The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the oldest and most revered Upanishads in Hinduism, dating back to around 800 BCE.
It is attributed to the sage Maitreyi, who is said to have been a student of the sage Yajnavalkya.
The Upanishad is a dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi, where they discuss the nature of the ultimate reality, the Self, and the path to liberation.
Facts
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is the longest of the Upanishads, with 1,001 suktas (verses) and 13 chapters.
The Upanishad is known for its philosophical and metaphysical discussions, particularly on the nature of the ultimate reality and the Self.
The Upanishad is also famous for its use of allegory and symbolism, such as the story of the churning of the ocean of milk.
Bullets
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad teaches that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the unchanging and eternal essence of the universe.
The Upanishad emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the realization of the Self as the ultimate goal of human life.
The Upanishad also discusses the concept of karma and the cycle of birth and death, and provides guidance on how to break free from this cycle.
The Upanishad is known for its use of mantras and prayers, such as the famous mantra "Om Tat Sat", which is said to be the sound of the universe.