Upanishadic Stories And Their Significance

In the Upanishads we find, in places the highest abstract truths placed before us through stories and dialogues. These stories are not mere legends. They form part of the book of life. They embody the teachings of the rishis, the ancient sages of India, as imparted on various occasions and under varying circumstances. A selection of these spirituality enlightening stories is given here so that we may understand clearly the deep significance of the Vedas. Life transforming in character, these ancient stories have perennial relevance. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India.

The Upanishads include some of the most beloved and illuminating stories from the vast literature of India's Vedic tradition. Adapted from the original text, this collection of tales tells the story of enlightenment. It talks about: a teacher and his student in a secluded forest ashram, a great seer meditating in a Himalayan retreat, and more.

The Upanishads were written in Sanskrit between 800 and 400 BCE by sages and poets, and form part of the Vedas - the holy and ancient sacred scriptures that are the basis of the Hindu religion.

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The word Upanishad literally means 'sit down near' for the student had to sit close to the teacher to receive instructions. Perhaps, what brought the two still closer were the stories the Guru narrated. These stories provided a meaningful context for the topics under discussion. They also demonstrate that in those days knowledge was not the monopoly of any select group. Thus Janashruti, the ruler of the land, approaches the cart driver Raikva, with humility, to seek the highest truth.