Those verses in the Veda that amplify the greatness of man, his soul's journey, and his ultimate purpose are termed as Upanishad. Upanishad means essential guiding principle. It is a shrugging off of conflict, frustration, fear, & turmoil. Upanishad means being in sync with Time and Ambience, and Understanding each other's Viewpoint. This edition gives a crisp, tight rendering of original thought using words that are relevant and correctly understood in the modern times. It develops the concept of Brahman, a loving compassionate fluid that permeates all beings and the entire Creation. Only the inward senses can glimpse it, only a brave seeker can attempt the discovery. 1. Isha 2. Kena 3. Katha 4. Mandukya 5. Mundaka 6. Prashna 7. Aitareya 8. Shvetashvatara ------------------------ Peace Invocation O Pure Loving Grace! oṃ saha nāvavatu । saha nau bhunaktu । saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai । tejasvi nāvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai ॥ oṃ śānti śānti śāntiḥ ॥ May we be taken care of along with family and friends. May we enjoy socializing, eating, and outing together. May we support each other's vision and growth & may our intellect be open to new ideas and changing trends. May we spend more time in grateful praises and discuss virtues rather than harp on vices. Peace in our heart, in our body, and in our environs. ---------------------------------------- Upanishads are masterly texts, meant for a sincere and serious aspirant. Basic qualifications include a command over language and neatness in attire. Prerequisites most needed to imbibe the knowledge are: Respectfulness Readiness to serve with cheerfulness Discipline for a year with frugal lifestyle Truthfulness and candor in communication Excerpt from Shvetashvatara Upanishad Verse 4.4 In the beginning, a child or a disciple is open and accepting with regard and belongingness for all. Thereafter a particular discipline, master, and mode of living take prominence. Undue distractions, and time + energy leakages get limited. This helps preserve the vitality so needed for the smooth journey of a 400 year lifespan, it also minimizes the moments when one is out of tune with nature. A day comes when fear and suffering bid final adieu, and Brahman envelops the devotee in an impregnable force field where fountains of bliss and uninhibited adventures spring.