The Teacher-Student Relationship (motif)
The Sanskrit word ‘upanishad’ means ‘to sit next to.’ This one-to-one teaching method acknowledges the fact that learning is a two-way process. The student and teacher exchange ideas through a dialogue that allows each to appreciate the other's perspective. The conversation is not about consensus or argument. It is about clarification and contemplation. A complex philosophy is discussed in the form of a simple story. The teaching method allows the teacher and the student to realize their potential.
The Swan (symbol)
The swan is an exquisite symbol in the Upanishads. In Sanskrit, a swan is called 'hamsa,' which is a combination of two sounds, 'hum and 'so.' 'Hum' stands for exhalation and 'so' means inhalation. Hamsa is symbolic of breath or life-force. A swan glides over water and never allows itself to get sullied, making it a symbol of detachment. In mythology, a swan is believed to possess the magical ability to separate milk from water. This quality symbolizes the capacity to discriminate between reality and illusion. The swan is a vehicle of Saraswati (goddess of knowledge).
Nachiketa’s Story - An Allegory of Rebirth and Liberation
In the Katha Upanishad, Nachiketa, a young boy, observes his father, Vajashrava, sacrificing old and unhealthy cows to attain a place in heaven. In his innocence, Nachiketa suggests that his father should make an offering of higher value- like his son. In a fit of anger, Vajashrava decides to offer Nachiketa to Yama (god of death).
Yama is surprised to see Nachiketa in the land of the dead. He feels sorry for the unexpected visitor and grants him three boons. Nachiketa wishes to know more about life after death. Yama explains the theory of rebirth according to which a person is caught in the cycle of birth and death so that he can repay the debts of his previous life. Yama explains the theory of liberation according to which an individual breaks free from the cycle of life and death to attain moksha (liberation).
The Story of Jabala - An Allegory of Successful Single Parenting
A young boy approaches a sage called Gautama for education. The sage enquires about the boy’s father. The boy replies that his mother Jabala had been in the company of several men. He is unaware of his father’s identity and does not believe in its importance. Gautama is impressed with the boy’s honest, fearless and confident attitude. The sage accepts him as a student and names him Satyakama (the truthful one).
The Snake and the Rope Story - An Allegory of Imaginary Fear
The Mandukya Upanishad narrates the story of a thirsty traveler who reaches the village well at night. He notices a snake next to the bucket. The terrified man yells for help. An inhabitant of the village arrives in response to his blood-curdling scream. In the light of a lamp that he holds, both men see a coiled rope instead of a 'snake.’ Does the darkness confuse the man, or is it the anxiety? The story describes how fear and insecurities can cloud one’s intellect.
