Ethics of Upanishads

Upanishad means ‘to sit down near’ because they were explained to the students, who sat at the feet of their teachers. In general Upanishads proclaim salvation by knowledge and realization, rather than by faith and works. Selfish desires are obstacles to the seekers of Truth (the Higher- Self, also called as Brahmana/Brahmin). A seeker of true Divinity will attain salvation when he realizes the Truth, the all-pervasive Brahmana/Brahmin. The universe came into existence because of a primeval desire of Brahmana/Brahmin. Now it is the duty of the humans to restore it to the state of things before creation. This can be done by sacrifice, benevolence, study and even ascetism, which in turn will permit the seeker of truth to attain bliss. Honesty is especially extolled. He who has not denounced evil will never obtain Brahmana/Brahmin. The worldly perceptions of smell, taste, touch, hearing and sight makes one separate from the True Self. When one can transcend these perceptions there is no consciousness of anything other than Self. This is immortality.

There are six great sayings (Mahavakyas) from the Upanishads that give the basic insight into its philosophy. They are as follows with a brief analysis of each:

Aham Brahmasmi
“I am Brahmana/Brahmin”: Vedic knowledge teaches that our own “Self” is the true Divinity. The Truth is within us, in our own heart. This states the identity of the inner most consciousness of the individual with the supreme Divine.
Ayam Atma Brahma
“The Self is Brahmana/Brahmin”: This states that not only individual soul is Divine but all beings are identified with the Absolute Truth.
Tat Tvam Asi
“That art thou”: Whatever we see or think about, we are That. We are the ultimate Thou and I in all.
Prajnanam Brahma
“ Knowledge is Brahmana/Brahmin”: Supreme intelligence is present inherently within us and is capable of returning us to the Divine. Our understanding of the truth is the Truth itself.
Sarvam Kalvidam Brahma
“ The whole universe is Brahmana/Brahmin”: Not only the consciousness in you and I but also the ‘principle of being’ are all Divine. The entire universe is Divine, which includes our Self.
So ‘ham
“Here am I”: This identifies the Divinity in our Self in something that happens naturally like breathing. “So” is inhalation and “Ham” is the natural sound of exhalation.

These are the six statements of the identity of individual consciousness with the Divine reality. They all merge into and derive from the word “Om (Aum)” or the Divine word “I Am All”. All of these statements point to the fact that whatever or however we worship, be it an image, book, an idea or even a God, it is the knowledge that the Truth is within ourselves that will ultimately lead to self-realization. Self is the true Divinity. This is the essence of Upanishads.