How ancient Indians discovered the Unconscious (Upanishads 700BC)

About this Video

• Video Title: How ancient Indians discovered the Unconscious (Upanishads 700BC)
• Channel: Stephan's History of the World
• Speakers: Stefan (presumably the speaker, though not explicitly stated)
• Duration: 00:15:14

Introduction

This video explores how ancient Indian forest philosophers, around the 7th century BC, developed a rudimentary understanding of the unconscious mind through their study of the Upanishads. The video uses primary sources to explain their process and conclusions.

Key Takeaways

• The Upanishads and the Unconscious: Forest philosophers in 7th-century BC India, known as "renouncers," through contemplation, developed an understanding of the unconscious mind. They observed thoughts and feelings appearing and disappearing, suggesting an unseen "thinker" behind conscious experience.
• The Self (Atman): This unseen "thinker" was identified as the "self" or "Atman," considered the ultimate being of the universe, even greater than the gods.
• The Nature of Atman: The Upanishads describe Atman through what it is not: it is not breath, speech, sight, hearing, or thought. Its unknowable nature led to the conclusion that it is a reality without properties, therefore eternal and immortal.
• Atman and Brahman: The philosophers equated Atman with Brahman (the essence of the universe), deeming both unknowable and immortal. This led to a diminished role for the gods in their philosophy, as the self within each individual is equal to Brahman.
• The Importance of Self-Realization: Discovering this ultimate reality within became the central goal of Eastern philosophy.