What is Chhandogya Upanishad and it describes about?

The Chhandogya Upanishad is one of the oldest and most important Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. It is part of the Sama Veda and belongs to the Chhandogya Brahmana.

Basic Details

Name: Chhandogya Upanishad (छान्दोग्य उपनिषद्)

Veda: Sama Veda

Chapters: 8 chapters (praxānas), with numerous sections (khaṇḍas)

Language: Sanskrit

Philosophy: Vedanta, especially non-dualism (Advaita)

Main Themes and Teachings

1. Om (ॐ) – The Sacred Sound

The Upanishad starts by declaring the significance of "Om" as the essence of the universe and the source of all creation.

2. Tat Tvam Asi (तत् त्वम् असि) – “You Are That”

One of the Mahāvākyas (great sayings) from Vedantic philosophy.

It means that the individual self (Atman) is identical with the universal reality (Brahman).

Spoken by sage Uddalaka to his son Śvetaketu.

3. Nature of Reality (Brahman)

Describes Brahman as the infinite, eternal, and subtle essence behind all that exists.

All diversity in the world is just names and forms (nāma-rūpa); the essence is One.

4. Atman (Self)

Atman is the true self within all beings.

It is eternal, pure, conscious, and blissful.

Realizing the Atman leads to liberation (moksha).

5. Ethics and Meditation

Emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, self-control, and meditation as paths to realize Brahman.

 Symbolic Stories and Dialogues

Includes profound allegorical stories such as:

Satyakama Jabala – story of a seeker’s truthfulness

Uddalaka and Śvetaketu – teaching of Brahman through analogies like salt in water or a fig seed

Raikva the cart-puller – a poor man who is rich in wisdom

King Janasruti and Raikva – humility in seeking knowledge

 Spiritual Goal

The central message is: Realize your inner self (Atman) as Brahman, and by doing so, you transcend suffering, rebirth, and attain ultimate freedom (moksha).