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Abstract lines connect a dark expanse of water with a glowing flame in a bright space.
Abstract lines connect a dark expanse of water with a glowing flame in a bright space.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad: God, Self, Yoga and Liberation

Composed approximately between 300 BCE and 200 CE, it combines teachings on Brahman, Sāṃkhya motifs, yoga and the worship of Rudra.

Dr. Ronald Steiner Dr. Ronald Steiner Nils Jacob Liersch Nils Jacob Liersch
Three teachers sit by the water before mountains as a luminous cave opens in the rock.
Three teachers sit by the water before mountains as a luminous cave opens in the rock.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 1: Ground of the World and Knowledge of the Self

The search for the ultimate cause leads through cosmic images and triads to knowledge of the hidden Self through meditation and Om.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 1.0
oṃ brahma-vādino vadanti |
Metre: none
Om (oṃ), the knowers of Brahman (brahmavādino | nom pl) say (vadanti | 3p pl act pres):
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A person meditates by a lake where a dark starry sky meets the light of dawn.
A person meditates by a lake where a dark starry sky meets the light of dawn.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 2: Meditation, Yoga and Knowledge

The chapter proceeds from the invocation of Savitṛ through bodily, breathing and meditative practice to the signs of yoga and knowledge of the all-pervading...

A luminous pillar of fire rises through a dark mountain landscape while a cave glows on the right.
A luminous pillar of fire rises through a dark mountain landscape while a cave glows on the right.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 3: Lord of the World, Puruṣa and Self

The one Rudra appears as cosmic Lord and auspicious protector, then as the all-encompassing Puruṣa, and finally as the Self hidden in every being.

A great tree bears many colourful forms of the world while a person meditates beneath its roots.
A great tree bears many colourful forms of the world while a person meditates beneath its roots.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 4: Forms of the World, Māyā and God

The formless One appears as multiplicity, acts through Māyā and is known as the hidden creator to whom prayers for protection and knowledge are addressed.

Three translucent forms linked by a red thread travel through a circle framed in gold.
Three translucent forms linked by a red thread travel through a circle framed in gold.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 5: Sovereignty, the Self, and Freedom

The chapter contrasts the Lord of the world with the individual self wandering under karma and the guṇas, and traces its liberation to the knowledge of God.

Two people sit between a dark wave and radiant light, joined by a golden thread.
Two people sit between a dark wave and radiant light, joined by a golden thread.

Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6: Lord of the World, Knowledge, and Bhakti

The final chapter brings together cosmic unfolding, divine sovereignty, and knowledge of the Self, and closes with transmission and devotion to teacher and God.

Illustrations: AI-generated.

Editor
Dr. Ronald Steiner

Dr. Ronald Steiner

From Ulm

The "Yoga Doc" - Dr. Ronald Steiner is the founder of the AYI method. This method links traditional Ashtanga Yoga with innovative Yogatherapy and living Philosophy. This forms a practice that is personal for each and... more ›

Nils Jacob Liersch

Nils Jacob Liersch

Meine Begeisterung für Yoga, indische Philosophie und Sanskrit führte mich zum Studium der Indologie und Religionswissenschaft an der Universität Heidelberg. Seit 2004 befinde ich mich auf meinem persönlichen Yogaweg... more ›