ALL ABOUT UPANISHADS

 

The term Upanishad is derived from upa (near), ni (down) and s(h)ad (to sit). In ancient Indian teaching system groups of pupils sit near the teacher to learn from him the secret doctrine. Upanishad means brahma-knowledge by which ignorance is loosened or destroyed. In the Upanishads the spiritual meanings of the Vedic texts are brought out and emphasized in their own right. The Upanishads constitute what we call the Vedanta (Veda-anta), the end of the Vedas, not merely because they constitute the last part of them. Some 350 Upnanishads are known to exist but traditionally 108 Upanishads contained in the Muktikopanishad are considered most important. 

Importance of upanishads

A physician can tell you about different organs of the body,their functions,...etc. Similarly, if someone wants to know about himself [inner self], upanishads discusses about different aspects like what is jeevatma?How does this merge into paramatma? what is Brahma?This knowledge is given clearly in upanishads. However an important issue and a matter of great secret is that the Truth cannot be described,It can only be experienced.
Simple example is as long as we say sugar is sweeter,sugar is sweeter, we know it only to some extent,but the moment you taste it,then only the absolute truth about sugar is experienced.
Like wise the ultimate Truth can only be experienced and Upanishads are the storehouse of knowledge,they act as a medium for the realization of Brahma.

"The perfection of serving others is to serve that person who is the root cause of all existence, because when we serve Him we automatically render the best loving service to all living beings. Just as when we water the root of a tree all the leaves and branches are nourished, when give our love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead our love is distributed to all living beings, and we feel unlimited happiness. -Servant of God"