In the religious changes described by the Upanishads, Brahman meant
A)a monotheistic presence, later embodied by Vishnu.
B)the main celestial god honored by fire sacrifices.
C)the process of reincarnation for not doing one's darma.
D)a shadowy ultimate reality with which one's individual spirit would merge.
E)the ritual worship maintained by the priestly caste.

Question

​In the religious changes described by the Upanishads, Brahman meant​
A)​a monotheistic presence, later embodied by Vishnu.​
B)​the main celestial god honored by fire sacrifices.
C)​the process of reincarnation for not doing one's darma.
D)​a shadowy ultimate reality with which one's individual spirit would merge.
E)​the ritual worship maintained by the priestly caste.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the religious changes described by the Upanishads, Brahman referred to a shadowy ultimate reality with which one's individual spirit would merge. It was the ultimate spiritual goal for many seekers, and the process by which one aimed to achieve this union was through achieving moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This was quite different from the earlier Vedic period, where the emphasis was on ritual sacrifice and propitiation of gods.

​In the Religious Changes Described by the Upanishads, Brahman Meant​

In the Religious Changes Described by the Upanishads, Brahman Meant