Reasons for reading Upanishads...

1. Upanishads are like the oil in the sesame seed. They form the core of Vedas
and are explained under different names starting with the “Ishavasya Upani-
shad”. The Vedas teaches one to achieve the ultimate goal in human life –
knowing the self or otherwise called as the Self Realization.
Vedas collectively focuses on two aspects – the external world of a human be-
ing and the internal world. Externally, it explains deity worship, who are part
of existence, but above the human beings. By worshipping them, they bestow
blessings to fulfill the desires. Human life is full of desires – both selfish and
selfless. It is sometimes for the survival of their own or otherwise. Fear of God
is one factor that drives the human beings in this world, especially in the Hin-
du tradition.
The initial part of Vedas – Samhitas, Brahmanas & Aranyakas explain in detail
about the rituals to be performed by one in order to achieve external peace or
a feel of security. It lays down the ways by which one has to live in the society
by observing dharmic principles in life.
In Hindu tradition, it is believed that by doing the duties based on “dharmic”
principles, one reaches heaven. These ancient scriptures explain the duties
one has to perform in each and every stage in life. These duties are to be per-
formed as a student, as a son or daughter, as a husband or wife, as father or
mother, etc.
But for a spiritual seeker, who inquires about own being or wants to go beyond
all these external rituals to find its source, needs to follow the path as pre-
scribed in Upanishads. Truth or the concept of Supreme Consciousness is well
explained in Upanishads either with the help of dialogues between sages and
their disciples, or as a story that happened in the life of sages, etc. These sto-
ries stimulate thought process and provoke questions in one’s intellect and
this makes the mind sharper and contemplative.
Only a contemplative mind can grasp the knowledge about ultimate truth. This
also helps one in meditation. As one starts to contemplate on the evolution of
human birth, purpose of life, etc., the mind goes to a meditative state. This
state gives the experience of peace which cannot be attained through any oth-
er means. One meditates on the Supreme Being or the Absolute so that the
individual merges with the cosmos.
The union of Jivatma with Paramatma is logically explained well in Upanishads.
By practicing the methods explained, one gets convinced and experiences true
peace within.
Why people read Upanishads
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