Identity/concepts of self, notions of creation, desire, value of the world, human predicament, religious goal, nature of Ultimate Reality, knowledge, spiritual stumbling blocks
Select a theme from the Upanishads we have read together that you find of particular interest. (Suggested possibilities: true identity/concepts of self, notions of creation, desire, value of the world, human predicament, religious goal, nature of Ultimate Reality, knowledge, spiritual stumbling blocks, etc.) You are to construct a carefully written essay that explores (i.e., have an enjoyable intellectual adventure into a realm of possibilities) and develops (i.e., moves logically from an opening statement or question to a final conclusion) the theme you select with direct references to the Upanishadic texts (i.e., work closely with the texts!). I assume that you will be working primarily with the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The quality of your essay will be evaluated by its content, and how well it is written and supported (by textual evidence).
*** The essay is to be 5 double-spaced typed pages in length and is due in class on
Monday, February 14th
Needs to look like product of own reading, minimal internet use due to false information