Upanishads

Greetings!

I have a little theory about the Upanishads (Hindu mystical texts) - one that I have long been nurturing but that makes itself clearer to me every day. And I thought it might be worth sharing it here.

Upanishads means (etymologically) 'to sit down beside/close to'. Usually, it is presented as sitting down close to the Guru to acquire knowledge - but I think that this is unnecessary Guru worship (and this is where I defect). Doesn't the Guru learn from his student? What, nothing at all?

Perhaps we all host a collective Guru when we sit down close together and talk from the heart about what really matters - at moments it is you, at moments it is I (for This is That - as the Katha Upanishad seems intent on letting us know!) - and together we learn in communion with a Self that is self-transcendent - more than just you and more than just me. And this is what is so beautiful. Truth emerges from our sitting down close to each other and exchanging the stories that emerge from our souls. Sounds like the foundation of a great community to me!

For those who want to read a beautiful translation of the Upanishad that inspired this thought, check out Sanderson Beck's rendition of the Katha Upanishad. It contains some real jewels and calls for an open heart and mind.

Thanks and love to all!

... and especially Ria for encouraging me to share this!