Discussion

Given your reading and understanding of the Vedic literature and the cosmogonic and cosmological worldview(s) offered in the Upanisads, how would you characterize the quest for realizing a union with ultimate reality? In other words, what does realizing atman with Brahman mean as a religious aim?

You might also wish to consider how the various social roles (varnas) and life-stages (ashramas) influence understanding of an ultimate ideal of moksha (liberation).