Upanishads
in Hindu sacred literature, the name given to the Vedic speculative treatises which were full of attempts to solve problems connected with the universe and the nature and destiny of man. They are 108 or more in number, each Veda having a certain number of upanishads connected with it. They constitute part of the Brahmanas or commentaries belonging to the Veda, presenting the Vedic doctrine in a comprehensive form, and being of a more dogmatic character than the rest of the Brahmanas. They vary in date like the Brahmanas, which extend, according to Max Müller, from 800 to 600 в. c. All Indian philosophers and various sects profess to derive their belief from the upanishads.