Lesson 7 : The Mandukya and Kena Upanishads The Mandukya Upanishad : It states that Supreme God is the only reality and is beyond the effect of time or kala or what we call as past, present or future. It describes the state of being awake and the state of dreaming and the difference between the two. It also discusses the significance of the word "OM" "Omkara" or Pranava. It is also written as AUM. This sound vibration, emanating from the Supreme Lord is literally experienced by the sages - not merely heard, as we hear. Our speech decides our feelings and character. When we speak harshly to others or even speak ill of someone we tear the unity amongst us souls and if we speak sweetly then it is a sacred act. It says that power of "OM" can be felt in the mantras we chant repeatedly - a japa. Mandukya Upanishad has a great value amongst the scriptures and it is acknowledged by acharyas. Mandukya Upanishad has a direct approach and does not tell stories or anecdotes. It belongs to Atharva Veda. Some excerpts: Aum stands for the supreme reality It is a symbol for what was, what is and what shall be. Aum also represents what lies beyond the past, present and future. In Aum A stands for Vaishvanara. Those who know this , through the mastery of senses, obtain the fruits of their desires and attain greatness. U indicates Taijasa. Thos who know this by mastering even their dreams become established in wisdom. In their family everyone leads spirtual life. M stands for Prajna or Pragya. Those who know this by stilling the mind, find their true stature and inspire everyone around to grow. We read that Brihadarnyaka is the longest Upanishad and Mandukya is one of the briefest (only 12 mantras) but in significance both are equal. Since it is condensed it is very difficult to understand and comprehend. Mandukya is the name of the sage and the word manduk also means frog. But it is the name of the rishi which makes more sense. The Kena Upanishad The Kena Upanishad derives its name from the first word Kena, "by whom", and belongs to the Sama Veda. It is also known as the Talavakara, the name of the Brahmana of the Sama Veda to which the Upanishad belongs. When we say 'by whom" it means that "By whose mere presence does that desire arise which moves the universe." It has four sections, the first two in verse and the other two in prose. The metrical portion deals with the Supreme Unqualified Brahman, the absolute principle underlying the world of phenomenon and the prose part of the Upanishad deals with the Supreme as God, Isvara. The knowledge of the Absolute, para vidya, which secures immediate liberation (sadyo-mukti) is possible only for those who are able to withdraw their thoughts from worldly objects and concentrate on the ultimate fact of the universe. The knowledge of Isvara, apara vidya, puts one on the pathway that leads to deliverance eventually (karma-mukti). The worshipping soul gradually acquires the higher wisdom which results in the consciousness of the identity with the Supreme. Some excerpts: Student: "Who makes my mind think? Who fills my body with vitality? Who causes my tongue to speak? Who sees through my eyes? Who hears through my ears? Guru: "The Self is the ear of the ear, the eye of the eye, the mind of the mind, the word of the words, and the life of life, rising above senses and the mind. Him our eyes cannot see, nor words express. He cannot be grasped even by the mind. We do not know. We cannot understand. Because He is different from the known and different from the unknown. Thus have we heard from the learned ones. (If you want more excerpts please write to me and I will provide.) (Next Lesson : The Katha & Mundaka Upanishads)