The Upanishads are ancient Indian texts that explore deep spiritual and philosophical ideas. They are part of the Vedas and focus on understanding the nature of God, the self, and the universe. The Upanishads teach that the true essence of each person is the same as God, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
myNachiketa presents 10 significant quotes from the Upanishads for Children, instilling the curiosity to know the reality of God and self.
1. Quote
Tat Tvam Asi: “You are Divine”
Source: Chandogya Upanishad
Message
Children, everything in the world is a reflection of God. God shows His presence through every big and small thing present in this world.
Imagine a potter who makes different pots from the same clay. Even though the pots look different, they are all made of the same clay. In the same way, everything in the world looks different but is a form of the same God. Just like the pots represent clay, all people and things represent God.
2. Quote
Even as water becomes one with water, fire with fire, and air with air, the mind becomes one with the Infinite Mind and thus attains final freedom.
Source: Maitri Upanishad
Message
Children, just as water merges with water, fire with fire, and air with air, we also unite with God because we are not different from Him. As we connect with God, we understand our true nature.
Imagine raindrops falling into a lake. They merge with the water and become part of the big lake. The raindrop doesn’t lose its identity; instead, it becomes part of something magnificent. When we connect with the greatness of God, we experience the greatness within ourselves, setting us free from our smaller worries.
To get a deeper understanding on these quotes read our books.
3. Quote
Even as the sun shines and fills all space With light, above, below, across, so shines The Lord of Love and fills the hearts of all created beings.
Source: Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Message
Children, just as sunlight is constant and always present, so is the presence of God. Just as sunlight reaches every part of the world, God’s love reaches every corner of our hearts. It has no bounds and embraces everyone with its warmth. We should also develop the qualities of the Sun and God in ourselves and treat everyone with love and compassion.
4. Quote
You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
Source: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Message
Children, our desires are important in shaping our fate. When we desire something, we become determined to fulfil it and align our actions with it. And those actions shape what happens next in your life.
For example, if you want to improve your grades in school, you need to work hard and keep trying. Your efforts will help you achieve your goal.
Watch this video to get a deeper understanding on these quotes.
5. Quote
Beyond the senses are the objects, beyond the objects is the mind, beyond the mind, is the intellect, and beyond the intellect is the great Atman.
Source: Katha Upanishad
Message
Children, the objects in the world influence our senses, like how our nose enjoys the sweet smell of our favourite dish and our tongue likes its taste without choice.
But our mind is stronger than our senses, it can decide not to eat the sweet, and our intellect being powerful than the mind can give reasons like avoiding a toothache.
The Atman, our soul, is the most powerful of all. It can guide our intellect and help us make wise choices. The Atman is eternal and filled with the qualities of God. When we connect with our Atman, we find peace within ourselves. Understanding our true selves allows us to live a life full of happiness, kindness, and freedom.
6. Quote
Lead me from the unreal to the real
Lead me from darkness to light
Lead me from death to immortality.
Source: Brihad-Aranyaka Upanishad
Message
Children, We should pray to God for wisdom to remove our ignorance. Connecting with God helps us choose right over wrong. God empowers us to overcome our selfish desires and guides us towards understanding the truth. For instance, during exams, if we spend too much time watching TV or playing games, our parents or teachers remind us to focus on studying. Similarly, God helps us make good choices, like helping others and being honest with everyone.
To get a deeper understanding on these quotes read our books.
7. Quote
The mind is said to be twofold,
The pure and also the impure,
Impure by union with desire,
Pure, from desire completely free.
Source: Maitri Upanishad
Message
Our thoughts are what we want them to be. They can either be good or bad. Our thoughts shape our reality and we can choose to be good and selfless to reach God. If we wish Good for others, it brings us close to God and if we think bad for others it drives us away from God. So, children always be kind and helpful to everyone.
8. Quote
God is all in all. He is action, knowledge, and goodness supreme. To know him, hidden in the lotus of the heart, is to untie the knot of ignorance.
Source: Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Message
God is in everything we do, all that we know, and is the source of the highest goodness. By gaining true knowledge, we can understand the truth of God who resides within us. Just like, our true friend solves all our problems, everything becomes possible when we know that God is always with us.
9. Quote
Behold the glory of God in the universe and all that lives and moves on earth. Leaving the transient, find joy in the Eternal.
Source: Isha Upanishad
Message
Children, look at the amazing world around you—the stars, the animals, and everything that moves and grows. Enjoy these wonderful things, but remember that they don't last forever. True happiness comes from connecting with the everlasting love and goodness of God.
10. Quote
That which cannot be apprehended by the mind, but by which, they say, the mind is apprehended. That alone know as Brahman and not that which people here worship.
Source: Kena Upanishad
Message
Children, the wise say that our mind cannot know God, but it is by the grace of God that we understand our mind and hence develop a relationship with Him.
When we try to see a distant mountain on a foggy day, on our own, we can't see much because of the fog. But when the sun comes out, it clears the fog and we can see the mountain clearly. Similarly, we need God's grace, like the sun, to clear the fog of our minds and help us see and understand things better. When we pray, we invite God's grace into our lives, making it easier to feel close to Him.
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