Athato Brahma jignyasaa ! ......

Athato Brahma jignyasaa

Kathopanishad 2.3 Valli 6

( Note- This is continuation of our Kathoapanishad series . teh last one kathopanishad 2.2 covered valli 5. This is the last valli number 6 . This will be covered in two parts )

Yama explains to Nachiketa about the real nature of Brahman

.“With roots above and branches spreading below it is the impermanent (Aswattha). It is the tree of creation, which is rooted above in Brahman and sends its branches downward into the phenomenal world. The dualities of life which are impermanent are its branches. But the origin of the tree is eternally pure. From the highest angelic form to the minutest atom all owe the origins to him. He is the foundation of the Universe and there is nothing beyond him”.

Yama continues

“The whole universe evolved from Brahman moves in the form of prana (energy). That is a mighty force. They who know that become immortal from fear of him the fire burns. From fear of him Sun shines, from fear of him Indra and Vayu and death speed forth”.

Yama says that just as the body cannot live or act without the soul nothing created in this world can exist independent of Brahman. Brahman is the source of all. Brahman is like the king whose laws are obeyed eternally. Hence it is said that Gods Sun, moon, wind and rain do his bidding. Brahman is likened to that of a raised thunderbolt whose laws everybody obeys.

Yama continues

“If a man is not able to know this before death, then he becomes embodied again into the created worlds. One who realizes the ultimate truth of Brahman the cycle ends?”

“As in a mirror so is he. he is seen within oneself ; as in dream so is he seen in the world of fathers, as in water so is he seen in the world of Gandharvas, As light and shadow he is seen the world of Brahma “.

Yama explains that by means of a purified understanding one can behold Brahman within as clearly as an image seen in the polished mirror. But one cannot have that clear vision of Brahman by attaining various realms known as heaven where one reaps fruits of his actions (good deeds) it is only by developing highest consciousness of here in this life one can obtain the perfect vision.

Yama continues

“Knowing that senses are distinct form Atman, their rising and setting is separated from atman, that wise man grieves no more”.

“Higher than the senses is the mind. Higher than the mind is the intellect. Higher than the intellect is the great Atman. Higher than the Atman is the Un manifested Brahman”.

“Beyond the un manifested are the all pervading and imperceptible Being. By knowing him the mortal is liberated and attains immortality”.

Yama takes Nachiketa (and us) into an inward pilgrimage where in

One moves beyond the senses and instincts, the soul and beyond to the inner most essence of self being Brahman. This ends in a liberating vision or attainment of immortality.

Then Yama continues.

Yama tells nachiketa - One who understands the true nature of the " indriayas" their raise and fall" knows self to be independent of these "indriyas" he will be free from the dualities of life

Mind is more powerful than the "indriyas". More powerful than the mind is the intellect !

Mind is more powerful than the "indriyas". More powerful than the mind is the intellect . Yama continues his teaching. More powerful than mind is the intellect . More powerful than the intellect is the self. More powerful than the self is the impreceptible or teh unmanifested. More powerful than the unmanifested is the Brahman who is prsent every whare. One who realises this brahman recahes immortality and is free from everything !!

Yama tells Nachiketa - "His form is not a form to be seen, and no body saw with their eyes.He is seen by the self in the cave of the heart , by a man whose intellect is awake whose mind struggles to achive the same. The one who realises becomes immortal" .

Yama continues " when one's sense organs and the mind are stilled and the intellect is at rest that is the ultimate state of repose ". This firm holding back of senses is known as Yoga . The man who sttains this state is aware of self. But this state is delicate state for Yoga comes and goes ! No body can attain this state by simple words or deeds. Only who attained such a state can tell that such state exists !

Yama explains to Nachiketa - " when one has moved beyond the desires then he attains immortality and attaisn the state of brahman.

Yama continues his explanation . "When all the knots in the mind are dissolved then one attains immortality and attains the state of Brahman"

Yama says , "There are hundred and one nerves in the heart. one of them goes through the head . The one going up through that attains immortality. Other travelling other nerves depats to different worlds

The Purusha the inner self of the size of the thumb is ever seated in the heart of all living beings

Yama concludes his teaching : " The Purusha the inner self of the size of the thumb is ever seated in the heart of all living beings. With perseverance man should draw him out from his body as one draws stalk from the blade of grass . One should know Him as pure and death less".

Thus Nachketa having acquired this wisdom taught by the Ruler of death , together with all rules of Yoga free from impurity and death attained Brahman. So also will it be with another who like wise knows the nature of the Self !!

Om tat sat !!!

(*) References

1 "The Upanishads" Vol 1 by Swami Nikhilananda , Published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkatta.

2 "Eight Upanishads" Vol 1, by Swami Gambhirananda, Published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkatta.

 

 

 

 

Click here to continue ....

 

The earlier stories

 

The Vedas

The Mahavakyas

Upanishads

Vedantic Enquiry

 

Kathopanishad 1.1

Kathopanishad1.2

Kathopanishad 1.3

 

Om tat sat !!!

(*) Refernces

1 "The Upanishads" Vol 1 by Swami Nikhilananda , Published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkatta.

2 "Eight Upanishads" Vol 1, by Swami Gambhirananda, Published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkatta.