In the beginning there was absolutely nothing, and what existed was covered by death and hunger. He thought, “Let me have a self,” and he created the mind. As he moved about . . . water was generated. Froth formed on the water . . . [which] solidified to become earth. . . . After resting, he divided himself in three parts [fire, sun, and air]. . . . He caused his self to split into two matching parts . . . and from them arose husband and wife. . . . and from their union arose the human beings of the earth. . . . She changed to a cow . . . he changed to a bull . . . and from their union cows arose.
—The Principal Upanishads
Based on the explanation of one of the elements, explain what some values of this culture might be.
Answer (1)
Answer:This story shows that the culture values unity and the idea that everything in the world is connected. It teaches that balance, like between husband and wife or nature’s elements, is important. Respect for family and the natural world is clear because life comes from their union. The story also shows that they believe life and the universe come from a spiritual source, meaning they see spirituality as part of everyday life. Today, these values still appear in how people honor family, care for the environment, and practice their faith.
