A History of Indian Literature v1.c8.s8.78

v1.c8.s8.78

Thus the *Kauṣītaki-Upaniṣad* contains, besides psychological and metaphysical expositions and a detailed eschatology,¹ also descriptions of sacrificial rites, by which one can attain some good or other, or effect a love charm, ceremonies for the prevention of the death of children, and even an "Upaniṣad," *i.e.*, a secret doctrine, the knowledge of which serves as magic for the annihilation of enemies. Similarly the *Chāndogya-Upaniṣad* contains deep philosophical thoughts upon the creation, the universe and the soul, but among these also mystical speculations upon the syllable Om, secret rites for the healing of diseases and so on. In the Atharvaveda-Upaniṣads, indeed, we find for instance a whole Upaniṣad—"the *Garuḍa-Upaniṣad*,"²—which is nothing but a snake charm that might just as well be included in the Atharvaveda-Saṁhitā.