The Satyakāma-Upakosala Saṃvāda: A Study of Philosophical Narratives in the Chāndogyopaniṣad through the Lens of Indian Tradition (भारतीर्िरम्परानुसारेण छान्दोग्र्ोिपनषदन्तगयतसत्यकाम-उिकोसलसंवादपनरूिणम् )

Abstract: The dialogue between Satyakāma and Upakosala is found in the fourth chapter of the Chāndogyopaniṣad, which belongs to the Kauthuma recension (śākhā) of the saṃvāda. This discourse spans from the tenth to the fifteenth sections (Khaṇḍas) of the seventeenth section within that chapter. This dialogue is beautifully portrayed as a quintessential interaction between a Preceptor and a disciple (guruśiṣyasaṃvāda). In this narrative, Maharṣi Satyakāma features as the Guru, while Upakosala is the disciple. Upakosala resided in the hermitage of Maharṣi Satyakāma Jabala for twelve years, pursuing his studies as a celibate student (Brahmachari). At the end of the academic period, his fellow students received permission to return to their homes. However, when Upakosala did not receive such permission, he became dejected and despondent. Subsequently, in the course of time, after receiving the supreme instruction on Brahman (Absolute Reality) from the sacrificial fires (Agnis) and later from Satyakāma himself, Upakosala finally obtained permission to return home. In this research paper, after establishing the significance of this narrative in propounding the principle of Brahman according to Indian tradition, its contribution to the core tenets of Advaita Vedanta and its social implications have been thoroughly examined.