kasarabada.org

Athato Brahma.....

The Katho Upanishad (*)

( 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. ( to be continued)

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.

Om tat Sat

Click here to continue ....

The earlier stories

The Vedas

The Mahavakyas

Upanishads

Vedantic Enquiry

Kathopanishad 1.1

Kathopanishad1.2

Kathopanishad 1.3

Kathopanishad 2.1

Kathopanishad 2.2

Notes from Kathopanishad

- Blind leading Blind etc

- Good Vs Pleasant

Welcome to kasarabada.org :

February 22nd , 2013

Welcome to Kasarabada.org

This week Ramayan Sundarakanda moves to the 33rd Chapter, Over the last ten weeks the site has been updated with a stark irregularity !! Nevertheless we covered Sundarakanda Chapter 23, Chapter 24 , Chapter 25 , Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28 Chapter 29, Chapter 30 , Chapter 31 and Chapter 32 in those ten weeks .

This week Athato continues with Kathopanishad 2nd Adhyaya Part 3 or valli 6 We had started the Kathopanishad because it is exciting. It is a dialog on death. Also it is Yama himself teaching !! . We also started with the thought we will stick to the old form of going chapter by chapter or in this case Valli by Valli. There are six Vallis and that would have been normally completed in six installments.In fact we covered Nachiketa's boon in Valli 1, Yama's teaching on good and pleasant as well as the word “om” in Valli 2, Knowledge of Atman in Valli2 (Sloka 21-25) and Valli 3 (Sloka 1-9). Valli 4 went through again nature of Self leading to perception and attainment of Unity. Valli 5 covered more of the nature of inner soul.

As we moved from Valli three to five, the topics moved back and forth with a different emphasis. In fact it becomes clearer that it is not a story that sticks to a progression in the sequence of Valli. It sticks to a progression in the process of thinking and elaborating on complex concepts. When understood the complexity may look simple nevertheless it is complex for the uninitiated. Several Slokas individually or in a subgroup have their own story (about Om, Self as master of the Chariot etc) which is needed to be elaborated. That is when we added some more notes " good vs pleasant " , "Blind leading Blind" from Kathopanishad

All this elaboration is to say we are not covering Valli 6 as a single entity. We are covering the first nine Slokas as they provide a cohesive thought framework on the nature of Brahman. The later part of Valli six covers aspects of Yoga which will be presented later as the final installment of Kathopanishad

The one more thing has some new notes on Kathopanishad

om tat Sat

_________________________________________________

What is on the kasarabada.org?

For the new visitors we thought of adding a few lines on navigation , so that they may know what is available on Kasarabada.org !

We now have 89 chapters of Dasama Skandha of Bhagavatam. All these chapters (stories on Krishna) are listed by name and are available on a link on the Bhagavatam page.

We have now 33 chapters of Sundarakanda and also complete bouquet of articles on Ramayana. These articles include "Role models from Ramayana" namely Srirama , Sita , Hanuman , Jataayu , Sabari , Bharata , Lakshmana. Apart from these there were some special articles namely The Message of Ramayana , Going to the Forests and about Hanuman in "In the thick of the Battle " . Along the same lines are the earlier articles in praise of Hunuman 1 , Hanuman 2 and Valmiki Sundarakanda . Added to this bouquet is the Sundarakanda as a Telugu poem by Pandit Vijayraghavrao. We have also added some downloads specifically for the Sankshipta Sundarakanda ( with Sanskrit slokas) reproduced in different language scripts namely Sanskrit , Telugu , Kannada and Malayalam . There is also a Telugu Sundarakanda Katha for those interested in reading the same as a prose story !!,.

One more thing is a page where we get articles which could be on anything , informative and educative handled with a light heart and a touch of contemporary realities. The page lists all the earlier stories on its page

The last new column is Athato Brahma Jignyasaa . This page is focused on Indian Philosophy /Darsanas. This has been started a few months ago and all its earlier issues are listed on its page

In effect to have a look at what is available from the earlier issues you only need to visit the four pages of Ramayanam , Bhagavatam , one more thing. and Athato Brahma Jignyasaa. Each page of these banner pages carry the list of all earlier articles .

Om Tat Sat ( info@kasarabada.org)

Witty Wisdom

- contributed by Kamaraju Turaga

__________________________________________________

Welcome to Kasarabada.org: ARCHIVES

One More Thing

More .. notes from

Kathopanishad

Some more notes from Kathopanishad:

The Valli six starts with a very interesting concept of Brahman and the world rooted in Brahman.

This is also to akin to the famous Sloka in the 15 th chapter of Bhagavad-Gita

In Kathopanishad the Sanskrit text actually does not use the word “tree” or Vruksa . It does use the word this is “Aswattha”. Aswattha being a known name of a Vruksha the explanation tended to link the whole thing to a tree. Aswattha in the true Sanskrit elaboration means impermanent. When Yama said “Esho Aswattha “it could simply be “it is impermanent”. Rooted up above in the Brahman spreading its branches below the Samsara is impermamanent. It is absolutely true and in line with the philosophy which declares life as transient and impermanent.

As elaborated by Sankara and for us in a more simple way by Chinmaya it is not about the upside down tree. It is about the all forms being rooted in the source up above that is Brahman.

The concept of whole world sun moon etc running in great terror is that they all follow rigid laws (Maxwell's laws may be) as though Brahman is standing by with a Vajrayudaha. The Universe is in fact running smoothly and harmoniously following the laws of nature. The law of nature is the Vajrayudha. the great terror.

As the discourse runs inwards trying to seek the “real you” or "your own real nature” , Yama states emphatically that in the human form you can see yourself as though seeing in a mirror , in other planes of existence say “pitru loka” or “gandharv loka”. It keeps coming back that this form (human) of life is more valuable in attaining “Moksha” compared being in heaven from where anyway one has to come back after the deputation is over or after exhausting all the "good karma" accrued earlier !!!

This is yet another concept that gets revised from our childhood mores. "being in heaven" being inferior to being here on earth and attaining Moksha. Which makes "heaven" an unnecessary stop in our journey !!!

om tat Sat

to continue move on to the page of ' one more thing " click here

The earlier stories.

Self as the master of the Chariot -notes from kathopanishad

Good Vs Pleasant from kathopanishad

Blind leading Blind - from Katha

Upanishad

The story of Ganesh Chaturthi

Manisha Panchakam Sloka 1

Manisha Panchakam

Who are you ??

Leader and the Led

Bhakthi and Self surrender

Why say so many words Part 2

Why say so many words Part 1

Gurus and lessons

Such a Simple message !!

Sundarakanda and the related Beliefs

Remembering Sribhashyam

Appalacharyulu garu

The methods of Elucidation

( Lakshana)

The story of the Jar/Kunda

The story of Devadatta

"Hitam Manohari cha" - revisited

Dasama Nyaya

On the Fortune - a demolition of its traits !!

on the Success

The story of Sabari

Charvaka School of Philosophy

On Vedas from the West

Jayamantram

The story of a Bear ( from Ramayana)

Ramudu-Sugunaabhiraamudu

Sahasavidadhita na kriyam..

... 'no not in a hurry'!

Aham nasyaami .. I destroy !! contributed by Tuaraga Rajendraparasad.

"It is not that the holy waters are not altogether Holy - Krishna

An intelligent man should follow those actions that are consistent and within his realm of action ..( more)

.. I am enquiring , that should be clearly explained! …." Thus spoke Krishna.(more.).

" Peace does not drop from the sky" says Dalai Lama.

Passing away of a stalwart:

Prof Bhavaraju Sarveswara Rao

. ............

Unison of thought speech and action

Jewel of jewels'

Who is Poor ?

Green message from Bhagava...

Music in our Epics

what is kasara ?

Home Valmiki Ramayanam Srimad Bhagavatam Trust Contacts

	Athato Brahma..... Kathopanishad - 2.3 (valli 6) The **Katho Upanishad ()*** ( 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. ( to be continued) 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. Om tat Sat Click here to continue .... The earlier stories The Vedas The Mahavakyas Upanishads Vedantic Enquiry Kathopanishad 1.1 Kathopanishad**1.2 Kathopanishad 1.3 Kathopanishad 2.1 Kathopanishad 2.2 Notes from Kathopanishad - Blind leading Blind etc - Good Vs Pleasant	Welcome to kasarabada.org : February 22nd , 2013 Welcome to Kasarabada.org This week Ramayan Sundarakanda moves to the 33rd Chapter, Over the last ten weeks the site has been updated with a stark irregularity !! Nevertheless we covered Sundarakanda Chapter 23, Chapter 24 , Chapter 25 , Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28 Chapter 29, Chapter 30 , Chapter 31 and Chapter 32 in those ten weeks . This week Athato continues with Kathopanishad 2nd Adhyaya Part 3 or valli 6 We had started the Kathopanishad because it is exciting. It is a dialog on death. Also it is Yama himself teaching !! . We also started with the thought we will stick to the old form of going chapter by chapter or in this case Valli by Valli. There are six Vallis and that would have been normally completed in six installments.In fact we covered Nachiketa's boon in Valli 1, Yama's teaching on good and pleasant as well as the word “om” in Valli 2, Knowledge of Atman in Valli2 (Sloka 21-25) and Valli 3 (Sloka 1-9). Valli 4 went through again nature of Self leading to perception and attainment of Unity. Valli 5 covered more of the nature of inner soul. As we moved from Valli three to five, the topics moved back and forth with a different emphasis. In fact it becomes clearer that it is not a story that sticks to a progression in the sequence of Valli. It sticks to a progression in the process of thinking and elaborating on complex concepts. When understood the complexity may look simple nevertheless it is complex for the uninitiated. Several Slokas individually or in a subgroup have their own story (about Om, Self as master of the Chariot etc) which is needed to be elaborated. That is when we added some more notes " good vs pleasant " , "Blind leading Blind" from Kathopanishad All this elaboration is to say we are not covering Valli 6 as a single entity. We are covering the first nine Slokas as they provide a cohesive thought framework on the nature of Brahman. The later part of Valli six covers aspects of Yoga which will be presented later as the final installment of Kathopanishad The one more thing has some new notes on Kathopanishad om tat Sat _________________________________________________ What is on the kasarabada.org? For the new visitors we thought of adding a few lines on navigation , so that they may know what is available on Kasarabada.org ! We now have 89 chapters of Dasama Skandha of Bhagavatam. All these chapters (stories on Krishna) are listed by name and are available on a link on the Bhagavatam page. We have now 33 chapters of Sundarakanda and also complete bouquet of articles on Ramayana. These articles include "Role models from Ramayana" namely Srirama , Sita , Hanuman , Jataayu , Sabari , Bharata , Lakshmana. Apart from these there were some special articles namely The Message of Ramayana , Going to the Forests and about Hanuman in "In the thick of the Battle " . Along the same lines are the earlier articles in praise of Hunuman 1 , Hanuman 2 and Valmiki Sundarakanda . Added to this bouquet is the Sundarakanda as a Telugu poem by Pandit Vijayraghavrao. We have also added some downloads specifically for the Sankshipta Sundarakanda ( with Sanskrit slokas) reproduced in different language scripts namely Sanskrit , Telugu , Kannada and Malayalam . There is also a Telugu Sundarakanda Katha for those interested in reading the same as a prose story !!,. One more thing is a page where we get articles which could be on anything , informative and educative handled with a light heart and a touch of contemporary realities. The page lists all the earlier stories on its page The last new column is Athato Brahma Jignyasaa . This page is focused on Indian Philosophy /Darsanas. This has been started a few months ago and all its earlier issues are listed on its page In effect to have a look at what is available from the earlier issues you only need to visit the four pages of Ramayanam , Bhagavatam , one more thing. and Athato Brahma Jignyasaa. Each page of these banner pages carry the list of all earlier articles . Om Tat Sat ( info@kasarabada.org) Witty Wisdom - contributed by Kamaraju Turaga __________________________________________________ Welcome to Kasarabada.org: ARCHIVES	One More Thing More .. notes from Kathopanishad Some more notes from Kathopanishad: The Valli six starts with a very interesting concept of Brahman and the world rooted in Brahman. This is also to akin to the famous Sloka in the 15 th chapter of Bhagavad-Gita In Kathopanishad the Sanskrit text actually does not use the word “tree” or Vruksa . It does use the word this is “Aswattha”. Aswattha being a known name of a Vruksha the explanation tended to link the whole thing to a tree. Aswattha in the true Sanskrit elaboration means impermanent. When Yama said “Esho Aswattha “it could simply be “it is impermanent”. Rooted up above in the Brahman spreading its branches below the Samsara is impermamanent. It is absolutely true and in line with the philosophy which declares life as transient and impermanent. As elaborated by Sankara and for us in a more simple way by Chinmaya it is not about the upside down tree. It is about the all forms being rooted in the source up above that is Brahman. The concept of whole world sun moon etc running in great terror is that they all follow rigid laws (Maxwell's laws may be) as though Brahman is standing by with a Vajrayudaha. The Universe is in fact running smoothly and harmoniously following the laws of nature. The law of nature is the Vajrayudha. the great terror. As the discourse runs inwards trying to seek the “real you” or "your own real nature” , Yama states emphatically that in the human form you can see yourself as though seeing in a mirror , in other planes of existence say “pitru loka” or “gandharv loka”. It keeps coming back that this form (human) of life is more valuable in attaining “Moksha” compared being in heaven from where anyway one has to come back after the deputation is over or after exhausting all the "good karma" accrued earlier !!! This is yet another concept that gets revised from our childhood mores. "being in heaven" being inferior to being here on earth and attaining Moksha. Which makes "heaven" an unnecessary stop in our journey !!! om tat Sat *to continue move on to the page of ' one more thing " click here* The earlier stories. Self as the master of the Chariot -notes from kathopanishad Good Vs Pleasant from kathopanishad Blind leading Blind - from Katha Upanishad The story of Ganesh Chaturthi Manisha Panchakam Sloka 1 Manisha Panchakam Who are you ?? Leader and the Led Bhakthi and Self surrender Why say so many words Part 2 Why say so many words Part 1 Gurus and lessons Such a Simple message !! Sundarakanda and the related Beliefs Remembering Sribhashyam Appalacharyulu garu The methods of Elucidation ( Lakshana) The story of the Jar/Kunda The story of Devadatta "Hitam Manohari cha" - revisited Dasama Nyaya On the Fortune - a demolition of its traits !! on the Success The story of Sabari Charvaka School of Philosophy On Vedas from the West Jayamantram The story of a Bear ( from Ramayana) Ramudu-Sugunaabhiraamudu Sahasavidadhita na kriyam.. ... 'no not in a hurry'! Aham nasyaami .. I destroy !! contributed by Tuaraga Rajendraparasad. "It is not that the holy waters are not altogether Holy - Krishna *An intelligent man should follow those actions that are consistent and within his realm of action* ..( more) *.. I am enquiring , that should be clearly explained! …."* Thus spoke Krishna.(more.). " Peace does not drop from the sky" says Dalai Lama. *Passing away of a stalwart:* Prof Bhavaraju Sarveswara Rao . ............ Unison of thought speech and action Jewel of jewels' Who is Poor ? Green message from Bhagava... Music in our Epics what is kasara ?
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Athato Brahma.....

Welcome to kasarabada.org :

February 22nd , 2013

Witty Wisdom

One More Thing