Yoga Book Club: The Early Upanishads Reading Guide (Week 1)

CONNECTIONS April 6, 2020

Introduction Each of the early Upanishads is part of the Vedas – the oldest surviving Indian texts. The earliest are the Brihad-Aranyaka and the Chandogya, which were composed more than 2,500 years ago. They share a mixture of stories and mystical ideas that have influenced a wide range of spiritual traditions, including yoga. Although many texts are titled Upanishads, only roughly a dozen are thought to date from Vedic times. The others have borrowed the name to increase their authority. The Vedic-era texts are classed as shruti, meaning: “that which is heard”, or divinely revealed. They are traditionally seen as timeless, without human authors. The hymns of the Rig Veda, the chants of the Sama Veda and the formulas of the Yajur Veda were used in rituals. The Atharva Veda is more varied. Each of these four “collections” (samhitas) has sub-divisions. There are also commentaries on priestly ritual (brahmanas) and texts for study alone (aranyakas). The last group is more philosophical: the upanishads, whose name evokes hidden connections.

Preparations To prepare for our first session, on April 6, please read chapter four of the Brihad-Aranyaka Upanishad and chapter six of the Chandogya Upanishad. The recommended translation is by Patrick Olivelle (available in paperback from Oxford World’s Classics), which has a helpful introduction. However, any edition is fine. Some ideas to consider are outlined below.

Brihad-Aranyaka Upanishad Chapter four contains dialogues about key ideas. The focus is on liberating knowledge of the innermost self (atman), which cannot be described and is one with all things (Brahman). It can therefore be difficult to see what it is. • 4.4.1-7 – Desire drives karma and rebirth, unless the self is perceived. • 4.4.22-4 – What is meant by “not––, not––,” and why is it liberating? • 4.5.1-15 – The sage Yajnavalkya says knowledge of atman reveals the whole world. The first description of this is in 1.4.8-10, which includes a “great saying”, or mahavakya – “I am Brahman” (aham brahmasmi).

Chandogya Upanishad Chapter six lists a series of teachings by a sage to his son on related themes. • 6.1-16 – All things are ultimately one, as revealed by the statement tat tvam asi – another famous mahavakya, meaning “that’s how you are”. • 6.8.2 – N.B. the basis of pranayama – mind and breath are connected.

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