The Upanishad is, states Paul Deussen, among those that can be described as cult of formula, where meditation shifts from objects and philosophy to that of a specific formula. The Narayana Upanishad posits the formula, Aum Namo Narayanaya, a mantra as a means of reaching salvation, which is communion with Vishnu. The text is classified as one of the Mantra Upanishads.