The Upanishads (circa 800 – 200 B.C.E.), a part of the Vedas, are ancient Sanskrit texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts and ideas of Hinduism. Among the most important literature in the history of Indian religions and culture, the Upanishads played an important role in the development of spiritual ideas in ancient India. The concepts of Brahman (ultimate reality) and atman (soul, self) are central ideas in all of the Upanishads. The word Upanishad literally means “sitting down beside.”

Quotes from the Upanishads…