Upanishads
Original Language: Sanskrit
[1] Overview
Philosophical texts forming the concluding portions of the Vedas. Core teachings on Brahman (ultimate reality) and Atman (self).
Origin
Ancient India
Dating
800-200 BCE
Authorship
Various sages (rishis); names preserved in texts
Structure
108+ Upanishads; 10-13 considered principal
2,000 verses/entries
[2] The Numerology System
Sanskrit Katapayadi
How It Works
Katapayadi system assigns numbers to Sanskrit consonants. Used in South Indian mathematics and encoding dates in verse. Ka=1, Ta=6, Pa=1, Ya=1.
Example Calculation
AUM: A(1) + U(2) + M(5) = 8 (in some systems); represents past, present, future unified
[3] Key Numbers in This Tradition
| Number | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brahman - ultimate non-dual reality |
| 3 | Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva); AUM syllables |
| 4 | States of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep, turiya) |
| 5 | Five sheaths (koshas) covering the Atman |
| 7 | Chakras; planes of existence |
| 108 | Sacred number - Upanishads, mala beads, names of God |
[4] Search This Text
Search for words, phrases, or concepts in the original text or translation.
[5] Calculate Gematria
[6] Scholarly Sources
- Olivelle, Patrick. 'The Early Upanishads' (1998)
- Radhakrishnan, S. 'The Principal Upanishads' (1953)
- Easwaran, Eknath. 'The Upanishads' (1987)
This information is presented for educational purposes. Interpretations vary among traditions and scholars.
[7] Cross-Tradition Connections
Numbers that appear across multiple sacred traditions: