Upanishadic period

The Upanishadic period, roughly between 800 and 400 BCE, was a time of profound philosophical exploration in ancient India. During this era, thinkers and sages engaged in deep reflection on life's fundamental questions—about existence, consciousness, and the ultimate reality called Brahman. They composed texts known as Upanishads, which delve into spiritual wisdom, ethics, and the nature of the self (Atman). These ideas formed the foundation of later Hindu philosophy and emphasized inner knowledge and realizing the interconnectedness of all life. The period marks a shift from ritual-centric practices to introspective understanding of spiritual truths.