The Upanishads

THE UPANISHADS

1. What did Svetaketu fail to learn in school?

Svetakutu failed to learn in school about all of the more practical things in life though he was well read and stern. He knew facts and information but failed to question where the Nyagrodha tree actually comes from or what happens to salt when it is dissolved in water. When he viewed the seed he failed to really see anything, his father had than explained to him that this is where the Nyagrodh tree actually originates from.

2. What does the father mean when he states, "You Svetaketu, are it?"

What Svetaketu's father means when he says " You, Svetakutu, are it" is that Svetaketu is like the salt and the water because he is going to be very small and unimportant however he will one day expand and be very important. This is also similar to the Nyagrodha tree because is essence, he is the seed and one day he will grow and become someone like the Nyagrodha tree.

3. According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, what is the purpose of human life? How can perfection be achieved? What is the nature of that perfection?

According to the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the purpose of human life is to fulfill all of your desires in life. In addition it also states that all man should desire something through out there life time and if they don't their spirits will not be sent anywhere. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad also states that perfection is achieved when all of your desires are met and you are free of all sorrow in your life and you have no future wishes.