Yoga

The tradition of yoga originates from a long line of complex yet potent written
teachings. While the Vedas are considered the most sacred and treasured spiritual
texts of India, it is the Upanishads that transferred the foundational wisdom of
the Vedas into practical and personal teachings. The stories and lessons in the
Upanishads may seem distant and vague, they are essential for a dedicated yogi to
study and understand. There are four primary teachings that create the framework
and foundation of yogic philosophy.
What are the Upanishads?

The word Upanishad is usually interpreted as “sitting down beside.” This Sanskrit
word can be broken down into three parts and translated as “upa” meaning near, “ni”
as down and “shad” as to sit. Thus the meaning of the word confers the intent of
these texts to directly transfer knowledge and truth from teacher to student. The
collection of Sanskrit texts known as the Upanishads are thought to be the direct
teachings received at the foot of the ancient Indian sages or Rishis.
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In these sacred texts, we see an internalization of the sacrifice and worship

extolled in the Vedas and a deeper understanding and exploration of the internal
world of mind and spirit. Composed over several centuries and in many volumes, the
Upanishads reflect a strong need to express and communicate the deep mystical
states and spiritual contemplations that the ancient yogis experienced.
According to tradition, there were over two hundred Upanishads, but there are only
eleven “principal” Upanishads, as commented on by the ancient sage Shankara. The
texts are written in a passionate poetic verse describing mystical states and
spiritual concepts or in descriptive short stories and dialogues between historical
figures.
The 4 main teachings

The teachings of the Upanishads revolve around four primary spiritual themes. These
four philosophical concepts are described in many different ways as they can be
difficult to grasp. These main teachings are repeatedly reinforced in the texts of
the eleven principal Upanishads.
The first and most important is the realization that the ultimate, formless, and
inconceivable Brahman (Godhead) is the same as Atman, as our internal soul. Brahman
represents the entire universe, and the Atman is a little piece of that divine
oneness that we contain inside us. This philosophical idea is summed up in the
mantra Tat Tvam Asi (That Art Thou).
The idea that the Atman is eternal, and becomes reborn over and over again is
central to the concept of reincarnation that is taught in the Upanishads.
This concept of rebirth is highly tied to the teachings of Karma: the future
consequences of one’s current intentions, thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
It is the accumulation of Karma that binds us to Samsara, the cycle of death and
rebirth. To escape the endless cycle of Samsara requires one to attain
enlightenment through the realization of Atman/Brahman. It is this state of Self
realization that the majority of the Upanishads attempt to describe and encourage
us to achieve through the yoga practices of meditation, mental discrimination, and
mantra recitation.
The 11 most important Upanishads
Aitareya Upanishad. This is one of the oldest Upanishads and is linked with the
ancient Rigveda text. It discusses a four-tier universe, the creation of beings,
the embodiment of Atman as the divine creator, and the qualities of Brahman.
Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. This Upanishad was written by the ancient sage
Yajnavalkya. Within its three chapters, it describes the relationship between Jiva
and the Atman and explains different methods of meditation.
Isha Upanishad. This is a shorter Upanishad of only eighteen verses. The word “Isa”
means “Lord of the Universe,” which is described in this text as “unembodied,
omniscient, beyond reproach, without veins, pure and uncontaminated.”
Taittiriya Upanishad. This Upanishad is divided into three parts and the second
section proclaims that the highest aim is to see Brahman as omniscient, infinite,
and the highest truth.
Katha Upanishad. This is one of the most Upanishads, and some of its passages are
found in the Bhagavad Gita. It is a discussion between Yama, the god of death, and
Nachiketa, a young Brahman boy. They discuss in detail the spiritual path to
liberation, the concept of re-birth, and the way in which a yogi should leave their
body behind.
Chandogya Upanishad. This Upanishad discusses the importance of meditation, the
power of the Om mantra, and the significance of Prana, the central life force
energy.
Kena Upanishad. This Upanishad narrates the uniqueness of creation and the single
power that controls the whole world.
Mundaka Upanishad. This Upanishad contains sixty-four mantra-like poems. This text
provides instruction on meditation and discusses the nature of Brahma and Atman.
Mandukya Upanishad. This is the shortest of all the Upanishads with only 12 verses.
It describes the four states of consciousness in which the Om mantra represents.
Prasna Upanishad. This Upanishad is a series of philosophical questions asked by
several disciples and answered by the Sage Pippalada. The text discusses the nature
of Brahman and the origin, existence, and goal of life.
Svetastara Upanishad. This Upanishad is unique in that the emphasis is not on the
Brahman but focuses on the bhakti or devotion of personal deities. This text
contains several metaphysical discussions about the creation and purpose of
existence.
The Four Mahavakyas
The Mahavakyas are the most revered and powerful sayings in the Upanishads. The
regular contemplation and meditation on these mantras purify our minds, promote
introspection and insight, and lead to transcendental states of awareness. The
Mahavakyas present different points of view on how to see the indivisible oneness
of all things.
Prajnanam Brahma–Brahman (Ultimate Reality) is supreme consciousness.

Aham Brahmasmi–I am Brahman (the Supreme Self )
Tat Tvam Asi–Thou art that.
Ayam Atma Brahma–Atman (True Self) is Brahman (Ultimate Reality).

Yoga

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The tradition of yoga originates from a long line of complex yet potent written

What are the Upanishads?

VIEWING ADS SUPPORTS YOGABASICS. REMOVE ADS WITH A MEMBERSHIP. THANKS!

In these sacred texts, we see an internalization of the sacrifice and worship

The 4 main teachings

Prajnanam Brahma–Brahman (Ultimate Reality) is supreme consciousness.

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