THE RELEVANCE OF THE LIBERAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE UPANISAD IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Abstract

The Upanishads constitute the philosophical culmination of the Vedas and represent the essence of ancient Indian spiritual thought. Derived from the Sanskrit roots upa (near), ni (down), and shad (to sit or to destroy ignorance), the term “Upanishad” actually identifies the process of receiving the secret knowledge of Brahman (the ultimate reality) by sitting near a teacher. Upanishads basically focus on gaining the ultimate knowledge, which will be instrumental in attaining moksha (liberation). The key idea of the philosophy of the Upanishads is the realisation of the basic differences between Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the universal self). The Upanishads propagate various philosophical ideas explaining the concepts of existence, morality, truth, meditation, and the nature of the universe. The texts also propagate truthfulness, self-restraint, compassion, charity, righteousness, and other ethical virtues, which are portrayed as the essential disciplines of a righteous lifestyle. Upanishads also guide to attain several experiential wisdom through concentration, meditation and self-discipline. The teachings of the Upanishads are very much relevant in the contemporary world by their concerns on universalism, liberal thinking, and spiritual unity among humanity, while offering guidance for moral living and inner development.