Mythology in the Upanishads ーPhilosophical and Mythological Thinking―

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  • ウパニシャッドの神話学ー哲学的思考と神話的思考ー
  • ウパニシャッド ノ シンワガク : テツガクテキ シコウ ト シンワテキ シコウ

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The Upanishads or Vedanta (meaning "the end of the Veda") are the compilations of thought expressed in the Veda. Furthermore, the Upanishads are the fundamental principles of Hinduism, having a deep connection with Brahman and Atman concepts. The text is accepted by some as a real philosophy that is separate from ritual mysticism and myths. How gods and myths have been changed in the Upanishads is clarified by comparing the myths therein with those of the Brahmana and the Upanishads. First, the stories of Bhrgu in "Jaiminiya Brahmal)a" and "TaittirTya Upanishad" are compared. Thereby, it becomes apparent that Varul)a lost some functions, though this Vedic deity's designation as the god of water remained. Second, by comparing the stories of Nachiketas in "TaittirTya Brahmal)a" and "Ka1ha Upani????ad", it is enident that the main theme has been changed from ritual to philosophical doctrine. The same is true of the story of B比gu. Many gods in the Veda disappeared or were reduced in position: further, greater importance was given to the acquisition of the knowledge over ritual supremacy. On the other hand, Brahman, a neutral philosophical principle, was deified, and Vedic priests understanding the knowledge contained in the Upanishads were sublimated in an existence beyond the human categories. This development shows that the mythical thought functioned equally in the Upanishads, and philosophical thought had considerable influence in this regard. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that philosophical and mythological thinking were uncomplicated in the Upanishads.

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