Part 2/10:
The Upanishads, often regarded as the culmination of Vedic thought, represent an essential segment of the Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in human history. The term 'Vedanta' translates to "the end of the Vedas," implying that these texts offer the conclusion of Vedic teachings. Unlike their predecessors, which primarily focus on ritualistic practices, the Upanishads delve into the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. They offer universal truths rather than prescriptive rules and lay the groundwork for understanding the nature of reality.