Introduction
Upanishads and Vedas are often confused as the same thing, but they are actually two different subjects. Upanishads are parts of Vedas, specifically the last part called Vedanta. Upanishads are philosophical in nature, discussing topics like the nature of the soul, the Supreme Soul, and life after death. The other parts of Vedas are focused on rituals and actions in life. There are many Upanishads, but only 12 are considered principal Upanishads. Adi Shankara, the founder of Advaita philosophy, has commented on all 12 of them. Many other teachers have also quoted from the Upanishads in their philosophical teachings.
Key Takeaways
1. Upanishads are parts of Vedas: Upanishads are not the same as Vedas, but are actually parts of Vedas. They form the last part of a given Veda and are also called Vedanta, meaning ‘the end portion of a Veda’.
2. Upanishads contain philosophical knowledge: The content of Upanishads is primarily philosophical in nature. They discuss topics such as the nature of the Atman, the greatness of the Brahman or the Supreme Soul, and the concept of life after death.
3. Vedas include both ritualistic and philosophical aspects: While Upanishads focus on philosophical knowledge, the other parts of the Vedas, namely Samhita, Brahmana, and Aranyaka, are collectively known as Karma Kanda and deal with the ritualistic aspects of life, such as conducting sacrifices and practicing austerity.
