Upanishads mark a shift from the ritualistic practices of the Vedic period to an internal search for truth.
- Concept of Brahman: The Upanishads introduce Brahman, the absolute reality or cosmic principle, which transcends and permeates everything.
- Atman: This term refers to the individual soul or self, which the Upanishads posit as being the same as Brahman. This unity is expressed through the phrase “Tat Tvam Asi” (Thou art that).
- Moksha: The Upanishads also explore the idea of Moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Through knowledge, meditation, and righteous living, one can achieve this state of liberation.