The Linga Upanishad
The Linga Upanishad The Linga Upanishad is a minor Shaiva Upanishad focused on the philosophical and ritual significance of the linga (the aniconic symbol of Shiva) and the practice of lingadhârana (wearing or bearing the linga). The text explors the profound spiritual meaning of the linga as the formless, infinite absolute (Brahman), rather than an independent principal Upanishad. It emphasizes the unity of the individual body/self with the linga as a means to knowledge, liberation (moksha), and identification with Shiva/Brahman. The core themes of this Upanishad is as follows: Inquiry into dharma, knowledge (jñâna), and intelligence (buddhi) as the cause of liberation; liberation is the true nature of freedom, arising from knowledge of Brahman. The body is not different from the linga in its essential unity (lingaikyam); distinctions arise only from ignorance. Lingadhârana (bearing the linga) is prescribed for all four varnas. It is linked to the five bonds/elements, the senses,...