KHANDOGYA-UPANISHAD Part 1
FIRST PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the syllable Om, called the udgitha; for the udgitha (a portion of
the Sama-veda) is sung, beginning with Om.
The full account,
however, of Om is this:-
2. The essence of
all beings is the earth, the essence of the earth is water, the essence of water
the plants, the essence of plants man, the essence of man speech, the essence of
speech the Rig-veda, the essence of the Rig-veda the Sama-veda, the essence of
the Sama-veda the udgitha (which is Om).
3. That udgitha (Om)
is the best of all essences, the highest, deserving the highest place, the
eighth.
4. What then is
the Rik ? What is the Saman? What is the udgitha ? This is the question.
5. The Rik indeed
is speech, Saman is breath, the udgitha is the syllable Om. Now speech and
breath, or.Rik and Saman, form one couple.
6. And that
couple is joined together in the syllable Om. When two people come together,
they fulfil each other's desire.
7. Thus he who
knowing this, meditates on the syllable (Om), the udgitha, becomes indeed a
fulfiller of desires.
8. That syllable
is a syllable of permission, for whenever we permit anything, we say Om, yes.
Now permission is gratification. He who knowing this meditates on the syllable (Om),
the udgitha, becomes indeed a gratifier of desires.
9. By that
syllable does the threefold knowledge (the sacrifice, more particularly the Soma
sacrifice, as founded on the three Vedas) proceed. When the Adhvaryu priest
gives an order, he says Om. When the Hotri priest recites, he says Om. When the
Udgatri priest sings, he says Om, -- all for the glory of that syllable. The
threefold knowledge (the sacrifice) proceeds by the greatness of that syllable
(the vital breaths), and by its essence (the ablations).
10. Now therefore
it would seem to follow, that both he who knows this (the true meaning of the
syllable Om), and he who does not, perform the same sacrifice. But this is not
so, for knowledge and ignorance are different. The sacrifice which a man
performs with knowledge, faith, and the Upanishad is more powerful. This is the
full account of the syllable Om.
SECOND KHANDA
1. When the Devas
and Asuras struggled together, both of the race of Pragapati, the Devas took the
udgitha (Om), thinking they would vanquish the Asuras with it.
2. They meditated
on the udgitha (Om) as the breath (scent) in the nose, but the Asuras pierced it
(the breath) with evil. Therefore we smell by the breath in the nose both what
is good smelling and what is bad-smelling. For the breath was pierced by evil.
Then they
meditated on the udgitha (Om) as speech, but the Asuras pierced it with evil.
Therefore we speak both truth and falsehood. For speech is pierced by evil.
4. Then they
meditated on the udgitha (Om) as the eye, but the Asuras pierced it with evil.
Therefore we see both what is sightly and unsightly. For the eye is pierced by
evil.
5. Then they
meditated on the udgitha (Om) as the ear, but the Asuras pierced it with evil.
Therefore we hear both what should be heard and what should not be heard. For
the ear is pierced by evil.
6. Then they
meditated on the udgitha (Om) as the mind, but the Asuras pierced it with evil.
Therefore we conceive both what should be conceived and what should not be
conceived. For the mind is pierced by evil.
7. Then
comes this breath (of life) in the mouth. They meditated on the udgitha (Om)
as that. breath. When the Asuras came to it, they were scattered, as (a ball of
earth) would be scattered when hitting a solid stone.
8. Thus, as a
ball of earth is scattered when hitting on a solid stone, will he be scattered
who wishes evil to one who knows this, or who persecutes him; for he is a solid
stone.
9. By it (the
breath in the mouth) he distinguishes neither what is good nor what is
bad-smelling, for that breath is free from evil. What we eat and drink with it
supports the other vital breaths (i.e. the senses, such as smell, &c.) When at
the time of death he does not find that breath (in the mouth, through which he
eats and drinks and lives), then he departs. He opens the mouth at the time of
death (as if wishing to eat).
10. Angiras
meditated on the udgitha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be Angiras,
i.e. the essence of the members (anginam rasah);
11. Therefore
Brihaspati meditated on udgitha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be
Brihaspati, for speech is brihati, and he (that breath) is the lord (pati) of
speech;
12. Therefore
Ayisya meditated on the udgitha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be
Ayasya, because it comes (ayati) from the mouth (.Asya) ;
13. Therefore
Vaka Dalbhya knew it. He was the Udgatri (singer) of the Naimishiya-sacrificers,
and by singing he obtained for them their wishes.
14. He who knows
this, and meditates on the syllable Om (the imperishable udgitha) as the breath
of life in the mouth, he obtains all wishes by singing. So much for the udgitha
(Om) as meditated on with reference to the body.
THIRD KHANDA
1. Now follows
the meditation on the udgitha with reference to the gods. Let a man meditate on
the udgitha (Om) as he who sends warmth (the sun in the sky). When the sun rises
it sings as Udgatri for the sake of all creatures. When it rises it destroys the
fear of darkness. He who knows this, is able to destroy the fear of darkness
(ignorance).
2. This (the
breath in the mouth) and that (the sun) are the same. This is hot and that is
hot. This they call svara (sound), and that they call pratyasvara (reflected
sound). Therefore let a man meditate on the udgitha (Om) as this and that (as
breath and as sun).
3. Then let a man
meditate on the udgitha (Om) as vyana indeed. If we breathe up, that is prana,
the up-breathing. If we breathe down, that is apana, the down-breathing. The
combination of prana and apana is vyana, back-breathing or holding in of the
breath. This vyana is speech. Therefore when we utter speech, we neither breathe
up nor down.
4. Speech is Rik,
and therefore when a man utters a Rik verse he neither breathes up nor down.
Rik is Saman, and
therefore when a man utters a Saman verse he neither breathes up nor down.
Saman is udgitha,
and therefore when a man sings (the udgitha, Om) he neither breathes up nor
down.
5. And other
works also which require strength, such as the production of fire by rubbing,
running a race, stringing a strong bow, are performed without breathing up or
down. Therefore let a man meditate on the udgitha (Om) as vyana.
6. Let a man
meditate on the syllables of the udgitha, i.e. of the word udgitha. Ut is breath
(prana), for by means of breath a man rises (uttishthati). Gi is speech, for
speeches are called girah. Tha is food, for by means of food all subsists (sthita).
7. Ut is heaven,
gi the sky, tha the earth. Ut is the sun, gi the air, tha the fire. Ut is the
Sama-veda, gi the Yagur-veda, tha the Rig-veda. Speech yields the milk, which is
the milk of speech itself, to him who thus knowing meditates on those syllables
of the name of udgitha, he becomes rich in food and able to eat food.
8. Next follows
the fulfilment of prayers. Let a man thus meditate on the Upasaranas, i. e. the
objects which have to be approached by meditation: Let him (the Udgatri) quickly
reflect on the Saman with which he is going to praise;
9. Let him
quickly reflect on the Rik in which that Saman occurs; on the Rishi (poet) by
whom it was seen or composed; on the Devata (object) which he is going to
praise;
10. On the metre
in which he is going to praise; on the tune with which he is going to sing for
himself;
11. On the
quarter of the world which he is going to praise. Lastly, having approached
himself (his name, family, &c.) by meditation, let him sing the hymn of praise,
reflecting on his desire, and avoiding all mistakes in pronunciation, &c.
Quickly I will the desire be then fulfilled to him, for the sake of which he may
have offered his hymn of praise, yea, for which he may have offered his hymn of
praise.
FOURTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the syllable Om, for the udgitha is sung beginning with Om. And this
is the full account of the syllable Om:-
2. The Devas,
being afraid of death, entered upon (the performance of the sacrifice prescribed
in) the threefold knowledge (the three Vedas). They covered themselves with the
metrical hymns. Because they covered (khad) themselves with the hymns, therefore
the hymns are called khandas.
3. Then, as a
fisherman might observe a fish in the water, Death observed the Devas in the Rik,
Yagus, and Saman-(sacrifices). And the Devas seeing this, rose from the Rik,
Yagus, and Saman-sacrifices, and entered the Svara, i.e. the Om (they meditated
on the Om).
4. When a man has
mastered the Rig-veda, he says quite loud Om; the same, when he has mastered the
Saman and the Yagus. This Svara is the imperishable (syllable), the immortal,
free from fear. Because the Devas entered it, therefore they became immortal,
and free from fear.
5. He who knowing
this loudly pronounces (pranauti) that syllable, enters the Same (imperishable)
syllable, the Svara, the immortal, free from fear, and having entered it,
becomes immortal, as the Devas are immortal.
FIFTH KHANDA
1. The udgitha is
the pranava, the pranava is the udgitha. And as the udgitha is the sun, So is
the pranava, for he (the sun) goes sounding Om.
2. 'Him I sang
praises to, therefore art thou my only one,' thus said Kaushitaki to his son.
'Do thou revolve his rays, then thou wilt have many sons.' So much in reference
to the Devas.
Now with
reference to the body. Let a man meditate on the udgitha as the breath (in the
mouth), for he goes sounding Om.
4. 'Him I sang
praises to, therefore art thou my only son,' thus said Kaushitaki to his son.
'Do thou therefore sing praises to the breath as manifold, if thou wishest to
have many sons.'
5. He who knows
that the udgitha is the pranava, and the pranava the udgitha, rectifies from the
seat of the Hotri priest any mistake committed by the Udgitri priest in
performing the udgitha, yea, in performing the udgitha.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. The Rik (veda)
is this earth, the Saman (veda) is fire. This Saman (fire) rests on that.Rik
(earth). Therefore the Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is this earth,
ama is fire, and that makes Sama.
2. The Rik is the
sky, the Saman air. This Saman (air) rests on that Rik (sky). Therefore the
Saman is sung as resting on the.Rik. Sa is the sky, ama the air, and that makes
Sama.
3. Rik is heaven,
Saman the sun. This Saman (sun) rests on that Rik (heaven). Therefore the Saman
is sung as resting on the.Rik. Sa is heaven, ama the sun, and that makes Sama.
4. Rik is the
stars, Saman the moon. This Saman (moon) rests on that.Rik (stars). Therefore
the Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is the stars, ama the moon, and that
makes Sama.
5. Rik is the
white light of the sun, Saman the blue exceeding darkness (in the sun). This
Saman (darkness) rests on that Rik (brightness). Therefore the Saman is sung as
resting on the Rik.
6. Sa is the
white light of the sun, ama the blue exceeding darkness, and that makes Sama.
Now that golden person, who is seen within the sun, with golden beard and golden
hair, golden altogether to the very tips of his nails,
7. Whose eyes are
like blue lotus's, his name is ut, for he has risen (udita) above all evil. He
also who knows this, rises above all evil.
8. Rik and Saman
are his joints, and therefore he is udgitha. And therefore he who praises him
(the ut) is called the Ud-gatri (the out-singer). He (the golden person, called
ut) is lord of the worlds beyond that (sun), and of all the wishes of the Devas
(inhabiting those worlds). So much with reference to the Devas.
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. Now with
reference to the body. Rik is speech, Saman breath. This Saman (breath) rests on
that Rik (speech). Therefore the Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is
speech, ama is breath, and that makes Sama.
2. Rik is the
eye, Saman the self. This Saman (shadow) rests on that Rik (eye). Therefore the
Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is the eye, ama the self and that makes
Sama.
3. Rik is the
ear, Saman the mind. This Saman (mind) rests on that Rik (ear). Therefore the
Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is the ear, ama the mind, and that makes
Sama.
4- Rik is the
white light of the eye, Saman- the blue exceeding darkness. This Saman
(darkness)
rests on the Rik
(brightness). Therefore the Saman is sung as resting on the Rik. Sa is the white
light of the eye, ama the blue exceeding darkness, and that makes Sama.
5. Now the person
who is seen in the eye, he is Rik, he is Saman, Uktha, Yagus, Brahman. The form
of that person (in the eye) is the same, as the form of the other person (in the
sun), the joints of the one (Rik and Saman) are the joints of the other, the
name of the one (ut) is the name of the other.
6. He is lord of
the worlds beneath that (the self in the eye), and of all the wishes of men.
Therefore all who sing to the vina (lyre), sing him, and from him also they
obtain wealth.
7. He who knowing
this sings a Saman, sings to both (the adhidaivata and adhyatma self, the person
in the sun and the person in the eye, as one and the same person). He obtains
through the one, yea, he obtains the worlds beyond that, and the wishes of the
Devas;
8. And he obtains
through the other the worlds beneath that, and the wishes of men.
Therefore an
Udgatri priest who knows this, may say (to the sacrificer for whom he
officiates);
9. 'What wish
shall I obtain for you by my songs?' For he who knowing this sings a Saman is
able to obtain wishes through his song, yea, through his song.
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. There were
once three men, well-versed in udgitha, Silaka Salavatya, Kaikitayana Dalbhya,
and Pravahana Gaivali. They said: 'We are well versed in udgitha. Let us have a
discussion on udgitha.'
2. They all
agreed and sat down. Then Pravahana Gaivali said: 'Sirs, do you both speak
first, for I wish to hear what two Brahmanas I have to say.
3. Then Silaka
Salavatya said to Kaikitayana Dalbhya: 'Let me ask you.'
'Ask,' he
replied.
4. 'What is the
origin of the Saman?' 'Tone (svara),' he replied.
'What is the
origin of tone?' Breath,' he replied.
What is the
origin of breath?' 'Food,' he replied.
'What is the
origin of food?' 'Water,' he replied.
5. 'Wha is the
origin of water?' 'That world (heaven),' he replied.
'And what is the
origin of that world ?'
He replied: 'Let
no man carry the Saman beyond the world of svarga (heaven). We place (recognise)
the Saman in the world of svarga, for the Saman is extolled as svarga (heaven).'
6. Then said
Silaka Salavatya to Kaikitayana Dalbhya: 'O Dalbhya, thy Saman is not firmly
established. And if any one were to say, Your head shall fall off (if you be
wrong), surely your head would now fall.'
7. 'Well then,
let me know this from you, Sir,' said Dalbhya.
'Know it,'
replied Silaka Salavatya.
'What is the
origin of that world (heaven)?'
'This world,' he
replied.
'And what is the
origin of this world? --
He replied: 'Let
no man carry the Saman beyond this world as its rest. We place the Saman in this
world as its rest, for the Saman is extolled as rest.'
8. Then said
Pravihana Gaivali to Silaka Salavatya: 'Your Saman (the earth), O Salavatya, has
an end. And if any one were to say, Your head shall fall off (if you be wrong),
surely your head would now fall.'
'Well then, let
me know this from you, Sir,' said Salavatya.
'Know it,'
replied Gaivali.
NINTH KHANDA
1 'What is the
origin of this world?' 'Ether',' he replied. For all these beings take their
rise from the ether, and return into the ether. Ether is older than these, ether
is their rest.
2. He is indeed
the udgitha (Om = Brahman), greater than great (parovariyas), he is without end.
He who knowing this meditates on the udgitha, the greater than great, obtains
what is greater than great, he conquers the worlds which are greater than great.
3. Atidhanvan
Saunaka, having taught this udgitha to Udara-sandilya, said: 'As long as they
will know in your family this udgitha, their life in this world will be greater
than great.
4. 'And thus also
will be their state in the other world.' He who thus knows the udgitha, and
meditates on it thus, his life in this world will be greater than great, and
also his state in the other world, yea, in the other world.
TENTH KHANDA
1. When the Kurus
had been destroyed by (hail) stones, Ushasti Kakrayana lived as a beggar with
his virgin wife at Ibhyagrama.
2. Seeing a chief
eating beans, he begged of him. The chief said: 'I have no more, except those
which are put away for me here.'
3. Ushasti said:
'Give me to eat of them.' He gave him the beans, and said: 'There is something
to drink also.' Then said Ushasti: 'If I drank of it, I should have drunk what
was left by another, and is therefore unclean.'
4. The chief
said: 'Were not those beans also left over and therefore unclean?'
'No,' he replied;
'for I should not have lived, if I had not eaten them, but the drinking of water
would be mere pleasure.'
5. Having eaten
himself, Ushasti gave the remaining beans to his wife. But she, having eaten
before, took them and put them away.
6. Rising the
next morning, Ushasti said to her: 'Alas, if we could only get some food, we
might gain a little wealth. The king here is going to offer a sacrifice, he
should choose me for all the priestly offices.'
7. His wife said
to him: 'Look, here are those beans of yours.' Having eaten them, he went to the
sacrifice which was being performed.
8. He went and
sat down on the orchestra near the Udgatris, who were going to sing their hymns
of praise. And he said to the Prastotri (the leader):
9. 'Prastotri, if
you, without knowing the deity which belongs to the prastava (the hymns &c. of
the Prastotri), are going to sing it, your head will fall off.'
10. In the same
manner he addressed the Udgatri: 'Udgatri, if you, without knowing the deity
which belongs to the udgitha (the hymns of the Udgatri), are going to sing it,
your head will fall off.'
11. In the same
manner he addressed the Pratihartri: ' Pratihartri, if you, without knowing the
deity which belongs to the pratihara (the hymns of the Pratihartri), are going
to sing it, your head will fall off.'
They stopped, and
sat down in silence.
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. Then the
sacrificer said to him: 'I should like to know who you are, Sir.' He replied: 'I
am Ushasti Kakrayana.'
2. He said: 'I
looked for you, Sir, for all these sacrificial offices, but not finding you, I
chose others.'
3. 'But now, Sir,
take all the sacrificial offices.'
Ushasti said:
'Very well; but let those, with my permission, perform the hymns of praise. Only
as much wealth as you give to them, so much give to me also.'
The sacrificer
assented.
4. Then the
Prastotri approached him, saying: 'Sir, you said to me, " Prastotri, if you,
without knowing the deity which belongs to the prastava, are going to sing it,
your head will fall off," --which then is that deity?'
5. He said:
'Breath (prana). For all these beings merge into breath alone, and from breath
they arise. This is the deity belonging to the prastava. If, without knowing
that deity, you had sung forth your hymns, your head would have fallen off,
after you had been warned by me.'
6. Then the
Udgatri approached him, saying: 'Sir, you said to me, " Udgatri, if you, without
knowing the deity which belongs to the udgitha, are going to sing it, your head
will fall off," -- which then is that deity?'
7. He said: 'The
sun (aditya). For all these beings praise the sun when it stands on high. This
is the deity belonging to the udgitha. If, without knowing that deity, you had
sung out your hymns, your head would have fallen off, after you had been warned
by me.'
8. Then the
Pratihartri approached him, saying: 'Sir, you said to me, " Pratihartri, if you,
without knowing the deity belonging to the pratihara, are going to sing it, your
head will fall off, -which then is that deity?'
9. He said: 'Food
(anna). For all these beings live when they partake of food. This is the deity
belonging to the pratihara. If, without knowing that deity, you had sung your
hymns, your head would have fallen off, after you had been warned by me.'
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. Now follows
the udgitha of the dogs. Vaka Dalbhya, or, as he was also called, Glava Maitreya,
went out to repeat the Veda (in a quiet place).
2. A white (dog)
appeared before him, and other dogs gathering round him, said to him: 'Sir, sing
and get us food, we are hungry.'
3. The white dog
said to them: 'Come to me to-morrow morning.' Vaka Dalbhya, or, as he was also
called, Glava Maitreya, watched.
4. The dogs came
on, holding together, each dog keeping the tail of the preceding dog in his
mouth, as the priests do when they are going to sing praises with the
Vahishpavamana hymn. After they had settled down, they began to say Hin.
5. Om, let us
eat! Om, let us drink! Om, may the divine Varuna, Pragapati, Savitri bring us
food! Lord of food, bring hither food, bring it, Om!'
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1 The syllable
Hau is this world (the earth), the syllable Hai the air, the syllable Atha the
moon, the syllable Iha the self, the syllable I is Agni, fire.
2. The syllable U
is the sun, the syllable E is the Nihava or invocation, the syllable Auhoi is
the Visve Devas, the syllable Hin is Pragapati, Svara (tone) is breath (prana),
the syllable Ya is food, the syllable Vag is Virag.
3. The thirteenth
stobha syllable, viz. the indistinct syllable Hun, is the Undefinable (the
Highest Brahman).
4. Speech yields
the milk, which is the milk of speech itself to him who knows this Upanishad
(secret doctrine) of the Samans in this wise. He becomes rich in food, and able
to eat food, - yea, able to eat food.
SECOND PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. Meditation on
the whole of the Saman is good, and people, when anything is good, say it is
Saman; when it is not good, it is not Saman.
2. Thus they also
say, he approached him with Saman, i.e. becomingly; and he approached him
without Saman, i.e. unbecomingly.
3. And they also
say, truly this is Saman for us, i.e. it is good for us, when it is good; and
truly
that is not Saman
for us, i.e. it is not good for us, when it is not good.
4. If any one
knowing this meditates on the Saman as good, depend upon it all good qualities
will approach quickly, aye, they will become his own.
SECOND KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman as the five worlds. The hinkara is the earth, the
prastava the fire, the udgitha the sky, the pratihara the sun, the nidhana
heaven; so in an ascending line.
2. In a
descending line, the hinkara is heaven, the prastava the sun, the udgitha the
sky, the pratihara the fire, the nidhana the earth.
3. The worlds in
an ascending and in a descending line belong to him who knowing this meditates
on the fivefold Saman as the worlds.
THIRD KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman as rain. The hinkara is wind (that brings the
rain); the prastava is, 'the cloud is come;' the udgitha is, 'it rains;' the
pratihara, 'it flashes, it thunders;'
2. The nidhana
is, 'it stops.' There is rain for him, and he brings rain for others who thus
knowing meditates on the fivefold Saman as rain.
FOURTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman in all waters. When the clouds gather, that is
the hinkara; when it rains, that is the prastava ; that which flows in the east,
that is the udgitha; that which flows in the West, that is the pratihara; the
sea is the nidhana.
2. He does not
die in water, nay, he is rich in water who knowing this meditates on the
fivefold Saman as all waters.
FIFTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman as the seasons. The hinkara is spring, the
prastava summer (harvest of yava, &c.), the udgitha the rainy season, the
pratihara autumn, the nidhana winter.
2. The seasons
belong to him, nay, he is always in season (successful) who knowing this
meditates on the fivefold Saman as the seasons.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman in animals. The hinkara is goats, the prastava
sheep, the udgitha cows, the pratihara horses, the nidhana man.
2. Animals belong
to him, nay, he is rich in animals who knowing this meditates on the fivefold
Saman as animals.
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the fivefold Saman, which is greater than great, as the pranas
(senses). The hinkara is smell (nose), the prastava speech (tongue), the udgitha
sight (eye), the pratihara hearing (ear), the nidhana mind. These are one
greater than the other.
2. What is
greater than great belongs to him, nay, he conquers the worlds which are greater
than great, who knowing this meditates on the fivefold Saman, which is greater
than great, as the prinas (senses).
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. Next for the
sevenfold Saman. Let a man meditate on the sevenfold Saman in speech. Whenever
there is in speech the syllable hun, that is hinkara, pra is the prastava, a is
the adi, the first, i.e. Om,
2. Ud is the
udgitha, pra. the pratihara, upa the upadrava, ni the nidhana.
3. Speech yields
the milk, which is the milk of speech itself, to him who knowing this meditates
on the sevenfold Saman in speech. He becomes rich in food, and able to eat food.
NINTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on the sevenfold Saman as the sun. The sun is Saman, because he is
always the same (Sama); he is Saman because he is the same, everybody thinking
he looks towards me, he looks towards me.
2. Let him know
that all beings are dependent on him (the sun). What he is before his rising,
that is the hinkara. On it animals are dependent. Therefore animals say hin
(before sunrise), for they share the hinkara of that Saman (the sun).
3. What he is
when first risen, that is the prastava. On it men are dependent. Therefore men
love praise (prastuti) and celebrity, for they share the prastiva of that Saman.
4- What he is at
the time of the sangava, that is the Adi, the first, the Om. On it birds are
dependent. Therefore birds fly about in the sky without support, holding
themselves, for they share the adi (the Om) of that Saman.
5. What he is
just at noon, that is the udgitha. On it the Devas are dependent (because they
are brilliant). Therefore they are the best of all the descendants of Pragapati,
for they share the udgitha of that Saman.
6. What he is
after midday and before afternoon, that is the pratihara. On it all germs are
dependent. Therefore these, having been conceived (pratihrita), do not fall, for
they share the pratihara of that Saman.
7. What he is
after the afternoon and before sunset, that is the upadrava. On it the animals
of the forest are dependent. Therefore, when they see a man, they run (upadravanti)
to the forest as a safe hiding-place, for they share the upadrava of that Saman.
8. What he is
when he first sets, that is the nidhana. On it the fathers are dependent.
Therefore they put them down (nidadhati), for they share the nidhana of that
Saman. Thus a man meditates on the sevenfold Saman as the sun.
TENTH KHANDA
1. Next let a man
meditate on the sevenfold Saman which is uniform in itself and leads beyond
death. The word hinikara has three syllables, the word prastava has three
syllables: that is equal (Sama).
2. The word Adi
(first, Om) has two syllables, the word pratihara has four syllables. Taking one
syllable from that over, that is equal (Sama).
3. The word
udgitha has three syllables, the word upadrava has four syllables. With three
and three syllables it should be equal. One syllable being left over, it becomes
trisyllabic. Hence it is equal.
4. The word
nidhana has three syllables, therefore it is equal. These make twenty-two
syllables.
5. With
twenty-one syllables a man reaches the sun (and death), for the sun is the
twenty-first from here; with the twenty-second he conquers what is beyond the
sun: that is blessedness, that is freedom from grief.
6. He obtains
here the victory over the sun (death), and there is a higher victory than the
victory over the sun for him, who knowing this meditates on the sevenfold Saman
as uniform in itself, which leads beyond death, yea, which leads beyond death.
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. The hinkara is
mind, the prastava speech, the udgitha sight, the pratihara hearing, the nidhana
breath. That is the Gayatra Saman, as interwoven in the (five) pranas.
2. He who thus
knows this Gayatra interwoven in the pranas, keeps his senses, reaches the full
life, he lives long , becomes great with children and cattle, great by fame. The
rule of him who thus meditates on the Gayatra is, 'Be not high-minded.'
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. The hinkara
is, he rubs (the fire-stick); the prastava, smoke rises; the udgitha, it burns;
the pratihara, there are glowing coals; the nidhana, it goes down; the nidhana,
it is gone out. This is the Rathantara Saman as interwoven in fire.
2. He who thus
knows this Rathantara interwoven in fire, becomes radiant and strong. He reaches
the full life, he lives long, becomes great with children and cattle, great by
fame. The rule is, 'Do not rinse the mouth or spit before the fire.'
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
[The next Khanda
is not translated by Muller: this translation from The Principal Upanishads, S.
Radhakrishnan tr.]
1. One summons,
that is the syllable him. He makes request, that is a prastava. Along with the
woman, he lies down, that is the udgiha. He lies on the woman, that is the
pratihara. He comes to the end, that is the nidhana. He comes to the finish,
that is the nidhana. This is the Vamadevya chant woven on sex intercourse.
2. He who knows
this Vamadeva chant as woven on sex intercourse, comes to intercourse,
procreates himself from every act, reaches a full length of life, lives well,
becomes great in offspring and in cattle, great in fame. One should not despise
any woman. That is the rule
FOURTEENTH KHANDA.
1. Rising, the
sun is the hinkara, risen, he is the prastava, at noon he is the udgitha, in the
afternoon he is the pratihara, setting, he is the nidhana. That is the Brihat
Saman as interwoven in the sun.
2. He who thus
knows the Brihat as interwoven in the sun, becomes refulgent and strong, he
reaches the full life, he lives long, becomes great with children and cattle,
great by fame. His rule is, 'Never complain of the heat of the sun.'
FIFTEENTH KHANDA.
I. The mists
gather, that is the hinkara; the cloud has risen, that is the prastava; it
rains, that is the udgitha; it flashes and thunders, that is the pratihara; it
stops, that is the nidhana. That is the Vairupa Saman, as interwoven in Parganya,
the god of rain.
2. He who thus
knows the Vairupa as interwoven in Parganya, obtains all kinds of cattle (virupa),
he reaches the full life, he lives long, becomes great with children and cattle,
great by fame. His rule is, 'Never complain of the rain.'
SIXTEENTH KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
spring, the prastava summer, the udgitha the rainy season, the pratihara autumn,
the nidhana winter. That is the Vairaga Saman, as interwoven in the seasons.
2. He who thus
knows the Vairaga, as interwoven in the seasons, shines (viragati) through
children, cattle, and glory of countenance. He reaches the full life, he lives
long, becomes great with children and cattle, great by fame. His rule is, 'Never
complain of the seasons.'
SEVENTEENTH
KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
the earth, the prastava the sky, the udgitha heaven, the pratihara the regions,
the nidhana the sea. These are the Sakvari Samans, as interwoven in the worlds'.
2. He who thus
knows the Sakvaris, as interwoven in the worlds, becomes possessed of the
worlds, he reaches the full life, he lives long, becomes great with children and
cattle, great by fame. His rule is, 'Never complain of the worlds.'
EIGHTEENTH KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
goats, the prastava sheep, the udgitha cows, the pratihara horses, the nidhana
man. These are the Revati Samans, as interwoven in animals.
2. He who thus
knows these Revatis, as interwoven in animals, becomes rich in animals, he
reaches the full life, he lives long, becomes great with children and cattle,
great by fame. His rule is, 'Never complain of animals.'
NINETEENTH KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
hair, the prastiva skin, the udgitha flesh, the pratihara bone, the nidhana
marrow. That is the Yagnayagniya Saman, as interwoven in the members of the
body.
2. He who thus
knows the Yagnayagniya, as interwoven in the members of the body, becomes
possessed of strong limbs, he is not crippled in any limb, he reaches the full
life, he lives long, becomes great with children and cattle, great by fame. His
rule is, 'Do not eat marrow for a year,' or 'Do not eat marrow at all.'
TWENTIETH KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
fire, the prastiva air, the udgitha the sun, the pratihira the stars, the
nidhana the moon. That is the Ragana Saman, as interwoven in the deities.
2. He who thus
knows the Ragana, as interwoven in the deities, obtains the same world, the same
happiness, the same company as the gods, he reaches the full life, he lives
long, becomes great with children and cattle, great by fame. His rule is, 'Do
not speak evil of the Brahmanas.'
TWENTY-FIRST
KHANDA.
1. The hinkara is
the threefold knowledge, the prastava these three worlds, the udgitha Agni
(fire), Vayu (air), and Aditya (sun), the pratihara the stars, the birds, and
the rays, the nidhana the serpents, Gandharvas, and fathers. That is the Saman,
as interwoven in everything.
2. He who thus
knows this Saman, as interwoven in everything, he becomes everything.
3. And thus it is
said in the following verse: 'There are the fivefold three (the three kinds of
sacrificial knowledge, the three worlds &c. in their fivefold form, i.e. as
identified with the hinkara, the prastiva, &c.), and the other forms of the
Saman. Greater than these there is nothing else besides.'
4. He who knows
this, knows everything. All regions offer him gifts. His rule is, 'Let him
meditate (on the Saman), knowing that he is everything, yea, that he is
everything.'
TWENTY-SECOND
KHANDA
1. The udgitha,
of which a poet said, I choose the deep sounding note of the Saman as good for
cattle, belongs to Agni; the indefinite note belongs to Pragapati, the definite
note to Soma, the soft and smooth note to Vayu, the smooth and strong note to
Indra, the heron-like note to Brihaspati, the dull note to Varuna. Let a man
cultivate all of these, avoiding, however, that of Varuna.
2. Let a man
sing, wishing to obtain by his song immortality for the Devas. 'May I obtain by
my song ablations (svadha) for the fathers, hope for men, fodder and water for
animals, heaven for the sacrificer, food for myself,' thus reflecting on these
in his mind, let a man (Udgatri priest) sing praises, without making mistakes in
pronunciation, &c.
3. All vowels (svara)
belong to Indra, all sibilants (ushman) to Pragapati, all consonants (sparsa) to
Mrityu (death). If somebody should reprove him for his vowels, let him say, 'I
went to Indra as my refuge (when pronouncing my vowels): he will answer thee.'
4. And if
somebody should reprove him for his sibilants, let him say, 'I went to Pragipati
as my refuge: he will smash thee.' And if somebody should reprove him for his
consonants, let him say, 'I went to Mrityu as my refuge: he will reduce thee to
ashes.'
5. All vowels are
to be pronounced with voice (ghosha) and strength (bala), so that the Udgatri
may give strength to Indra. All sibilants are to be pronounced, neither as if
swallowed (agrasta), nor as if thrown out (nirasta), but well opened (vivrita),
so that the Udgatri may give himself to Pragapati. All consonants are to be
pronounced slowly, and without crowding them together, so that the Udgatri may
withdraw himself from Mrityu.
TWENTY-THIRD
KHANDA.
1. There are
three branches of the law. Sacrifice, study, and charity are the first,
2. Austerity the
second, and to dwell as a Brahmakarin in the house of a tutor, always mortifying
the body in the house of a tutor, is the third. All these obtain the worlds of
the blessed; but the Brahmasamstha alone (he who is firmly grounded in Brahman)
obtains immortality.
3. Pragapati
brooded on the worlds. From them, thus brooded on, the threefold knowledge
(sacrifice) issued forth. He brooded on it, and from it, thus brooded on, issued
the three syllables, Bhuh, Bhuvah, Svah.
4. He brooded on
them, and from them, thus brooded on, issued the Om. As all leaves are attached
to a stalk, so is all speech (all words) attached to the Om (Brahman). Om is all
this, yea, Om is all this.
TWENTY-FOURTH
KHANDA
1. The teachers
of Brahman (Veda) declare, as the Pratah-savana (morning-oblation) belongs to
the Vasus, the Madhyandina-savana (noon-libation) to the Rudras, the third
Savana (evening-libation) to the Adityas and the Visve Devas,
2. Where then is
the world of the sacrificer? He who does not know this, how can he perform the
sacrifice? He only who knows, should perform it.
3. Before the
beginning of the Prataranuvaka (matin-chant), the sacrificer, sitting down
behind the household altar (garhapatya), and looking towards the north, sings
the Saman, addressed to the Vasus:
4. 'Open the door
of the world (the earth), let us see thee, that we may rule (on earth).'
5. Then he
sacrifices, saying: 'Adoration to Agni, who dwells on the earth, who dwells in
the world! Obtain that world for me, the sacrificer! That is the world for the
sacrificer!'
6. 'I (the
sacrificer) shall go thither, when this life is over. Take this! (he says, in
offering the libation.) Cast back the bolt!' Having said this, he rises. For him
the Vasus fulfil the morning oblation.
7. Before the
beginning of the Madhyandina-savana, the noon-oblation, the sacrificer, sitting
down behind the Agnidhriya altar, and looking towards the north, sings the Saman,
addressed to the Rudras:
8. 'Open the door
of the world (the sky), let us see thee, that we may rule wide (in the sky).'
9. Then he
sacrifices, saying: 'Adoration to Vayu (air), who dwells in the sky, who dwells
in the world. Obtain that world for me, the sacrificer! That is the world for
the sacrificer!'
10. 'I (the
sacrificer) shall go thither, when this life is over. Take this! Cast back the
bolt!' Having said this, he rises. For him the Rudras fulfil the noon-oblation.
11. Before the
beginning of the third oblation, the sacrificer, sitting down behind the
Ahavantya altar, and looking towards the north, sings the Saman, addressed to
the Adityas and Visve Devas:
12. 'Open the
door of the world (the heaven), let us see thee, that we may rule supreme (in
heaven).' This is addressed to the Adityas.
13. Next the
Saman addressed to the Visve Devas: 'Open the door of the world (heaven), let us
see thee, that we may rule supreme (in heaven).'
14. Then he
sacrifices, saying: 'Adoration to the Adityas and to the Visve Devas, who dwell
in heaven, who dwell in the world. Obtain that world for me, the sacrificer!'
15. 'That is the
world for the sacrificer! I (the sacrificer) shall go thither, when this life is
over. Take this! Cast back the bolt!' Having said this, he rises.
16. For him the
Adityas and the Visve Devas fulfil the third oblation. He who knows this, knows
the full measure of the sacrifice, yea, he knows it.
KHANDOGYA-UPANISHAD Part 2
THIRD PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. The sun is
indeed the honey of the Devas. The heaven is the cross-beam (from which) the sky
(hangs as) a hive, and the bright vapours are the eggs of the bees.
2. The eastern
rays of the sun are the honey-cells in front. The Rik verses are the bees, the
Rig-veda (sacrifice) is the flower, the water (of the sacrificial libations) is
the nectar (of the flower).
3. Those very Rik
verses then (as bees) brooded over the Rig-veda sacrifice (the flower); and from
it, thus brooded on, sprang as its (nectar) essence, fame, glory of countenance,
vigour, strength, and health.
4. That (essence)
flowed forth and went towards the sun. And that forms what we call the red (rohita)
light of the rising sun.
SECOND KHANDA
1. The southern
rays of the sun are the honeycells on the right. The Yagus verses are the bees,
the Yagur-veda sacrifice is the flower, the water (of the sacrificial libations)
is the nectar (of the flower).
2. Those very
Yagus verses (as bees) brooded over the Yagur-veda sacrifice (the flower); and
from it, thus brooded on, sprang as its (nectar) essence, fame, glory of
countenance, vigour, strength, and health.
3. That flowed
forth and went towards the sun. And that forms what we call the white (sukla)
light of the sun.
THIRD KHANDA
1. The western
rays of the sun are the honeycells behind. The Saman verses are the bees, the
Sama-veda sacrifice is the flower, the water is the nectar.
2. Those very
Saman verses (as bees) brooded over the Sama-veda sacrifice; and from it, thus
brooded on, sprang as its (nectar) essence, fame, glory of countenance, vigour,
strength, and health.
3. That flowed
forth and went towards the sun. And that forms what we call the dark (krishna)
light of the sun.
FOURTH KHANDA
1. The northern
rays of the sun are the honeycells on the left. The (hymns of the) Atharvangiras
are the bees, the Itihasa-purana (the reading of the old stories) is the flower,
the water is the nectar.
2. Those very
hymns of the Atharvahgiras (as bees) brooded over the Itihasa-purana; and from
it, thus brooded on, sprang as its (nectar) essence, fame, glory of countenance,
vigour, strength, and health.
3. That flowed
forth, and went towards the sun. And that forms what we call the extreme dark (parah
krishnam) light of the sun.
FIFTH KHANDA
1. The upward
rays of the sun are the honeycells above. The secret doctrines are the bees,
Brahman (the Om) is the flower, the water is the nectar.
2. Those secret
doctrines (as bees) brooded over Brahman (the Om); and from it, thus brooded on,
sprang as its (nectar) essence, fame, glory of countenance, brightness, vigour,
strength, and health.
3. That flowed
forth, and went towards the sun. And that forms what seems to stir in the centre
of the sun.
4. These (the
different colours in the sun) are the essences of the essences. For the Vedas
are essences (the best things in the world); and of them (after they have
assumed the form of sacrifice) these (the colours rising to the sun) are again
the essences. They are the nectar of the nectar. For the Vedas are nectar
(immortal), and of them these are the nectar.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. On the first
of these nectars (the red light, which represents fame, glory of countenance,
vigour, strength, health) the Vasus live, with Agni at their head. True, the
Devas do not eat or drink, but they enjoy by seeing the nectar.
2. They enter
into that (red) colour, and they rise from that colour.
3. He who thus
knows this nectar, becomes one of the Vasus, with Agni at their head, he sees
the nectar and rejoices. And he, too, having entered that colour, rises again
from that colour.
4. So long as the
sun rises in the east and sets in the weSt2, so long does he follow the
sovereign supremacy of the Vasus.
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. On the second
of these nectars the Rudras live, with Indra at their head. True, the Devas do
not eat or drink, but they enjoy by seeing the nectar.
2. They enter
into that white colour, and they rise from that colour.
3. He who thus
knows this nectar, becomes one of the Rudras, with Indra at their head, he sees
the nectar and rejoices. And he, having entered that colour, rises again from
that colour.
4. So long as the
sun rises in the east and sets in the west, twice as long does it rise in the
south and set in the north ; and so long does he follow the sovereign supremacy
of the Rudras.
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. On the third
of these nectars the Adityas live, with Varuna at their head. True, the Devas do
not eat or drink, but they enjoy by seeing the nectar.
2. They enter
into that (dark) colour, and they rise from that colour.
3. He who thus
knows this nectar, becomes one of the Adityas, with Varuna at their head, he
sees the nectar and rejoices. And he, having entered that colour, rises again
from that colour.
4. So long as the
sun rises in the south and sets in the north, twice as long does it rise in the
west and set in the east; and so long does he follow the sovereign supremacy of
the Adityas.
NINTH KHANDA
1. On the fourth
of these nectars the Maruts live, with Soma at their head. True, the Devas do
not eat or drink, but they enjoy by seeing the nectar.
2. They enter in
that (very dark) colour, and they rise from that colour.
3. He who thus
knows this nectar, becomes one of the Maruts, with Soma at their head, he sees
the nectar and rejoices. And he, having entered that colour, rises again from
that colour.
4. So long as the
sun rises in the west and sets in the east, twice as long does it rise in the
north and set in the south; and so long does he follow the sovereign supremacy
of the Maruts.
TENTH KHANDA
1. On the fifth
of these nectars the Sadhyas live, with Brahman at their head. True, the Devas
do not eat or drink, but they enjoy by seeing the nectar.
2. They enter
into that colour, and they rise from that colour.
3. He who thus
knows this nectar, becomes one of the Sadhyas, with Brahman at their head; he
sees the nectar and rejoices. And he, having entered that colour, rises again
from that colour.
4. So long as the
sun rises in the north and sets in the south, twice as long does it rise above,
and set below; and so long does he follow the sovereign power of the Sadhyas.
ELEVENTH KHANDA.
1. When from
thence he has risen upwards, he neither rises nor sets. He is alone, standing in
the centre. And on this there is this verse:
2. 'Yonder he
neither rises nor sets at any time. If this is not true, ye gods, may I lose
Brahman.'
3. And indeed to
him who thus knows this Brahma-upanishad (the secret doctrine of the Veda) the
sun does not rise and does not set. For him there is day, once and for all.
4. This doctrine
(beginning with III, I, 1) Brahman (m. Hiranyagarbha) told to Pragapati (Virig),
Pragipati to Manu, Manu to his offspring (Ikshvaku, &c.) And the father told
that (doctrine of) Brahman (n.) to Uddalaka Aruni.
5. A father may
therefore tell that doctrine of Brahman to his eldest son, or to a worthy pupil.
But no one should
tell it to anybody else, even if he gave him the whole sea-girt earth, full of
treasure, for this doctrine is worth more than that, yea, it is worth more.
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. The Gayatri
(verse) is everything whatsoever here exists. Gayatri indeed is speech, for
speech sings forth (gaya-ti) and protects (traya-te) everything that here
exists.
2. That Gayatri
is also the earth, for everything that here exists rests on the earth, and does
not go beyond.
3. That earth
again is the body in man, for in it the vital airs (pranas, which are
everything) rest, and do not go beyond.
4. That body
again in man is the heart within man, for in it the pranas (which are
everything) rest, and do not go beyond.
5. That Gayatri
has four feet and is sixfold. And this is also declared by a Rik verse (Rig-veda
X, 90, 3) :-
6. 'Such is the
greatness of it (of Brahman, under the disguise of Gayatri); greater than it is
the Person, (purusha). His feet are all things. The immortal with three feet is
in heaven (i.e. in himself).'
7. The Brahman
which has been thus described (as immortal with three feet in heaven, and as
Gayatri) is the same as the ether which is around us;
8. And the ether
which is around us, is the same as the ether which is within us. And the ether
which is within us,
9. That is the
ether within the heart. That ether in the heart (as Brahman) is omnipresent and
unchanging. He who knows this obtains omnipresent and unchangeable happiness.
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. For that heart
there are five gates belonging to the Devas (the senses). The eastern gate is
the Prana (up-breathing), that is the eye, that is Aditya (the sun). Let a man
meditate on that as brightness (glory of countenance) and health. He who knows
this, becomes bright and healthy.
2. The southern
gate is the Vyana (backbreathing), that is the ear, that is the moon. Let a man
meditate on that as happiness and fame. He who knows this, becomes happy and
famous.
3. The western
gate is the Apana (downbreathing), that is speech, that is Agni (fire). Let a
man meditate on that as glory of countenance and health. He who knows this,
becomes glorious and healthy.
4. The northern
gate is the Samana (on-breathing), that is mind, that is Parganya (rain). Let a
man meditate on that as celebrity and beauty.
He who knows
this, becomes celebrated and beautiful.
5. The upper gate
is the Udana (out-breathing), that is air, that is ether. Let a man meditate on
that as strength
and greatness. He who knows this, becomes strong and great.
6. These are the
five men of Brahman, the door-keepers of the Svarga (heaven) world. He who knows
these five men of Brahman, the door-keepers of the Svarga world, in his family a
strong son is born. He who thus knows these five men of Brahman, as the
door-keepers of the Svarga world, enters himself the Svarga world.
7. Now that light
which shines above this heaven, higher than all, higher than everything, in the
highest world, beyond which there are no other worlds, that is the same light
which is within man. And of this we have this visible proof:
8. Namely, when
we thus perceive by touch the warmth here in the body. And of it we have this
audible proof: Namely, when we thus, after stopping our ears, listen to what is
like the rolling of a carriage, or the bellowing of an ox, or the sound of a
burning fire (within the ears). Let a man meditate on this as the (Brahman)
which is seen and heard. He who knows this, becomes conspicuous and celebrated,
yea, he becomes celebrated.
FOURTEENTH KHANDA
1. All this is
Brahman (n.) Let a man meditate on that (visible world) as beginning, ending,
and breathing in it (the Brahman).
Now man is a
creature of will. According to what his will is in this world, so will he be
when he has departed this life. Let him therefore have this will and belief:
2. The
intelligent, whose body is spirit, whose form is light, whose thoughts are true,
whose nature is like ether (omnipresent and invisible), from whom all works, all
desires, all sweet odours and tastes proceed; he who embraces all this, who
never speaks, and is never surprised,
3. He is my self
within the heart, smaller than a corn of rice, smaller than a corn of barley,
smaller than a mustard seed, smaller than a canary seed or the kernel of a
canary seed. He also is my self within the heart, greater than the earth,
greater than the sky, greater than heaven, greater than all these worlds.
4. He from whom
all works, all desires, all sweet odours and tastes proceed, who embraces all
this, who never speaks and who is never surprised, he, my self within the heart,
is that Brahman (n.) When I shall have departed from hence, I shall obtain him
(that Self). He who has this faith has no doubt; thus said Sandilya, yea, thus
he said.
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. The chest
which has the sky for its circumference and the earth for its bottom, does not
decay, for the quarters are its sides, and heaven its lid above. That chest is a
treasury, and all things are within it.
2. Its eastern
quarter is called Guhu, its southern Sahamana, its western Ragni, its northern
Subhuita. The child of those quarters is Vayu, the air, and he who knows that
the air is indeed the child of the quarters, never weeps for his sons. 'I know
the wind to be the child of the quarters, may I never weep for my sons.'
3. 'I turn to the
imperishable chest with such and such and such.' 'I turn to the Prana (life)
with such and such and such.' 'I turn to Bhuh with such and such and such.' 'I
turn to Bhuvah with such and such and such.' 'I turn to Svah with such and such
and such.'
4. 'When I said,
I turn to Prana, then Prana means all whatever exists here-to that I turn.'
5. 'When I said,
I turn to Bhuh, what I said is, I turn to the earth, the sky, and heaven.'
6. 'When I said,
I turn to Bhuvah, what I said is, I turn to Agni (fire), V'ayu (air), Aditya
(sun).'
7. 'When I said,
I turn to Svah, what I said is, I turn to the Rig-veda, Yag-ur-veda, and
Sama-veda. That is what I said, yea, that is what I said.'
SIXTEENTH KHANDA
1. Man is
sacrifice. His (first) twenty-four years are the morning-libation. The Gayatri
has twenty-four syllables, the morning-libation is offered with Gayatri hymns.
The Vasus are connected with that part of the sacrifice. The Pranas (the five
senses) are the Vasus, for they make all this to abide (vasayanti).
2. If anything
ails him in that (early) age, let him say: 'Ye Pranas, ye Vasus, extend this my
morning-libation unto the midday-libation, that I, the sacrificer, may not
perish in the midst of the Pranas or Vasus.' Thus he recovers from his illness,
and becomes whole.
3. The next
forty-four years are the midday-libation. The Trishtubh has forty-four
syllables, the midday-libation is offered with Trishtubh hymns. The Rudras are
connected with that part of it. The Pranas are the Rudras, for they make all
this to cry (rodayanti).
4. If anything
ails him in that (second) age, let him say: 'Ye Pranas, ye Rudras, extend this
my midday-libation unto the third libation, that I, the sacrificer, may not
perish in the midst of the Pranas or Rudras.' Thus he recovers from his illness,
and becomes whole.
5. The next
forty-eight years are the third libation. The Gagati has forty-eight syllables,
the third libation is offered with Gagati hymns. The Adityas are connected with
that part of it. The Pranas are the Adityas, for they take up all this (adadate).
6. If anything
ails him in that (third) age, let him say: 'Ye Pranas, ye Adityas, extend this
my third libation unto the full age, that I, the sacrificer, may not perish in
the midst of the Pranas or Adityas.' Thus he recovers from his illness, and
becomes whole.
7. Mahidasa
Aitareya (the son of Itari), who knew this, said (addressing a disease): 'Why
dost thou afflict me, as I shall not die by it ?' He lived a hundred and sixteen
years (i.e. 24 + 44 + 48). He, too, who knows this lives on to a hundred and
sixteen years.
SEVENTEENTH
KHANDA
1. When a man
(who is the sacrificer) hungers, thirsts, and abstains from pleasures, that is
the Diksha (initiatory rite).
2. When a man
eats, drinks, and enjoys pleasures, he does it with the Upasadas (the
sacrificial days on which the sacrificer is allowed to partake of food).
3. When a man
laughs, eats, and delights himself, he does it with the Stuta-sastras (hymns
sung
and recited at
the sacrifices).
4. Penance,
liberality, righteousness, kindness, truthfulness, these form his Dakshinas
(gifts bestowed on priests, &c.)
5. Therefore when
they say, 'There will be a birth,' and 'there has been a birth' (words used at
the Soma-sacrifice, and really meaning, 'He will pour out the Soma-juice,' and
'he has poured out the Soma-juice'), that is his new birth. His death is the
Avabhritha ceremony (when the sacrificial vessels are carried away to be
cleansed).
6. Ghora Angirasa,
after having communicated this (view of the sacrifice) to Krishna, the son of
Devaki -and he never thirsted again (after other knowledge)-said: 'Let a man,
when his end approaches, take refuge with this Triad: "Thou art the
imperishable," "Thou art the unchangeable," "Thou art the edge of Prana."' On
this subject there are two Rik verses (Rig-veda VIII, 6, 30) :-
7. 'Then they see
(within themselves) the ever-present light of the old seed (of the world, the
Sat), the highest, which is lighted in the brilliant (Brahman).' Rig-veda I, 50,
10:-
'Perceiving above
the darkness (of ignorance) the higher light (in the sun), as the higher light
within the heart, the bright source (of light and life) among the gods, we have
reached the highest light, yea, the highest light.'
EIGHTEENTH KHANDA
1. Let a man
meditate on mind as Brahman (n.), this is said with reference to the body. Let a
man meditate on the ether as Brahman (n.), this is said with reference to the
Devas. Thus both the meditation which has reference to the body, and the
meditation which has reference to the Devas, has been taught.
2. That Brahman
(mind) has four feet (quarters). Speech is one foot, breath is one foot, the eye
is one foot, the ear is one foot-so much with reference to the body. Then with
reference to the gods, Agni (fire) is one foot, Vayu (air) is one foot, Aditya
(sun) is one foot, the quarters are one foot. Thus both the worship which has
reference to the body, and the worship which has reference to the Devas, has
been taught.
3. Speech is
indeed the fourth foot of Brahman. That foot shines with Agni (fire) as its
light, and warms. He who knows this, shines and warms through his celebrity,
fame, and glory of countenance.
4. Breath is
indeed the fourth foot of Brahman. That foot shines with Vayu (air) as its
light, and warms. He who knows this, shines and warms through his celebrity,
fame, and glory of countenance.
5. The eye is
indeed the fourth foot of Brahman. That foot shines with Aditya (sun) as its
light, and warms. He who knows this, shines and warms through his celebrity,
fame, and glory of countenance.
6. The ear is
indeed the fourth foot of Brahman. That foot shines with the quarters as its
light, and warms. He who knows this, shines and warms through his celebrity,
fame, and glory of countenance.
NINETEENTH KHANDA.
1. Aditya (the
sun) is Brahman, this is the doctrine, and this is the fuller account of it:-
In the beginning
this was non-existent. It became existent, it grew. It turned into an egg. The
egg lay for the time of a year. The egg broke open. The two halves were one of
silver, the other of gold.
2. The silver one
became this earth, the golden one the sky, the thick membrane (of the white) the
mountains, the thin membrane (of the yoke) the mist with the clouds, the small
veins the rivers, the fluid the sea.
3. And what was
born from it that was Aditya, the sun. When he was born shouts of hurrah arose,
and all beings arose, and all things which they desired. Therefore whenever the
sun rises and sets, shouts of hurrah arise, and all beings arise, and all things
which they desire.
4. If any one
knowing this meditates on the sun as Brahman, pleasant shouts will approach him
and will continue, yea, they will continue.
FOURTH PRAPATHAKA.
FIRST KHANDA
1. There lived
once upon a time Ganasruti Pautrayana (the great-grandson of Ganasruta), who was
a pious giver, bestowing much wealth upon the people, and always keeping open
house. He built places of refuge everywhere, wishing that people should
everywhere eat of his food.
2. Once in the
night some Hamsas (flamingoes) flew over his house, and one flamingo said to
another: 'Hey, Bhallaksha, Bhallaksha (short-sighted friend). The light (glory)
of Ganasruti Pautrayana has spread like the sky. Do not go near, that it may not
burn thee.'
3. The other
answered him: 'How can you speak of him, being what he is (a raganya, noble), as
if he were like Raikva with the car?'
4. The first
replied: 'How is it with this Raikva with the car of whom thou speakest?'
The other
answered: 'As (in a game of dice) all the lower casts belong to him who has
conquered with the Krita cast, so whatever good deeds other people perform,
belong to that Raikva. He who knows what he knows, he is thus spoken of by me.'
5. Ganasruti
Pautrayana overheard this conversation, and as soon as he had risen in the
morning, he said to his door-.keeper (kshattri): 'Friend, dost thou speak of
(me, as if I were) Raikva with the car?'
He replied: 'How
is it with this Raikva with the car?'
6. The king said:
'As (in a game of dice), all the lower casts belong to him who has conquered
with the Krita cast, so whatever good deeds other people perform, belong to that
Raikva. He who knows what he knows, he is thus spoken of by me.'
7. The
door-keeper went to look for Raikva, but returned saying, 'I found him not.'
Then the king said: 'Alas! where a Brahmana should be searched for (in the
solitude of the forest), there go for him.'
8. The
door-keeper came to a man who was lying beneath a car and scratching his sores.
He addressed him, and said: 'Sir, are you Raikva with the car ?'
He answered: '
Here I am.'
Then the
door-keeper returned, and said: 'I have found him.'
SECOND KHANDA
1. Then Ganasruti
Pautrayana took six hundred cows, a necklace, and a carriage with mules, went to
Raikva and said:
2. 'Raikva, here
are six hundred cows, a necklace, and a carriage with mules; teach me the deity
which you
worship.'
3. The other
replied: 'Fie, necklace and carriage be thine, O Sudra, together with the cows.'
Then Ganasruti
Pautrayana took again a thousand cows, a necklace, a carriage with mules, and
his own daughter, and went to him.
4. He said to
him: 'Raikva, there are a thousand cows, a necklace, a carriage with mules, this
wife, and this village in which thou dwellest. Sir, teach me!'
5. He, opening
her mouth, said: 'You have brought these (cows and other presents), O Sudra, but
only by that mouth did you make me speak.' These are the Raikva-parna villages
in the country of the Mahavrishas (mahapunyas) where Raikva dwelt under him. And
he said to him:
THIRD KHANDA.
1. Air (vayu) is
indeed the end of all . For when fire goes out, it goes into air. When the sun
goes down, it
goes into air. When the moon goes down, it goes into air.
2. 'When water
dries up, it goes into air. Air indeed consumes them all. So much with reference
to the Devas.
3. 'Now with
reference to the body. Breath (prana) is indeed the end of all. When a man
sleeps, speech goes into breath, so do sight, hearing, and mind. Breath indeed
consumes them all.
4. 'These are the
two ends, air among the Devas, breath among the senses (pranah).'
5. Once while
Saunaka Kapeya and Abhipratarin Kakshaseni were being waited on at their meal, a
religious student begged of them. They gave him nothing.
6. He said: 'One
god -who is he?- swallowed the four great ones, he, the guardian of the world. O
Kapeya, mortals see him not, O Abhipratarin, though he dwells in many places. He
to whom this food belongs, to him it has not been given .'
7. Saunaka Kapeya,
pondering on that speech, went to the student and said : 'He is the self of the
Devas, the creator of all beings, with golden tusks, the eater, not without
intelligence. His greatness is said to be great indeed, because, without being
eaten, he eats even what is not food. Thus do we, O Brahmakarin, meditate on
that Being.' Then he said: 'Give him food.'
8. They gave him
food. Now these five (the eater Vayu (air), and his food, Agni (fire), Aditya
(sun), Kandramas (moon), Ap (water)) and the other five (the eater Prana
(breath), and his food, speech, sight, hearing, mind) make ten, and that is the
Krita (the highest) cast (representing the ten, the eaters and the food).
Therefore in all quarters those ten are food (and) Krita (the highest cast).
These are again the Virag (of ten syllables) which eats the food. Through this
aH this becomes seen. He who knows this sees all this and becomes an eater of
food, yea, he becomes an eater of food.
FOURTH KHANDA
1. Satyakama, the
son of Gabala, addressed his mother and said: 'I wish to become a Brahmakarin
(religious student), mother. Of what family am I?'
2. She said to
him: 'I do not know, my child, of what family thou art. In my youth when I had
to move about much as a servant (waiting on the guests in my father's house), I
conceived thee. I do not know of what family thou art. I am Gabali by name, thou
art Satyakama (Philalethes). Say that thou art Satyakama Gabala.'
3. He going to
Gautama Haridrumata said to him, 'I wish to become a Brahmakarin with you,
Sir. May I come
to you, Sir?'
4. He said to
him: 'Of what family are you, my friend ?' He replied: 'I do not know, Sir, of
what family I am. I asked my mother, and she answered: "In my youth when I had
to move about much as a servant, I conceived thee. I do not know of what family
thou art. I am Gabala by name, thou art Satyakama," I am therefore Satyakama
Gabala, Sir.'
5. He said to
him: 'No one but a true Brahmana would thus speak out. Go and fetch fuel,
friend, I shall initiate you. You have not swerved from the truth.'
Having initiated
him, he chose four hundred lean and weak cows, and said: 'Tend these, friend.'
He drove them out and said to himself, 'I shall not return unless I bring back a
thousand.' He dwelt a number of years (in the forest), and when the cows had
become a thousand,
FIFTH KHANDA
1. The bull of
the herd (meant for Vayu) said to him: 'Satyakama!' He replied: 'Sir!' The bull
said: 'We have become a thousand, lead us to the house of the teacher;
2. 'And I will
declare to you one foot of Brahman.'
'Declare it,
Sir,' he replied.
He said to him:
'The eastern region is one quarter, the western region is one quarter, the
southern region is one quarter, the northern region is one quarter. This is a
foot of Brahman, consisting of the four quarters, and called Prakasavat (endowed
with splendour).
3. 'He who knows
this and meditates on the foot of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the
name of Prakasavat, becomes endowed with splendour in this world. He conquers
the resplendent worlds, whoever knows this and meditates on the foot of Brahman,
consisting of the four quarters, by the name of Prakasavat.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. 'Agni will
declare to you another foot of Brahman.'
(After these
words of the bull), Satyakama, on the morrow, drove the cows (toward the house
of the teacher). And when they came towards the evening, he lighted a fire,
penned the cows, laid wood on the fire, and sat down behind the fire, looking to
the east.
2. Then Agni (the
fire) said to him: 'Satyakama!' He replied: 'Sir.'
3. Agni said:
'Friend, I will declare unto you one foot of Brahman.'
'Declare it,
Sir,' he replied.
He said to him:
'The earth is one quarter, the sky is one quarter, the heaven is one quarter,
the ocean is one quarter. This is a foot of Brahman, consisting of four
quarters, and called Anantavat (endless).'
4. 'He who knows
this and meditates on the foot of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the
name of Anantavat, becomes endless in this world. He conquers the endless
worlds, whoever knows this and meditates on the foot of Brahman, consisting of
four quarters, by the name of Anantavat.
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'A Hamsa
(flamingo, meant for the sun) will declare to you another foot of Brahman.'
(After these
words of Agni), Satyakama, on the morrow, drove the cows onward. And when they
came towards the evening, he lighted a fire, penned the cows, laid wood on the
fire, and sat down behind the fire, looking toward the east.
2. Then a Hamsa
flew near and said to him: 'Satyakama.' He replied: 'Sir.'
3. The Hamsa
said: 'Friend, I will declare unto you one foot of Brahman.'
'Declare it,
Sir,' he replied.
He said to him:
'Fire is one quarter, the sun is one quarter, the moon is one quarter, lightning
is one quarter. This is a foot of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, and
called Gyotishmat (full of light).
4. 'He who knows
this and meditates on the foot of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the
name of Gyotishmat, becomes full of light in this world. He conquers the worlds
which are full of light, whoever knows this and meditates on the foot of
Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the name of Gyotishmat.
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. 'A diver-bird
(Madgu, meant for Prana) will declare to you another foot of Brahman.'
(After these
words of the Hamsa), Satyakima, on the morrow, drove the cows onward. And when
they came towards the evening, he lighted a fire, penned the cows, laid wood on
the fire, and sat down behind the fire, looking toward the east.
2. Then a diver
flew near and said to him: 'Satyakima.' He replied: 'Sir.'
3. The diver
said: 'Friend, I will declare unto you one foot of Brahman.'
'Declare it,
Sir,' he replied.
He said to him:
'Breath is one quarter, the eye is one quarter, the ear is one quarter, the mind
is one quarter. This is a foot of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, and
called Ayatanavat (having a home).
'He who knows
this and meditates on the foot ,of Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the
name of Ayatanavat, becomes possessed of a home in this world. He conquers the
worlds which offer a home, whoever knows this and meditates on the foot of
Brahman, consisting of four quarters, by the name of Ayatanavat.'
NINTH KHANDA
1. Thus he
reached the house of his teacher. The teacher said to him : 'Satyakama.' He
replied: 'Sir.'
2. The teacher
said: 'Friend, you shine like one who knows Brahman. Who then has taught you'?'
He replied: 'Not men. But you only, Sir, I wish, should teach me;
3. 'For I have
heard from men like you, Sir, that only knowledge which is learnt from a teacher
(Akarya), leads to real good.' Then he taught him the same knowledge. Nothing
was left out, yea, nothing was left out.
TENTH KHAIVDA
1. Upakosala
Kamaliyana dwelt as a Brahmakarin (religious student) in the house of Satyakama
Gabala. He tended his fires for twelve years. But the teacher, though he allowed
other pupils (after they had learnt the sacred books) to depart to their own
homes, did not allow Upakosala to depart.
2. Then his wife
said to him: 'This student, who is quite exhausted (with austerities), has
carefully tended your fires. Let not the fires themselves blame you, but teach
him.' The teacher, however, went away on a journey without having taught him.
3. The student
from sorrow was not able to eat. Then the wife of the teacher said to him:
'Student, eat! Why do you not eat?' He said: 'There are many desires in this man
here, which lose themselves in different directions. I am full of sorrows, and
shall take no food.'
4. Thereupon the
fires said among themselves 'This student, who is quite exhausted, has carefully
tended us. Well, let us teach him.' They said to him:
5. 'Breath is
Brahman, Ka (pleasure) is Brahman, Kha (ether) is Brahman.'
He said: 'I
understand that breath is Brahman, but I do not understand Ka or Kha.'
They said: 'What
is Ka is Kha, what is Kha is Ka.' They therefore taught him Brahman as breath,
and as the ether (in the heart).
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. After that the
Garhapatya fire taught him: 'Earth, fire, food, and the sun (these are my forms,
or forms of Brahman). The person that is seen in the sun, I am he, I am he
indeed.
9. 'He who
knowing this meditates on him, destroys sin, obtains the world (of Agni
Garhapatya), reaches his full age, and lives long; his descendants do not
perish. We guard him in this world and in the other, whosoever knowing this
meditates on him.'
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. Then the
Anvaharya fire taught him: 'Water, the quarters, the stars, the moon (these are
my forms). The person that is seen in the moon, I am he, I am he indeed.
2. 'He who
knowing this meditates on him, destroys sin, obtains the world (of Agni
Anvaharya), reaches his full age, and lives long; his descendants do not perish.
We guard him in this world and in the other, whosoever knowing this meditates on
him.'
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then the
Ahavanaya fire taught him: 'Breath, ether, heaven, and lightning (these are my
forms). The person that is seen in the lightning, I am he, I am he indeed.
2. 'He who
knowing this meditates on him, destroys sin, obtains the world (of Agni
Ahavaniya), reaches his full age, and lives long; his descendants do not perish.
We guard him in this world and in the other, whosoever knowing this meditates on
him.'
FOURTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then they all
said: 'Upakosala, this is our knowledge, our friend, and the knowledge of the
Self, but the teacher will tell you the way (to another life).'
2. In time his
teacher came back, and said to him: 'Upakosala.' He answered: 'Sir.' The teacher
said: ' Friend, your face shines like that of one who knows Brahman. Who has
taught you?' 'Who should teach me, Sir?' he said. He denies, as it were. And he
said (pointing) to the fires 'Are these fires other than fires?'
The teacher said:
'What, my friend, have these fires told you?'
3. He answered:
'This' (repeating some of what they had told him).
The teacher said
: 'My friend, they have taught you about the worlds, but I shall tell you this;
and as water does not cling to a lotus leaf, so no evil deed clings to one who
knows it.' He said: 'Sir, tell it me.'
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. He said: 'The
person that is seen in the eye, that is the Self. This is the immortal, the
fearless, this is Brahman'. Even though they drop melted butter or water on him,
it runs away on both sides.
2. 'They call him
Samyadvama, for all blessings (vama) go towards him (samyanti). All blessings go
towards him who knows this.
3. 'He is also
Vamani, for he leads (nayati) all blessin-s (vama). He leads all blessings who
knows this.
4. 'He is also
Bhamani, for he shines (bhati) in all worlds. He who knows this, shines in all
worlds.
5. 'Now (if one
who knows this, dies), whether people perform obsequies for him or no, he goes
to light (arkis), from light to day, from day to the light half of the moon,
from the light half of the moon to the six months during which the sun goes to
the north, from the months to the year, from the year to the sun, from the sun
to the moon, from the moon to the lightning. There is a person not human,
6. 'He leads them
to Brahman. This is the path of the Devas, the path that leads to Brahman. Those
who proceed on that path, do not return to the life of man, yea, they do not
return.'
SIXTEENTH KHANDA
1. Verily, he who
purifies (Vayu) is the sacrifice, for he (the air) moving along, purifies
everything.
Because moving
along he purifies everything, therefore he is the sacrifice. Of that sacrifice
there are two ways, by mind and by speech.
2. The Brahman
priest performs one of them in his mind, the Hotri, Adhvaryu, and Udgatri
priests perform the other by words. When the Brahman priest, after the
Pritaranuvaka ceremony has begun, but before the recitation of the Paridhaniya
hymn, has (to break his silence and) to speak,
3. He performs
perfectly the one way only (that by words), but the other is injured. As a man
walking on one foot, or a carriage going on one wheel, is injured, his sacrifice
is injured, and with the injured sacrifice the sacrificer is injured ; yes,
having sacrificed, he becomes worse.
4. But when after
the Pritaranuvaka ceremony has begun, and before the recitation of the
Paridhaniya hymn, the Brahman priest has not (to break his silence and) to
speak, they perform both ways perfectly, and neither of them is injured.
5. As a man
walking on two legs and a carriage going on two wheels gets on, so his sacrifice
gets on, and with the successful sacrifice the sacrificer gets on; yes, having
sacrificed, he becomes better.
SEVENTEENTH
KHANDA
1. Pragapati
brooded over the worlds, and from them thus brooded on he squeezed out the
essences, Agni (fire) from the earth, Vayu (air) from the sky, Aditya (the sun)
from heaven.
2. He brooded
over these three deities, and from them thus brooded on he squeezed out the
essences, the Rik verses from Agni, the Yagus verses from Vayu, the Saman verses
from Aditya.
3. He brooded
over the threefold knowledge (the three Vedas), and from it thus brooded on he
squeezed out the essences, the sacred interjection Bhus from the Rik verses, the
sacred interjection Bhuvas from the Yagus verses, the sacred interjection Svar
from the Saman verses.
4. If the
sacrifice is injured from the Rig-veda side, let him offer a libation in the
Garhapatya fire, saying, Bhuh, Svaha! Thus does he bind together and heal, by
means of the essence and the power of the Rik verses themselves, whatever break
the Rik sacrifice may have suffered.
5. If the
sacrifice is injured from the Yagur-veda side, let him offer a libation in the
Dakshina fire, saying, Bhuvah, Svaha! Thus does he bind together and heal, by
means of the essence and the power of the Yagus verses themselves, whatever
break the Yagus sacrifice may have suffered.
6. If the
sacrifice is injured by the Sama-veda side, let him offer a libation in the
Ahavaniya fire, saying, Svah, Svaha! Thus does he bind together and heal, by
means of the essence and the power of the Saman verses themselves, whatever
break the Saman sacrifice may have suffered.
7. As one binds
(softens) gold by means of lavana (borax), and silver by means of gold, and tin
by means of silver, and lead by means of tin, and iron (loha) by means of lead,
and wood by
means of iron, or
also by means of leather,
8. Thus does one
bind together and heal any break in the sacrifice by means of (the Vyahritis or
sacrificial interjections which are) the essence and strength of the three
worlds, of the deities, and of the threefold knowledge. That sacrifice is healed
in which there is a Brahman priest who knows this.
9. That sacrifice
is inclined towards the north (in the right way) in which there is a Brahman
priest who knows this. And with regard to such a Brahman priest there is the
following Gatha: 'Whereever it falls back, thither the man goes,' --viz. the
Brahman only, as one of the.Ritvig priests. 'He saves the Kurus as a mare' (viz.
a Brahman priest who knows this, saves the sacrifice, the sacrificer, and all
the other priests). Therefore let a man make him who knows this his Brahman
priest, not one who does not know it, who does not know it.
KHANDOGYA-UPANISHAD Part 3
FIFTH PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. He who knows
the oldest and the best becomes himself the oldest and the best. Breath indeed
is the oldest and the best.
2. He who knows
the richest, becomes himself the richest. Speech indeed is the richest.
3. He who knows
the firm rest, becomes himself firm in this world and in the next. The eye
indeed is the firm rest.
4. He who knows
success, his wishes succeed, both his divine and human wishes. The ear indeed is
success.
5. He who knows
the home, becomes a home of his people. The mind indeed is the home.
6. The five
senses quarrelled together, who was the best, saying, I am better, I am better.
7. They went to
their father Pragapati and said: 'Sir, who is the best of us?' He replied: ' He
by
whose departure
the body seems worse than worst, he is the best of you.'
8. The tongue
(speech) departed, and having been absent for a year, it came round and said:
'How have you been able to live without me?' They replied: 'Like mute people,
not speaking, but breathing with the breath, seeing with the eye, hearing with
the ear, thinking with the mind. 'thus we lived.' Then speech went back.
9. The eye
(sight) departed, and having been absent for a year, it came round and said:
'How have you been able to live without me?' They replied: 'Like blind people,
not seeing, but breathing with the breath, speaking with the tongue, hearing
with the ear, thinking with the mind. Thus we lived.' Then the eye went back.
10. The ear
(hearing) departed, and having been absent for a year, it came round and said:
'How have you been able to live without me?' They replied: 'Like deaf people,
not hearing, but breathing with the breath, speaking with the tongue, thinking
with the mind. Thus we lived.' Then the ear went back.
11. The mind
departed, and having been absent for a year, it came round and said: 'How have
you been able to live without me?' They replied: 'Like children whose mind is
not yet formed, but breathing with the breath, speaking with the tongue, seeing
with the eye, hearing with the ear. Thus we lived.' Then the mind went back.
12. The breath,
when on the point of departing, tore up the other senses, as a horse, going to
start, might tear up the pegs to which he is tethered'. They came to him and
said: 'Sir, be thou (our lord); thou art the best among us. Do not depart from
us!'
13. Then the
tongue said to him: 'If I am the richest, thou art the richest.' The eye said to
him If I am the firm rest, thou art the firm rest.'
14. The ear said
to him: 'If I am success, thou art success.' The mind said to him: 'If I am the
home, thou art the home.'
15. And people do
not call them, the tongues, the eyes, the ears, the minds, but the breaths (prana,
the senses). For breath are all these.
SECOND KHANDA
1. Breath said:
'What shall be my food?.' They answered: 'Whatever there is, even unto dogs and
birds.' Therefore this is food for Ana (the breather). His name is clearly Ana.
To him who knows this there is nothing that is not (proper) food.
2. He said: 'What
shall be my dress?' They answered: 'Water.' Therefore wise people, when they are
going to eat food, surround their food before and after with water.' He (prana)
thus gains a dress, and is no longer naked.
3. Satyakama
Gabala, after he had communicated this to Gosruti Vaiyaghrapadya, said to him:
'If you were to tell this to a dry stick, branches would grow, and leaves spring
from it.'
4. If a man
wishes to reach greatness, let him perform the Diksha (a preparatory rite) on
the day of the new moon, and then, on the night of the full moon, let him stir a
mash of all kinds of herbs with curds and honey, and let him pour ghee on the
fire (avasathya laukika), saying; 'Svaha to the oldest and the best.' After that
let him throw all that remains (of the ghee) into the mash.
5. In the same
manner let him pour ghee on. the fire, saying, 'Svaha to the richest.' After
that let him throw all that remains together into the mash.
In the same
manner let him pour ghee on the fire, saying, 'Svaha to the firm rest.' After
that let him throw all that remains together into the mash.
In the same
manner let him pour ghee on the fire, saying, 'Svaha to success.' After that let
him throw all that remains together into the mash.
6. Then going
forward and placing the mash in his hands, he recites: 'Thou (Prana) art Ama by
name, for all this together exists in thee. He is the oldest and best, the king,
the sovereign. May he make me the oldest, the best, the king, the sovereign. May
I be all this.'
7. Then he eats
with the following Rik verse at every foot: 'We choose that food'-- here he
swallows -- 'Of the divine Savitri (prana)' -- here he swallows -- 'The best and
all-supporting food' -- here he swallows -- 'We meditate on the speed of Bhaga (Savitri,
prana)'-here he drinks all.
8. Having
cleansed the vessel, whether it be a kamsa or a kamasa, he sits down behind the
fire on a skin or on the bare ground, without speaking or making any other
effort. If in his dream he sees a woman, let him know this to be a sign that his
sacrifice has succeeded.
9. On this there
is a Sloka: 'If during sacrifices which are to fulfil certain wishes he sees in
his dreams a woman, let him know success from this vision in a dream, yea, from
this vision in a dream.'
THIRD KHANDA
1. Svetaketu
Aruneya went to an assembly of the Pankalas. Pravahana Gaivali said to him:
'Boy, has your father instructed you?' Yes, Sir,' he replied.
2. 'Do you know
to what place men go from here?' 'No Sir' he replied.
'Do you know how
they return again? No Sir,' he replied.
'Do you know
where the path of Devas and the path of the fathers diverge? No, Sir,' he
replied.
3. 'Do you know
why that world' never becomes full?' 'No, Sir,' he replied.
'Do you know why
in the fifth libation water is called Man?' 'No, Sir,' he replied.
4. 'Then why did
you say (you had been) instructed? How could anybody who did not know these
things say that he had been instructed?' Then the boy went back sorrowful to the
place of his father, and said: 'Though you had not instructed me, Sir, you said
you had instructed me.
5. 'That fellow
of a Raganya asked me five questions, and I could not answer one of them.' The
father said: 'As you have told me these questions of his, I do not know any one
of them. If I knew these questions, how should I not have told you?.
6. Then Gautama
went to the king's place, and when he had come to him, the king offered him
proper respect. In the morning the king went out on his way to the assembly. The
king said to him:
'Sir, Gautama,
ask a boon of such things as men possess.' He replied: 'Such things as men
possess may remain with you. Tell me the speech which you addressed to the boy.'
7. The king was
perplexed, and commanded him, saying: 'Stay with me some time.' Then he said:
'As (to what) you have said to me, Gautama, this knowledge did not go to any
Brahmana before you, and therefore this teaching belonged in all the worlds to
the Kshatra class alone. Then he began:
FOURTH KHANDA
1. 'The altar (on
which the sacrifice is supposed to be offered) is that world (heaven), O Gautama;
its fuel is the sun itself, the smoke his rays, the light the day, the coals the
moon, the sparks the stars.
2. 'On that altar
the Devas (or pranas, represented by Agni, &c.) offer the sraddhi libation
(consisting of water). From that oblation rises Soma, the king (the moon).
FIFTH KHANDA
1. 'The altar is
Parganya (the god of rain), O Gautama; its fuel is the air itself, the smoke the
cloud, the light the lightning, the coals. the thunderbolt, the sparks the
thunderings.
2. 'On that altar
the Devas offer Soma, the king (the moon). From that oblation rises rain.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. 'The altar is
the earth, O Gautama; its fuel is the year itself, the smoke the ether, the
light the night, the coals the quarters, the sparks the intermediate quarters.
2. 'On that altar
the Devas (pranas) offer rain. From that oblation rises food (corn, &c.)
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'The altar is
man, O Gautama; its fuel speech itself, the smoke the breath, the light the
tongue, the coals the eye, the sparks the ear.
2. 'On that altar
the Devas (pranas) offer food. From that oblation rises seed.
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. 'The altar is
woman, O Gautama.
2. 'On that altar
the Devas (pranas) offer seed. From that oblation rises the germ.
NINTH KHANDA
1. 'For this
reason is water in the fifth oblation called Man. This germ, covered in the
womb, having dwelt there ten months, or more or less, is born.
2. 'When born, he
lives whatever the length of his life may be. When he has departed, his friends
carry him, as appointed, to the fire (of the funeral pile) from whence he came,
from whence he sprang.
TENTH KHANDA
1. 'Those who
know this (even though they still be grihasthas, householders) and those who in
the forest follow faith and austerities (the vanaprasthas, and of the
parivragakas those who do not yet know the Highest Brahman) go to light (arkis),
from light to day, from day to the light half of the moon, from the light half
of the moon to the six months when the sun goes to the north, from the six
months when the sun goes to the north to the year, from the year to the sun,
from the sun to the moon, from the moon to the lightning. There is a person not
human, --
2. 'He leads them
to Brahman (the conditioned Brahman). This is the path of the Devas.
3. 'But they who
living in a village practice (a life of) sacrifices, works of public utility,
and alms, they go to the smoke, from smoke to night, from night to the dark half
of the moon, from the dark half of the moon to the six months when the sun goes
to the south. But they do not reach the year.
4. 'From the
months they go to the world of the fathers, from the world of the fathers to the
ether, from the ether to the moon. That is Soma, the king. Here they are loved
(eaten) by the Devas, yes, the Devas love (eat) them.
5. 'Having dwelt
there, till their (good) works are consumed, they return again that way as they
came', to the ether, from the ether to the air. Then the sacrificer, having
become air, becomes smoke, having become smoke, he becomes mist,
6. 'Having become
mist, he becomes a cloud, having become a cloud, he rains down. Then he is born
as rice and corn, herbs and trees, sesamum and beans. From thence the escape is
beset with most difficulties. For whoever the persons may be that eat the food,
and beget offspring, he henceforth becomes like unto them.
7. 'Those whose
conduct has been good, will quickly attain some good birth, the birth of a
Brahmana, or a Kshatriya, or a Vaisya. But those whose conduct has been evil,
will quickly attain an evil birth, the birth of a dog, or a hog, or a Kandala.
8. 'On neither of
these two ways those small creatures (flies, worms, &c.) are continually
returning of whom it may be said, Live and die. Theirs is a third place.
'Therefore that
world never becomes full' (cf.V, 3, 2). 'Hence let a man take care to himself!
And thus it is said in the following Sloka:-
9. 'A man who
steals gold, who drinks spirits, who dishonours his Guru's bed, who kills a
Brahman, these four fall, and as a fifth he who associates with them.
10. 'But he who
thus knows the five fires is not defiled by sin even though he associates with
them. He who knows this, is pure, clean, and obtains the world of the blessed,
yea, he obtains the world of the blessed.'
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. Pranasala
Aupamanyava, Satyayagna Paulushi, Indradyumna Bhallaveya, Gana Sarkarakshya, and
Budila Asvatarasvi, these five great householders and great theologians came
once together and held a discussion as to What is our Self, and what is Brahman.
2. They reflected
and said: 'Sirs, there is that Uddalaka Aruni, who knows at present that Self,
called Vaisvanara. Well, let us go to him.' They went to him.
3. But he
reflected: 'Those great householders and great theologians will examine me, and
I shall not be able to tell them all; therefore I shall recommend another
teacher to them.'
4. He said to
them: 'Sirs, Asvapati Kaikeya knows at present that Self, called Vaisvanara.
Well, let us go to him.' They went to him.
5. When they
arrived (the king) ordered proper presents to be made separately to each of
them. And rising the next morning' he said: 'In my kingdom there is no thief, no
miser, no drunkard, no man without an altar in his house, no ignorant person, no
adulterer, much less an adulteress. I am going to perform a sacrifice, Sirs, and
as much wealth as I give to each Ritvig priest, I shall give to you, Sirs.
Please to stay here.'
6. They replied:
'Every man ought to say for what purpose he comes. You know at present that
Vaisvanara Self, tell us that.'
7. He said:
'To-morrow I shall give you an answer.' Therefore on the next morning they
approached him, carrying fuel in their hands (like students), and he, without
first demanding any preparatory rites, said to them:
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. 'Aupamanyava,
whom do you meditate on as the Self?' He replied: 'Heaven only, venerable king.'
He said: 'The Self which you meditate on is the Vaisvanara Self, called Sutegas
(having good light). Therefore every kind of Soma libation is seen in your
house'.
2. 'You eat food,
and see your desire (a son, &c.), and whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvanara
Self, eats food, sees his desire, and has Vedic glory (arising from study and
sacrifice) in his house. That, however, is but the head of the Self, and thus
your head would have fallen (in a discussion), if you had not come to me.'
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then he said
to Satyayagna Paulushi: 'O Prakinayogya, whom do you meditate on as the Self?'
He replied: 'The sun only, venerable king.' He said: 'The Self which you
meditate on is the Vaisvanara Self, called Visvartupa (multiform). Therefore
much and manifold wealth is seen in your house.
2. 'There is a
car with mules, full of slaves and jewels. You eat food and see your desire, and
whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvanara Self, eats food and sees his desire,
and has Vedic glory in his house.
'That, however,
is but the eye of the Self, and you would have become blind, if you had not come
to me.'
FOURTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then he said
to Indradyumna Bhallaveya: 'O Vaiyaghrapadya, whom do you meditate on as the
Self?' He replied: 'Air only, venerable king.' He said: 'The Self which you
meditate on is the Vaisvinara Self, called Prithagvartman (having various
courses). Therefore offerings come to you in various ways, and rows of cars
follow you in various ways.
2. 'You eat food
and see your desire, and whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvanara Self, eats
food and sees his desire, and has Vedic glory in his house.
'That, however,
is but the breath of the Self, and your breath would have left you, if you had
not come to me.'
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then he said
to Gana Sarkarakshya: 'Whom do you meditate on as the Self?' He replied: 'Ether
only, venerable king.' He said: 'The Self which you meditate on is the
Vaisvanara Self, called Bahula (full). Therefore you are full of offspring and
wealth.
2. 'You eat food
and see your desire, and whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvanara Self, eats
food and sees his desire, and has Vedic glory in his house.
'That, however,
is but the trunk of the Self, and your trunk would have perished, if you had not
come to me.'
SIXTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then he said
to Budila Asvatarasvi, 'O Vaiyaghrapadya, whom do you meditate on as the Self?'
He replied: 'Water only, venerable king.' He said;
'The Self which
you meditate on is the Vaisvanara Self, called Rayi (wealth). Therefore are you
wealthy and flourishing.
2. 'You eat food
and see your desire, and whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvanara Self, eats
food and sees his desire, and has Vedic glory in his house.
'That, however,
is but the bladder of the Self, and your bladder would have burst, if you had
not come to me.'
SEVENTEENTH
KHANDA
1. Then he said
to Auddalaka Aruni: O Gautama, whom do you meditate on as the Self?' He replied:
'The earth only, venerable king.' He said: 'The Self which you meditate on is
the Vaisvanara Self, called Pratishtha. (firm rest). Therefore you stand firm
with offspring and cattle.
2. 'You eat food
and see your desire, and whoever thus meditates on that Vaisvgnara Self, eats
food and sees his desire, and has Vedic glory in his house.
'That, however,
are but the feet of the Self, and your feet would have given way, if you had not
come to me.'
EIGHTEENTH KHANDA
1. Then he said
to them all: 'You eat your food, knowing that Vaisvanara Self as if it were
many. But he who worships the Vaisvanara Self as a span long, and as' identical
with himself, he eats food in all worlds, in all beings, in all Selfs.
2. 'Of that
Vaisvanara Self the head is Sutegas (having good light), the eye Visvariupa
(multiform), the breath Prithagvartman (having various courses), the trunk
Bahula (full), the bladder Rayi (wealth), the feet the earth, the chest the
altar, the hairs the grass on the altar, the heart the Garhapatya fire, the mind
the Anvaharya fire, the mouth the Ahavaniya fire.
NINETEENTH KHANDA
1. 'Therefore the
first food which a man may take, is in the place of Homa. And he who offers that
first oblation, should offer it to Prana (up-breathing), saying Svaha,. Then
Prana (up-breathing) is satisfied,
2. 'If Prana is
satisfied, the eye is satisfied, if the eye is satisfied, the sun is satisfied,
if the sun is satisfied, heaven is satisfied, if heaven is satisfied, whatever
is under heaven and under the sun is satisfied.. And through their satisfaction
he (the sacrificer or eater) himself is satisfied with offspring, cattle,
health, brightness, and Vedic splendour.
TWENTIETH KHANDA
1. 'And he who
offers the second oblation, should offer it to Vyana (back-breathing), saying
Svaha. Then Vyana is satisfied,
2. 'If Vyana is
satisfied, the ear is satisfied, if the ear is satisfied, the moon is satisfied,
if the moon is satisfied, the quarters are satisfied, if the quarters are
satisfied, whatever is under the quarters and under the moon is satisfied. And
through their satisfaction he (the sacrificer or eater) himself is satisfied
with offspring,. cattle, health, brightness, and Vedic splendour.
TWENTY-FIRST
KHANDA
1. 'And he who
offers the third oblation, should offer it to Apana (down-breathing), saying
Svaha. Then Apana is satisfied. If Apana is satisfied, the tongue is satisfied,
if the tongue is satisfied, Agni (fire) is satisfied, if Agni is satisfied, the
earth is satisfied, if the earth is satisfied, whatever is under the earth and
under fire is satisfied.
2. 'And through
their satisfaction he (the sacrificer or eater) himself is satisfied with
offspring, cattle, health, brightness, and Vedic splendour.
TWENTY-SECOND
KHANDA
1. 'And he who
offers the fourth oblation, should offer it to Samana (on-breathing), saying
Svaha. Then Samana is satisfied,
2. 'If Samana is
satisfied, the mind is satisfied, if the mind is satisfied, Parganya (god of
rain) is satisfied, if Parganya is satisfied, lightning is satisfied, if
lightning is satisfied, whatever is under Parganya and under lightning is
satisfied. And through their satisfaction he (the sacrificer or eater) himself
is satisfied with offspring, cattle, health, brightness, and Vedic splendour.
TWENTY-THIRD
KHANDA
1. 'And he who
offers the fifth oblation, should offer it to Udana (out-breathing), saying
Svaha. Then Udana is satisfied,
2. 'If Udana is
satisfied, Vayu (air) is satisfied, if Vayu is satisfied, ether is satisfied, if
ether is satisfied, whatever is under Vayu and under the ether is satisfied. And
through their satisfaction he (the sacrificer or eater) himself is satisfied
with offspring, cattle, health, brightness, and Vedic splendour.
TWENTY-FOURTH
KHANDA
1. 'If, without
knowing this, one offers an Agnihotra, it would be as if a man were to remove
the live coals and pour his libation on dead ashes.
2. 'But he who
offers this Agnihotra with a full knowledge of its true purport, he offers it
(i.e. he eats food)' in all worlds, in all beings, in all Selfs.
3. 'As the soft
fibres of the Ishika. reed, when thrown into the fire, are burnt, thus all his
sins are burnt whoever offers this Agnihotra with a full knowledge of its true
purport.
4. 'Even if he
gives what is left of his food to a Kandala, it would be offered in his (the
Kandala's) Vaisvanara Self. And so it is said in this Sloka: --
'As hungry
children here on earth sit (expectantly) round their mother, so. do all beings
sit round the Agnihotra, yea, round the Agnihotra.'
SIXTH PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. Harih, Om.
There lived once Svetaketu Aruneya (the grandson of Aruna). To him his father (Uddilaka,
the son of Aruna) said: 'Svetaketu, go to school; for there is none belonging to
our race, darling, who, not having studied (the Veda), is, as it were, a
Brahmana by birth only.'
2. Having begun
his apprenticeship (with a teacher) when he was twelve years of age, Svetaketu
returned to his father, when he was twenty-four, having then studied all the
Vedas, -- conceited, considering himself well-read, and stern.
3. His father
said to him: 'Svetaketu, as you are so conceited, considering yourself so
well-read, and so stern, my dear, have you ever asked for that instruction by
which we hear what cannot be heard, by which we perceive what cannot be
perceived, by which we know what cannot be known?'
4. 'What is that
instruction, Sir?' he asked. The father replied: 'My dear, as by one clod of
clay all that is made of clay is known, the difference being only a name,
arising from speech, but the truth being that all is clay;
5. 'And as, my
dear, by one nugget of gold all that is made of gold is known, the difference
being only a name, arising from speech, but the truth being that all is gold?
6. 'And as, my
dear, by one pair of nail-scissors all that is made of iron (karshnayasam) is
known, the difference being only a name, arising from speech, but the truth
being that all is iron,-thus, my dear, is that instruction.'
7. The son said:
'Surely those venerable men (my teachers) did not know that. For if they had
known it, why should they not have told it me? Do you, Sir, therefore tell me
that.' 'Be it so,' said the father.
SECOND KHAVDA
1. 'In the
beginning,' my dear, 'there was that only which is, one only, without a second.
Others say, in the beginning there was that only which is not, one only, without
a second; and from that which is not, that which is was born.
2. 'But how could
it be thus, my dear?' the father continued. 'How could that which is, be born of
that which is not? No, my dear, only that which is, was in the beginning, one
only, without a second.
3. 'It thought,
may I be many, may I grow forth. It sent forth fire.
'That fire
thought, may I be many, may I grow forth. It sent forth water.
'And therefore
whenever anybody anywhere is hot and perspires, water is produced on him from
fire alone.
4. 'Water
thought, may I be many, may I grow forth. It sent forth earth (food).
'Therefore
whenever it rains anywhere, most food is then produced. From water alone is
eatable food produced.
THIRD KHANDA
1. 'Of all living
things there are indeed three origins only, that which springs from an egg
(oviparous), that which springs from a living being (viviparous), and that which
springs from a germ.
2. 'That Being, (i.
e. that which had produced fire, water, and earth) thought, let me now enter
those three beings, (fire, water, earth) with this living Self (giva atma)', and
let me then reveal (develop) names and forms.
3. 'Then that
Being having said, Let me make each of these three tripartite (so that fire,
water, and earth should each have itself for its principal ingredient, besides
an admixture of the other two) entered into those three beings (devata) with
this living self only, and revealed names and forms.
4. 'He made each
of these tripartite; and how these three beings become each of them tripartite,
that learn from me now, my friend!
FOURTH KHANDA
1. 'The red
colour of burning fire (agni) is the colour of fire, the white colour of fire is
the colour of water, the black colour of fire the colour of earth. Thus vanishes
what we call fire, as a mere variety, being a name, arising from speech. What is
true (satya) are the three colours (or forms).
2. 'The red
colour of the sun (aditya) is the colour of fire, the white of water, the black
of earth. Thus vanishes what we call the sun, as a mere variety, being a name,
arising from speech. What is true are the three colours.
3. 'The red
colour of the moon is the colour of fire, the white of water, the black of
earth. Thus vanishes what we call the moon, as a mere variety, being a name,
arising from speech. What is true are the three colours.
4. 'The red
colour of the lightning is the colour of fire, the white of water, the black of
earth. Thus vanishes what we call the lightning, as a mere variety, being a
name, arising from speech. What is true are the three colours.
5. 'Great
householders and great theologians of olden times who knew this, have declared
the same, saying, " No one can henceforth mention to us anything which we have
not heard, perceived, or known'." Out of these (three colours or forms) they
knew all.
6. 'Whatever they
thought looked red, they knew was the colour of fire. Whatever they thought
looked white, they knew was the colour of water. Whatever they thought looked
black, they knew was the colour of earth.
7. 'Whatever they
thought was altogether unknown, they knew was some combination of those three
beings (devata).
'Now learn from
me, my friend, how those three beings, when they reach man, become each of them
tripartite.
FIFTH KHANDA
1. 'The earth
(food) when eaten becomes threefold; its grossest portion becomes feces, its
middle portion flesh, its subtilest portion mind.
2. 'Water when
drunk becomes threefold; its grossest portion becomes water, its middle portion
blood, its subtilest portion breath.
3. 'Fire (i.e. in
oil, butter, &c.) when eaten becomes threefold; its grossest portion becomes
bone, its middle portion marrow, its subtilest portion speech.
4. 'For truly, my
child, mind comes of earth, breath of water, speech of fire.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. 'That which is
the subtile portion of curds, when churned, rises upwards, and becomes butter.
2. 'In the same
manner, my child, the subtile portion of earth (food), when eaten, rises
upwards, and becomes mind.
3. 'That which is
the subtile portion of water, when drunk, rises upwards, and becomes breath.
4. 'That which is
the subtile portion of fire, when consumed, rises upwards, and becomes speech.
5. 'For mind, my child, comes of earth, breath of water, speech of fire.'
' Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'Man (purusha),
my son, consists of sixteen parts. Abstain from food for fifteen days, but drink
as much water as you like, for breath comes from water, and will not be cut off,
if you drink water.'
2. Svetaketu
abstained from food for fifteen days. Then he came to his father and said: 'What
shall I say?' The father said: 'Repeat the Rik, Yagus, and Saman verses.' He
replied: 'They do not occur to me, Sir.'
3. The father
said to him: 'As of a great lighted fire one coal only of the size of a firefly
may be left, which would not burn much more than this (i. e. very little), thus,
my dear son, one part only of the sixteen parts (of you) is left, and therefore
with that one part you do not remember the Vedas. Go and eat!
4. 'Then wilt
thou understand me.' Then Svetaketu ate, and afterwards approached his father.
And whatever his father asked him, he knew it all by heart. Then his father said
to him:
5. 'As of a great
lighted fire one coal of the size of a firefly, if left, may be made to blaze up
again by putting grass upon it, and will thus burn more than this,
6. 'Thus, my dear
son, there was one part of the sixteen parts left to you, and that, lighted up
with food, burnt up, and by it you remember now the Vedas.' After that, he
understood what his father meant when he said: 'Mind, my son, comes from food,
breath from water, speech from fire.' He understood what he said, yea, he
understood it'.
EIGHTH KHANDA
1. Uddalaka Aruni
said to his son Svetaketu: 'Learn from me the true nature of sleep (svapna).
When a man sleeps
here, then, my dear son, he becomes united with the True, he is gone to his own
(Self). Therefore they say, svapiti, he sleeps, because he is gone (apita) to
his own (sva).
2. 'As a bird
when tied by a string flies first in every direction, and finding no rest
anywhere, settles down at last on the very place where it is fastened, exactly
in the same manner, my son, that mind (the giva, or living Self in the mind, see
VI, 3, 2), after flying in every direction, and finding- no rest anywhere,
settles down on breath; for indeed, my son, mind is fastened to breath.
3. 'Learn from
me, my son, what are hunger and thirst. When a man is thus said to be hungry,
water is carrying away (digests) what has been eaten by him. Therefore as they
speak of a cow-leader (go-naya), a horse-leader (asva-naya), a man-leader (purusha-naya),
so they call water (which digests food and causes hunger) food-leader (asa-naya).
Thus (by food digested &c.), my son, know this offshoot (the body) to be brought
forth, for this (body) could not be without a root (cause).
4. 'And where
could its root be except in food (earth)? And in the same manner, my son, as
food (earth) too is an offshoot, seek after its root, viz. water. And as water
too is an offshoot, seek after its root, viz. fire. And as fire too is an
offshoot, seek after its root, viz. the True. Yes, all these creatures, my son,
have their root in the True, they dwell in the True, they rest in the True.
5. 'When a man is
thus said to be thirsty, fire carries away what has been drunk by him. Therefore
as they speak of a cow-leader (go-naya), of a horse-leader (asva-naya), of a
man-leader (purusha-naya), so they call fire udanyi, thirst, i. e. water-leader.
Thus (by water digested &c.), my son, know this offshoot (the.body) to be
brought forth: this (body) could not be without a root (cause).
6. 'And where
could its root be except in water? As water is an offshoot, seek after its root,
viz. fire. As fire is an offshoot, seek after its root, viz. the True. Yes, all
these creatures, O son, have their root in the True, they dwell in the True,
they rest in the True.
'And how these
three beings (devata), fire, water, earth, O son, when they reach man, become
each of them tripartite, has been said before (VI, 4, 7). When a man departs
from hence, his speech is merged in his mind, his mind in his breath, his breath
in heat (fire), heat in the Highest Being.
7. 'Now that
which is that subtile essence (the root of all), in it all that exists has its
self. It is the True. It is the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.' 'Please,
Sir, inform me still more,' said the son.
Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
NINTH KHANDA
1. 'As the bees,
my son, make honey by collecting the juices of distant trees, and reduce the
juice into one form,
2. 'And as these
juices have no discrimination, so that they might say, I am the juice of this
tree or that, in the same manner, my son, all these creatures, when they have
become merged in the True (either in deep sleep or in death), know not that they
are merged in the True.
3. 'Whatever
these creatures are here, whether a lion, or a wolf, or a boar, or a worm, or a
midge, or a gnat, or a mosquito, that they become again and again.
4. 'Now ' that
which is that subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the
True. It is the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
' Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
TENTH KHANDA
1. 'These rivers,
my son, run, the eastern (like the Ganga) toward the east, the western (like the
Sindhu) toward the west. They go from sea to sea (i. e. the clouds lift up the
water from the sea to the sky, and send it back as rain to the sea). They become
indeed sea. And as those rivers, when they are in the sea, do not know, I am
this or that river,
2. In the same
manner, my son, all these creatures, when they have come back from the True,
know not that they have come back from the True. Whatever these creatures are
here, whether a lion, or a wolf, or a boar, or a worm, or a mid-e, or a gnat, or
a mosquito, that they become again and again.
3. 'That which is
that subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the True. It is
the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'If some one
were to strike at the root of this large tree here, it would bleed, but live. If
he were to strike at its stem, it would bleed, but live. If he were to strike at
its top, it would bleed, but live. Pervaded by the living Self that tree stands
firm, drinking in its nourishment and rejoicing;
2. 'But if the
life (the living Self) leaves one of its branches, that branch withers; if it
leaves a second, that branch withers; if it leaves a third, that branch withers.
If it leaves the whole tree, the whole tree withers. In exactly the same manner,
my son, know this.' Thus he spoke:
3- 'This (body)
indeed withers and dies when the living Self has left it; the living Self dies
not.
'That which is
that subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the True. It is
the Self, and thou, Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. 'Fetch me from
thence a fruit of the Nyagrodha tree.'
Here is one,
Sir.'
Break it.'
'It is broken,
Sir.'
'What do you see
there?'
'These seeds,
almost infinitesimal.'
'Break one of
them.'
'It is broken,
Sir.'
'What do you see
there?'
'Not anything,
Sir.'
2. The father
said: 'My son, that subtile essence which you do not perceive there, of that
very essence this great Nyagrodha tree exists.
3. 'Believe it,
my son. That which is the subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self.
It is the True. It is the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'Place this
salt in water, and then wait on me in the morning.'
The son did as he
was commanded.
The father said
to him: 'Bring me the salt, which you placed in the water last night.'
The son having
looked for it, found it not, for, of course, it was melted.
2. The father
said: 'Taste it from the surface of the water. How is it?'
The son replied:
'It is salt.'
'Taste it from
the middle. How is it?'
The son replied:
' It is salt.'
'Taste it from
the bottom. How is it?'
The son replied:
'It is salt.'
The father said:
'Throw it away' and then wait on me.
He did so; but
salt exists for ever.
Then the father
said: 'Here also, in this body, forsooth, you do not perceive the True (Sat), my
son; but there indeed it is.
3- 'That which is
the subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the True. It is
the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
FOURTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'As one might
lead a person with his eyes covered away from the Gandharas, and leave him then
in a place where there are no human beings; and as that person would turn
towards the east, or the north, or the west, and shout, "I have been brought
here with my eyes covered, I have been left here with my eyes covered,"
2. 'And as
thereupon some one might loose his bandage and say to him, "Go in that
direction, it is Gandhara, go in that direction;" and as thereupon, having been
informed and being able to judge for himself, he would by asking his way from
village to village arrive at last at Gandhara, -- in exactly the same manner
does a man, who meets with a teacher to inform him, obtain the true knowlede.
For him there is only delay so long as he is not delivered (from the body); then
he will be perfect.
3. 'That which is
the subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the True. It is
the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
' Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'If a man is
ill, his relatives assemble round him and ask: " Dost thou know me? Dost thou
know me?" Now as long as his speech is not merged in his mind, his mind in
breath, breath in heat (fire), heat in the Highest Being (devati), he knows
them.
2. 'But when his
speech is merged in his mind, his mind in breath, breath in heat (fire), heat in
the Highest Being, then he knows them not.
'That which is
the subtile essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the True. It is
the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.'
'Please, Sir,
inform me still more,' said the son.
'Be it so, my
child,' the father replied.
SIXTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'My child,
they bring a man hither whom they have taken by the hand, and they say: "He has
taken something, he has committed a theft." (When he denies, they say), "Heat
the hatchet for him." If he committed the theft, then he makes himself to be
what he is not. Then the false-minded, having covered his true Self by a
falsehood, grasps the heated hatchet-he is burnt, and he is killed.
2. 'But if he did
not commit the theft, then he makes himself to be what he is. Then the true
minded, having covered his true Self by truth, grasps the heated hatchet-he is
not burnt, and he is delivered.
'As that
(truthful) man is not burnt, thus has all that exists its self in That. It is
the True. It is the Self, and thou, O Svetaketu, art it.' He understood what he
said, yea, he understood it.
KHANDOGYA-UPANISHAD Part 4
SEVENTH
PRAPATHAKA.
FIRST KHANDA
1. Narada
approached Sanatkumara and said, 'Teach me, Sir!' Sanatkumara said to him:
'Please to tell me what you know; afterward I shall tell you what is beyond.'
2. Narada said:
'I know the Rig-veda, Sir, the Yagur-veda, the Sama-veda, as the fourth the
Atharvana, as the fifth the Itihasa-purana (the Bharata); the Veda of the Vedas
(grammar); the Pitrya (the rules for the sacrifices for the ancestors); the Rasi
(the science of numbers); the Daiva (the science of portents); the Nidhi (the
science of time); the Vakovikya (logic); the Ekayana (ethics); the Devavidya
(etymology); the Brahma-vidya (pronunciation, siksha, ceremonial, kalpa,
prosody, khandas); the Bhuta-vidya (the science of demons); the Kshatra-vidya
(the science of weapons); the Nakshatra-vidya (astronomy); the Sarpa and
Devagana-vidya (the science of serpents or poisons, and the sciences of the
genii, such as the making of perfumes, dancing, singing, playing, and other fine
arts). All this I know, Sir.
3. 'But, Sir,
with all this I know the Mantras only, the sacred books, I do not know the Self.
I have heard from men like you, that he who knows the Self overcomes grief. I am
in grief. Do, Sir, help me over this grief of mine.'
Sanatkumira said
to him: 'Whatever you have read, is only a name.
4. 'A name is
the.Rig-veda, Yagur-veda, Samaveda, and as the fourth the Atharvana, as the
fifth the Itihasa-purana, the Veda of the Vedas, the Pitrya, the Rasi, the Daiva,
the Nidhi, the Vakovakya, the Ekiyana, the Deva-vidya, the Brahma-vidya, the
Bhuta-vidya, the Kshatra-vidya, the Nakshatra-vidya, the Sarpa and
Devagana-vidya. All these are a name only. Meditate on the name.
5. 'He who
meditates on the name as Brahman, is, as it were, lord and master as far as the
name reaches-he who meditates on the name as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than a name?'
'Yes, there is
something better than a name.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
SECOND KHANDA
1. 'Speech is
better than a name. Speech makes us understand the Rig-veda, Yag-ur-veda,
Sama-veda, and as the fourth the Atharvana, as the fifth the Itihasa-purana, the
Veda of the Vedas, the Pitrya, the Rasi, the Daiva, the Nidhi, the Vakovakya,
the Ekayana, the Deva-vidya, the Brahma-vidya, the Kshatra-vidya, the
Nakshatra-vidya, the Sarpa and Devagana-vidya; heaven, earth, air, ether, water,
fire, gods, men, cattle, birds, herbs, trees, all beasts down to worms, midges,
and ants; what is right and what is wrong; what is true and what is false; what
is good and what is bad; what is pleasing and what is not pleasing. For if there
were no speech, neither right nor wrong would be known, neither the true nor the
false, neither the good nor the bad, neither the pleasant nor the unpleasant.
Speech makes us understand all this. Meditate on speech.
2. 'He who
meditates on speech as Brahman, is, as it were, lord and master as far as speech
reaches he who meditates on speech as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than speech?'
'Yes, there is
something better than speech.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
THIRD KHANDA
1. 'Mind (manas)
is better than speech. For as the closed fist holds two amalaka or two kola or
two aksha fruits, thus does mind hold speech and name. For if a man is minded in
his mind to read the sacred hymns, he reads them; if he is minded in his mind to
perform any actions, he performs them; if he is minded to wish for sons and
cattle, he wishes for them; if he is minded to wish for this world and the
other, he wishes for them. For mind is indeed the self , mind is the world, mind
is Brahman. Meditate on the mind.
2. 'He who
meditates on the mind as Brahman, is, as it were, lord and master as far as the
mind reaches-he who meditates on the mind as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than mind?'
'Yes, there is
something better than mind.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
FOURTH KHANDA
1. 'Will (sankalpa)
is better than mind. For when a man wills, then he thinks in his mind, then he
sends forth speech, and he sends it forth in a name. In a name the sacred hymns
are contained, in the sacred hymns all sacrifices.
2. 'All these
therefore (beginning with mind and ending in sacrifice) centre in will, consist
of will, abide in will. Heaven and earth willed, air and ether willed, water and
fire willed. Through the will of heaven and earth &c. rain wills; through the
will of rain food wills; through the will of food the vital airs will; through
the will of the vital airs the sacred hymns will; through the will of the sacred
hymns the sacrifices will; through the will of the sacrifices the world (as
their reward) wills; through the will of the world everything wills. This is
will. Meditate on will.
3. 'He who
meditates on will as Brahman, he, being himself safe, firm, and undistressed,
obtains the safe, firm, and undistressed worlds which he has willed; he is, as
it were, lord and master as far as will reaches-he who meditates on will as
Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than will?'
' Yes, there is
something better than will.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
FIFTH KHANDA
1. 'Consideration
(kitta) is better than will. For when a man considers, then he wills, then he
thinks in his mind, then he sends forth speech, and he sends it forth in a name.
In a name the sacred hymns are contained, in the sacred hymns all sacrifices.
2. 'All these
(beginning with mind and ending in sacrifice) centre in consideration, consist
of consideration, abide in consideration. Therefore if a man is inconsiderate,
even if he possesses much learning, people say of him, he is nothing, whatever
he may know; for, if he were learned, he would not be so inconsiderate. But if a
man is considerate, even though he knows but little, to him indeed do people
listen gladly. Consideration is the centre, consideration is the self,
consideration is the support of all these. Meditate on consideration.
3. 'He who
meditates on consideration as Brahman, he, being himself safe, firm, and
undistressed, obtains the safe, firm, and undistressed worlds which he has
considered; he is, as it were, lord and master as far as consideration
reaches-he who meditates on consideration as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than consideration?'
'Yes, there is
something better than consideration.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
SIXTH KHANDA
1. 'Reflection (dhyana)
is better than consideration. The earth reflects, as it were, and thus does the
sky, the heaven, the water, the mountains, gods and men. Therefore those who
among men obtain greatness here on earth, seem to have obtained a part of the
object of reflection (because they show a certain repose of manner). Thus while
small and vulgar people are always quarrelling, abusive, and slandering, great
men seem to have obtained a part of the reward of reflection. Meditate on
reflection.
2. 'He who
meditates on reflection as Brahman, is lord and master, as it were, as far as
reflection reaches-he who meditates on reflection as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than reflection?'
'Yes, there is
something better than reflection.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'Understanding
(vignana) is better than reflection. Through understanding we understand the
.Rig-veda, the Yagur-veda, the Sama-veda, and as the fourth the Atharvana, as
the fifth the Itihasa-purana, the Veda of the Vedas, the Pitrya, the Rasi, the
Daiva, the Nidhi, the Vakovakya, the Ekayana, the Deva-vidya, the Brahma-vidya,
the Bhuta-vidya, the Kshatra-vidya, the Nakshatra-vidya, the Sarpa and
Devagana-vidya, heaven, earth, air, ether, water, fire, gods, men, cattle,
birds, herbs, trees, all beasts down to worms, midges, and ants; what is right
and what is wrong; what is true and what is false; what is good and what is bad;
what is pleasing and what is not pleasing; food and savour, this world and that,
all this we understand through understanding. Meditate on understanding.
2. 'He who
meditates on understanding as Brahman, reaches the worlds where there is
understanding and knowledge; he is, as it were, lord and master as far as
understanding reaches-he who meditates on understanding as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than understanding?'
'Yes, there is
something better than understanding.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
EIGHTH KHANDA
Power (bala) is
better than understanding. One powerful man shakes a hundred men of
understanding. If a man is powerful, he becomes a rising man. If he rises, he
becomes a man who visits wise people. If he visits, he becomes a follower of
wise people. If he follows them, he becomes a seeing, a hearing, a perceiving, a
knowing, a doing, an understanding man. By power the earth stands firm, and the
sky, and the heaven, and the mountains, gods and men, cattle, birds, herbs,
trees, all beasts down to worms, midges, and ants; by power the world stands
firm. Meditate on power.
2. 'He who
meditates on power as Brahman, is, as it were, lord and master as far as power
reaches-he who meditates on power as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than power?'
'Yes, there is
something better than power.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
NINTH KHANDA
1. 'Food (anna)
is better than power. Therefore if a man abstain from food for ten days, though
he live, he would be unable to see, hear, perceive, think, act, and understand.
But when he obtains food, he is able to see, hear, perceive, think, act, and
understand. Meditate on food.
2. 'He who
meditates on food as Brahman, obtains the worlds rich in food and drink; he is,
as it were, lord and master as far as food reaches he who meditates on food as
Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than food?'
'Yes, there is
something better than food.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
TENTH KHAIVDA.
1. 'Water (ap) is
better than food. Therefore if there is not sufficient rain, the vital spirits
fail from fear that there will be less food. But if there is sufficient rain,
the vital spirits rejoice, because there will be much food. This water, on
assuming different forms, becomes this earth, this sky, this heaven, the
mountains, gods and men, cattle, birds, herbs and trees, all beasts down to
worms, midges, and ants. Water indeed assumes all these forms. Meditate on
water.
2. 'He who
meditates on water as Brahman, obtains all wishes, he becomes satisfied; he is,
as it were, lord and master as far as water reaches he who meditates on water as
Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than water?'
'Yes, there is
something better than water.'
Sir, tell it me.'
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'Fire (tegas)
is better than water. For fire united with air, warms the ether. Then people
say, It is hot, it burns, it will rain. Thus does fire, after ;showing this sign
(,itself) first, create water. And thus again thunderclaps come with lightnings,
flashing upwards and across the sky. Then people say, There is lightning and
thunder, it will rain. Then also does fire, after showing this sign first,
create water. Meditate on fire.
2. 'He who
meditates on fire as Brahman, obtains, resplendent himself, resplendent worlds,
full of light and free of darkness; he is, as it were, lord and master as far as
fire reaches-he who meditates on fire as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than fire?'
'Yes, there is
something better than fire.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
TWELFTH KHANDA.
1. 'Ether (or
space) is better than fire. For in the ether exist both sun and moon, the
lightning, stars, and fire (agni). Through the ether we call, through the ether
we hear, through the ether we answer. In the ether or space we rejoice (when we
are together), and rejoice not (when we are separated). In the ether everything
is born, and towards the ether everything tends when it is born. Meditate on
ether.
2. 'He who
meditates on ether as Brahman, obtains the worlds of ether and of light, which
are free from pressure and pain, wide and spacious; he is, as it were, lord and
master as far as ether reaches-he who meditates on ether as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than ether?'
'Yes, there is
something better than ether.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'Memory, (smara)
is better than ether. Therefore where many are assembled together, if they have
no memory, they would hear no one, they would not perceive, they would not
understand. Through memory we know our sons, through memory our cattle. Meditate
on memory.
2. 'He who
meditates on memory as Brahman, is, as it were, lord and master as far as memory
reaches -he who meditates on memory as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than memory?'
'Yes, there is
something better than memory.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
FOURTEENTH KHANDA.
1. 'Hope (asa) is
better than memory. Fired by hope does memory read the sacred hymns, perform
sacrifices, desire sons and cattle, desire this world and the other. Meditate on
hope.
2. 'He who
meditates on hope as Brahman, all his desires are fulfilled by hope, his prayers
are not in vain; he is, as it were, lord and master as far as hope reaches-he
who meditates on hope as Brahman.'
'Sir, is there
something better than hope?'
'Yes, there is
something better than hope.'
'Sir, tell it
me.'
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'Spirit (prana)
is better than hope. As the spokes of a wheel hold to the nave, so does all this
(beginning with names and ending in hope) hold to spirit. That spirit moves by
the spirit, it gives spirit to the spirit. Father means spirit, mother is
spirit, brother is spirit, sister is spirit, tutor is spirit, Brahmana is
spirit.
2. 'For if one
says anything unbecoming to a father, mother, brother, sister, tutor or Brahmana,
then people say, Shame on thee! thou hast offended thy father, mother, brother,
sister, tutor, or a Brahmana.
3. But, if after
the spirit has departed from them, one shoves them together with a poker, and
burns them to pieces, no one would say, Thou offendest thy father, mother,
brother, sister, tutor or a Brahmana.
4. 'Spirit then
is all this. He who sees this, perceives this, and understands this, becomes an
ativadin. If people say to such a man, Thou art an ativadin, he may say, I am an
ativadin; he need not deny it.'
SIXTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'But in
reality he is an ativadin who declares the Highest Being to be the True (Satya).'
'Sir, may I
become an ativadin by the True?'
'But we must
desire to know the True.'
'Sir, I desire to
know the True.'
SEVENTEENTH
KHANDA.
1. 'When one
understands the True, then one declares the True. One who does not understand
it, does not declare the True. Only he who understands it, declares the True.
This understanding, however, we must desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
EIGHTEENTH KHANDA
1. 'When one
perceives, then one understands. One who does not perceive, does not understand.
Only he who perceives, understands. This perception, however, we must desire to
understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
NINETEENTH KHANDA
1. 'When one
believes, then one perceives. One who does not believe, does not perceive. Only
he who believes, perceives. This belief, however, we must desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
TWENTIETH KHANDA
1. 'When one
attends on a tutor (spiritual guide), then one believes. One who does not attend
on a tutor, does not believe. Only be who attends, believes. This attention on a
tutor, however, we must desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
TWENTY-FIRST
KHANDA
1. 'When one
performs all sacred duties, then one attends really on a tutor. One who does not
perform his duties, does not really attend on a tutor. Only he who performs his
duties, attends on his tutor. This performance of duties, however, we must
desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
TWENTY-SECOND
KHANDA
1. 'When one
obtains bliss (in oneself), then one performs duties. One who does not obtain
bliss, does not perform duties. Only he who obtains bliss, performs duties. This
bliss, however, we must desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
TWENTY-THIRD
KHANDA
1. 'The Infinite
(bhuman) is bliss. There is no bliss in anything finite. Infinity only is bliss.
This Infinity, however, we must desire to understand.'
'Sir, I desire to
understand it.'
TWENTY-FOURTH
KHANDA
1. 'Where one
sees nothing else, hears nothing else, understands nothing else, that is the
Infinite. Where one sees something -else, hears something else, understands
something else, that is the finite. The Infinite is immortal, the finite is
mortal.' 'Sir, in what does the Infinite rest?'
'In its own
greatness-or not even in greatness.'
'In the world
they call cows and horses, elephants and gold, slaves, wives, fields and houses
greatness. I do not mean this,' thus he spoke; 'for in that case one being (the
possessor) rests in something else, (but the Infinite cannot rest in something
different from itself)
TWENTY-FIFTH
KHANDA.
1. 'The Infinite
indeed is below, above, behind, before, right and left-it is indeed all this.
'Now follows the
explanation of the Infinite as the I: I am below, I am above, I am behind,
before, right and left-I am all this.
2. 'Next follows
the explanation of the Infinite as the Self: Self is below, above, behind,
before, right and left-Self is all this.
'He who sees,
perceives, and understands this, loves the Self, delights in the Self, revels in
the Self, rejoices in the Self-he becomes a Svarag, (an autocrat or self-ruler);
he is lord and master in all the worlds.
'But those who
think differently from this, live in perishable worlds, and have other beings
for their rulers.
TWENTY-SIXTH
KHANDA
1. 'To him who
sees, perceives, and understands this, the spirit (prana) springs from the Self,
hope springs from the Self, memory springs from the Self; so do ether, fire,
water, appearance and disappearance, food, power, understanding, reflection,
consideration, will, mind, speech, names, sacred hymns, and sacrifices-aye, all
this springs from the Self.
2. 'There is this
verse, "He who sees this, does not see death, nor illness, nor pain; he who sees
this, sees everything, and obtains everything everywhere.
'"He is one
(before creation), he becomes three (fire, water, earth), he becomes five, he
becomes seven, he becomes nine; then again he is called the eleventh, and
hundred and ten and one thousand and twenty."
'When the
intellectual aliment has been purified, the whole nature becomes purified. When
the whole nature has been purified, the memory becomes firm. And when the memory
(of the Highest Self) remains firm, then all the ties (which bind us to a belief
in anything but the Selo are loosened.
'The venerable
Sanatkumara showed to Narada, after his faults had been rubbed out, the other
side of darkness. They call Sanatkumara Skanda, yea, Skanda they call him.'
EIGHTH PRAPATHAKA
FIRST KHANDA
1. Harih, Om.
There is this city of Brahman (the body), and in it the palace, the small lotus
(of the heart), and in it that small ether. Now what exists within that small
ether, that is to be sought for, that is to be understood.
2. And if they
should say to him: 'Now with regard to that city of Brahman, and the palace in
it, i.e. the small lotus of the heart, and the small ether within the heart,
what is there within it that deserves to be sought for, or that is to be
understood.
3. Then he should
say: 'As large as this ether (all space) is, so large is that ether within the
heart. Both heaven and earth are contained within it, both fire and air, both
sun and moon, both lightning and stars; and whatever there is of him (the Self)
here in the world, and whatever is not (i.e. whatever has been or will be), all
that is contained within it.'
4. And if they
should say to him: 'If everything that exists is contained in that city of
Brahman, all beings and all desires (whatever can be imagined or desired), then
what is left of it, when old age reaches it and scatters it, or when it falls to
pieces?' Then he should say: 'By the old age of the body, that (the ether, or
Brahman within it) does not age; by the death of the body, that (the ether, or
Brahman within it is not killed. That the Brahman) is the true Brahma-city (not
the body). In it all desires are contained. It is the Self, free from sin, free
from old age, from death and grief, from hunger and thirst, which desires
nothing but what it ought to desire, and imagines nothing but what it ought to
imagine. Now as here on earth people follow as they are commanded, and depend on
the object which they are attached to, be it a country or a piece of land,
6. 'And as here
on earth, whatever has been acquired by exertion, perishes, so perishes whatever
is acquired for the next world by sacrifices and other good actions performed on
earth. Those who depart from hence without having discovered the Self and those
true desires, for them there is no freedom in all the worlds. But those who
depart from hence, after having discovered the Self and those true desires, for
them there is freedom in all the worlds.
SECOND KHANDA
1. 'Thus he who
desires the world of the fathers, by his mere will the fathers come to receive
him, and having obtained the world of the fathers, he is happy.
2. 'And he who
desires the world of the mothers, by his mere will the mothers come to receive
him, and having obtained the world of the mothers, he is happy.
3. 'And he who
desires the world of the brothers, by his mere will the brothers come to receive
him, and having obtained the world of the brothers, he is happy.
4. 'And he who
desires the world of the sisters, by his mere will the sisters come to receive
him, and having obtained the world of the sisters, he is happy.
5. 'And he who
desires the world of the friends, by his mere will the friends come to receive
him, and having obtained the world of the friends, he is happy.
6. 'And he who
desires the world of perfumes and garlands (gandhamalya), by his mere will
perfumes and garlands come to him, and having obtained the world of perfumes and
garlands, he is happy.
7. 'And he who
desires the world of food and drink, by his mere will food and drink come to
him, and having obtained the world of food and drink, he is happy.
8. 'And he who
desires the world of song and music, by his mere will song and music come to
him, and having obtained the world of song and music, he is happy.
9. 'And he who
desires the world of women, by his mere will women come to receive him, and
having obtained the world of women, he is happy.
'Whatever object
he is attached to, whatever object he desires, by his mere will it comes to him,
and having obtained it, he is happy.
THIRD KHANDA
1. 'These true
desires, however, are hidden by what is false; though the desires be true, they
have a covering which is false. Thus, whoever belonging to us has departed this
life, him we cannot gain back, so that we should see him with our eyes.
2. 'Those who
belong to us, whether living or departed, and whatever else there is which we
wish for and do not obtain, all that we find there (if we descend into our
heart, where Brahman dwells, in the ether of the heart), There are all our true
desires, but hidden by what is false. As people who do not know the country,
walk again and again over a gold treasure that has been hidden somewhere in the
earth and do not discover it, thus do all these creatures day after day go into
the Brahma-world (they are merged in Brahman, while asleep), and yet do not
discover it, because they are carried away by untruth (they do not come to
themselves, i.e. they do not discover the true Self in Brahman, dwelling in the
heart).
3. 'That Self
abides in the heart. And this is the etymological explanation. The heart is
called hrid-ayam, instead of hridy-ayam, i.e. He who is in the heart. He who
knows this, that He is in the heart, goes day by day (when in sushupti, deep
sleep) into heaven (svarga), 1.e. into the Brahman of the heart.
4. 'Now that
serene being which, after having risen from out this earthly body, and having
reached the highest light (self-knowledge), appears in its true form, that is
the Self,' thus he spoke (when asked by his pupils). This is the immortal, the
fearless, this is Brahman. And of that Brahman the name is the True, Satyam,
5. This name
Sattyam consists of three syllables, sat-ti-yam. Sat signifies the immortal, t,
the mortal, and with yam he binds both. Because he binds both, the immortal and
the mortal, therefore it is yam. He who knows this goes day by day into heaven (svarga).
FOURTH KHANDA
1. That Self is a
bank, a boundary, so that these worlds may not be confounded. Day and night do
not pass that bank, nor old age, death, and grief; neither good nor evil deeds.
All evil-doers turn back from it, for the world of Brahman is free from all
evil.
2. Therefore he
who has crossed that bank, if blind, ceases to be blind; if wounded, ceases to
be wounded; if afflicted, ceases to be afflicted. Therefore when that bank has
been crossed, night becomes day indeed, for the world of Brahman is lighted up
once for all.
3. And that world
of Brahman belongs to those only who find it by abstinence -- for them there is
freedom in all the worlds.
FIFTH KHANDA
1. What people
call sacrifice (yagna), that is really abstinence (brahmakarya). For he who
knows, obtains that (world of Brahman, which others obtain by sacrifice), by
means of abstinence.
What people call
sacrifice (ishta), that is really abstinence, for by abstinence, having searched
(ishtva), he obtains the Self.
2. What people
call sacrifice (sattrayana), that is really abstinence, for by abstinence he
obtains from the Sat (the true), the safety (trana) of the Self.
What people call
the vow of silence (mauna), that is really abstinence, for he who by abstinence
has found out the Self, meditates (manute).
3. What people
call fasting (anasakayana), that is really abstinence, for that Self does not
perish (na nasyati), which we find out by abstinence.
What people call
a hermit's life (aranyayana), that is really abstinence. Ara and Nya are two
lakes in the world of Brahman, in the third heaven from hence; and there is the
lake Airanimadiya, and the Asvattha tree, showering down Soma, and the city of
Brahman (Hiranyagarbha) Aparagita, and the golden Prabhuvimita (the hall built
by Prabhu, Brahman).
Now that world of
Brahman belongs to those who find the lakes Ara and Nya in the world of Brahman
by means of abstinence; for them there is freedom in all the worlds.
SIXTH KHANDA
1. Now those
arteries of the heart consist of a brown substance, of a white, blue, yellow,
and red substance, and so is the sun brown, white, blue, yellow, and red.
2. As a very long
highway goes to two places, to one at the beginning, and to another at the end,
so do the rays of the sun go to both worlds, to this one and to the other. They
start from the sun, and enter into those arteries; they start from those
arteries, and enter into the sun.
3. And when a man
is asleep, reposing, and at perfect rest, so that he sees no dream, then he has
entered into those arteries. Then no evil touches him, for he has obtained the
light (of the sun).
4. And when a man
falls ill, then those who sit round him, say, 'Do you know me? Do you know me?'
As long as he has not departed from this body, he knows them.
5. But when he
departs from this body, then he departs upwards by those very rays (towards the
worlds which he has gained by merit, not by knowledge); or he goes out while
meditating on Om (and thus securing an entrance into the Brahma-loka). And while
his mind is failing, he is going to the sun. For the sun is the door of the
world (of Brahman). Those who know, walk in; those who do not know, are shut
out. There is this verse: 'There are a hundred and one arteries of the heart;
one of them penetrates the crown of the head; moving upwards by it a man reaches
the immortal; the others serve for departing in different directions, yea, in
different directions.'
SEVENTH KHANDA
1. Pragapati
said: 'The Self which is free from sin, free from old age, from death and grief,
from hunger and thirst, which desires nothing but what it ought to desire, and
imagines nothing but what it ought to imagine, that it is which we must search
out, that it is which we must try to understand. He who has searched out that
Self and understands it, obtains all worlds and all desires.'
2. The Devas
(gods) and Asuras (demons) both heard these words, and said : 'Well, let us
search for that Self by which, if one has searched it out, all worlds and all
desires are obtained.'
Thus saying Indra
went from the Devas, Virokana from the Asuras, and both, without having
communicated with each other, approached Pragapati, holding fuel in their hands,
as is the custom for pupils approaching their master.
3. They dwelt
there as pupils for thirty-two years. Then Pragapati asked them: 'For what
purpose have you both dwelt here?'
They replied: 'A
saying of yours is being repeated, viz. "the Self which is free from sin, free
from old age, from death and grief, from hunger and thirst, which desires
nothing but what it ought to desire, and imagines nothing but what it ought to
imagine, that it is which we must search out, that it is which we must try to
understand. He who has searched out that Self and understands it, obtains all
worlds and all desires." Now we both have dwelt here because we wish for that
Self.'
Pragapati said to
them: 'The person that is seen in the eye, that is the Self. This is what I have
said. This is the immortal, the fearless, this is Brahman.'
They asked: 'Sir,
he who is perceived in the water, and he who is perceived in a mirror, who is
he?'
He replied: 'He
himself indeed is seen in all these .'
EIGHTH KHANDA.
1. 'Look at your
Self in a pan of water, and whatever you do not understand of your Self, come
and tell me.'
They looked in
the water-pan. Then Pragapati said to them: 'What do you see?'
They said: 'We
both see the self thus altogether, a picture even to the very hairs and nails.'
2. Pragapati said
to them: 'After you have adorned yourselves, have put on your best clothes and
cleaned yourselves, look again into the water-pan.
They, after
having adorned themselves, having put on their best clothes and cleaned
themselves, looked into the water-pan.
Pragapati said:
'What do you see?'
3. They said:
'Just as we are, well adorned, with our best clothes and clean, thus we are both
there, Sir, well adorned, with our best clothes and clean.'
Pragapati said:
'That is the Self, this is the immortal, the fearless, this is Brahman.'
Then both went
away satisfied in their hearts.
4. And Pragapati,
looking after them, said: 'They both go away without having perceived and
without having known the Self, and whoever of these two, whether Devas or Asuras,
will follow this doctrine (upanishad), will perish.'
Now Virokana,
satisfied in his heart, went to the Asuras and preached that doctrine to them,
that the self (the body) alone is to be worshipped, that the self (the body)
alone is to be served, and that he who worships the self and serves the self,
gains both worlds, this and the next.
5. Therefore they
call even now a man who does not give alms here, who has no faith, and offers no
sacrifices, an Asura, for this is the doctrine (upanishad) of the Asuras. They
deck out the body of the dead with perfumes, flowers, and fine raiment by way of
ornament, and think they will thus conquer that world.
NINTH KHANDA
1. But Indra,
before he had returned to the Devas, saw this difficulty. As this self (the
shadow in the water) is well adorned, when the body is well adorned, well
dressed, when the body is well dressed, well cleaned, if the body is well
cleaned, that self will also be blind, if the body is blind, lame, if the body
is lame, crippled, if the body is crippled, and will perish in fact as soon as
the body perishes. Therefore I see no good in this (doctrine).
2. Taking fuel in
his hand he came again as a pupil to Pragapati. Pragapati said to him: 'Maghavat
(Indra), as you went away with Virokana, satisfied in your heart, for what
purpose did you come back?'
He said : 'Sir,
as this self (the shadow) is well adorned, when the body is well adorned, well
dressed, when the body is well dressed, well cleaned, if the body is well
cleaned, that self will also be blind, if the body is blind, lame, if the body
is lame, crippled, if the body is crippled, and will perish in fact as soon as
the body perishes. Therefore I see no good in this (doctrine).'
3. 'So it is
indeed, Maghavat,' replied Pragapati; 'but I shall explain him (the true Self)
further to
you. Live with me
another thirty-two years.'
He lived with him
another thirty-two years, and then Pragapati said:
TENTH KHANDA
1. 'He who moves
about happy in dreams, he is the Self, this is the immortal, the fearless, this
is Brahman.'
Then Indra went
away satisfied in his heart. But before he had returned to the Devas, he saw
this difficulty. Although it is true that that self is not blind, even if the
body is blind, nor lame, if the body is lame, though it is true that that self
is not rendered faulty by the faults of it (the body),
2. Nor struck
when it (the body) is struck, nor lamed when it is lamed, yet it is as if they
struck him (the self) in dreams, as if they chased him'. He becomes even
conscious, as it were, of pain, and sheds tears. Therefore I see no good in
this.
3. Taking fuel in
his hands, he went again as a pupil to Prag-Apat1. Pragapati said to him: 'Maghavat,
as you went away satisfied in your heart, for what purpose did you come back?'
He said: 'Sir,
although it is true that that self is not blind even if the body is blind, nor
lame, if the body is lame, though it is true that that self is not rendered
faulty by the faults of it (the body),
4. Nor struck
when it (the body) is struck, nor lamed when it is lamed, yet it is as if they
struck him (the self) in dreams, as if they chased him. He becomes even
conscious, as it were, of pain, and sheds tears. Therefore I see no good in
this.'
'So it is indeed,
Maghavat,' replied Pragapati; 'but I shall explain him (the true Self) further
to you. Live with me another thirty-two years.' He lived with him another
thirty-two years. Then Pragapati said:
ELEVENTH KHANDA
1. 'When a man
being asleep, reposing, and at perfect rest', sees no dreams, that is the Self,
this is the immortal, the fearless, this is Brahman.'
Then Indra went
away satisfied.in his heart. But before he had returned to the Devas, he saw
this difficulty. In truth he thus does not know himself (his self) that he is I,
nor does he know anything that exists. He is gone to utter annihilation. I see
no good in this.
2. Taking fuel in
his hand he went again as a pupil to Pragapati. Pragapati said to him: 'Maghavat,
as you went away satisfied in your heart, for what purpose did you come back?'
He said: 'Sir, in
that way he does not know himself (his self ) that he is I, nor does he know
anything that exists. He is gone to utter annihilation. I see no good in this.'
3. 'So it is
indeed, Maghavat,' replied Pragapati 'but I shall explain him (the true Self)
further to
you, and nothing
more than this . Live here otherfive years.'
He lived there
other five years. This made in all one hundred and one years, and therefore it
is said that Indra Maghavat lived one hundred and one years as a pupil with
Pragapati. Pragapati said to him:
TWELFTH KHANDA
1. 'Maghavat,
this body is mortal and always held by death. It is the abode of that Self which
is immortal and without body. When in the body (by thinking this body is I and I
am this body) the Self is held by pleasure and pain. So long as he is in the
body, he cannot get free from pleasure and pain. But when he is free of the body
(when he knows himself different from the body), then neither pleasure nor pain
touches him'.
2. 'The wind is
without body, the cloud, lightning, and thunder are without body (without hands,
feet, &c.) Now as these, arising from this heavenly ether (space), appear in
their own form, as soon as they have approached the highest light,
3. 'Thus does
that serene being, arising from this body, appear in its own form, as soon as it
has approached the highest light (the knowledge of Self) . He (in that state) is
the highest person (uttama purusha). He moves about there laughing (or eating),
playing, and rejoicing (in his mind), be it with women, carriages, or relatives,
never minding that body into which he was born.
'Like as a horse
attached to a cart, so is the spirit (prana, pragnatman) attached to this body.
4. 'Now where the
sight has entered into the void (the open space, the black pupil of the eye),
there is the person of the eye, the eye itself is the instrument of seeing. He
who knows, let me smell this, he is the Self, the nose is the instrument of
smelling. He who knows, let me say this, he is the Self, the tongue is the
instrument of saying. He who knows, let me hear this, he is the Self, the ear is
the instrument of hearing.
5. 'He who knows,
let me think this, he is the Self, the mind is his divine eye . He, the Self,
seeing these pleasures (which to others are hidden like a buried treasure of
gold) through his divine eye, i. e. the mind, rejoices.
'The Devas who
are in the world of Brahman meditate on that Self (as taught by Pragapati to
Indra, and by Indra to the Devas). Therefore all worlds belong to them, and all
desires. He who knows that Self and understands it, obtains all worlds and all
desires.' Thus said Pragapati, yea, thus said Pragapati.
THIRTEENTH KHANDA
1. From the dark
(the Brahman of the heart) I come to the nebulous (the world of Brahman), from
the nebulous to the dark, shaking off all evil, as a horse shakes his hairs, and
as the moon frees herself from the mouth of Rahu. Having shaken off the body, I
obtain, self made and satisfied, the uncreated world of Brahman, yea, I obtain
it.
FOURTEENTH KHANDA
1. He who is
called ether (akasa) is the revealer of all forms and names. That within which
these forms and names are contained is the Brahman, the Immortal, the Self
I come to the
hall of Pragapati, to the house; I am the glorious among Brahmans, glorious
among princes, glorious among men. I obtained that glory, I am glorious among
the glorious. May I never go to the white, toothless, yet devouring, white
abode; may I never go to it.
FIFTEENTH KHANDA
1. Brahma (Hiranyagarbha
or Paramesvara) told this to Pragapati (Kasyapa), Pragapati to Manu (his son),
Manu to mankind. He who has learnt the Veda from a family of teachers, according
to the sacred rule, in the leisure time left from the duties to be performed for
the Guru, who, after receiving his discharge, has settled in his own house,
keeping up the memory of what he has learnt by repeating it regularly in some
sacred spot, who has begotten virtuous sons, and concentrated all his senses on
the Self, never giving pain to any creature, except at the tirthas (sacrifices,
&c.), he who behaves thus all his life, reaches the world of Brahman, and does
not return, yea, he does not return.
|