The Upanishads are a part of the Vedas that contain some of the most important philosophical principles of Hinduism. The authorship of the Upanishads is not known, and their dating is similarly a matter of debate. However, they are the only widely known Vedic texts and the ideas they contain are at the spiritual core of Hindus.
<em>Why are souls reincarnated?
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Hindu traditions believe that the body dies, but the soul (Atman) is immortal and indestructible. As everything is assumed to be cyclical, once the body dies, the soul is reborn in a different body.
<em>How might one advance up the ladder of caste?
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Current karma impacts both our conditions in the present life and our future lives. Good intentions and actions will lead to good conditions of rebirth, such as being born a higher caste.
<em>How does one end the cycle of rebirth?
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This cycle of rebirth (samsara) goes on until one embarks on a spiritual pursuit of self-knowledge, and gains moksa, or release from reincarnation. This path to liberation is the main focus of the Upanishads.
