Wednesday 22 March 2023

 "By knowing one piece of clay, all that is made of clay is known. By experiencing one self, all beings are known" (Chhandogya Upanishad 6.1.4).


This quote highlights the concept of oneness or unity in the Upanishads. The idea is that just as all clay objects are ultimately made up of the same substance, so too are all beings ultimately one with the same underlying reality, which is Brahman.

The Upanishads teach that the true nature of the self, or Atman, is identical to the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Therefore, by realizing one's own true nature as Atman, one can attain knowledge of the ultimate reality and become one with Brahman.

This quote also suggests that knowledge of the self is essential for understanding the nature of reality. The Upanishads emphasize the importance of self-inquiry and introspection as a means of attaining spiritual knowledge and realizing one's true nature as Atman.

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that are considered to be the most important philosophical and spiritual texts in Hinduism. They explore the nature of reality and the self, and are often concerned with the nature of ultimate reality, which is called Brahman.

The quote you mentioned from the Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 is a description of Brahman as the subtle essence that underlies all existence. According to the Upanishads, Brahman is the ultimate reality that pervades everything in the universe, and all things are ultimately one with Brahman.

The Upanishads use a variety of metaphors and analogies to describe Brahman, such as "the ultimate reality," "the unchanging truth," and "the eternal essence." They also describe Brahman as being beyond all dualities, such as good and evil, light and dark, and pleasure and pain.

In Hindu philosophy, the realization of Brahman is considered to be the ultimate goal of human existence, and is seen as a state of complete spiritual liberation and enlightenment. The Upanishads teach that through spiritual practice and meditation, one can attain this realization and become one with Brahman.

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