducted in harmony with the changing seasons and cosmic cycles.

Explanations which Contain about Upanishadic Principles that Embody the High Point of Vedic Religious Thought:

(1) Emphasis on Atman and Brahma: Upanishads were the work of many different people living in various parts of north India over many centuries. They deal many issues but fundamentally contain about the ‘atman’ and ‘brahma”.

(2) Chandogya Upanishad: It describes ‘atman’ lying deep within the heart smaller than the grain of rice. Upanishads explain the word ‘brahma’ which means something that grants prosperity and a vital force that strengthens and animate.

(3) Satpatha Brahman: It states that those who do not perform the sacrificial rites correctly will be born again and suffer death again. It also talks of a world. where material pleasure is enjoyed by those who perform the sacrifice and of a hell where evil doers are punished.

(4) Other Upanishads: Some of the Upanishads explain the doctrine of transmigration of soul. Death and rebirth are connected with ignorance and desire and can be attained through knowledge.

(5) Aim: The goal of Upanishadic thought is the realization of ‘brahma. Liberation from the cycle of samsara could be achieved through knowledge and knowledge could be attained from intellectual exertion.

In later times, there were many different explanations of Upanishad – which came to be known as Vedanta. Upanishadic thought reflects different ideas about atman, brahma and the world.

Critical Arguments about Upanishads as Vedic Religious Thoughts:

(1) Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: The Upanishads are often thought of as anti-sacrifice and anti-brahman. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states that the performance of sacrifice leads to the world of the fathers (pitriyana), but knowledge leads to the world of the gods.

(2) Sacrificial Views: The connection between Upanishads and Vedic religious texts is the Vedic religious sacrifice which is not rejected by Upanishads. However, Upanishads were included in the Vedic corpus as a part of Shruti.

The Upanishads did not reject the rituals but the emphasis had certainly shifted to the attainment of a new kind of knowledge like the horse and horse sacrifice that took a new symbolic meaning.

(3) Emphasis on Kshatriya: Upanishadic knowledge is in several places associated with kings or Kshatriyas. There are references to Brahmanas being instructed in the knowledge of Brahman by kings such as Ajatashatru, Ashvapati, and Pravahana.

Conclusion:

Thus, it can be concluded that Upanishad was an attempt to reform the sacrificial Vedic religion rather than discarding it altogether and as its ideology gained traction it was incorporated within the fold of Vedic literature so that the Vedic religion might remain intact.