Upanishadic views about Brahman*

(N.B. Statements marked with an asterisk* are important in the Gita.)


*(1) Brahman is self (atman) and consciousness (i.e., everyone is Brahman).


*(2) Brahman is world ground.


*(3) Brahman is transcendent of "names and forms," i.e., transcendent of finite individuality.


*(4) Brahman is unitary, the coincidence of opposites, and omnipresent.


(5) Brahman has "non-dual" (advaita) self-awareness.


(6) Brahman is the essence or finest part of everything.


*(7) Brahman is the locus of value, with awareness of Brahman as the "supreme personal good" and "liberation" from fear and evil.


*(8) Brahman is mystically discoverable.


(9) Brahman is beyond the power of thought.


**(10) Brahman is the creator and inner controller of all things.

(In the Gita, Brahman manifests the universe by a process of "sacrifice.")