The ‘Upanishads,’ a collection of writings, expanded on the ideas found in the Vedas and added new ones, like rebirth and karma. A school I of philosophy commonly referred to as ‘Vedanta’ holds that everything, including nature, human existence, and the world, is one divine essence j known as brahman (which should not be confused with the divinity Brahma), or occasionally just tat (meaning ‘that’).
The idea of atman, or Self, the divine essence that exists in all beings but is ultimately one with brahman, was also taught by the Upanishads. This means that everything in the world is interrelated and depends upon everything else. This clarifies the meaning of a popular prayer that starts, “May all creatures be happy/’ and continues, “May they all be free from disease and sorrow.”