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upanishads

Writings related to the Upanishads.

Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, April, July, October, 1927; January, April, 1928; January, April, July, October, 1930; January, April, 1931. [Serialized]

Part I, Sections 1-3 [Introduction] Building the Cosmos Like the Chhandogya Upanishad, the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad consists of a series of Instructions for Disciples. The… Read More »Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad

Chhandogya Upanishad

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, April, October, 1925; January, April, July, October, 1926; July, October, 1928; January, April, July, October, 1929 [Serialized]

Part I, Sections 1-6 [Introduction] The Powers of the Logos The great Upanishads were compiled as Instructions for disciples preparing for Initiation. They contain philosophical… Read More »Chhandogya Upanishad

Aitareya Upanishad (Macrocosm and Microcosm)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, 1925

I. Atma, verily, Universal Self, alone was this in the beginning, nor was aught else with opening and closing eyes. He beholding said: Let me… Read More »Aitareya Upanishad (Macrocosm and Microcosm)

Taittiriya Upanishad (Instructions for Disciples)

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, April, 1924 [Serialized]

The Taittiriya Upanishad is made up, for the most part, of Instructions for younger disciples, who are learning the first lessons of the secret wisdom… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad (Instructions for Disciples)

Mandukya Upanishad (The Measures of the Eternal)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, October, 1923

Om: this syllable, this imperishable, is the All. Its expansion is what has been, what is, what shall be. All, verily, is Om. And whatsoever… Read More »Mandukya Upanishad (The Measures of the Eternal)

Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, April, 1923 [Serialized]

Brahmâ the Evolver, first of the Bright Powers came to birth, Maker of all, Preserver of the world. He declared the Wisdom of the Eternal,… Read More »Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, July, October, 1922 [Serialized]

Prashna Upanishad, “the Mystical Teaching of the Questions,” brief though it be, is a masterly summary of the Secret Wisdom. It illustrates two fundamental principles… Read More »Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)

Katha Upanishad (In the House of Death)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, April, July, October, 1921; January, April, 1922 [Serialized]

Seeking for favour, verily, Vajashravasa made a sacrifice of all his possessions. He had a son, named Nachiketas. Him, being still a boy, faith entered… Read More »Katha Upanishad (In the House of Death)

Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, October, 1920; January, 1921 [Serialized]

By whom impelled flies the forward-impelled Mind? By whom compelled does the First Life go forth? By whom impelled is this Voice that they speak?… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Isha Upanishad (By the Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, January, April, July, 1920 [Serialized]

By the Master all this is to be clothed and pervaded, whatever moves in this moving world. These words, like all that is of primary… Read More »Isha Upanishad (By the Master)

The Katha Upanishad and the Great Initiation

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, July, 1919

Many Scriptures have been inspired by the Great Initiation; with these are to be counted the Prometheus Bound of Æschylus and the Prometheus Unbound of… Read More »The Katha Upanishad and the Great Initiation

Yogakundali Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Yogakundalī Upanishad]1 Chapter I Chitta2 has two causes, vāsanās and (prāna) vāyu. If-one of them is controlled, then both are controlled. Of these two, a… Read More »Yogakundali Upanishad

Nadabindu Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Nādabindu]1 The syllable A is considered to be its (the bird Om’s) right wing, U, its left: M,2 its tail; and the ardhamātrā (half-metre) is… Read More »Nadabindu Upanishad

Mandalabrahmana Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Mandalabrāhmana-Upanishad]1 Brāhmana I Om. The great muni Yājñavalkya went to Adityaloka (the sun’s world) and saluting him (the Purusha of the sun) said: “O reverend… Read More »Mandalabrahmana Upanishad

Varaha Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Varāha]1 Chapter I The great sage Ṛbhu performed penance for twelve deva (divine) years. At the end of the time, the Lord appeared before him… Read More »Varaha Upanishad

Amritanada Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Amṛtanāda-Upanishad]1 The wise, having studied the Śāstras and reflected on them again and again and having come to know Brahman, should abandon them all like… Read More »Amritanada Upanishad

Hamsa Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Hamsa]1 Gautama addressed Sanatkumāra thus: “O Lord, thou art the knower of all dharmas and art well versed in all Śāstras, pray tell me the… Read More »Hamsa Upanishad

Dhyanabindu Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Dhyānabindu-Upanishad]1 Even if sin should accumulate to a mountain extending over many yojanas (distance), it is destroyed by dhyānayoga. At no time has been found… Read More »Dhyanabindu Upanishad

Yogatattva Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

I shall now describe yoga-tattva (yoga-truth) for the benefit of yogins who are freed from all sins through the hearing and the studying of it.… Read More »Yogatattva Upanishad

Sandilya Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Chapter I Om. Śāndilya questioned Atharvan thus: “Please tell me about the eight aṅgas (parts) of Yoga which is the means of attaining to Ātmā.”… Read More »Sandilya Upanishad

Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Upadeśa I Om. Once upon a time, Nārada, the ornament of Parivrājakas (roaming ascetics), after roaming over all worlds and cleansing, through merely by looking… Read More »Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad

Bhikshuka Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Bhikshuka]1 Among bhikshus (religious mendicants) who long for moksha (salvation), there are four2 kinds, viz., Kutīchaka, Bahūdaka, Hamsa, and Paramahamsa. Gautama, Bhāradvāja, Yājñavalkya, Vasishtha and… Read More »Bhikshuka Upanishad

Kalisantarana Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Kalisantārana Upanishad]1 At the end of Dvāpara yuga, Nārada2 went to Brahma and addressed him thus: “O Lord, how shall I, roaming3 over the earth,… Read More »Kalisantarana Upanishad

Narayana Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Om. Then Nārāyana, the supreme Purusha desired. “I shall create offspring.” From Nārāyana emanates prāna, manas, the several organs of sense and action, ākāś, vāyu,… Read More »Narayana Upanishad

Tarasara Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Tārasāra-Upanishad]1 Om. Bṛhaspati asked Yājñavalkya: “That which is called Kurukshetra is the place of the sacrifice of the Devas and the spiritual seat of all… Read More »Tarasara Upanishad

Garbha Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Garbha-Upanishad]1 Om. The body is composed of the five (elements); it exists in the five (objects of sense, etc.); it has six supports: it is… Read More »Garbha Upanishad

Sariraka Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Śārīraka-Upanishad]1 Om. The body is a compound of pṛthivī (earth) and other mahābhūtas (primordial elements, as pas or water, agni or fire, vāyu or air,… Read More »Sariraka Upanishad

Vajrasuchi Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Vajrasūchi Upanishad]1 I now proceed to declare the vajrasūchi—the weapon that is the destroyer of ignorance—which condemns the ignorant and praises the man of divine… Read More »Vajrasuchi Upanishad

Brahma Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Brahmopanishad]1 [This Upanishad is intended to give a complete and clear idea of the nature of Ātmā, that has four avasthās (states of consciousness) and… Read More »Brahma Upanishad

Tejobindu Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Tejobindu]1 Chapter I Param-Dhyāna (the supreme meditation) should be upon tejo bindu, which is the Ātmā of the universe, which is seated in the heart,… Read More »Tejobindu Upanishad

Subala Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Khanda I Then he (Raikva1) asked: “What was at first?” To which (He the Lord) replied: “There was neither Sat2 nor asat nor Sat-asat. From… Read More »Subala Upanishad

Adhyatma Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Adhyātma-Upanishad]1 The One Aja (unborn) is ever located in the cave (of the heart) within the body. (Pṛthivī) the earth is His body; though He… Read More »Adhyatma Upanishad

Paingala Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Paiṅgala Upanishad]1 Adhyāya I Om. Paiṅgala, having served under Yājñavalkya for twelve years, asked him to initiate him into the supreme mysteries of Kaivalya. To… Read More »Paingala Upanishad

Skanda Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Skanda]1 Om. O Mahādeva (Lord of Devas), I am indestructible through a small portion of Thy grace. I am replete with Vijñāna. I am Śiva… Read More »Skanda Upanishad

Atmabodha Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Ātmabodha Upanishad]1 Om. Prostrations to Nārāyana wearing conch, discus, and mace,2 by whom the Yogi is released from the bondage of the cycle of rebirth… Read More »Atmabodha Upanishad

Amritabindu Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Amṛtabindu]1 Om. Manas (mind) is said to be of two kinds, the pure and the impure. That which is associated with the thought of desire… Read More »Amritabindu Upanishad

Kaivalya Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Kaivalya Upanishad]1 Harih-Om. Then2 Āśwalāyana went to Lord Parameshtī (Brahmā) and addressed Him thus: “Please initiate me into Brahmavidyā (Divine Wisdom), which is the most… Read More »Kaivalya Upanishad

Maitreya Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Adhyāya I A King named Bṛhadratha, thinking this body to be impermanent and having acquired indifference (to objects), retired to the forest, leaving his eldest… Read More »Maitreya Upanishad

Niralamba Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Nirālamba]1 Harih-Om. I shall relate in the form of a catechism whatever should be known for the removal of all miseries that befall these ignorant… Read More »Niralamba Upanishad

Sarvasara Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

[Sarvasāra]1 [In the text, all the questions are given first and then the answers follow. But the following arrangement is adopted to facilitate reference.] 1.… Read More »Sarvasara Upanishad

Muktika Upanishad

Translation/ by K. Narayanaswami Aiyer, Thirty Minor Upanishads, 1914

Adhyāya I Addressing with devotion and obedience Śrī-Rāma—the Lord Hari, at the end of His Samādhi, who being Himself changeless is the witness of the… Read More »Muktika Upanishad

Faith and Works In the Upanishads and the New Testament

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, July, 1911

I. There is a passage of singular charm and vivacity, which one may call, I think, the keystone of the Upanishads; the passage containing what… Read More »Faith and Works In the Upanishads and the New Testament

The Dramatic Element in the Upanishads

Article/Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, The Monist, April, 1910

A good many readers make the acquaintance of the Upanishads in the two volumes which Prof. Max Müller contributed to the now world-famous Sacred Books… Read More »The Dramatic Element in the Upanishads

Mandukya-Karika by Gaudapada (Natural, Psychical and Spiritual Bodies)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophical Quarterly, October, 1908; January, April, 1909 [Serialized]

[Part I] [Introduction] The shortest of all the older Upanishads is the Mandukya. Yet in some ways it contains fuller and deeper teaching than any… Read More »Mandukya-Karika by Gaudapada (Natural, Psychical and Spiritual Bodies)

The Kingdom of Heaven and the Upanishads

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Open Court, December, 1905

[Reprinted as “The Parables of the Kingdom,” Quarterly Book Department, 1909] I. Were a student of the Upanishads, steeped in the golden air of Eastern… Read More »The Kingdom of Heaven and the Upanishads

Deussen’s Upanishads

Review/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, July, 1899 [Re-Printed from the Madras Mail]

For a long time there has been no event in the study of Oriental religions and philosophies equal in importance to the publication of Professor… Read More »Deussen’s Upanishads

Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1897

[Translation] Satyakama the son of Jabala addressed his mother Jabala thus: I am going to dwell with a teacher, in the service of the Eternal.… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)

Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, February, 1897

[Translation] Janashruti, the grandson of Janashruta, was full of faith, a giver of many gifts, bestowing much cooked food. He caused many houses of refuge… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)

Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1896

[Translation] The divine Song, verily, is all their being, whatsoever there is; and the Word is the divine Song. The Word, verily, enounces and guards… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)

The Upanishads and the Brahmans

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Open Court, October, 1896

“Thinking sacrifices and offerings are best, these fools know not the better way.” —Mundaka Upanishad. It has always been accepted as one of the established… Read More »The Upanishads and the Brahmans

Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1896

[Translation] That sun is honey for the bright powers; the heaven is the curved support of it; the mid-world is the comb; the beams are… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)

Occultism in the Upanishads

Article/ by Charles Johnston, Theosophy, September, 1896

“The true desires are overlaid with false; though true, there is a false covering-up of them. For if any one belonging to him is gone,… Read More »Occultism in the Upanishads

Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, August, 1896

[Translation] I select and assign the different notes of the chant. The animal note is the up-singing of the Fire-lord. The undefined note is the… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)

From the Upanishads

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Booklet, July, 1896

Wilt thou not open thy heart to know What rainbows teach, and sunsets show? Verdict which accumulates From lengthening scroll of human fates, Voice of… Read More »From the Upanishads

Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1896

[Translation] Three, verily, were skilled in the up-singing Shilaka Shalavatya, Chaikitayana Dalbhya, Pravahana Jaivala. They said: In the up-singing, indeed, are we skilled; let us… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)

Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, April, 1896

Note: It will be advisable to study the Commentary that follows, before reading this translation. [Translation] OM: let a man draw near to this imperishable… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)

The Theosophy of the Upanishads

Book/ by Charles Johnston, March, 1896

PDF Version [Note: Though published anonymously, analysis of the content, phrasing, subject matter and philosophical approach convinces us that Charles Johnston is the author of… Read More »The Theosophy of the Upanishads

Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January, 1896

[Translation] Self was here verily in the beginning; nothing else opposing at all. He beheld, saying: Let me now put forth worlds. He put forth… Read More »Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)

Rajput and Brahman

Translation/ by Charles Johnston, The Irish Theosophist, January, 1896

Aruna’s grandson Shvetaketu came to the gathering of the Panchâlas. He came to Pravâhana the son of Jibala, in the midst of his followers. Looking… Read More »Rajput and Brahman

Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, December, 1895

III. [Translation] Invocation Om. May That guard us two—teacher and pupil; may That save us two; may we two do the work with valor; may… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)

Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, October, 1895

II.[Translation] The knower of the Eternal obtains the supreme; therefore this is declared: Real, wisdom, endless is the Eternal; he who knows that, hid in… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)

The Books of Hidden Wisdom

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Irish Theosophist, October, 1895

. . . Beheld the Gods all, sweatless, steady-eyed, their flower-wreaths fresh and dust-free, as they stood, touching not the ground; but he, doubled by… Read More »The Books of Hidden Wisdom

A Rajput Sage

Article/ by Charles Johnston, The Theosophist, September, 1895 [Re-printed from the Madras Mail]

The story of this Rajput Sage is a very ancient and very significant one. We have two versions of it, both very ancient; and from… Read More »A Rajput Sage

Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, June, 1895

I. [Translation] Om Bless us Mitra; bless us Varuna; bless us Aryaman; bless us Indra, Vrhaspati; bless us wide-stepping Vishnu. Obeisance to the Eternal; obeisance… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)

Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, March & May, 1895 [Serialized]

I. [Translation] The Evolver first of the bright ones came into being, the maker of the whole, the guardian of the world. He taught the… Read More »Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)

Isha Upanishad (By The Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January, 1895

[Translation] By the Master is to be covered all, whatever moving thing there is in the world. By this renouncing thou shalt enjoy; nor grudge… Read More »Isha Upanishad (By The Master)

Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, November, 1894

[Translation] By whom commanded does the mind go forth? By whom compelled does the first life go forth? By whom commanded do they put forth… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)

Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, September, 1894

[Translation] Aruna’s son Uddalaka addressed his son Shvetaketu, saying: —Learn from me, dear, the reality about sleep. When a man sinks to sleep, as they… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)

Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, July, 1894

[Translation] There lived once Shvetaketu, Aruni’s grandson; his father addressed him, saying: —Shvetaketu, go, learn the service of the Eternal; for no one, dear, of… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)

The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Lucifer Magazine, July, 1894

Introduction The doctrine of the fourfold Self and its three vestures is outlined in Prashna Upanishad, clearly stated in Mandukya Upanishad, and developed by Shankara… Read More »The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures

Upanishads on Re-Birth

Article/ by W. Q. Judge, The Path, February, 1894

Hence one whose fire is burned out is reborn through the tendencies in mind; according to his thoughts he enters life. But linked by the… Read More »Upanishads on Re-Birth

Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)

Commentary/Translation/ by Charles Johnston, Oriental Department Papers, January & March, 1894 [Serialized]

[I.][Translation] These men, Sukesha Bharadvaja, Shaivya Satyakama, Sauryayani Gargya, Kaushalya Ashvalayana, Bhargava Vaidharbhi, and Kabandhi Katyayana, bent on the Eternal, following the Eternal, were seeking… Read More »Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)