❓ What role do the Upanishads play in Hindu philosophy?

The Upanishads, known as Vedanta (end of the Vedas), contain the philosophical essence of the Vedic teachings. There are 108 major Upanishads, with 13 considered principal texts, including the Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads.

These texts explore fundamental questions about:

• The nature of reality (Brahman)
• The self (Atman)
• The relationship between individual consciousness and universal consciousness
• The purpose of human existence

The Upanishads introduce key concepts like karma, dharma, and moksha, forming the basis for later Hindu philosophical schools (darshanas) and influencing global philosophical thought.