The teaching methodology

Why is there a need for a specific method of teaching? Because we are not speaking about a system of philosophy that just needs to be clearly presented with a definition of the main concepts and its underlying assumptions. We are also not speaking about a simple descriptive theory which needs to be experienced and validated by an action like meditation.

We are speaking about a means of knowledge revealing and unfolding the reality as it is. Therefore, it should have a method to make one understand this reality. We have seen in the previous section how the inherent limitations of the language can be overcome by using the words with their implied meaning to reveal the nature of the reality. Let us now explore this subject further and see this method by which the Upanishads unfold its vision.

Vedanta employs extensively negative sentences (neti, neti ²⁵, which means not this, not this),to indicate the nature of reality. Since "I" is revealed to be the truth of the universe, Vedanta has to negate all what we take ourselves to be ²⁶. It also negates that any object in the universe known through ones perception or inference can be the ultimate reality ²⁷.

Since it is not sufficient to only negate what the reality is not, the Upanishads gives also a positive revelation by using defining words as satyam, existence and jnanam, consciousness with their implied meaning²⁸. Various examples, analogies, imageries or models are also used by the Upanishads. For example, in Katha Upanishad, an analogy of a chariot is used to reveal the nature of I. This is done through equating the chariot to the body, mind to the reins, intellect to the driver of the chariot and the owner of the chariot to I. The idea is to indicate that 'I' am totally independent of body, mind, and intellect. Other analogies are used such as an imagery of light in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad and in the Gita, fire/sparks and spokes/hub of a wheel in Mundaka Upanishad, five elements model of creation in Taittriya Upanishad, imagery of the banyan tree in Katha Upanishad and in the Gita etc. They are all intended to make the student assimilate and see what the Upanishads reveal. But again, since nothing can really be compared to the final reality, no analogy is totally valid to convey what it is. The scope and limitations of these examples or analogies are clearly pointed out during the teaching.

Thus there is an evolved methodology of teaching embedded in the Upanishads themselves and transmitted by the tradition. It is technically called adhyaropa/apavada, superimposition/negation. By this methodology, the student is gradually taken from where he is, with his experiences and conclusions about the nature of himself and the world, to a point where he cannot but see the ultimate reality. This is achieved by leading him through successive steps (adhyaropa) that are just standpoints which are negated (apavada) for the student to understand the ultimate reality, called Brahman in Sanskrit.

Let us describe briefly some of the methods adopted by the Upanishads that all come under this general methodology of adhyaropa/apavada :

It is indicated initially that the cause of all objects made of clay such as pot, cup, lid etc. is nothing but clay ²⁹. Hence, pot is negated (apavada) and clay is said to be the cause (adhyaropa). We are further led to understand that clay is only provisional and not the final cause. That means, the status of clay as cause is negated (adhyaropa) and atom is indicated as its cause (adhyaropa). Atom also is negated (apavada) and particle said to be cause (adhyaropa); this way, one goes on to arrive at Isvara, in the form of intelligence as cause (adhyaropa); then, that is also negated to indicate limitless existence-consciousness (satyam-jnanam- anantam) as the final reality ³⁰. 

The Chandogya Upanishad adopts this approach adopts this approach of clay-pot, and then extends it to the entire universe. It reveals that all objects of the universe which include my own body, senses and mind depend on one reality which is non-dual. The student is thus made to see that by knowing one thing, everything, the universe and oneself, can be as well known.