Yoga Vimarsh - Jeevan Darshak Upnishade ( Session 24 )

On March 22, 2026, at Vivekananda Kendra Vedantic Application of Yoga and Management (VK VAYAM), Pranav Nagari, Solapur, the 24th session of “Yoga Vimarsha” was successfully conducted. 

Under the auspices of Vivekananda Kendra Vayam, Mrs. Madhavi Joshi from Pune delivered an insightful lecture on the topic “Upanishads as a Guide to Life: Past, Present, and Future.”

She explained the importance of the Upanishads in very simple language. She emphasized that this knowledge, which originated thousands of years ago, remains relevant in the past, present, and future and will never become outdated.

The universe is a vast repository of wonders. Ancient sages and seers, through their penance and observation, made many discoveries. Through the eye of knowledge, deep thought, and refined intellect, the Vedas were revealed. Sage Vyasa later divided the Vedas into four parts, the fourth being the Upanishads.

In solitude and through self-reflection, many mysteries were gradually uncovered. Through pure knowledge and self-inquiry, they discovered what can be called the key to wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita is essentially the essence of the Upanishads.

The word “Upanishad” can be understood as: “Up” meaning near, “Ni” meaning with certainty, and “Shad” meaning loosening or destroying ignorance and contemplating the eternal truth.

Just as oil exists in sesame seeds, fragrance in flowers, butter in milk, jaggery in sugarcane, and fire in wood—though not immediately visible, they are undeniably present. Similarly, even though the soul is not visible in the body, it must be acknowledged.

The question “Who am I?” leads us toward that ultimate truth. The Upanishads act as a guiding path in this journey. Studying them helps us recognize the nature of the self. By practicing small principles in daily life, this path becomes easier. If we remain trapped in “I,” “mine,” and ego-driven actions, we can never realize the true self.

Enjoy life, but with a sense of detachment. Giving should be valued more than receiving. One should expand the boundaries of the self instead of narrowing them. We should never complain about the laws of nature. Summer, monsoon, and winter are all essential and should be accepted naturally. One should not criticize them or food. Instead of speaking negatively, the tongue should be used to chant the divine name.

The soul is the driver of the chariot of the body, while the reins of the mind should be held by the intellect. We live in ignorance thinking we are just individual beings, but upon attaining spiritual knowledge, we realize that we are one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The Upanishads guide us on how to cultivate a broad mind and see unity in all living beings.

No matter how advanced science becomes in the future, the importance of the five fundamental elements (Panchamahabhutas) will never diminish. Therefore, this Indian philosophy remains eternally true across all times.

The program was introduced by Mrs. Shubhangi Kulkarni. The speaker was introduced by Ms. Vaishali Waghirkar. The prayer was conducted by Meera Tai. The event was anchored by Mrs. Mrunalini Pandit. Mrs. Madhavi Joshi answered the audience’s questions thoughtfully. A total of 85 people attended the program.