5. The Upanishads

The Upanishads date between 700 - 400 B.C.E. The collections of vedas have been the prime influence for the Hindu religion. The Upanishads are a collection of mantras that are the teachings of the Brahman or the Atman, which both represent the truth of the universe. The teachings are focus on how to center oneself in order to open the mind and body to the truth of the universe. The body and the soul are connected, and the actions of the body control the soul.

Much like in the readings of the Tao te Ching, I found that the Upanishads teach that the body and soul must be balanced with the universe. The Upanishads are much more complex and specific in their teachings (although it is argued that some of the mantras contradict themselves). Spiritual meditations connects the body and soul with the universe or Om.