Chandogya Upanishad Part 1

The opening chapters of the Chandogya Upanishad unfold a profound journey through symbolic meditations, cosmic analogies, and ritual correspondences that guide the seeker from outer practices to inner understanding. Rich in upasana-s and contemplative insights, these teachings prepare the mind for the deeper revelations of Brahman that follow in the later sections of the Upanishad.

Overview of Upasanas

The first five chapters of the Chandogya Upanishad primarily explore upasana-s, meditative practices, symbolic rituals, and indirect teachings on Brahman through cosmic analogies and metaphors.

Webinar Highlights

Chapter 1 – The Power of Om and Udgitha

• Focuses on the syllable Om as the essence of the Sama Veda and the universe.
• Introduces Udgitha meditation, where Om is seen as the vital force behind speech, breath, and cosmic order. 
• Uses analogies like the sun and breath to explain the cosmic significance of sound.

Chapter 2 – Cosmic Correspondences in Ritual

• Explores symbolic connections between ritual elements and cosmic entities.
• For example, the fire altar is linked to the sun, and offerings are connected to rain and food.
• Emphasizes how rituals mirror the structure of the universe, reinforcing unity between microcosm and macrocosm.

Chapter 3 – The Doctrine of the Five Fires

• Introduces the Panchagnividya – a metaphorical framework for understanding rebirth and the cycle of life.
• Describes how heaven, rain, earth, man, and woman are stages in the cosmic fire ritual leading to birth.
• Includes Shandilya vidya, a profound teaching on Brahman as Atman, the inner Self.

Chapter 4 – Meditation on the Self and the Cosmos

• Contains upasanas  that relate the individual to the cosmic.
• Stresses inner realisation through symbolic contemplation, preparing the seeker for deeper insights into Brahman.

Chapter 5 – The Unity of the Universe

• Continues with meditative practices that unify diverse elements like speech, breath, and mind with cosmic forces.
• Reinforces the idea that everything is interconnected, and understanding this leads to spiritual liberation.

What next?

These chapters blend ritualistic symbolism with philosophical depth, gradually guiding the seeker from external practices toward internal realisation.  While they still retain traces of vedic ritualism, their deeper aim is to prepare the mind for the direct teachings on Brahman found in the three later chapters that we will take up as Part 2 of Chandogya Upanishad..

Schedule & Details

Dates: 6 January to 24 August 2026
Time: Every Tuesdays | 7:30 – 8:30 PM IST
Language: English
Webinar Fees: ₹ 3500, US$ 85
Mode: Online Via Zoom

Webinar Format

• 34 Online sessions
• The sessions will be streamed on Zoom. Those who miss the online session can listen to the recordings available in the dashboard.
• Recordings will be available in the dashboard for a period of 6 months post the completion of the webinar.

Prerequisite

• Availability of a computer with audio -video internet conferencing facility.
• Prior study of Bhagavad Gita and a few upanishads -s will be helpful.
• Access to Zoom

Reference Texts

Chandogya Upanishad Commentary by Swami Lokeswarananda, Published by Ramakrishna Mission

Chandogya Upanishad With Commentary of Shankaracharya Translated by Swami Gambhirananda, Published by Advaita Ashrama

Chandogya Upanishad Translated in Hindi with Sankara Bhashya, Published by Gita Press

Facilitator

Sri Anant Sarma has been associated with Chinmaya Mission for more than four decades. An engineer from IIT Madras, he went to the USA for further studies. His work experience covers both academia and industry in engineering and finance administration. 

To know more about Sri. Anant Sarma, please click here.

Contact Details

For further information or clarification
Contact: +91 92077 11467
Email: cifwebinars@chinfo.org