The Philosophy of the Upanishads c6.s1.3

c6.s1.3

(1) Certain mysterious words, expressions, and formulas, which are only intelligible to the initiated, are described as *Upanishad*. These contain either a secret rule for action and behaviour, as the *na yâc'et* of Kaush. 2. 1, 2, quoted above, or secret information on the nature of Brahman. When, then, the latter is described as *satyasya satyam*¹, or *tad-vanam*² (the final goal of aspiration), there is added, “thou hast been taught the Upanishad.” Of a similar nature are secret words like *tajjalân*³ “in him (all beings) are born, perish, and breathe,” or *neti neti*⁴. And when the worship of Brahman under such formulas is enjoined, it is not implied that *upanishad* signifies “worship,” but only, as already pointed out, that meditation on Brahman under these mysterious terms must take the place of the worship of the gods.