Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Muktika Upanishad

 


https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/thirty-minor-upanishads/d/doc216984.html





I-i-26-29. But by what means is the Kaivalya kind of Moksha got ? The Mandukya is enough; if knowledge is not got from it, then study the Ten Upanishads. Getting knowledge very soon, you will reach my abode. If certainty is not got even then, study the 32 Upanishads and stop. If desiring Moksha without the body, read the 108 Upanishads. Hear their order.


I-i-30-39. 1. Isa


2. Kena


3. Katha


4. Prasna


5. Munda


6. Mandukya


7. Taittiri


8. Aitareya


9. Chandogya


10. Brihadaranyaka


11. Brahma


12. Kaivalya


13. Jabala


14. Svetasva


15. Hamsa


16. Aruni


17. Garbha


18. Narayana


19. Paramahamsa


20. Amritabindu


21. Amritanada


22. Atahrvasirah


23. Atharvasikha


24. Maitrayini


25. Kaushitakibrahmana


26. Brihajjabala


27. Nrisimhatapini


28. Kalagnirudra


29. Maitreya


30. Subala


31. Kshurika


32. Mantrika


33. Sarvasara


34. Niralamba


35. Sukarahasya


36. Vajrasuchika


37. Tejobindu


38. Nadabindu


39. Dhyanabindu


40. Brahmavidya


41. Yogatattva


42. Atmabodha


43. Naradaparivrajaka


44. Trisikhi


45. Sita


46. Yogachudamani


47. Nirvana


48. Mandalabrahmana


49. Dakshinamurti


50. Sarabha


51. Skanda


52. Tripadvibhuti-Mahanarayana


53. Advayataraka


54. Ramarahasya


55. Ramatapani


56. Vasudeva


57. Mudgala


58. Sandilya


59. Paingala


60. Bhiksu


61. Mahat


62. Sariraka


63. Yogasikha


64. Turiyatita


65. Sannyasa


66. Paramahamsaparivrajaka


67. Akshamalika


68. Avyakta


69. Ekakshara


70. Annapurna


71. Surya


72. Akshi


73. Adhyatma


74. Kundika


75. Savitri


76. Atma


77. Pasupata


78. Parabrahma


79. Avadhutaka


80. Tripuratapini


81. Devi


82. Tripura


83. Katharudra


84. Bhavana


85. Rudrahridaya


86. Yoga-kundali


87. Bhasma


88. Rudraksha


89. Ganapati


90. Darsana


91. Tarasara


92. Mahavakya


93. Panchabrahma


94. Pranagnihotra


95. Gopalatapini


96. Krishna


97. Yajnavalkya


98. Varaha


99. Satyayani


100. Hayagriva


101. Dattatreya


102. Garuda


103. Kalisamtarana


104. Jabali


105. Saubhagyalakshmi


106. Sarasvatirahasya


107. Bahvricha


108. Muktika


I-i-40-43. These destroy three kinds of Bhavana (regarding) body, senses and mind respectively as identified with Atman. The best of Brahmanas will become Jivanmuktas if they study upto the destruction of Prarabdha, these 108 Upanishads from a Guru along with the Shanti-pada. Then, in course of time they will get Vedeha-mukti, surely.


I-i-44-52. These 108 are the essence of all Upanishads and can cut away all sins by merely hearing once. These cause release whether read with or without knowledge. One may give away a kingdom, wealth etc., to one who asks, but not these 108 to just anyone – to an unbeliever (nastika), ungrateful, of bad conduct, one against devotion to me, deluded by wrong scripture or lacking devotion to the Guru.


But they shall be taught to one devoted to service, devotee, of good conduct, birth and wisdom. He should be well tested. A Rik verse on this: the goddess of knowledge came to a Brahmana and said ‘Protect me, I am your treasure, do not teach me to one who is jealous, dishonest and deceitful – then I shall powerful, but give it to one who is learned, careful, wise and celibate, after examining him’.


I-ii-1. Then Maruti asked Sri Ramachandra thus: Please relate to me separately the Shanti-mantras of the different Vedas, Rig etc.


Sri Rama then said: "My speech rests on my mind … " [Vanme-Manasi….]. This is the Shanti-mantra of the following ten Upanishads forming part of the Rig-Veda:


1. Aitareya


2. Kaushitakibrahmana


3. Nadabindu


4. Atmabodha


5. Nirvana


6. Mudgala


7. Akshamalika


8. Tripura


9. Saubhagyalakshmi


10. Bahvricha


I-ii-2. "That (which lies beyond) is full" [Purnamada ….] – and so on: This is the Shanti-mantra of the following Nineteen Upanishads, forming part of the Sukla-Yajur-Veda:


1. Isavasya


2. Brihadaranyaka


3. Jabala


4. Hamsa


5. Paramahamsa


6. Subala


7. Mantrika


8. Niralamba


9. Trisikhibrahmana


10. Mandalabrahmana


11. Advayataraka


12. Paingala


13. Bhiksu


14. Turiyatita


15. Adhyatma


16. Tarasara


17. Yajnavalkya


18. Satyayani


19. Muktika


I-ii-3. "May (the Brahman of the Upanishads) protect us both" [Sahanavavatu …] – and so on: This is the Shanti-mantra of the following Thirty-Two Upanishads, forming part of the Krishna-Yajur-Veda: 


1. Kathavalli


2. Taittiriyaka


3. Brahma


4. Kaivalya


5. Svetasvatara


5. Garbha


6. Narayana


7. Amritabindu


8. Amritanada


9. Kalagnirudra


10. Kshurika


11. Sarvasara


12. Sukarahasya


13. Tejobindu


14. Dhyanabindu


15. Brahmavidya


16. Yogatattva


17. Dakshinamurti


18. Skanda


19. Sariraka


20. Yogasikha


21. Ekakshara


22. Akshi


23. Avadhuta


24. Katharudra


25. Rudrahridaya


26. Yoga-kundalini


27. Panchabrahma


28. Pranagnihotra


29. Varaha


30. Kalisamtarana


31. Sarasvatirahasya


I-ii-4. "May the unseen powers nourish" [Apyayantu ….] – and so on: This is the Shanti-mantra of the following Sixteen Upanishads forming part of the Sama-Veda:


1. Kena


2. Chandogya


3. Aruni


4. Maitrayani


5. Maitreya


6. Vajrasuchika


7. Yogachudamani


8. Vasudeva


9. Mahat


10. Sannyasa


11. Avyakta


12. Kundika


13. Savitri


14. Rudrakshajabala


15. Darsana


16. Jabali


I-ii-5. "May we hear with our ears the auspicious truths of the Vedanta" [Bhadram-Karnebhih…] – and so on: This is the Shanti-mantra of the following Thirty-One Upanishads of the Atharva-Veda:


1. Prasna


2. Mundaka


3. Mandukya


4. Atahrvasiras


5. Atharvasikha


6. Brihajjabala


7. Nrisimhatapini (Purvottara)


8. Naradaparivrajaka


9. Sita


10. Sarabha


11. Tripadvibhuti-Mahanarayana


12. Ramarahasya


13. Ramatapini (Purvottara)


14. Sandilya


15. Paramahamsaparivrajaka


16. Annapurna


17. Surya


18. Atma


19. Pasupatabrahmana


20. Parabrahma


21. Tripuratapini


22. Devi


23. Bhavana


24. Bhasmajabala


25. Ganapati


26. Mahavakya


27. Gopalatapini (Purvottara)


28. Krishna


29. Hayagriva


30. Dattatreya


31. Garuda


https://www.vedarahasya.net/muktika.htm



https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/01-Muktikopanishad.pdf


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muktik%C4%81



Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Advaita Vedanta - Prasthana Trayam - Brahma Vidya - 10 Principal Upanishads - Brahma Sutra - Bhagvad Gita

Three sources of  axioms with  epistemic authority, for the Vedanta schools. 


They are: 


The Upanishads, known as Upadeśa Prasthāna (injunctive texts), and the Śruti Prasthāna (the starting point for axioms of revelation), especially the Principal Upanishads.

The Bhagavad Gita, known as Sādhana Prasthāna (practical text), and the Smṛti Prasthāna (the starting point for axioms of remembered tradition)

The Brahma Sutras, known as Sūtra Prasthāna (formulative texts) or Nyāya Prasthāna or Yukti Prasthāna (logical text for axioms of logic)



The ten Upanishads are 

Aitareya, 

Bṛhadāraṇyaka.

Chāndogya 

Īśā, 

Kaṭha,


Kena, 

Māṇḍūkya, 

Muṇḍaka, 

Praṣna, 

Taittirīya, 


Verses in each upanishad

Mandukya - 12, Isa - 17 or 18

Taittiriya - 31,  Aitareya - 33, Kena - 35

Mundaka - 64, Prasna - 64


Katha  - 119, 


Brihadaranyaka 434

Chandogya 627




Aitareya, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=587&parent=577&format=html


33 verses


5. In the beginning, all this was, verily, the Atman alone. There was nothing else living. Nothing else, whatsoever, living, existed. There was no other thing that winked at all.


26. Then he tried to catch it (food) by Apana, and he caught it. It is this Apana which catches food. This Apana is the giver of life, by food.

The Story of Birth

32. First indeed is the germ in man. That which is the semen is the essence of strength or vigour, drawn from all his limbs. He bears himself within his self alone. When he deposits it in the woman, he causes it to be born. This is its first birth.

The universe has Consciousness for its guide. Consciousness is the basis or stay of all. Verily, consciousness (Prajnanam) is Brahman.

42. Prajnanam Brahma: Pure Consciousness is Brahman. This is one of the Maha-Vakyas or great sentences of the Upanishads.

43. This is called the Lakshana-Vakya, because it gives a description of the nature of Brahman.

45. A liberated sage does not move to any world. He gets absorbed in the all-pervading Brahman. He realises that the individual soul is identical with Para Brahman.



Bṛhadāraṇyaka.

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=589&parent=577&format=html


434 verses

Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi Samvada


The Inner Ruler


19. Gautama asked: O Yajnavalkya, tell me who is the Inner Ruler?


22. He who dwells in all beings and within all beings, whom all beings do not know, whose body are all beings, and who from within rules all beings, is thy Self, the Inner Ruler, Immortal.


The Indestructible Being


28. Gargi said: O Yajnavalkya, that of which they say it is above the heavens, beneath the earth, embracing heaven and earth, past, present and future, tell me in what is it woven like warp and woof?


29. Yajnavalkya replied: In ether (Akasa).



40. But he who departs from this world, knowing this Indestructible Being, is a true Brahmana.


The Guiding Light


41. Janaka said: Yajnavalkya, what is the light of this Purusha?


42. Yajnavalkya replied: The sun, O king; for by the light of the sun man sits down, moves about and does his work and returns home.


49. When the sun has set and the moon has set, and the fire has gone out and sound is hushed, what is then the light of man?


50. The Self indeed is his light; for by the light of the Self he sits down, walks about, does his work and returns home.


51. What is that Self?


52. He who is within the heart, surrounded by the Pranas, the Purusha who is light, who is of the nature of Knowledge.


Waking and Dreaming

Deep Sleep

The phenomenon of Death

Da, Da, Da


Deep Sleep


101. Therefore, let one learn the triad of restraint, liberality and mercy (da, da, da).

Lectures 4 

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Taittiriya_Upanishad

Brahadaranyaka Upanishad - Shankara Bhashya - English - Swami Madhavaananda : The Free Indological Collection : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi Samvada (starts in 2-4-1)

Taittariya Brihadaranyaka Upanishad Sanskrit Text Telugu Script Bhashya ( Shankara Ranga Ramanuja) Anandagiri Tika Madras 1869 Vedanta Vidya Vilasa : Vedanta Vidya Vilasa : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive


Chāndogya 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=588&parent=577&format=html

 It is presented in the form of an instruction by Uddālaka Āruni Gautama  to his son Śvetaketu,

627 verses

6. In the beginning, all this was Pure Being, One without a second.


7. It thought: 'May I be many, may I grow forth.' It created fire.


8. The fire thought: 'May I be many, may I grow forth.' It created water. Therefore, whenever anybody is hot, he perspires and water is produced on him from fire alone.


The Tri-Colour Analysis


11. The red colour of the sun is the colour of fire. The white colour of water. The black of the earth. Thus vanishes what we call the sun, being only a modification which is a mere name based upon words, the only truth being that there are three elements. So are moon, lightning, fire, etc., mere combinations of these elements.


78. Hope is greater than memory. Fried by hope does memory read the Mantras, perform sacrifices, desires sons and cattle, desire this world and the next.


79. Meditate on hope. He who meditates on hope as Brahman, all his desires are fulfilled by Hope. His prayers are never vain. He becomes independent so far as hope reaches.


104. Indra, chief of Devas, and Virochana, chief among Asuras, went to Prajapatji, with fuel (samidhas) in hands, as was the custom for pupils approaching their Guru.


105. They dwelt there as religious students observing the vow of celibacy for a period of thirty-two years.


106. When questioned by Prajapati, they said: It is with the purpose of knowing the Self that we have dwelt here.


107. Prajapati said: The person that is seen in the eye, that is the Self. This is the Immortal, the Fearless. This is Brahman.


108. They asked: Sir, He that is perceived in the water, and He that is seen in the mirror which of these is That?


109. He said: He himself indeed is seen in all these.


110. They went away satisfied. Virochana with a satisfied heart went to the Asura and preached this doctrine to them. The body alone is to be worshipped (as the Self).


111. 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 of the Asura.



119. At Prajapati's command, Indra remained with him for a further period of five years.


120. Then Prajapati said to Indra: Indra! This body is mortal. It is subject to death. It is the abode of that Self which is Immortal and bodyless.


121. The embodied self is subject to pleasure and pain. But Self without the body is not troubled by pleasure and pain.


122. The wind is without body; the cloud, lightning and thunder are without body. Now, as these, rising above, appear in their own form, as soon as they have approached the highest light.


123. Thus does this Being, rising above this body, and having reached the Highest Light, appear in Its own form.


124. This is the Uttama-Purusha, the Supreme Person.


125. He moves about there laughing, playing and rejoicing, never minding that body in which he was born.


126. Just as a horse is attached to the cart, so also the Prana is attached to this body.


127. Now where the eye has entered into Akasa, (in the act of seeing), that is the person in the eye, the eye itself is the instrument of seeing.


128. He who knows: May I smell this, he is the Self, the nose is the instrument of smelling.


129. He who knows: May I think, he is the Self, the mind is his divine eye. And it is by means of his divine eye of the mind that he sees desires and rejoices.


130. The Devas who are in the world of Brahman meditate upon this Self (as taught by Prajapati to Indra, and by Indra to the Devas).


Lectures 200

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Chandogya_Upanishad




Īśā, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=580&parent=577&format=html

17 or 18

The whole is all That. The whole is all this. The whole was born of the whole. Taking the whole from the whole, what remains is the whole.


4. The Upanishads teach the philosophy of absolute unity.


7. This world is indwelt by Para-Brahman or the Absolute.


8. Renounce all desires. Renounce egoism, selfishness and identification of self with the body (Deha-Adhyasa). Then alone will you attain Moksha or release.


9. Desire for liberation will destroy all earthly desires.


Nature of The Atman


17. The Atman is very subtle. It is Antaratma, the inner self of all beings. It fills and covers everything. It is all-full. Hence it is within and without.


18. The Atman is the substratum or support (Adhishthana) of all beings.


19. The sage sees all beings in the Atman and the Atman in all beings.


46. Brahman, the only real entity, cannot be attained by any other means than the removal of ignorance through knowledge of the Self.


47. When one attains the supreme Brahman which is unborn, unchangeable, birthless, undecaying, immortal, fearless, eternal, self-luminous, all-blissful, and all-pervading, one is freed from births and deaths.


50. Having abandoned the sense of I-ness in these, and rising above sense-life, the wise becomes immortal.


Kaṭha,

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=582&parent=577&format=html

119 verses

The Pleasant vs. The Good


4. One is good while another is pleasant. Blessed is he who, between them, chooses the good alone (Sreyas); but who chooses what is pleasant (Preyas) loses the true end.


32. Brahma-Vidya is the most wonderful science. This is the science of sciences.


46. Brahma-Jnana or knowledge of the Self cannot be obtained by mere reasoning or argument. One has to feel and realise the Brahmic consciousness through spiritual experience or direct intuitive perception.



Who Gets Atma-Jnana


104. This Atman cannot be attained by studies of the Vedas, nor by intelligence, nor by much hearing. He whom the Self chooses, by him the Self can be attained. To him this Atman reveals its true nature


The Inner Order of Priority


132. Here is given the ascending degree of the subtlety of things. Beyond the senses are the rudiments of objects, beyond rudiments is the mind, beyond the mind is the intellect; beyond the intellect is the Cosmic intellect.


133. Beyond the cosmic intellect is the unmanifested (Avyaktam). Beyond the unmanifested is the Purusha; beyond the Purusha there is nothing; that is the end; that is the highest goal.


153. The Purusha is the cause of all causes. He fills all. Hence he is called Purusha.


Unity of Brahman, Man and World


231. Brahman appears as the Jiva through Upadhi or a limiting adjunct, viz., Avidya.


232. Brahman appears as Hiranyagarbha through the Upadhi or limiting adjunct of Maya.


233. The sum total or aggregate of Jivas (Samashti) is Hiranyagarbha.


234. The Jiva is a microcosmic aspect of Brahman.


235. When the limiting adjunct drops, Hiranyagarbha and Jiva become identical with the transcendent Brahman.

242. He who thinks: I am different from Brahman, is again born and dies; but he who feels; I am verily the all-pervading immortal Satchidananda Brahman, attains immortality.



281. The real source of life is the Atman. The Prana, Apana, etc. cannot be the source of life. Their work conjointly for the benefit of the Atman only, which is distinct from them.


419. Nachiketas, having acquired this knowledge imparted by Yama, and also the whole teaching about Yoga, attained Brahman, having become free from all impurities and from death. Thus it will be with others also who thus know the nature of Brahman.



Kena, 

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=581&parent=577&format=html


35 verses

10. You will become immortal while living in this body, if you attain knowledge of Brahman. You need not wait till you leave this body.


11. Just as the water in a cup borrows its heat from the sun or the fire, so also the mind. Prana and senses borrow their light and power from the Atman.


12. The ear hears through the light of the Atman, the tongue speaks through the power of the Atman, the mind thinks through the power of the Atman, and the Prana performs its functions through the power of the Atman only.


13. The mind and the organs are inert and non-intelligent. They appear to be intelligent through the light and power of the Atman.


29. Brahman is the only Reality. It is the basis and source for everything.


30. Brahman is not an object. It is all-pervading, mysterious, incomprehensible, Chaitanya or pure consciousness.


31. Brahman must be known through intuition.


39. The soul of man is the Atman. The soul of the universe is Brahman. The Atman is identical with Brahman.


48. Vedanta is not hostile to devotion. It only deprecates worship with selfish interest.


49. A Vedantin or a Sage is a perfect devotee.


50. Para-Bhakti or supreme devotion and Jnana or wisdom are one.


51. Vedanta says that Isvara whom people worship is one's own Self. It teaches an expanded form of Bhakti, the highest form of devotion.


64. Brahman is the Lord or the Proprietor of this mind-factory. The eyes, ears, etc. are ordinary clerks. The mind is the head-clerk. The intellect is the managing director.


65. What cannot be heard by the ears, but by which the ears are able to hear, know that alone is Brahman.



104. If one does not know Brahman, he is caught in the round of births and deaths.


126. Truth excels others as an aid to knowledge.



Māṇḍūkya, 


Mandukya Upanishad - Introduction

The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest yet one of the most profound Upanishads, consisting of just 12 verses. It explores the nature of the Self (Atman) through the symbol of Om, breaking it into its components – A, U, M – representing the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness. Beyond these three is the fourth state, Turiya, which transcends all experience and represents pure, undivided awareness. This Upanishad is foundational in Advaita Vedanta and was extensively commented on by Adi Shankaracharya. It emphasizes that realizing Turiya leads to liberation (moksha). Despite its brevity, it offers a complete roadmap to understanding ultimate reality.

https://shlokam.org/text/mandukya-upanishad.htm


https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=585&parent=577&format=html

12 verses

1. Om, the word, is all this. Its further explanation is this. All that is past, present and future is verily Om. That which is beyond the triple conception of time, is verily Om.


2. All this is verily Brahman. This Atman (the Supreme Self) is Brahman. This Atman has four quarters, four feet, not like those of a cow, but like the fractions of a coin


8. This is that Atman even with regard to the letters (of the word Om); it is the Omkara with its parts. The quarters are the parts, and the parts the quarters. The parts of OM are 'A', 'U' and 'M'.


12. That which has no parts is the fourth, transcendental, destitute of phenomenal existence, all bliss and non-dual. This verily is Omkara. He who knows this merges his self in the Self.


Mandukya Upanishad, first verse:

हरिः ओम् । ओमित्येतदक्षरमिदं सर्वं तस्योपव्याख्यानं भूतं भवद्भविष्यदिति सर्वमोङ्कार एव | यच्चान्यत्त्रिकालातीतं तदप्योङ्कार एव ॥ १ ॥


1. Hariḥ Aum. Aum, the word, is all this. A clear explanation of it (is the following). All that is past, present and future is verily Aum. That which is beyond the triple conception of time, is also truly Aum.

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/mandukya-upanishad-karika-bhashya/d/doc143592.html

Verses

1. Om is the all-pervading sound and the Self; it represents the past, present, and future.

2. The Self has four states: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendent fourth (Turiya).

3. In waking state, the Self is outwardly aware, identified with gross objects.

4. In dreaming, the Self turns inward and experiences subtle impressions.

5. In deep sleep, the Self rests without desires or dreams—blissful but unconscious.

6. These three states are temporary manifestations of the Self.

7. Turiya is beyond mind and language—pure consciousness and the real Self.

8. Om represents the Self in its entirety—each syllable (A, U, M) linked to a state.

9. ‘A’ symbolizes the waking state—beginning, expansion, and consciousness of the outer world.

10. ‘U’ symbolizes the dream state—mid-point and subtle inner experience.

11. ‘M’ symbolizes deep sleep—merging and unconscious bliss.

12. The silence after Om is Turiya, the ultimate Self, beyond all experience and duality.

https://shlokam.org/text/mandukya-upanishad.htm

Muṇḍaka, 

INTRODUCTION
THREE OUT OF THE 10 Major Upanishads are from the Atharvana Veda. They are Prashna, Mundaka and Maandukya. Mundaka is usually studied before Prashna because the former gives the Mantras and the latter explains their usage. 

64 verses

Shaunaka is the student and Angiraa is the Teacher in this text.

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=584&parent=577&format=html


1. The knowledge which is a means to the attainment of the highest Brahman can be attained only by the grace of the preceptor, after one's having renounced all desire and egoism, and having acquired the four means of salvation.


6. Cultivate discrimination, dispassion, austerity, faith, concentration, love for solitude, for the attainment of immortality and eternal bliss.


7. Seek the knowledge of Brahman from a qualified teacher who is versed in the Vedas (Brahma Stotriya) and is established in Brahman (Brahma-Nishtha).


8. There are two kinds of Vidya Apara (the lower) and the Para (the higher). The former is founded on the four Vedas and the six Vedangas. The latter refers to Brahman which is all-pervading, immortal, indivisible and self-luminous.


9. Just as a spider projects the web out of its body and then again withdraws it into itself, so also Brahman projects this world and then withdraws it into itself.


10. Brahman is a target to be penetrated by meditation on Om.


14. Brahma, the creator and protector of this universe, arose as the first among Gods. He expounded the science of the knowledge of Brahman (Brahma-Vidya), the foundation of all knowledge (all sciences) to Atharvan, his eldest son.



15. Whatever Brahma told Atharvan, that knowledge Atharvan gave to Angir. Angir taught it to Satyavaha of the family of Bharadvaja, and Satyavaha taught to Angiras the knowledge traditionally obtained by the success on of teachers.


16. Saunaka, the great householder, approached Angiras in the manner laid down by the scriptures and questioned; What is that, O Bhagavan, which being known, all this becomes known?


The Origin of Things


30. As a spider sends forth and draws in its web, as herbs grow from the earth, as hair grows from living man, so this universe proceeds from the immortal (Brahman).


31. Creation is not a real transformation (Parinama) but only a projection of a certain inscrutable, illusory power of Brahman.


32. Just as seeds remain latent underground in winter and burst forth into herbs and plants in the rainy season, so also the Jivas remain latent in Pralaya with their different Karmas as their seeds, and come out at the time of creation as trees of different kinds, but with their roots always in Brahman.



60. But sages who have attained the knowledge of the Self attain Kaivalya Mukti. They do not go to any Loka or world. Their Pranas, etc. are directly absorbed in Brahman. They become one with the supreme Self. They attain liberation in this very life.


78. Knowledge of Brahman is not mere intellectual knowledge. To know Brahman is to become Brahman.


79. Know this Brahman which is beyond the reach of the intellect and senses, through intuition or direct spiritual experience in deep meditation.



90. There are three kinds of Karmas, viz., Sanchita (accumulated works) Prarabdha and Agami or Kriyamana (current works done in this present life, which will bear fruit in future lives).


91. Prarabdha is the name given to the effects of one's works which brought about this birth which have already begun to germinate and bear fruit in this life.


Auxiliaries to Wisdom


118. The realisation of Brahman as the one common consciousness in all beings, the knowledge of the Atman alone, is real wisdom.


158. He who knows the highest Brahman becomes even Brahman. In his line no one who does not know Brahman will be born. He overcomes grief, good and evil, and being freed from the fetters of the heart, becomes Immortal.


159. Let one teach this knowledge of Brahman to those only who perform the Karma enjoined, who are versed in the Vedas, and firmly established in the Brahman (lower), who, endowed with full faith, offer oblations, themselves, to the fire called Ekarshi, and who perform the vow called Sirovrata (who carry fire on the head) according to the rule (of the Atharvanas).

1

ओं । ब्रह्मा देवानां प्रथमः संबभूव विश्वस्यकर्ता भुवनस्य गोप्ता ।

स ब्रह्मविद्यां सर्वविद्याप्रतिष्ठामथर्वाय ज्येष्ठपुत्राय प्राह ॥ १ ॥


1. Brahma was the first among the Devas, the creator of the universe, the protector of the world. He taught the knowledge of Brahman, on which all knowledge rests, to his eldest son Atharva.


https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/mundaka-upanishad-shankara-bhashya/d/doc145074.html

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/mundaka-upanishad-shankara-bhashya

https://chinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/29_Mundaka_Upanishad-955bb8e2-f5ac-4003-94dd-93f787039d7f.pdf


 Praṣna, 



The Prashna Upanishad is a series philosophical poems presented as questions (prashna) inquired by various Hindu sages (Rishi) and answered by Sage Pippalada. The questions discuss knowledge about Brahman, the relation of the individual (Purusha) with the universal (Atman), meditation, immortality and various other Spiritual topics.

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=583&parent=577&format=html


64 verses


1. Six seekers of Brahman go to a sage called Pippalada and put him six questions. These questions and answers form the substance of this Upanishad.


18. Sukesa, Satyakama, Gargya, Kausalya, Bhargava, Kabandhi, all these devoted to Brahman and centered in Brahman, seeking the highest Brahman, approached the revered Pippalada with offering (Samit) in their hands, thinking that he would explain all to them.


Life and Matter


27. Life has no beginning. The world is not created. It is simply projected by God.


28. Then Katyayana Kabandi approached Pippalada and asked; Venerable master, whence are these creatures born?


29. He replied: Prajapati (the Lord of creatures) was desirous of offspring. He performed penance (thought) and having performed he created a pair-matter (Rayi) and life (Prana), food and eater, thinking that these together would produce creatures for him in many ways.


Prana: Greater than Senses


70. Then Bhargava, son of Vidarbha questioned Pippalada.: O Bhagavan, how many Devas support the creation? Which of them enlighten that? Who, again, is, amongst them, the greatest?


72. He replied: Those Devas verily are the ether, wind, fire, water, speech, mind, eye and the ear. They, manifesting their glory, disputed among each other and said, we hold together and support this body.


73. Prana, the greatest, said to them: Be not lost in delusion

The Mystery of Life


92. Then Kausalya, son of Asvala, questioned Pippalada: O, Bhagavan, where is this Prana born? How does it come into the body? How does it abide after it has divided itself? How does it go out? How does it support what is without, and all within the body?


94. This Prana is born of the Atman. As is this shadow in the man, so is this Prana in the Atman. By the action of the mind this enters into the body.


Functions of Prana


96. As a king commands his officers, saying to them, Reside in and govern these or those villages, so does this Prana dispose the other Pranas each for their separate work.


97. The Apana dwells in the organs of excretion and generation; the Prana itself abides in the eye, ear, mouth, and nose. In the middle is Samana. It. distributes the food supplied equally and the seven flames proceed from it.


98. Apana dwells in the anus and the generative organs. It does excretion. Prana does the sensory life function. It dwells in the eye, the ears, etc. Samana dwells in the navel. It does the digestive function. Vyana does the circulation of blood. It is all-pervading. Udana helps swallowing of food and drink. It takes the Jiva to Brahman during deep sleep. It takes the Jiva out of the body during death and conducts him to the other world. It abides in the throat.


Glory of Meditation on Om


130. Then Satyakama, son of Sibi questioned Pippalada; O Bhagavan, what world does he who, among men, meditates on Om until death, attain by that.


131. Om is the Pratika or substitute for Brahman. It is the symbol of Brahman.


132. Meditation on Om with Bhava (feeling) and its meaning is really meditation on Brahman.


133. Meditation on Om is the keeping up of the continuous flow of the one idea of the supreme Self, like the flow of oil from one vessel to another (Tailadharavat) .


134. The mind should be steady like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.


135. Meditation can be practised only by that aspirant whose senses are turned away from external objects, who has a calm mind, who is endowed with discrimination, self-restraint, purity, faith, endurance and a strong yearning for final emancipation.


136. Pippalada replied: O Satyakama, the syllable Om is indeed the higher and the lower Brahman. Therefore, he who knows it by this means, surely attains either of them.


137. Om primarily signifies Para-Brahman and secondarily denotes Hiranyagarbha.


Fundamentals of Sankhya Philosophy


152. According to the Sankhya philosophy, Prakriti or Pradhana is the creator and Purusha is the enjoyer.


153. Prakriti transforms itself into Mahat (intellect), mind, egoism, Tanmatras, elements, etc., for the benefit or enjoyment of the Purusha.


154. He created Prana, from Prana faith, ether, air, fire, water, earth, senses, mind and food; and from food, strength, penance, Mantras, Karma and the world, and in the world, name (i.e., the individual) .


155. Akasa, ether, has the attribute of sound.


156. Air is born of Akasa. It has two attributes, its own, touch, and that of its cause, sound.


157. Fire is born of air. It has three attributes, its own, form, and the two attributes of previous elements, sound and touch.


158. Water is born of fire. It has four attributes its own, taste, and the three attributes of the elements previously named.


159. Earth is born of water. It has four attributes its own, smell, and the attributes of the four previously named.


162. Then Pippalada said to them: This much alone I know of this highest Purusha; there is nothing higher than this.


163. They, worshipping him, said: Thou art our father who helps to cross over the ocean, of ignorance. Salutations to the highest Rishis! Salutations to the highest Rishis!

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/prashna-upanishad-shankara-bhashya/d/doc145275.html


 Prashna I 

Verse 1.1

ओं सुकेशा च भारद्वाजः शैब्यश्च सत्यकामः सौर्यायणी च गार्ग्यः कौसल्यश्चाश्वलायनो भार्गवो वैदर्भिः कबन्धी कात्यायनस्ते हैते ब्रह्मपरा ब्रह्मनिष्ठाः परं ब्रह्मान्वेषमाणा एष ह वै तत्सर्वं वक्श्यतीति ते ह समित्पाणयो भगवन्तं पिप्पलादमुपसन्नाः ॥ १ ॥

1. Sukesa, son of Bharadvaja, and Satyakama, son of Sibi, and Gargya, a son of the son of the sun, and Kausalya, son of Asvala, and Bhargava of Vidarbha, and Kabandhi, son of Katya,—all these intent on Brahman and centred in Brahman, seeking the highest Brahman, approached the revered Pippalada, samit (sacrificial fuel) in hand, thinking that he would explain all to them.

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/prashna-upanishad-shankara-bhashya/d/doc145276.html

Taittirīya, 


The Taittiriya Upanishad is one of the older, "primary" Upanishads, part of the Yajur Veda. It says that the highest goal is to know the Brahman, for that is truth. It is divided into three sections, 1) the Siksha Valli, 2) the Brahmananda Valli and 3) the Bhrigu Valli.

https://www.sivanandaonline.org/?cmd=displaysection&section_id=586&parent=577&format=html

31 verses

2. This Upanishad is divided into sections called vallis, viz., 

(1) Siksha-valli or the section on instruction. 

(2) Brahmananda-valli or the section on Brahma-bliss. 

(3) Bhrigu-valli or the section on Bhrigu.




9. Vayu is Hiranyagarbha or Cosmic Prana.


10. The repetition of �Om-Santi' thrice is to remove the three kinds of obstacles, viz. Adhyatmika (from our self), Adhidaivika (from the heavens) and Adhibhautika (from living beings).


11. Mitra is the presiding deity of the activity of the Prana and the day. Varuna is the presiding deity of the activity of Apana and of the night. Aryama (the sun) is the presiding deity of the eye and of the sun. Indra is the presiding deity of strength and of the hands. Brihaspati is the presiding deity of speech and intellect. Vishnu is the presiding deity of the feet.



The Exhortation


12. Now comes the final instruction which the students in those days received when they completed their studies under the preceptor. Having taught the Vedas the preceptor exhorts the disciple.


13. Speak the truth. Do your duty (righteousness). Never swerve from the study of the Vedas. Do not cut off the thread of the offspring after giving the preceptor the fee he desires. Never swerve away from truth. Never swerve from duty (righteousness). Never neglect your welfare. Never neglect your prosperity. Never neglect the study and the teachings of the Vedas.


14. Never swerve from your duties to the gods and to men. May the mother be thy god (Matrudevo bhava). May the father be thy god (Pitrudevo bhava). May the preceptor be thy god (Acharyadevo bhava). May the guest be thy god (Atithidevo bhava). Let only those actions that are free from blemish be done, and not others. Only those that are good acts to us should be performed by thee, and not others.


15. You should remove the fatigue of Brahmins who are superior, by serving them with seats, etc.


16. Gift should be given with faith; it should never be given without faith. It should be given in plenty, with modesty, with reverence, with sympathy.


17. Now, if there should arise in thee any doubt as regards any action or conduct, thou shouldst act in those matters as do those Brahmins there, who are thoughtful, religious, not cruel, and devoted to Dharma.


18. Now as regards persons accused of sin, do thou deal with them as do the Brahmins there, who are thoughtful, religious, not cruel, and devoted to Dharma.


19. This is the injunction. This is the teaching. This is the secret of the Vedas. This is the word of command. This should be observed. Thus is this to be meditated upon.

Lectures 118

https://srisaradadevi.com/wiki/Category:Taittiriya_Upanishad


This edition contains the orignal sanskrit, and the english translation of the Taittiriya Upanishad With the Commentaries of Śaṅkarāchārya (Shankara), Sureśvarāchārya (Sureshvara) and Sāyaṇa (also known as Vidyāraṇya)

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-taittiriya-upanishad


ॐ शं नो मित्रः शं वरुणः । शं नो भवत्वर्यमा । शं न इन्द्रो बृहस्पतिः । शं नो विष्णुरुरुक्रमः ॥ १ ॥


oṃ śaṃ no mitraḥ śaṃ varuṇaḥ | śaṃ no bhavatvaryamā | śaṃ na indro bṛhaspatiḥ | śaṃ no viṣṇururukramaḥ || 1 ||


1. Om. May Mitra be propitious to us, and Varuṇa propitious be; may Aryaman propitious be to us; propitious be Indra and Bṛhaspati to us; to us propitious may Viṣṇu of vast extent be.


Mantra and Brāhmaṇa.

The Veda consists of two portions, Mantra and Brāhmaṇa. The Brahmavallī falls under the category of Brāhmaṇa. Brāhmaṇa again is eight-fold. And the eight varieties of Brāhmaṇa are enumerated by the Vājasaneyins: as follows:

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-taittiriya-upanishad/d/doc79803.html

Chapter VII - Māyā and Īśvara

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-taittiriya-upanishad/d/doc79805.html

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https://estudantedavedanta.net/Taittiriya%20Upanishad%20-%20Swami%20Sarvanand%20[Sanskrit-English].pdf


https://archive.org/details/AitareyataittiriyaUpanishadsWithShankaraBhashya-English






Brahma Sutras



1


My notes





Full book English Translation










https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-adhikaranam-1-vol-1-introduction-with-shankarabashyam/
https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-adhikaranam-1-vol-2-introduction-with-shankarabashyam/

https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-adhikaranam-1-vol-3-sutra-1-1-1-introduction-with-shankarabashyam/


https://vedantastudents.com/brahma-sutra-chapter-1-pada-3-adhikaranam-1-to-13-sutra-1-to-43/

https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/03-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-3.pdf

https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/04-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-4.pdf
https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/05-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-5.pdf


https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/10-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-10.pdf

https://vedantastudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/11-Bramha-Sutra-Volume-11.pdf



Videos

Brahma Sutra - 134 Lectures - All sutras - Surya Nanda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp7fxPR031Y&list=PL-BTBhLYYASuMyy2OYPy5uhnBFnTwg70m


---------------------

📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda




---------------------

Chinmayananda


All chapters - All verses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GVdv2ep87c&list=PLm6DKuwwu5zqNjrJxZ5uhdnIo_8XkgSx1

Ch.3

Chapter 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeVR5iMNz2s&list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEJBDrn-UTrL4Vv8OysF7sVf



aitareya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u89UQAKGQ0&pp=ygUjYWl0YXJleWEgdXBhbmlzaGFkICNDaGlubWF5YU1pc3Npb27SBwkJkQoBhyohjO8%3D

Brihadaranyaka

Chandyog

Kathopanishad


Kenopanishad

Isavyasa



Mundaka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ehRswln7A&list=PLjkKZOXg8kxsUhz6FCLksi-IYZb5CD8J-

Mandukya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyH5JJBBpRw&pp=ygUadXBhbmlzaGFkICNDaGlubWF5YU1pc3Npb24%3D

Prasna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpys5f1Rfwg&list=PLjkKZOXg8kxtBxLnh8Fx1_pmAJ9Wb0g2C&pp=0gcJCbUEOCosWNin

Taittiriya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zC7LSt1rNQ&list=PL_ObtCKpTBXRVOn9SBTNZdjgRz-AI2KJ7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAbPkcvZCY&list=PLjkKZOXg8kxta8Q13g1ZjBgYjb2WTQHHF



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu9OFsLgSU8&list=PLm6DKuwwu5zoG_yJt9QGqzGL4E35g0t4C
Ud. 2.2.2026, 5.9.2025



----------------------------

Bhagavadgita



Google Book Preview



Telugu





Classes - Remella Avadhanlu

Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1zcsdazgA&list=PLETbXIpqYH_rkgLHunIwUnb6QpwUICJ2B

Class 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFVfnxg9_pY&t=3s

Class 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygeY8rK4maE






ud. 28.10.2026
Pub. 14.5.2024













Sunday, October 25, 2026

Katha Upanishad

 


The Katha Upanishad is one of the most revered and widely read mukhya (primary) Upanishads, It embedded within the Krishna Yajurveda. It is structured as a compelling narrative dialogue between a brave young boy named Nachiketa and Yama, the King of Death. 

The text spans two chapters (Adhyayas), each containing three sections (Vallis), adding up to 119 verses (mantras) that unpack the ultimate mysteries of existence, life after death, and the true Self (Atman)

The story begins when Nachiketa's father performs a sacrifice but gives away old, useless cows also. Troubled by his father’s insincerity, Nachiketa asks, "To whom will you give me?" Angered, his father replies, "To Death, I give you."

Fulfilling his father's words, Nachiketa travels to the abode of Death. Because Yama is away, the boy waits for three days without food or water. Upon returning, Yama apologises for the breach of hospitality and grants Nachiketa three boons:

1. First Boon: Peace and reconciliation between Nachiketa and his father.

2. Second Boon: Knowledge of the sacrificial fire ritual that leads to heavenly realms (Nachiketa Chayanam).

3. Third Boon: The answer to the ultimate question: What happens to a person after death? Does he exist, or does he not?

Yama tries to test the boy, offering immense wealth, kingdoms, beautiful maidens, and long life to avoid revealing this secret - What happens to a person after death?  . Nachiketa firmly refuses, stating that worldly pleasures are transient and cannot satisfy a true seeker. Impressed by his purity and determination, Yama begins his spiritual teaching.


Core Philosophical Teachings



1. Shreyas (The Good) vs. Preyas (The Pleasant)

Yama explains that every human being faces two paths in life:

• Shreyas: The path of spiritual good, righteousness, and long-term well-being.

• Preyas: The path of short-term material pleasure and gratification.

The wise evaluate both choices and select Shreyas, whereas the ignorant are led astray by attachment and greed, choosing Preyas.


2. The Chariot Metaphor for the Body (Ratha Kalpana)

The Upanishad presents a beautiful allegory:

• The Chariot: The physical body.

• The Charioteer: The intellect (Buddhi).

• The Reins: The mind (Manas).

• The Horses: The human senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell).

• The Roads: The paths of worldly desire.

• The Passenger: The true Self (Atman).

If the intellect (driver) is weak and the mind (reins) is loose, the senses (horses) run wild, dragging the chariot to destruction. True realization is achieved when a disciplined intellect controls the mind and directs the senses toward spiritual mastery.


3. The Nature of the Self (Atman)


Yama reveals that the true Self is unborn, eternal, immortal, and changeless. It is separate from the physical body, the mind, and the intellect.

• “The knowing Self is never born, nor does it die... It is not slain when the body is slain.”

• It is smaller than the smallest atom, yet larger than the cosmos, residing secretly in the hearts of all living beings.


4. The Meaning of Om (Aum)


Yama teaches that all spiritual disciplines and scriptural study point to a single goal, symbolized by the sacred syllable Om. This syllable is the sonic representation of the supreme reality (Brahman), serving as the ultimate support and refuge for contemplation.



Shankara Bhashya

https://shlokam.org/text/kathopanishad.htm


https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/katha-upanishad-shankara-bhashya


Katha Upanishad | Introduction | Swami Sarvapriyananda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9LqW5m0K4U
















Isha Upanishad - Ishavasya Upanishad

The Isha Upanishad is one of the primary (Mukhya) Upanishads of Hinduism. 

It consistis  17 to 18 verses ( depending on the specific recension). embedded as the 40th and final chapter of the Shukla Yajurveda.

Forms the 40th chapter of the Vajasaneyi Samhita in the Shukla Yajurveda, making it unique among the Upanishads for being directly attached to a Vedic Samhita rather than a Brahmana or Aranyaka.

Exists in two main textual traditions or recensions: the Kanva (VSK) and the Madhyandina (VSM).


• Name Derivation: Takes its title (Ishavasya or Isha) from the opening words of the first verse, "Īśā vāsyam idaṁ sarvaṁ" ("All this is pervaded or clothed by the Lord").


Core Philosophical Themes


• Universal Divine Presence (Verse 1): 

Declares that every moving and non-moving thing in the universe is inhabited, wrapped, or pervaded by the Supreme Reality (Isha or Brahman).

• Enjoyment Through Renunciation (Tena Tyaktena Bhunjitha):

 Teaches that one should enjoy the world not through greedy appropriation or ego-driven possession, but through spiritual detachment and the recognition that nothing truly belongs to the individual ("Lust not after any man's possession").

• Reconciliation of Action and Knowledge:

 Bridges the gap between ritualistic duties (Karma) and higher self-knowledge (Jnana). It outlines how proper, unattached action performed with divine awareness does not bind a person to ego or karma.

• Non-Dualism and the Nature of the Self: 

Describes the ultimate Self (Atman) as unmoving yet faster than the mind, all-pervading, and identical to the Supreme Reality. It famously asserts that the wise person sees all beings in the Self and the Self in all beings.

• Balancing Vidya and Avidya (Knowledge and Ignorance): 

Explores the relationship between secular/ritual action (avidya) and spiritual realization (vidya), indicating how integrating understanding helps transcend limitations of mortality and realize immortality (Amritatwa).


Famous Opening & Closing Verses


• First Verse (Īśā vāsyam idaṁ sarvaṁ):īśā vāsyamidaṁ sarvaṁ yatkiñca jagatyāṁ jagat |

tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasyasviddhanam ||

(All this—whatever moves in this moving world—is pervaded by the Lord. Enjoy through renunciation; do not covet the wealth of any-one.)

• Peace Chant (Purnamadah Purnamidam):Pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṁ pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate,

pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate.

(That is full, this is full; from the full, the full is projected. When the full is taken from the full, the full alone remains.)


Shankara bhashya

https://shlokam.org/text/isha-upanishad.htm


https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/ishavasya-upanishad-shankara-bhashya


Sarvapriyananda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyCe-1E4MvM


Isha Upanishad - Ishavasya Upanishad Chanting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8k13GnVq_k




Upanishads Chanting Playlisgt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8k13GnVq_k&list=PLvL-E_pONqDCO0hjbFJVSr-Gin-pUSoHf








Aitareya Upanishad

 


The Aitareya Upanishad is one of the oldest primary (Mukhya) Upanishads. It is attached to the Rigveda and attributed to the sage Mahidasa Aitareya. It forms the 4th, 5th, and 6th chapters of the second book of the Aitareya Aranyaka.

Comprises 3 chapters divided into 33 verses (or khandas). Traditionally credited to Mahidasa Aitareya, son of Itara.

The Aitareya Upanishad contains 33 verses (or khandas/mantras) spread across 3 chapters (adhyayas).


Chapter Breakdown


• Chapter 1: 23 verses (describes the creation of the universe and living beings from the Atman)

• Chapter 2: 6 verses (explores the threefold birth of the Self and human incarnation)

• Chapter 3: 4 verses (defines consciousness as Brahman, featuring the mahavakya "prajñānam brahma")


Core Teachings

• Cosmic Creation: The text asserts that Atman (the Inner Self or pure consciousness) existed alone before the universe was created. Atman projected the physical worlds, cosmic elements, guardian deities, and the human body.

• The Three Births of Man: It details how the human form is conceived, born, and renewed through offspring, making the body a temple of consciousness.

• Prajñānam Brahma: Its central mahavakya (great saying) declares: "Prajñānam Brahma" — "Consciousness is Brahman". Everything in the universe, including all mental faculties and sensory perceptions, is led and supported by pure awareness.

• Liberation (Moksha): Freedom from the cycle of birth and death comes from disidentifying with the physical body and realizing one's true identity as non-dual consciousness.



https://www.veducation.world/library/Sastra-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0/upanisad/aitreya-upanishada/aitreya-upanishad-shankaracharya-commentry


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_uTffqxFik









Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

 

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is the largest and one of the oldest Principal Upanishads of Hinduism, belonging to the Shukla Yajurveda.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad contains 434 verses (mantras) in total. Because it is primarily written in prose, these verses are frequently referred to as mantras or kandikas.

The text is divided into 6 chapters (Adhyayas) spanning 47 sections (Brahmanas). The exact verse breakdown per chapter is as follows:

• Chapter 1: 80 verses (6 Brahmanas)

• Chapter 2: 66 verses (6 Brahmanas)

• Chapter 3: 92 verses (9 Brahmanas)

• Chapter 4: 92 verses (6 Brahmanas)

• Chapter 5: 29 verses (15 Brahmanas)

• Chapter 6: 75 verses (5 Brahmanas)

It focuses  on the non-dual reality of Brahman and Atman.



• Vedic Lineage: Attached to the Shukla Yajurveda (specifically forming the concluding part of the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa).

Ranked 10th in the Muktikā canon of 108 Upanishads.


Structural Breakdown


The text is divided into six chapters (Adhyayas), which are further grouped into three distinct sections (Kandas):


Kanda 

Madhu Kanda Chapters I & II Creation of the universe, the vital force (Prana), and the honey doctrine (Madhu-Vidya where everything is sweet/interdependent in Brahman).

Yajnavalkya (Muni) Kanda Chapters III & IV Intense philosophical debates, the famous Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi dialogue, and the nature of the Atman.

Khila Kanda Chapters V & VI Supplementary teachings, meditation techniques (Upasana), ethical virtues (Damyata, Datta, Dayadhvam), and ritual transition.



Major Philosophical Teachings


• Identity of Atman and Brahman: The text famously asserts that the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate cosmic reality (Brahman) are identical. Realizing this non-dual (Advaita) truth eradicates ignorance (Avidya) and fear.

• The Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi Dialogue (2.4 & 4.5): When the sage Yajnavalkya prepares to enter monastic life (Sannyasa), his wife Maitreyi asks him if wealth can grant immortality. He replies that love for anything is actually love for the Self (Atman) within it: "The Self is to be seen, to be heard, to be reflected on, to be meditated upon."

• Neti, Neti (Not this, not this): A core apophatic method in the text where reality is described by negating all finite attributes—declaring Brahman to be beyond description, change, or limitation.

• The Three 'Da's (5.2): A brief fable where gods, humans, and demons ask the creator Prajapati for instruction. He utters a single syllable—"Da"—which each group interprets as a vital virtue:

• Damyata (Self-control for the gods)

• Datta (Charity/generosity for humans)

• Dayadhvam (Compassion for demons)


Famous Shanti Mantra


The Upanishad opens with a well-known invocation on cosmic fullness:

“Purnamadah purnamidam purnat purnamudachyate

Purnasya purnamadaya purnamevavashishyate.”

(That is full, this is full. From the full, the full is-projected. Taking full from full, the full alone remains.)


The Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad (with the Commentary of Śaṅkarācārya)

by Swāmī Mādhavānanda 

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-brihadaranyaka-upanishad


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Contents

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Swami Sarvapriyananda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEPdVcAWdvI