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Spartan Surfers

c. 800-300 BC

The Upanishads

The philosophical closing texts of the Vedas. They ask what the self is and answer that it is one with the ground of everything.

8 sourced lines

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

  1. You are that.

    A father teaches his son that the subtle essence of everything is also his own deepest self. The line ends nine lessons in a row. You are not separate from the reality you look at.

    Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7, our translation from the Sanskrit

  2. Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light.

    This is one of the oldest prayers still in daily use. It asks to be moved from illusion to truth and from ignorance to understanding. Whatever you pray to, it is a good direction to walk.

    Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28, our translation from the Sanskrit

  3. From death, lead me to the deathless.

    The last line of the same prayer asks for what does not die. The text itself explains it as being made immortal. Spend your life on something that outlasts it.

    Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28, our translation from the Sanskrit

  4. Arise. Awake. Find the great teachers and learn.

    Death himself is the teacher in the Katha Upanishad, and this is his wake-up call. Get up, stop sleepwalking and seek out people who know more than you. Then learn from them.

    Katha Upanishad 1.3.14, our translation from the Sanskrit

  5. The path is sharp as a razor's edge, hard to cross.

    The wise say the way to understanding is narrow and hard, like walking the edge of a blade. Nobody promises it will be easy. Go carefully and keep going.

    Katha Upanishad 1.3.14, our translation from the Sanskrit

  6. Truth alone wins.

    Truth wins, not falsehood: India took these words as its national motto. Lies can win a round but not the whole contest. Stake your life on what is true.

    Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6, our translation from the Sanskrit

  7. Your desire shapes your will, your will your deeds, your deeds you.

    What you want becomes what you resolve, what you resolve becomes what you do, and what you do becomes who you are. The chain starts with desire. Watch what you want.

    Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5, our translation from the Sanskrit

  8. Enjoy by letting go. Don't covet anyone's wealth.

    Everything is pervaded by the divine, the verse says, so enjoy the world through renunciation rather than grabbing. Possessiveness ruins the pleasure it chases. Hold lightly and you get to enjoy more.

    Isha Upanishad 1, our translation from the Sanskrit