Final answer:
The Upanishads address the problem of samsara, the cycle of rebirth, and the accumulation of karma. The teachings provide insights into the nature of existence, with the ultimate goal being moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Upanishads address the problem of samsara, which is the cycle of death and rebirth that souls undergo according to Hindu beliefs. This cycle is tied to karma, the law that links actions to their effects, both positive and negative. As individuals move through successive rebirths, they accumulate karmic debt or merit. The overarching goal within the philosophies associated with the Upanishads is to achieve moksha, the liberation of the soul from this cycle. Philosophical Hinduism, as it evolved through the Upanishads, offered explanations for the origins and structure of the universe, with the dualistic Samkhya school postulating the existence of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter) as the fundamental components of reality. The Upanishadic teachings thus grappled with cosmic and metaphysical questions, including the nature of existence, the role of asceticism and ritual, and the pursuit of knowledge leading to liberation (moksha).