Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

Brihadaranyaka Upanishaaacad

The Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad, one of the oldest and longest Upaniṣads of the White Yajurveda, is a profound text of Indian philosophy that explores the nature of the Self (Ātman), the universe, and ultimate reality (Brahman). Composed of six chapters divided into the Madhu Kāṇḍa, Muni (or Yājñavalkya) Kāṇḍa, and Khila Kāṇḍa, it presents deep teachings through hymns, creation stories, meditations, and dialogues. Its most famous sections include sage Yājñavalkya’s debates, particularly with his wife Maitreyi, where he declares that everything is loved for the sake of the Self, and the mahāvākya “Aham Brahmāsmi” (I am Brahman), affirming the identity of the Self and the Absolute. The text also teaches the method of neti neti (“not this, not that”) to understand Brahman beyond all attributes, the importance of inner realization over external rituals, and the ethical triad of self-control (dama), generosity (dāna), and compassion (dayā). Revered across Vedānta traditions, the Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad stands as a spiritual encyclopedia, uniting metaphysics, cosmology, and ethics into a vision of non-dual truth.