Those verses in the Veda that
amplify the greatness of man, his soul’s journey, and his ultimate purpose are
termed as Upanishad.
Upanishad means
essential guiding principle. It is a shrugging off of conflict, frustration, fear, & turmoil.
Upanishad means being in sync with Time and Ambience, and Understanding each other's Viewpoint.
This edition gives a crisp, tight rendering of original thought using words that are relevant and correctly understood in the modern times. It develops the concept of
Brahman, a loving compassionate fluid that permeates all beings and the entire Creation. Only the
inward senses can glimpse it, only a
brave seeker can attempt the discovery.
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Upanishads are masterly texts, meant for a sincere and serious aspirant. Basic qualifications include a command over language and neatness in attire. Prerequisites most needed to imbibe the knowledge are:
- Respectfulness
- Readiness to serve with cheerfulness
- Discipline for a year with frugal lifestyle
- Truthfulness and candor in communication
Excerpt from Mundaka Upanishad Verse 2.1.6तस्माद् ऋचः साम यजूंषि दीक्षा यज्ञाश्च सर्वे क्रतवो दक्षिणाश्च । संवत्सरश्च यजमानश्च लोकाः सोमो यत्र पवते यत्र सूर्यः ॥ २.१.६
tasmād ṛcaḥ sāma yajūṃṣi dīkṣā yajñāśca sarve kratavo dakṣiṇāśca । saṃvatsaraśca yajamānaśca lokāḥ somo yatra pavate yatra sūryaḥ ॥ 2.1.6
- From Brahman emerge the energies - Rik that manifests cosmic laws, Sama that balances, Yajus that formulates individual emotions and thought processes.
- From Brahman emerges the special faculty of training, imparting skill, and education, especially from parents to children for all mammals.
- From Brahman the systems of manufacturing and gainful employment. Thereby the merits and earnings.
- Due to Brahman the yearly cycle of time comes into existence.
- Due to Brahman some assume authority and status and can thus govern and conduct affairs.
- Due to Brahman the galaxies got formed.
And to Brahman’s credit the all fulfilling, purifying, and blessing nature of the moon and the sun that shine on all.
Excerpt from Aitareya Upanishad Verse 2.1.4सोऽस्यायमात्मा पुण्येभ्यः कर्मभ्यः प्रतिधीयते । अथास्यायमितर आत्मा कृतकृत्यो वयोगतः प्रैति । स इतः प्रयन्नेव पुनर्जायते तदस्य तृतीयं जन्म ॥ २.१.४
so'syāyamātmā puṇyebhyaḥ karmabhyaḥ pratidhīyate । athāsyāyamitara ātmā kṛtakṛtyo vayogataḥ praiti । sa itaḥ prayanneva punarjāyate tadasya tṛtīyaṃ janma ॥ 2.1.4
The Undying Birth. The Soul travels through bodies. It also travels through traits and virtues. Since a Soul gets known and remembered through diverse ways,
- through physical lineage
- through propagation of ideals
- through celebration of festivals and anniversaries
- some other means
Hence, it is known as the Undying Birth.
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Contains original verses in Sanskrit with a Latin transliteration and a lucid commentary.
