(Sticky Note comment 11/7/2004 2:11:21 AM The latest version of this doc ment can !e o!

tained at htt"://sanatan#intnet#m as $ell as a %lossary# &ast "date on the 7th day of Novem!er 2004' T TTh hhe ee ( ((" ""a aan nni iis ssh hha aad dds ss

Ta!le of )ontent The ("anishads *a%e 1# +atha ("anishad , 2# -sa ("anishad 20 , +ena ("anishad 2, 4# M ndaka ("anishad 2. /# Svetasvatara ("anishad ,0 1# *rasna ("anishad /1 7# Mand kya ("anishad 17 .# Aitareya ("anishad 00 0# 2rihadaranyaka ("anishad 10/ 10# Taittiriya ("anishad 20, 11# )hhando%ya ("anishad 21. So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

-nvocation 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 +atha ("anishad *art 5ne )ha"ter 1 8a9asravasa: desirin% re$ards: "erformed the 8isva9it sacrifice: in $hich he %ave a$ay all his "ro"erty# ;e had a son named Nachiketa# 2<, =hen the %ifts $ere !ein% distri! ted: faith entered into the heart of Nachiketa: $ho $as still a !oy# ;e said to himself: >oyless: s rely: are the $orlds to $hich he %oes $ho %ives a$ay co$s no lon%er a!le to drink: to eat: to %ive milk: or to calve# 4 ;e said to his father: ?ather6 To $hom $ill yo %ive me@ ;e said this a second and a third time# Then his father re"lied: (nto death - $ill %ive yo # / Amon% many - am the firstA or amon% many - am the middlemost# 2 t certainly - am never the last# =hat " r"ose of the +in% of Beath $ill my father serve today !y th s %ivin% me a$ay to him@ 1 Nachiketa said: &ook !ack and see ho$ it $as $ith those $ho came !efore s and o!serve ho$ it is $ith those $ho are no$ $ith s# A mortal ri"ens like corn and like corn he s"rin%s " a%ain#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 8erily: like fire a !rahmin % est enters a ho seA the ho seholder "acifies him !y %ivin% him $ater and a seat# 2rin% him $ater# 5 +in% of Beath6 . The !rahmin $ho d$ells in a ho se: fastin%: destroys that foolish ho seholderCs ho"es and eD"ectations: the re$ard of his interco rse $ith "io s "eo"le: the merit of his kindly s"eech: the %ood res lts of his sacrifices and !eneficial deeds and his cattle and children as $ell# 0 Eama said: 5 2rahmin: sal tations to yo 6 Eo are a venera!le % est and have d$elt in my ho se three ni%hts $itho t eatin%A therefore choose no$ three !oons: one for each ni%ht: 5 2rahmin6 May all !e $ell $ith me6 10 Nachiketa said: 5 Beath: may Fa tama: my father: !e calm: cheerf l and free from an%er to$ard me6 May he reco%nise me and %reet me $hen - shall have !een sent home !y yo 6 This choose as the first of the three !oons# 11 Eama said: Thro %h my favo r: yo r father: A ddilaki Ar ni: $ill reco%nise yo and !e a%ain to$ard yo as he $as !efore# After havin% seen yo freed from the 9a$s of death: he $ill slee" "eacef lly at ni%ht and !ear no an%er a%ainst yo # 12<1, Nachiketa said: -n the ;eavenly =orld there is no fear $hatsoever# Eo : 5 Beath: are not there and no one is afraid of old a%e# &eavin% !ehind !oth h n%er and thirst and o t of the reach of sorro$: all re9oice in ;eaven# Eo kno$: 5 Beath: the ?ire<sacrifice: $hich leads to ;eaven# GD"lain it to me: for - am f ll of faith# The inha!itants of ;eaven attain immortality# This - ask as my second !oon# 14 Eama said: - kno$ $ell the ?ire<sacrifice: $hich leads to

;eaven and - $ill eD"lain it to yo # &isten to me# +no$ this So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

?ire to !e the means of attainin% ;eaven# -t is the s ""ort of the niverseA it is hidden in the hearts of the $ise# 1/ Eama then told him a!o t the ?ire: $hich is the so rce of the $orlds and $hat !ricks $ere to !e %athered for the altar and ho$ many and ho$ the sacrificial fire $as to !e li%hted# Nachiketa: too: re"eated all this as it had !een told him# Then Eama: !ein% "leased $ith him: s"oke a%ain# 11 ;i%h<so led Beath: !ein% $ell "leased: said to Nachiketa: $ill no$ %ive yo another !oon: this fire shall !e named after yo # Take also from me this many<colo red chain# 17 ;e $ho has "erformed three times this Nachiketa sacrifice: havin% !een instr cted !y the three and also has "erformed his three d ties: overcomes !irth and death# ;avin% kno$n this ?ire !orn of 2rahman: omniscient: l mino s and adora!le and realised it: he attains s "reme "eace# 1. ;e $ho: havin% kno$n the three: has "erformed three times the Nachiketa sacrifice: thro$s off: even here: the chains of death: overcomes %rief and re9oices in ;eaven# 10 This: 5 Nachiketa: is yo r ?ire<sacrifice: $hich leads to ;eaven and $hich yo have chosen as yo r second !oon# *eo"le $ill call this ?ire !y yo r name# No$: 5 Nachiketa: choose the third !oon# 20 Nachiketa said: There is this do !t a!o t a man $hen he is dead: Some say that he eDistsA others: that he does not# This sho ld like to kno$: ta %ht !y yo # This is the third of my !oons# 21 Eama said: 5n this s !9ect even the %ods formerly had their

do !ts# -t is not easy to nderstand: the nat re of Atman is So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

s !tle# )hoose another !oon: 5 Nachiketa6 Bo not "ress me# Helease me from that !oon# 22 Nachiketa said: 5 Beath: even the %ods have their do !ts a!o t this s !9ectA and yo have declared it to !e not easy to nderstand# 2 t another teacher like yo cannot !e fo nd and s rely no other !oon is com"ara!le to this# 2, Eama said: )hoose sons and %randsons $ho shall live a h ndred yearsA choose ele"hants: horses: herds of cattle and %old# )hoose a vast domain on earthA live here as many years as yo desires# 24 -f yo deem any other !oon e7 al to that: choose itA choose $ealth and a lon% life# 2e the kin%: 5 Nachiketa: of the $ide earth# - $ill make yo the en9oyer of all desires# 2/ =hatever desires are diffic lt to satisfy in this $orld of mortals: choose them as yo $ish: these fair maidens: $ith their chariots and m sical instr ments < men cannot o!tain them# - %ive them to yo and they shall $ait "on yo # 2 t do not ask me a!o t death# 21 Nachiketa said: 2 t: 5 Beath: these end re only till tomorro$# ? rthermore: they eDha st the vi%o r of all the sense or%ans# Gven the lon%est life is short indeed# +ee" yo r horses: dances and son%s for yo rself# 27 =ealth can never make a man ha""y# Moreover: since - have !eheld yo : - shall certainly o!tain $ealthA - shall also live as lon% as yo r le# Therefore no !oon $ill !e acce"ted !y me ! t the one that - have asked# 2. =ho amon% decayin% mortals here !elo$: havin% a""roached

the ndecayin% immortals and comin% to kno$ that his hi%her needs may !e f lfilled !y them: $o ld eD lt in a life over lon%: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

after he had "ondered on the "leas res arisin% from !ea ty and son%@ 20 Tell me: 5 Beath: of that Freat ;ereafter a!o t $hich a man has his do !ts# )ha"ter -1 Eama said: The %ood is one thin%A the "leasant: another# 2oth of these: servin% different needs: !ind a man# -t %oes $ell $ith him $ho: of the t$o: takes the %oodA ! t he $ho chooses the "leasant misses the end# 2 2oth the %ood and the "leasant "resent themselves to a man# The calm so l eDamines them $ell and discriminates# Eea: he "refers the %ood to the "leasantA ! t the fool chooses the "leasant o t of %reed and avarice# , 5 Nachiketa: after "onderin% $ell the "leas res that are or seem to he deli%htf l: yo have reno nced them all# Eo have not taken the road a!o ndin% in $ealth: $here many men sink# 4 =ide a"art and leadin% to different ends are these t$o: i%norance and $hat is kno$n as +no$led%e# - re%ard yo : 5 Nachiketa: to !e one $ho desires +no$led%eA for even many "leas res co ld not tem"t yo a$ay# / ?ools d$ellin% in darkness: ! t thinkin% themselves $ise and er dite: %o ro nd and ro nd: !y vario s tort o s "aths: like the !lind led !y the !lind# 1 The ;ereafter never reveals itself to a "erson devoid of discrimination: heedless and "er"leDed !y the del sion of $ealth# 3This $orld alone eDists:3 he thinks: 3and there is no

other#3 A%ain and a%ain he comes nder my s$ay# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 Many there are $ho do not even hear of AtmanA tho %h hearin% of ;im: many do not com"rehend# =onderf l is the eD"o nder and rare the hearerA rare indeed is the eD"eriencer of Atman ta %ht !y an a!le "rece"tor# . Atman: $hen ta %ht !y an inferior "erson: is not easily com"rehended: !eca se -t is diversely re%arded !y dis" tants# 2 t $hen -t is ta %ht !y him $ho has !ecome one $ith Atman: there can remain no more do !t a!o t -t# Atman is s !tler than the s !tlest and not to !e kno$n thro %h ar% ment# 0 This +no$led%e cannot !e attained !y reasonin%# Atman !ecome easy of com"rehension: 5 dearest: $hen ta %ht !y another# Eo have attained this +no$led%e no$# Eo are: indeed: a man of tr e resolve# May $e al$ays have an in7 irer like yo 6 10 Eama said: - kno$ that the treas re res ltin% from action is not eternalA for $hat is eternal cannot !e o!tained !y the non< eternal# Eet - have "erformed the Nachiketa sacrifice $ith the hel" of non<eternal thin%s and attained this "osition $hich is only relatively eternal# 11 The f lfilment of desires: the fo ndation of the niverse: the re$ards of sacrifices: the shore $here there is no fear: that $hich adora!le and %reat: the $ide a!ode and the %oal<all this yo have seenA and !ein% $ise: yo have $ith firm resolve discarded everythin%# 12 The $ise man $ho: !y means of concentration on the Self: realises that ancient: eff l%ent 5ne: $ho is hard to !e seen: nmanifest: hidden and $ho d$ells in the ! ddhi and rests in the !ody<he: indeed: leaves 9oy and sorro$ far !ehind# 1,

The mortal $ho has heard this and com"rehended it $ell: $ho has se"arated that Atman: the very so l of dharma: from all So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

"hysical o!9ects and has realised the s !tle essence: re9oices !eca se he has o!tained that $hich is the ca se of re9oicin%# The A!ode of 2rahman: - !elieve: is o"en for Nachiketa# 14 Nachiketa said: That $hich yo see as other than ri%hteo sness and nri%hteo sness: other than all this ca se and effect: other than $hat has !een and $hat is to !e<tell me That# 1/ Eama said: The %oal $hich all the 8edas declare: $hich all a sterities aim at and $hich men desire $hen they lead the life of continence: - $ill tell yo !riefly: it is 5m# 11 This sylla!le 5m is indeed 2rahman# This sylla!le is the ;i%hest# =hosoever kno$s this sylla!le o!tains all that he desires# 17 This is the !est s ""ortA this is the hi%hest s ""ort# =hosoever kno$s this s ""ort is adored in the $orld of 2rahma# 1. The kno$in% Self is not !ornA -t does not die# -t has not s"r n% from anythin%A nothin% has s"r n% from -t# 2irthless: eternal: everlastin% and ancient: -t is not killed $hen the !ody is killed# 10 -f the killer thinks he kills and if the killed man thinks he is killed: neither of these a""rehends ari%ht# The Self kills not: nor is -t killed# 20 Atman: smaller than the small: %reater than the %reat: is hidden in the hearts of all livin% creat res# A man $ho is free from desires !eholds the ma9esty of the Self thro %h tran7 illity of the senses and the mind and !ecomes free from %rief# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

21 Tho %h sittin% still: -t travels farA tho %h lyin% do$n: -t %oes every$here# =ho ! t myself can kno$ that l mino s Atman $ho re9oices and re9oices not@ 22 The $ise man: havin% realised Atman as d$ellin% $ithin im"ermanent !odies ! t -tself !odiless: vast and all< "ervadin%: does not %rieve# 2, This Atman cannot !e attained !y the st dy of the 8edas: or !y intelli%ence: or !y m ch hearin% of sacred !ooks# -t is attained !y him alone $hom -t chooses# To s ch a one Atman reveals -ts o$n form# 24 ;e $ho has not first t rn a$ay from $ickedness: $ho is not tran7 il and s !d ed and $hose mind is not at "eace: cannot attain Atman# -t is realised only thro %h the +no$led%e of Heality# 2/ =ho: then: kno$s $here ;e is<;e to $hom 2rahmins and kshattriyas are mere food and death itself a condiment@ )ha"ter --1 T$o there are $ho d$ell $ithin the !ody: in the intellect: the s "reme akasa of the heart: en9oyin% the s re re$ards of their o$n actions# The kno$ers of 2rahman descri!e them as li%ht and shade: as do those ho seholders $ho have offered o!lations in the ?ive ?ires and also those $ho have thrice "erformed the Nachiketa sacrifice# 2 =e kno$ ho$ to "erform the Nachiketa sacrifice: $hich is the !rid%e for sacrificersA and $e kno$ also that s "reme: im"erisha!le 2rahman: $hich is so %ht !y those $ho $ish to cross over to the shore $here there is no fear#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, +no$ the atman to !e the master of the chariotA the !ody: chariotA the intellect: the charioteerA and the mind: the reins# 4 The senses: they say: are the horsesA the o!9ects: the roads# The $ise call the atman< nited $ith the !ody: the senses and the mind<the en9oyer# / -f the ! ddhi: !ein% related to a mind that is al$ays distracted: loses its discriminations: then the senses !ecome ncontrolled: like the vicio s horses of a charioteer# 1 2 t if the ! ddhi: !ein% related to a mind that is al$ays restrained: "ossesses discrimination: then the senses come nder control: like the %ood horses of a charioteer# 7 -f the ! ddhi: !ein% related to a distracted mind: loses its discrimination and therefore al$ays remains im" re: then the em!odied so l never attains the %oal: ! t enters into the ro nd of !irths# . 2 t if the ! ddhi: !ein% related to a mind that is restrained: "ossesses discrimination and therefore al$ays remains " re: then the em!odied so l attains that %oal from $hich he is not !orn a%ain# 0 A man $ho has discrimination for his charioteer and holds the reins of the mind firmly: reaches the end of the roadA and that is the s "reme "osition of 8ishn # 10<11 2eyond the senses are the o!9ectsA !eyond the o!9ects is the mindA !eyond the mind: the intellectA !eyond the intellect: the Freat AtmanA !eyond the Freat Atman: the (nmanifestA

!eyond the (nmanifest: the * r sha# 2eyond the * r sha there is nothin%: this is the end: the S "reme Foal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 That Self hidden in all !ein%s does not shine forthA ! t -t is seen !y s !tle seers thro %h their one<"ointed and s !tle intellects# 1, The $ise man sho ld mer%e his s"eech in his mind and his mind in his intellect# ;e sho ld mer%e his intellect in the )osmic Mind and the )osmic Mind in the Tran7 il Self# 14 Arise6 A$ake6 A""roach the %reat and learn# &ike the shar" ed%e of a raIor is that "ath: so the $ise say<hard to tread and diffic lt to cross# 1/ ;avin% realised Atman: $hich is so ndless: intan%i!le: formless: ndecayin% and like$ise tasteless: eternal and odo rlessA havin% realised That $hich is $itho t !e%innin% and end: !eyond the Freat and nchan%in%<one is freed from the 9a$s of death# 11 The $ise man $ho has heard and related the eternal story of Nachiketa: told !y Beath: is adored in the $orld of 2rahman# 17 And he $ho: "ractisin% self<control: recites the s "reme secret in an assem!ly of 2rahmins or at a after<death ceremony o!tains there!y infinite re$ards# Eea: he o!tains infinite re$ards# *art T$o )ha"ter 1 Eama said: The self<eDistent S "reme &ord inflicted an in9 ry "on the sense<or%ans in creatin% them $ith o t%oin% tendenciesA therefore a man "erceives only o ter o!9ects $ith them and not the inner Self# 2 t a calm "erson: $ishin% for -mmortality: !eholds the inner Self $ith his eyes closed#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 )hildren " rs e o ter "leas res and fall into the net of $ides"read deathA ! t calm so ls: havin% kno$n $hat is nshaka!le -mmortality: do not covet any ncertain thin% in this $orld# , -t is thro %h Atman that one kno$s form: taste: smell: so nds: to ches and carnal "leas res# -s there anythin% that remains nkno$n to Atman@ This: verily: is That# 4 -t is thro %h Atman that one "erceives all o!9ects in slee" or in the $akin% state# ;avin% realised the vast: all<"ervadin% Atman: the calm so l does not %rieve# / ;e $ho kno$s the individ al so l: the eD"eriencer of the fr its of action: as Atman: al$ays near and the &ord of the "ast and the f t re: $ill not conceal himself from others# This: verily: is That# 1 ;e verily kno$s 2rahman $ho kno$s the ?irst<!orn: the offs"rin% of a sterity: created "rior to the $aters and d$ellin%: $ith the elements: in the cave of the heart# This: verily: is That# 7 ;e verily kno$s 2rahman $ho kno$s Aditi: the so l of all deities: $ho $as !orn in the form of *rana: $ho $as created $ith the elements and $ho: enterin% into the heart: a!ides therein# This: verily: is That# . A%ni: hidden in the t$o fire<sticks and $ell % arded<like a child in the $om!: !y its mother<is $orshi""ed day after day !y men $ho are a$ake and !y those $ho offer o!lations in the sacrifices# This: verily: is That# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

0 =hence the s n rises and $hither it %oes to set: in $hom all the devas are contained and $hom none can ever "ass !eyond< This: verily: is That# 10 =hat is here: the same is there and $hat is there: the same is here# ;e %oes from death to death $ho sees any difference here# 11 2y the mind alone is 2rahman to !e realisedA then one does not see in -t any m lti"licity $hatsoever# ;e %oes from death to death $ho sees m lti"licity in -t# This: verily: is That# 12 The * r sha: of the siIe of a th m!: d$ells in the !ody# ;e is the &ord of the "ast and the f t re# After kno$in% ;im: one does not conceal oneself any more# This: verily: is That# 1, The * r sha: of the siIe of a th m!: is like a flame $itho t smoke# The &ord of the "ast and the f t re: ;e is the same today and tomorro$# This: verily: is That# 14 As rain$ater fallin% on a mo ntain "eak r ns do$n the rocks in all directions: even so he $ho sees the attri! tes as different from 2rahman verily r ns after them in all directions# 1/ As " re $ater "o red into " re $ater !ecomes one $ith it: so also: 5 Fa tama: does the Self of the sa%e $ho kno$s# )ha"ter -1 There is a city $ith eleven %ates !elon%in% to the n!orn Atman of ndistorted )onscio sness# ;e $ho meditates on ;im %rieves no moreA li!erated from the !onds of i%norance: he !ecomes free# This: verily: is That#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e is the s n d$ellin% in the !ri%ht heavens# ;e is the air in the inters"ace# ;e is the fire d$ellin% on earth# ;e is the % est d$ellin% in the ho se# ;e d$ells in men: in the %ods: in tr th: in the sky# ;e is !orn in the $ater: on earth: in the sacrifice: on the mo ntains# ;e is the Tr e and the Freat# , ;e it is $ho sends "rana "$ard and $ho leads a"ana do$n$ard# All the devas $orshi" that adora!le 5ne seated in the middle# 4 =hen the so l: identified $ith the !ody and d$ellin% in it: is torn a$ay from the !ody: is freed from it: $hat then remains@ This: verily: is That@ / No mortal ever lives !y "rana: $hich %oes ": nor !y a"ana: $hich %oes do$n# Men live !y somethin% different: on $hich these t$o de"end# 1 =ell then: Fa tama: - shall tell yo a!o t this "rofo nd and eternal 2rahman and also a!o t $hat ha""ens to the atman after meetin% death# 7 Some 9ivas enter the $om! to !e em!odied as or%anic !ein%s and some %o into non<or%anic matter<accordin% to their $ork and accordin% to their kno$led%e# . ;e: the * r sha: $ho remains a$ake $hile the sense<or%ans are aslee": sha"in% one lovely form after another: that indeed is the * re: that is 2rahman and that alone is called the -mmortal# All $orlds are contained in ;im and none can "ass !eyond# This: verily: is That# 0

As the same non<d al fire: after it has entered the $orld: !ecomes different accordin% to $hatever it ! rns: so also the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

same non<d al Atman: d$ellin% in all !ein%s: !ecomes different accordin% to $hatever -t enters# And -t eDists also $itho t# 10 As the same non<d al air: after it has entered the $orld: !ecomes different accordin% to $hatever it enters: so also the same non<d al Atman: d$ellin% in all !ein%s: !ecomes different accordin% to $hatever -t enters# And -t eDists also $itho t# 11 As the s n: $hich hel"s all eyes to see: is not affected !y the !lemishes of the eyes or of the eDternal thin%s revealed !y it: so also the one Atman: d$ellin% in all !ein%s: is never contaminated !y the misery of the $orld: !ein% o tside it# 12 There is one S "reme H ler: the inmost Self of all !ein%s: $ho makes ;is one form manifold# Gternal ha""iness !elon%s to the $ise: $ho "erceive ;im $ithin themselves<not to others# 1, There is 5ne $ho is the eternal Heality amon% non<eternal o!9ects: the one tr ly conscio s Gntity amon% conscio s o!9ects and $ho: tho %h non<d al: f lfils the desires of many# Gternal "eace !elon%s to the $ise: $ho "erceive ;im $ithin themselves<not to others# 14 The sa%es realise that indescri!a!le S "reme >oy as 3This is That#3 ;o$ can - realise -t@ -s -t self<l mino s@ Boes -t shine !ri%htly: or not@ 1/ The s n does not shine there: nor the moon and the stars: nor these li%htnin%s<not to s"eak of this fire# ;e shinin%: everythin% shines after ;im# 2y ;is li%ht all this is li%hted# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter --1 This is that eternal Asvattha Tree $ith its root a!ove and !ranches !elo$# That root: indeed: is called the 2ri%htA That is 2rahman and That alone is the -mmortal# -n That all $orlds are contained and none can "ass !eyond# This: verily: is That# 2 =hatever there is<the $hole niverse<vi!rates !eca se it has %one forth from 2rahman: $hich eDists as its Fro nd# That 2rahman is a %reat terror: like a "oised th nder!olt# Those $ho kno$ -t !ecome immortal# , ?rom terror of 2rahman: fire ! rnsA from terror of -t: the s n shinesA from terror of -t: -ndra and 8ay and Beath: the fifth: r n# 4 -f a man is a!le to realise 2rahman here: !efore the fallin% as nder of his !ody: then he is li!eratedA if not: he is em!odied a%ain in the created $orlds# / As in a mirror: so in the ! ddhiA as in a dream: so in the =orld of the ?athersA as in $ater: so 2rahman is seen in the =orld of the FandharvasA as in li%ht and shade: so in the =orld of 2rahma# 1 ;avin% nderstood that the senses have their se"arate ori%in and that they are distinct from Atman and also that their risin% and settin% !elon% to them alone: a $ise man %rieves no more# 7 2eyond the senses is the mind: !eyond the mind is the intellect: hi%her than the intellect is the Freat Atman: hi%her than the Freat Atman is the (nmanifest# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

. 2eyond the (nmanifest is the *erson: all<"ervadin% and im"erce"ti!le# ;avin% realised ;im: the em!odied self !ecomes li!erated and attains -mmortality# 0 ;is form is not an o!9ect of visionA no one !eholds ;im $ith the eye# 5ne can kno$ ;im $hen ;e is revealed !y the intellect free from do !t and !y constant meditation# Those $ho kno$ this !ecome immortal# 10 =hen the five instr ments of kno$led%e stand still: to%ether $ith the mind and $hen the intellect does not move: that is called the S "reme State# 11 This: the firm )ontrol of the senses: is $hat is called yo%a# 5ne m st then !e vi%ilantA for yo%a can !e !oth !eneficial and in9 rio s# 12 Atman cannot !e attained !y s"eech: !y the mind: or !y the eye# ;o$ can -t !e realised in any other $ay than !y the affirmation of him $ho says: 3;e is3@ 1, ;e is to !e realised first as GDistence limited !y "adhis and then in ;is tr e transcendental nat re# 5f these t$o as"ects: Atman realised as GDistence leads the kno$er to the realisation of ;is tr e nat re# 14 =hen all the desires that d$ell in the heart fall a$ay: then the mortal !ecomes immortal and here attains 2rahman# 1/ =hen all the ties of the heart are severed here on earth: then the mortal !ecomes immortal# This m ch alone is the teachin%#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

11 There are one h ndred and one arteries of the heart: one of $hich "ierces the cro$n of the head# Foin% "$ard !y it: a man at death attains immortality# 2 t $hen his "rana "asses o t !y other arteries: %oin% in different directions: then he is re!orn in the $orld# 17 The * r sha: not lar%er than a th m!: the inner Self: al$ays d$ells in the hearts of men# &et a man se"arate ;im from his !ody $ith steadiness: as one se"arates the tender stalk from a !lade of %rass# &et him kno$ that Self as the 2ri%ht: as the -mmortal<yea: as the 2ri%ht: as the -mmortal# 1. ;avin% received this $isdom ta %ht !y the +in% of Beath and the entire "rocess of yo%a: Nachiketa !ecame free from im" rities and death and attained 2rahman# Th s it $ill !e also $ith any other $ho kno$s: in this manner: the inmost Self# Gnd of +atha ("anishad *eace )hant 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation 5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

-sa ("anishad 1 All this<$hatever eDists in this chan%in% niverse<sho ld !e covered !y the &ord# *rotect the Self !y ren nciation# & st not after any manJs $ealth# 2 -f a man $ishes to live a h ndred years on this earth: he sho ld live "erformin% action# ?or yo : $ho cherish s ch a desire and re%ard yo rself as a man: there is no other $ay !y $hich yo can kee" $ork from clin%in% to yo # , 8erily: those $orlds of the as ras are envelo"ed in !lind darknessA and thereto they all re"air after death $ho are slayers of Atman# 4 That non<d al Atman: tho %h never stirrin%: is s$ifter than the mind# The senses cannot reach -t: for -t moves ever in front# Tho %h standin% still: -t overtakes others $ho are r nnin%# 2eca se of Atman: 8ay : the =orld So l a""ortions the activities of all# / -t moves and moves notA -t is far and like$ise near# -t is inside all this and -t is o tside all this# 1 The $ise man !eholds all !ein%s in the Self and the Self in all !ein%sA for that reason he does not hate anyone# 7 To the seer: all thin%s have verily !ecome the Self: $hat del sion: $hat sorro$: can there !e for him $ho !eholds that oneness@ . -t is ;e $ho "ervades all<;e $ho is !ri%ht and !odiless:

$itho t scar or sine$s: " re and !y evil n"iercedA $ho is the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Seer: omniscient: transcendent and ncreated# ;e has d ly allotted to the eternal =orld<)reators their res"ective d ties# 0 -nto a !lind darkness they enter $ho are devoted to i%norance (rit als'A ! t into a %reater darkness they enter $ho en%a%e in kno$led%e of a deity alone# 10 5ne thin%: they say: is o!tained from kno$led%eA another: they say: from i%norance# Th s $e have heard from the $ise $ho have ta %ht s this# 11 ;e $ho is a$are that !oth kno$led%e and i%norance sho ld !e " rs ed to%ether: overcomes death thro %h i%norance and o!tains immortality thro %h kno$led%e# 12 -nto a !lind darkness they enter $ho $orshi" only the nmanifested "rakritiA ! t into a %reater darkness they enter $ho $orshi" the manifested ;iranya%ar!ha# 1, 5ne thin%: they say: is o!tained from the $orshi" of the manifestedA another: they say: from the $orshi" of the nmanifested# Th s $e have heard from the $ise $ho ta %ht s this# 14 ;e $ho kno$s that !oth the nmanifested "rakriti and the manifested ;iranya%ar!ha sho ld !e $orshi""ed to%ether: overcomes death !y the $orshi" of ;iranya%ar!ha and o!tains immortality thro %h devotion to "rakriti# 1/ The door of the Tr th is covered !y a %olden disc# 5"en it: 5 No risher6 Hemove it so that - $ho have !een $orshi""in% the Tr th may !ehold -t# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

11 5 No risher: lone Traveller of the sky6 )ontroller6 5 S n: 5ffs"rin% of *ra9a"ati6 Father Eo r raysA $ithdra$ Eo r li%ht# - $o ld see: thro %h Eo r %race: that form of Eo rs $hich is the fairest# - am indeed ;e: that * r sha: $ho d$ells there# 17 No$ may my !reath ret rn to the all<"ervadin%: immortal *rana6 May this !ody !e ! rnt to ashes6 5m# 5 mind: remem!er: remem!er all that - have done# 1. 5 ?ire: lead s !y the %ood "ath for the en9oyment of the fr it of o r action# Eo kno$: 5 %od: all o r deeds# Bestroy o r sin of deceit# =e offer: !y $ords: o r sal tations to yo # Gnd of -sa ("anishad The *eace )hant 5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth (the "rece"tor and the disci"le'6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 5m# May the different "arts of my !ody: my ton% e: "rana: eyes: ears and my stren%th and also all the sense<or%ans: !e no rished6 All: indeed: is 2rahman: as is declared in the ("anishads# May - never deny 2rahman6 May 2rahman never deny me6 May there never !e denial on the "art of 2rahman6 May there never !e denial on my "art6 May all the virt es descri!ed in the ("anishads !elon% to me: $ho am devoted to 2rahman6 Eea: may they all !elon% to me6

5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

+ena ("anishad )ha"ter 1 The disci"le asked: 5m# 2y $hose $ill directed does the mind "roceed to its o!9ect@ At $hose command does the "rana: the foremost: do its d ty@ At $hose $ill do men tter s"eech@ =ho is the %od that directs the eyes and ears@ 2 The teacher re"lied: -t is the Gar of the ear: the Mind of the mind: the S"eech of s"eech: the &ife of life and the Gye of the eye# ;avin% detached the Self from the sense<or%ans and reno nced the $orld: the =ise attain to -mmortality# ,<4 The eye does not %o thither: nor s"eech: nor the mind# =e do not kno$ -tA $e do not nderstand ho$ anyone can teach -t# -t is different from the kno$nA -t is a!ove the nkno$n# Th s $e have heard from the "rece"tors of old $ho ta %ht -t to s# / That $hich cannot !e eD"ressed !y s"eech: ! t !y $hich s"eech is eD"ressed<That alone kno$ as 2rahman and not that $hich "eo"le here $orshi"# 1 That $hich cannot !e a""rehended !y the mind: ! t !y $hich: they say: the mind is a""rehended<That alone kno$ as 2rahman and not that $hich "eo"le here $orshi"# 7 That $hich cannot !e "erceived !y the eye: ! t !y $hich the eye is "erceived<That alone kno$ as 2rahman and not that $hich "eo"le here $orshi"# . That $hich cannot he heard !y the ear: ! t !y $hich the hearin% is "erceived<That alone kno$ as 2rahman and not that $hich "eo"le here $orshi"#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

0 That $hich cannot !e smelt !y the !reath: ! t !y $hich the !reath smells an o!9ect<That alone kno$ as 2rahman and not that $hich "eo"le here $orshi"# )ha"ter -1 The teacher said: -f yo think: 3- kno$ 2rahman $ell:3 then s rely yo kno$ ! t little of -ts formA yo kno$ only -ts form as conditioned !y man or !y the %ods# Therefore 2rahman: even no$: is $orthy of yo r in7 iry# 2 The disci"le said: - think - kno$ 2rahman# The disci"le said: - do not think - kno$ -t $ell: nor do - think do not kno$ -t# ;e amon% s $ho kno$s the meanin% of 3Neither do - not kno$: nor do - kno$3<kno$s 2rahman# , ;e !y $hom 2rahman is not kno$n: kno$s -tA he !y $hom -t is kno$n: kno$s -t not# -t is not kno$n !y those $ho kno$ -tA -t is kno$n !y those $ho do not kno$ -t# 4 2rahman is kno$n $hen -t is realised in every state of mindA for !y s ch +no$led%e one attains -mmortality# 2y Atman one o!tains stren%thA !y +no$led%e: -mmortality / -f a man kno$s Atman here: he then attains the tr e %oal of life# -f he does not kno$ -t here: a %reat destr ction a$aits him# ;avin% realised the Self in every !ein%: the $ise relin7 ish the $orld and !ecome immortal# )ha"ter --1 2rahman: accordin% to the story: o!tained a victory for the %odsA and !y that victory of 2rahman the %ods !ecame elated#

They said to themselves: 38erily: this victory is o rsA verily: this %lory is o rs only#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 2rahman: to !e s re: nderstood it all and a""eared !efore them# 2 t they did not kno$ $ho that adora!le S"irit $as# ,<1 They said to A%ni (?ire': 35 A%ni6 ?ind o t $ho this %reat S"irit is#3 3Ees:3 he said and hastened to -t# 2rahman asked him: 3=ho are yo @3 ;e re"lied: 3- am kno$n as A%niA - am also called >ataveda#3 2rahman said: 3=hat "o$er is in yo : $ho are so $ell kno$n@3 ?ire re"lied: 3- can ! rn all< $hatever there is on earth#3 2rahman " t a stra$ !efore him and said: 32 rn this#3 ;e r shed to$ard it $ith all his ardo r ! t co ld not ! rn it# Then he ret rned from the S"irit and said to the %ods: 3- co ld not find o t $ho this S"irit is:3 7<10 Then they said to 8ay (Air': 35 8ay 6 ?ind o t $ho this %reat S"irit is#3 3Ees:3 he said and hastened to -t# 2rahman asked him: 3=ho are yo @3 ;e re"lied 3- am kno$n as 8ay A - am also called Matarisva#3 2rahman said: 3=hat "o$er is in yo : $ho are so $ell kno$n@3 8ay re"lied: 3- can carry off all< $hatever there is on earth#3 2rahman " t a stra$ !efore him and said: 3)arry this#3 ;e r shed to$ard it $ith all his ardo r ! t co ld not move it# Then he ret rned from the S"irit and said to the %ods: 3- co ld not find o t $ho this S"irit is:3 11<12 Then the %ods said to -ndra: 35 Ma%havan6 ?ind o t $ho this %reat S"irit is#3 3Ees:3 he said and hastened to -t# 2 t the S"irit disa""eared from him# Then -ndra !eheld in that very re%ion of the sky a =oman hi%hly adorned# She $as (ma: the da %hter of the ;imalayas# ;e a""roached ;er and said: 3=ho is this %reat S"irit@3 )ha"ter -8 1 She re"lied: 3-t is: indeed: 2rahman# Thro %h the victory of 2rahman alone have yo attained %lory#3 After that -ndra nderstood that -t $as 2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 Since they a""roached very near 2rahman and $ere the first to kno$ that -t $as 2rahman: these devas: namely: A%ni: 8ay and -ndra: eDcelled the other %ods# , Since -ndra a""roached 2rahman nearest and since he $as the first to kno$ that -t $as 2rahman: -ndra eDcelled the other %ods# 4 This is the instr ction a!o t 2rahman $ith re%ard to the %ods: -t is like a flash of li%htnin%A -t is like a $ink of the eye# / No$ the instr ction a!o t 2rahman $ith re%ard to the individ al self: The mind: as it $ere: %oes to 2rahman# The seeker: !y means of the mind: comm nes $ith -t intimately a%ain and a%ain# This sho ld !e the volition of his mind# 1 That 2rahman is called Tadvana: the Adora!le of allA -t sho ld !e $orshi""ed !y the name of Tadvana# All creat res desire him $ho $orshi"s 2rahman th s# 7 The disci"le saidA JTeach me: sir: the ("anishad#3 The "rece"tor re"lied: 3- have already told yo the ("anishad# have certainly told yo the ("anishad a!o t 2rahman#3 . A sterities: self<restraint and sacrificial rites are -ts feet and the 8edas are all -ts lim!s# Tr th is -ts a!ode# 0 ;e $ho th s kno$s this ("anishad shakes off all sins and !ecomes firmly esta!lished in the infinite and the hi%hest ;eaven: yea: the hi%hest ;eaven#

Gnd of +ena ("anishad So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

The *eace )hant 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth (the "rece"tor and the disci"le'6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 5m# May the different "arts of my !ody: my ton% e: "rana: eyes: ears and my stren%th and also all the sense<or%ans: !e no rished6 All: indeed: is 2rahman: as is declared in the ("anishads# May - never deny 2rahman6 May 2rahman never deny me6 May there never !e denial on the "art of 2rahman6 May there never !e denial on my "art6 May all the virt es descri!ed in the ("anishads !elon% to me: $ho am devoted to 2rahman6 Eea: may they all !elon% to me6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation 5m# May $e: 5 %ods: hear $ith o r ears $hat is a s"icio s6 May $e: 5 $orshi"f l %ods: see $ith o r eyes $hat is %ood6 May $e: stron% in lim!s and !ody: sin% yo r "raise and en9oy the life allotted to s !y *ra9a"ati6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

M ndaka ("anishad ?irst M ndaka )ha"ter 1 5m# 2rahma: the Maker of the niverse and the *reserver of the $orld: $as the first amon% the devas# ;e told ;is eldest son Atharva a!o t the +no$led%e of 2rahman: the fo ndation of all kno$led%e# 2 The +no$led%e of 2rahman a!o t $hich 2rahma told Atharva: Atharva: in olden times: told An%ir# An%ir ta %ht it to Satyavaha: !elon%in% to the clan of 2haradva9a and the latter ta %ht it: in s ccession: to An%iras , Sa naka: the %reat ho seholder: a""roached An%iras in the "ro"er manner and said: Hevered sir: $hat is that !y the kno$in% of $hich all this !ecomes kno$n@ 4 To him he said: T$o kinds of kno$led%e m st !e kno$n<that is $hat the kno$ers of 2rahman tell s# They are the ;i%her +no$led%e and the lo$er kno$led%e# / 5f these t$o: the lo$er kno$led%e is the Hi%<8eda: the Ea% r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharva<8eda: siksha ("honetics': kal"a (rit als': vyakaranam (%rammar': nir kta (etymolo%y': chhandas (metre' and 9yotis (astronomy'A and the ;i%her +no$led%e is that !y $hich the -m"erisha!le 2rahman is attained# 1 2y means of the ;i%her +no$led%e the $ise !ehold every$here 2rahman: $hich other$ise cannot !e seen or seiIed: $hich has no root or attri! tes: no eyes or ears: no hands or feetA $hich is eternal and omni"resent: all<"ervadin% and eDtremely s !tleA $hich is im"erisha!le and the so rce of

all !ein%s# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 As the s"ider sends forth and dra$s in its thread: as "lants %ro$ on the earth: as hair %ro$s on the head and the !ody of a livin% man<so does everythin% in the niverse arise from the -m"erisha!le# . 2rahman eD"ands !y means of a sterity and from -t "rimal matter is "rod cedA from matter: *ranaA from *rana: mindA from mind: the elementsA from the elements: the $orldsA thence $orks and from the $orks: their immortal fr its# 0 ?or him $ho kno$s all and nderstands everythin%: $hose a sterity consists of kno$led%e<from ;im: the -m"erisha!le 2rahman: are !orn 2rahma: name: form and food# )ha"ter -1 This is the Tr th: The sacrificial $orks $hich $ere revealed to the rishis in the hymns have !een descri!ed in many $ays in the three 8edas# *ractise them: !ein% desiro s to attain their tr e res lts# This is yo r "ath leadin% to the fr its of yo r $orks# 2 =hen the fire is $ell li%hted and the flames flicker: let a man offer his o!lations in the s"ace !et$een the t$o "ortions of melted ! tter# , -f a manCs A%nihotra sacrifice is not accom"anied !y the Barsa and the *a rnamasa sacrifice: !y the ?o r MonthsC sacrifice and the A t mnal sacrificeA if it is nattended !y hos"itality to % ests or if the o!lations are not offered at the ri%ht timeA or if the sacrifice is naccom"anied !y the 8aisvadeva ceremony or is im"ro"erly "erformed<then it destroys his seven $orlds# 4 +ali (the 2lack': +arali (the Terrific': Mano9ava (the S$ift as

tho %ht': S lohita (the 8ery red': S dh mravarna (of the colo r of !ri%ht smokeA " r"le': S"l lin%ini (the Scintillatin%' So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

and the l mino s 8isvar chi (the All<%leamin%: all< formed'<these seven: flickerin% a!o t: form the seven ton% es of the fire# / A man $ho "erforms the sacrifices $hen these flames are shinin% and offers o!lations at the ri%ht time: is carried !y these o!lations on the rays of the s n to $here d$ells the sole soverei%n of the %ods# 1 The l mino s o!lations say to the sacrifiers: )ome hither6 )ome hither6 And lead him on the rays of the s n: $orshi""in% him all the $hile and %reetin% him $ith the "leasant $ords: This is the holy heaven of 2rahma: earned !y yo r %ood deeds# 7 2 t frail indeed are those rafts of sacrifices: cond cted !y ei%hteen "ersons: "on $hom rests the inferior $orkA therefore they are destr cti!le# ?ools $ho re9oice in them as the ;i%hest Food fall victims a%ain and a%ain to old a%e and death# . ?ools: d$ellin% in darkness: ! t $ise in their o$n conceit and " ffed " $ith vain scholarshi": $ander a!o t: !ein% afflicted !y many ills: like !lind men led !y the !lind# 0 )hildren: immersed in i%norance in vario s $ays: flatter themselves: sayin%: =e have accom"lished lifeJs " r"ose# 2eca se these "erformers of karma do not kno$ the Tr th o$in% to their attachment: they fall from heaven: misery< stricken: $hen the fr it of their $ork is eDha sted# 10 -%norant fools: re%ardin% sacrifices and h manitarian $orks as the hi%hest: do not kno$ any hi%her %ood# ;avin% en9oyed their re$ard on the hei%hts of heaven: %ained !y %ood $orks: they enter a%ain this $orld or a lo$er one# 11

2 t those $ise men of tran7 il minds $ho lives in the forest on alms: "ractisin% "enances a""ro"riate to their stations of life So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

and contem"latin% s ch deities as ;iranya%ar!ha: de"art: freed from im" rities: !y the *ath of the S n: to the "lace $here that immortal *erson d$ells $hose nat re is im"erisha!le# 12 &et a !rahmin: after havin% eDamined all these $orlds that are %ained !y $orks: ac7 ire freedom from desires: nothin% that is eternal can !e "rod ced !y $hat is not eternal# -n order that he may nderstand that Gternal: let him: f el in hand: a""roach a % r $ho is $ell versed in the 8edas and al$ays devoted to 2rahman# 1, To that " "il $ho has d ly a""roached him: $hose mind is com"letely serene and $hose senses are controlled: the $ise teacher sho ld indeed ri%htly im"art the +no$led%e of 2rahman: thro %h $hich one kno$s the imm ta!le and the tr e * r sha# Second M ndaka )ha"ter 1 This is the Tr th: As from a !laIin% fire: s"arks essentially akin to it fly forth !y the tho sand: so also: my %ood friend: do vario s !ein%s come forth from the im"erisha!le 2rahman and nto ;im a%ain ret rn# 2 ;e is the self<l mino s and formless * r sha: ncreated and eDistin% !oth $ithin and $itho t# ;e is devoid of "rana: devoid of mind: " re and hi%her than the s "reme -m"erisha!le# , ?rom ;im are !orn "rana: mind: all the sense<or%ans: Akasa: air: fire: $ater and earth: $hich s ""orts all# 4 The heavens are ;is headA the s n and moon: ;is eyesA the 7 arters: ;is earsA the revealed 8edas: ;is s"eechA the $ind is ;is !reathA the niverse: ;is heart# ?rom his feet is "rod ced

the earth# ;e is: indeed: the inner Self of all !ein%s So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ ?rom ;im comes the ?ire $hose f el is the s nA from the moon comes rainA from rain: the her!s that %ro$ on the earthA from the her!s: the seminal fl id $hich a man "o rs into a $oman# Th s many livin% !ein%s are !orn of the * r sha# 1 ?rom ;im have come the Hik: the Saman: the Ea9 s: the Biksha: all sacrifices: the +rat s: %ifts: the year: the sacrificer and the $orlds $hich the moon sanctifies and the s n ill mines# 7 2y ;im are !e%otten the vario s devas: the sadhyas: men: cattle: !irds and also "rana and a"ana: rice and corn: "enance: faith: tr th: continence and la$# . ?rom ;im have s"r n% the seven "ranas: the seven flames: the seven kinds of f el: the seven o!lations and also the seven "lanes $here move the "ranas: lyin% in the cave: $hich are seven in each livin% !ein%# 0 ?rom ;im come all the oceans and the mo ntainsA from ;im flo$ rivers of every kindA from ;im have come: as $ell: all "lants and flavo rs: !y $hich the inner self s !sists s rro nded !y the elements# 10 The * r sha alone is verily the niverse: $hich consists of $ork and a sterity# 5 my %ood friend: he $ho kno$s this 2rahman<the S "reme and the -mmortal: hidden in the cave of the heart<c ts as nder even here the knot of i%norance# )ha"ter -1 The & mino s 2rahman d$ells in the cave of the heart and is kno$n to move there# -t is the %reat s ""ort of allA for in -t is centred everythin% that moves: !reathes and !links# 5 disci"les:

kno$ that to !e yo r Self<that $hich is !oth %ross and s !tle: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

$hich is adora!le: s "reme and !eyond the nderstandin% of creat res# 2 That $hich is radiant: s !tler than the s !tle: That !y $hich all the $orlds and their inha!itants are s ""orted<That: verily: is the indestr cti!le 2rahmanA That is the "rana: s"eech and the mindA That is the Tr e and That is the -mmortal# That alone is to !e str ck# Strike -t: my %ood friend# , Take the ("anishad as the !o$: the %reat $ea"on and "lace "on it the arro$ shar"ened !y meditation# Then: havin% dra$n it !ack $ith a mind directed to the tho %ht of 2rahman: strike that mark: 5 my %ood friend<that $hich is the -m"erisha!le 4 5m is the !o$A the atman is the arro$A 2rahman is said to !e the mark# -t is to !e str ck !y an ndistracted mind# Then the atman !ecomes one $ith 2rahman: as the arro$ $ith the tar%et# / -n ;im are $oven heaven: earth and the s"ace !et$een and the mind $ith all the sense<or%ans# +no$ that non<d al Atman alone and %ive " all other talk# ;e is the !rid%e to -mmortality# 1 ;e moves a!o t: !ecomin% manifold: $ithin the heart: $here the arteries meet: like the s"okes fastened in the nave of a chariot $heel# Meditate on Atman as 5m# ;ail to yo 6 May yo cross !eyond the sea of darkness6 7 ;e $ho kno$s all and nderstands all and to $hom !elon%s all the %lory in the $orld<;e: Atman: is "laced in the s"ace in the eff l%ent a!ode of 2rahman# ;e ass mes the forms of the mind and leads the !ody and the senses# ;e d$ells in the !ody: inside the heart# 2y the kno$led%e of That $hich shines as the !lissf l and immortal Atman: the $ise !ehold ;im f lly in all thin%s# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

. The fetters of the heart are !roken: all do !ts are resolved and all $orks cease to !ear fr it: $hen ;e is !eheld $ho is !oth hi%h and lo$# 0 There the stainless and indivisi!le 2rahman shines in the hi%hest: %olden sheath# -t is " reA -t is the &i%ht of li%htsA -t is That $hich they kno$ $ho kno$ the Self# 10 The s n does not shine there: nor the moon and the stars: nor these li%htnin%s: not to s"eak of this fire# =hen ;e shines: everythin% shines after ;imA !y ;is li%ht everythin% is li%hted# 11 That immortal 2rahman alone is !efore: that 2rahman is !ehind: that 2rahman is to the ri%ht and left# 2rahman alone "ervades everythin% a!ove and !elo$A this niverse is that S "reme 2rahman alone# Third M ndaka )ha"ter 1 T$o !irds: nited al$ays and kno$n !y the same name: closely clin% to the same tree# 5ne of them eats the s$eet fr itA the other looks on $itho t eatin%# 2 Seated on the same tree: the 9iva moans: !e$ildered !y his im"otence# 2 t $hen he !eholds the other: the &ord $orshi""ed !y all and ;is %lory: he then !ecomes free from %rief# , =hen the seer !eholds the self<l mino s )reator: the &ord: the * r sha: the "ro%enitor of 2rahma: then he: the $ise seer: shakes off %ood and evil: !ecomes stainless and reaches the s "reme nity#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 ;e indeed is *ranaA ;e shines forth vario sly in all !ein%s# The $ise man $ho kno$s ;im does not !a!!le# Hevellin% in the Self: deli%htin% in the Self: "erformin% actions: he is the foremost amon% the kno$ers of 2rahman# / This Atman: res"lendent and " re: $hom the sinless sannyasins !ehold residin% $ithin the !ody: is attained !y nceasin% "ractice of tr thf lness: a sterity: ri%ht kno$led%e and continence 1 Tr th alone "revails: not falsehood# 2y tr th the "ath is laid o t: the =ay of the Fods: on $hich the seers: $hose every desire is satisfied: "roceed to the ;i%hest A!ode of the Tr e# 7 That 2rahman shines forth: vast: self<l mino s: inconceiva!le: s !tler than the s !tle# ;e is far !eyond $hat is far and yet here very near at hand# 8erily: ;e is seen here: d$ellin% in the cave of the heart of conscio s !ein%s# . 2rahman is not %ras"ed !y the eye: nor !y s"eech: nor !y the other senses: nor !y "enance or %ood $orks# A man !ecomes " re thro %h serenity of intellectA there "on: in meditation: he !eholds ;im $ho is $itho t "arts# 0 That s !tle Atman is to !e kno$n !y the intellect here in the !ody $here the "rana has entered fivefold# 2y Atman the intellects of men are "ervaded: to%ether $ith the senses# =hen the intellect is " rified: Atman shines forth# 10 =hatever $orld a man of " re nderstandin% envisa%es in his mind and $hatever desires he cherishes: that $orld he con7 ers and those desires he o!tains: Therefore let everyone $ho $ants "ros"erity $orshi" the man $ho kno$s the Self#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -1 ;e: the +no$er of the Self: kno$s that S "reme A!ode of 2rahman: $hich shines !ri%htly and in $hich the niverse rests# Those $ise men $ho: free from desires: $orshi" s ch a "erson transcend the seed of !irth# 2 ;e $ho: cherishin% o!9ects: desires them: is !orn a%ain here or there thro %h his desires: 2 t for him $hose desires are satisfied and $ho is esta!lished in the Self: all desires vanish even here on earth# , This Atman cannot !e attained thro %h st dy of the 8edas: nor thro %h intelli%ence: nor thro %h m ch learnin%# ;e $ho chooses Atman<!y him alone is Atman attained# -t is Atman that reveals to the seeker -ts tr e nat re# 4 This Atman cannot !e attained !y one $ho is $itho t stren%th or earnestness or $ho is $itho t kno$led%e accom"anied !y ren nciation# 2 t if a $ise man strives !y means of these aids: his so l enters the A!ode of 2rahman# / ;avin% realiIed Atman: the seers !ecome satisfied $ith that +no$led%e# Their so ls are esta!lished in the S "reme Self: they are free from "assions and they are tran7 il in mind# S ch calm so ls ever devoted to the Self: !ehold every$here the omni"resent 2rahman and in the end enter into -t: $hich is all this# 1 ;avin% $ell ascertained the Self: the %oal of the 8edantic kno$led%e and havin% " rified their minds thro %h the "ractice of sannyasa: the seers: never relaDin% their efforts: en9oy here s "reme -mmortality and at the time of the %reat end attain com"lete freedom in 2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 The fifteen "arts %o !ack to their ca ses and all the senses to their deitiesA the actions and the Atman reflected in the ! ddhi: !ecome one $ith the hi%hest im"erisha!le 2rahman: $hich is the Self of all# . As flo$in% rivers disa""ear in the sea: losin% their names and forms: so a $ise man: freed from name and form: attains the * r sha: $ho is %reater than the Freat# 0 ;e $ho kno$s the S "reme 2rahman verily !ecomes 2rahman# -n his family no one is !orn i%norant of 2rahman# ;e overcomes %riefA he overcomes evilA free from the fetters of the heart: he !ecomes immortal# 10 A Hik<verse declares: This +no$led%e of 2rahman sho ld he told to those only $ho have "erformed the necessary d ties: $ho are versed in the 8edas and devoted to 2rahman and $ho: f ll of faith: have offered o!lations in the Gkarshi ?ire and "erformed: accordin% to r le: the rite of carryin% fire on the head# 11 Th s the seer An%iras declared this tr th in olden times# A man $ho has not "erformed the vo$ sho ld not read it# Sal tation to the %reat seers6 Sal tation to the %reat seers6 Gnd of M ndaka ("anishad The *eace )hant 5m# May $e: 5 %ods: hear $ith o r ears $hat is a s"icio s6 May $e: 5 $orshi"f l %ods: see $ith o r eyes $hat is %ood6 May $e: stron% in lim!s and !ody: sin% yo r "raise and en9oy the life allotted to s !y *ra9a"ati6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation

5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Svetasvatara ("anishad )ha"ter 1 Hishis: disco rsin% on 2rahman: ask: -s 2rahman the ca se@ =hence are $e !orn@ 2y $hat do $e live@ =here do $e d$ell at the end@ *lease tell s: 5 ye $ho kno$ 2rahman: nder $hose % idance $e a!ide: $hether in "leas re or in "ain# 2 Sho ld time: or nat re: or necessity: or chance: or the elements !e re%arded as the ca se@ 5r he $ho is called the " r sha: the livin% self@ , The sa%es: a!sor!ed in meditation thro %h one<"ointedness of mind: discovered the creative "o$er: !elon%in% to the &ord ;imself and hidden in its o$n % nas# That non<d al &ord r les over all those ca ses<time: the self and the rest# 4 The sa%es sa$ the $heel of 2rahman: $hich has one felly: a tri"le tire: siDteen end<"arts: fifty s"okes $ith t$enty co nter<s"okes and siD sets of ei%htA $hose one ro"e is manifoldA $hich moves on three different roadsA and $hose ill sion arises from t$o ca ses# / =e meditate on the Hiver $hose five c rrents are the five or%ans of "erce"tion: $hich is made im"et o s and $indin% !y the five elements: $hose $aves are the five or%ans of actions and $hose fo ntain<head is the mind: the so rce of the five forms of "erce"tion# This Hiver has five $hirl"ools and its ra"ids are the fivefold miseryA and lastly: it has fifty !ranches and five "ain<!earin% o!str ctions# 1 -n this %reat 2rahma<=heel: in $hich all thin%s a!ide and finally rest: the s$an $anders a!o t so lon% as it thinks the self is different from the )ontroller# =hen !lessed !y ;im the self attains -mmortality#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 -t is the S "reme 2rahman alone nto ched !y "henomena that is "roclaimed in the ("anishads# -n -t is esta!lished the triad of the en9oyer: the o!9ect and the &ord $ho is the )ontroller# This 2rahman is the imm ta!le fo ndationA -t is im"erisha!le# The sa%es: havin% realiIed 2rahman to !e the essence of "henomena: !ecome devoted to ;im# )om"letely mer%ed in 2rahman: they attain freedom from re!irth# . The &ord: -sa: s ""orts all this $hich has !een 9oined to%ether<the "erisha!le and the im"erisha!le: the manifest: the effect and the nmanifest: the ca se# The same &ord: the S "reme Self: devoid of &ordshi": !ecomes !o nd !eca se of ass min% the attit de of the en9oyer# The 9iva a%ain realiIes the S "reme Self and is freed from all fetters# 0 The S "reme &ord a""ears as -svara: omniscient and omni"otent and as the 9iva: of limited kno$led%e and "o$er: !oth n!orn# 2 t this does not deny the "henomenal niverseA for there eDists f rther the n!orn "rakriti: $hich creates the ideas of the en9oyer: en9oyment and the o!9ect# Atman is infinite and all<"ervadin% and therefore devoid of a%ency# =hen the seeker kno$s all these three to !e 2rahman: he is freed from his fetters# 10 *rakriti is "erisha!le# ;ara: the &ord: is immortal and im"erisha!le# The non<d al S "reme Self r les !oth "rakriti and the individ al so l# Thro %h constant meditation on ;im: !y nion $ith ;im: !y the kno$led%e of identity $ith ;im: one attains: in the end: cessation of the ill sion of "henomena# 11 =hen the &ord is kno$n all fetters fall offA $ith the cessation of miseries: !irth and death come to an end# ?rom meditation on ;im there arises: after the dissol tion of the !ody: the third state: that of niversal lordshi"# And lastly: the as"irant: transcendin% that state also: a!ides in the com"lete 2liss of 2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 The en9oyer (9iva': the o!9ects of en9oyment and the H ler (-svara'<the triad descri!ed !y the kno$ers of 2rahman<all this is nothin% ! t 2rahman# This 2rahman alone: $hich a!ides eternally $ithin the self: sho ld !e kno$n# 2eyond -t: tr ly: there is nothin% else to !e kno$n# 1, The visi!le form of fire: $hile it lies latent in its so rce: the fire<$ood: is not "erceivedA yet there is no destr ction of its s !tle form# That very fire can !e !ro %ht o t a%ain !y means of "ersistent r !!in% of the $ood: its so rce# -n like manner: Atman: $hich eDists in t$o states: like fire: can !e %ras"ed in this very !ody !y means of 5m# 14 2y makin% the !ody the lo$er "iece of $ood and 5m the ""er "iece and thro %h the "ractice of the friction of meditation: one "erceives the l mino s Self: hidden like the fire in the $ood# 1/<11 As oil eDists in sesame seeds: ! tter in milk: $ater in river< !eds and fire in $ood: so the Self is realiIed as eDistin% $ithin the self: $hen a man looks for -t !y means of tr thf lness and a sterity<$hen he looks for the Self: $hich "ervades all thin%s as ! tter "ervades milk and $hose roots are Self< +no$led%e and a sterity# That is the 2rahman ta %ht !y the ("anishadA yea: that is the 2rahman ta %ht !y the ("anishads# )ha"ter -1 May the s n: at the commencement of yo%a: 9oin o r minds and other or%ans to the S "reme Self so that $e may attain the +no$led%e of Heality# May ;e: also: s ""ort the !ody: the hi%hest material entity: thro %h the "o$ers of the deities $ho control the senses# 2 ;avin% received the !lessin%s of the divine S n and $ith minds 9oined to the S "reme Self: $e eDert o rselves: to the !est of o r "o$er: to$ard meditation: !y $hich $e shall attain ;eaven

(2rahman'# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, May the S n !esto$ favo r "on the senses and the mind !y 9oinin% them $ith the Self: so that the senses may !e directed to$ard the 2lissf l 2rahman and may reveal: !y means of +no$led%e: the mi%hty and radiant 2rahman# 4 -t is the d ty of those !rahmins $ho fiD their minds and senses on the S "reme Self to tter s ch lofty invocations to the divine S n: omni"resent: mi%hty and omniscient# ?or ;e: all< $itnessin% and non<d al: is the dis"enser of sacrifices# / 5 senses and 5 deities $ho favo r them6 Thro %h sal tations nite myself $ith the eternal 2rahman: $ho is yo r so rce# &et this "rayer s n% !y me: $ho follo$ the ri%ht "ath of the S n: %o forth in all directions# May the sons of the -mmortal: $ho occ "y celestial "ositions: hear it6 1 -f sacrifices are "erformed $itho t first "ro"itiatin% the S n: then the mind !ecomes attached to sacrifices in $hich fire is kindled !y the r !!in% of the "ieces of fire<$ood: the o!lations are offered to the deity 8ay and the soma 9 ice is dr nk eDcessively# 7 Serve the eternal 2rahman $ith the !lessin%s of the S n: the ca se of the niverse# 2e a!sor!ed: thro %h samadhi: in the eternal 2rahman# Th s yo r $ork $ill not !ind yo # . The $ise man sho ld hold his !ody steady: $ith the three ""er "arts erect: t rn his senses: $ith the hel" of the mind: to$ard the heart and !y means of the raft of 2rahman cross the fearf l torrents of the $orld# 0 The yo%i of $ell re% lated endeavo rs sho ld control the "ranasA $hen they are 7 ieted he sho ld !reathe o t thro %h the nostrils# Then let him ndistractedly restrain his mind: as a

charioteer restrains his vicio s horses# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

10 &et yo%a !e "ractised $ithin a cave "rotected from the hi%h $ind: or in a "lace $hich is level: " re and free from "e!!les: %ravel and fire: ndist r!ed !y the noise of $ater or of market<!ooths and $hich is deli%htf l to the mind and not offensive to the eye# 11 =hen yo%a is "ractised: the forms $hich a""ear first and $hich %rad ally manifest 2rahman are those or sno$<flakes: smoke: s n: $ind: fire: fire<flies: li%htnin%: crystal and the moon# 12 =hen earth: $ater fire: air and akasa arise: that is to say: $hen the five attri! tes of the elements: mentioned in the !ooks on yo%a: !ecome manifest then the yo%iJs !ody !ecomes " rified !y the fire of yo%a and he is free from illness: old a%e and death# 1, The "rec rsors of "erfection in yo%a: they say: are li%htness and healthiness of the !ody: a!sence of desire: clear com"leDion: "leasantness of voice: s$eet odo r and sli%ht eDcretions# 14 As %old covered !y earth shines !ri%ht after it has !een " rified: so also the yo%i: realisin% the tr th of Atman: !ecomes one $ith the non<d al Atman: attains the %oal and is free from %rief 1/ And $hen the yo%i !eholds the real nat re of 2rahman: thro %h the +no$led%e of the Self: radiant as a lam": then: havin% kno$n the n!orn and imm ta!le &ord: $ho is nto ched !y i%norance and its effects: he is freed from all fetters# 11 ;e indeed: the &ord: $ho "ervades all re%ions: $as the first to !e !orn and it is ;e $ho d$ells in the $om! of the niverse# -t is ;e: a%ain: $ho is !orn as a child and ;e $ill !e !orn in the f t re: ;e stands !ehind all "ersons and ;is face is

every$here# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

17 The Self<l mino s &ord: $ho is fire: $ho is in $ater: $ho has entered into the $hole $orld: $ho is in "lants: $ho is in trees< to that &ord let there !e adoration6 Eea: let there !e adoration6 )ha"ter --1 The non<d al Gnsnarer r les !y ;is "o$ers# Hemainin% one and the same: ;e r les !y ;is "o$ers all the $orlds d rin% their manifestation and contin ed eDistence# They $ho kno$ this !ecome immortal# 2 H dra is tr ly oneA for the kno$ers of 2rahman do not admit the eDistence of a second: ;e alone r les all the $orlds !y ;is "o$ers# ;e d$ells as the inner Self of every livin% !ein%# After havin% created all the $orlds: ;e: their *rotector: takes them !ack into ;imself at the end of time# , ;is eyes are every$here: ;is faces every$here: ;is arms every$here: every$here ;is feet# ;e it is $ho endo$s men $ith arms: !irds $ith feet and $in%s and men like$ise $ith feet# ;avin% "rod ced heaven and earth: ;e remains as their non<d al manifester# 4 ;e: the omniscient H dra: the creator of the %ods and the !esto$er of their "o$ers: the s ""ort of the niverse: ;e $ho: in the !e%innin%: %ave !irth to ;iranya%ar!ha<may ;e endo$ s $ith clear intellect6 / 5 H dra: Tho $ho d$ellest in the !ody and !esto$est ha""iness6 &ook "on s $ith that most !lessed form of Thine: $hich is a s"icio s: nterrifyin% and all %ood# 1 5 B$eller in the !ody and 2esto$er of ha""iness: make !eni%n that arro$ $hich Tho holdest in Thy hand ready to shoot: 5

*rotector of the !ody6 Bo not in9 re man or the $orld6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 The S "reme &ord is hi%her than 8irat: !eyond ;iranya%ar!ha# ;e is vast and is hidden in the !odies of all livin% !ein%s# 2y kno$in% ;im $ho alone "ervades the niverse: men !ecome immortal# . - kno$ the %reat * r sha: $ho is l mino s: like the s n and !eyond darkness# 5nly !y kno$in% ;im does one "ass over deathA there is no other $ay to the S "reme Foal# 0 The $hole niverse is filled !y the * r sha: to $hom there is nothin% s "erior: from $hom there is nothin% different: than $hom there is nothin% either smaller or %reaterA $ho stands alone: motionless as a tree: esta!lished in ;is o$n %lory# 10 That $hich is farthest from this $orld is $itho t form and $itho t affliction They $ho kno$ -t !ecome immortalA ! t others: indeed: s ffer "ain# 11 All faces are ;is facesA all heads: ;is headsA all necks: ;is necks# ;e d$ells in the hearts of all !ein%s# ;e is the all< "ervadin% 2ha%avan# Therefore ;e is the omni"resent and !eni%n &ord# 12 ;e: indeed: is the %reat * r sha: the &ord of creation: "reservation and destr ction: $ho ins"ires the mind to attain the state of stainlessness# ;e is the H ler and the &i%ht that is im"erisha!le# 1, The * r sha: no !i%%er than a th m!: is the inner Self: ever seated in the heart of man# ;e is kno$n !y the mind: $hich controls kno$led%e and is "erceived in the heart# They $ho kno$ ;im !ecome immortal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 The * r sha $ith a tho sand heads: a tho sand eyes: a tho sand feet: com"asses the earth on all sides and eDtends !eyond it !y ten fin%ersJ !readth# 1/ The * r sha alone is all this<$hat has !een and $hat $ill !e# ;e is also the &ord of -mmortality and of $hatever %ro$s !y food# 11 ;is hands and feet are every$hereA ;is eyes: heads and faces are every$hereA ;is ears are every$hereA ;e eDists com"assin% all# 17 ;imself devoid of senses: ;e shines thro %h the f nctions of the senses# ;e is the ca"a!le r ler of allA ;e is the ref %e of all# ;e is %reat# 1. The S$an: the r ler of the $hole $orld: of all that is movin% and all that is motionless: !ecomes the em!odied self and d$ellin% in the city of nine %ates: flies o t$ard# 10 Fras"in% $itho t hands: hastin% $itho t feet: -t sees $itho t eyes: -t hears $itho t ears# -t kno$s $hat is to !e kno$n: ! t no one kno$s -t# They call -t the ?irst: the Freat: the ? ll# 20 The Self: smaller than the small: %reater than the %reat: is hidden in the hearts of creat res# The $ise: !y the %race of the )reator: !ehold the &ord: ma9estic and desireless and !ecome free from %rief# 21 - kno$ this ndecayin%: "rimeval 5ne: the Self of all thin%s: $hich eDists every$here: !ein% all<"ervadin% and $hich the $ise declare to !e free from !irth# The teachers of 2rahman:

indeed: s"eak of -t as eternal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -8 1 ;e: the 5ne and (ndifferentiated: $ho !y the manifold a""lication of ;is "o$ers "rod ces: in the !e%innin%: different o!9ects for a hidden " r"ose and: in the end: $ithdra$s the niverse into ;imself: is indeed the self<l mino s<May ;e endo$ s $ith clear intellect6 2 That S "reme Self is A%ni (?ire'A -t is Aditya (S n'A -t is 8ay (=ind'A -t is )handrama (Moon'# That Self is the l mino s starsA -t is ;iranya%ar!haA -t is $aterA -t is 8irat# , Tho art $oman: Tho art manA Tho art yo th and maiden too# Tho as an old man totterest alon% on a staffA it is Tho alone $ho: $hen !orn: ass mest diverse forms# 4 Tho art the dark<!l e !eeA Tho art the %reen "arrot $ith red eyesA Tho art the th nder<clo d: the seasons and the seas# Tho art !e%innin%less and all<"ervadin%# ?rom Thee all the $orlds are !orn# / There is one n!orn "rakriti<red: $hite and !lack<$hich %ives !irth to many creat res like itself# An n!orn individ al so l !ecomes attached to it and en9oys it: $hile another n!orn individ al so l leaves it after his en9oyment is com"leted# 1 T$o !irds: nited al$ays and kno$n !y the same name: closely clin% to the same tree# 5ne of them eats the s$eet fr itA the other looks on $itho t eatin%# 7 Seated on the same tree: the 9iva moans: !e$ildered !y its im"otence# 2 t $hen it !eholds the other: the &ord $orshi""ed !y all and ;is %lory: it !ecomes free from %rief#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

. 5f $hat se are the 8edas to him $ho does not kno$ that indestr cti!le S !stance: that akasa<like 2rahman: $hich is %reater than the nmanifest and $herein the 8edas and all the %ods are sheltered@ 5nly those $ho kno$ -t attain !liss# 0 The sacred verses: the offerin%s (ya9na': the sacrifices (krat ': the "enances (vrata': the "ast: the f t re and all that the 8edas declare: have !een "rod ced from the im"erisha!le 2rahman# 2rahman "ro9ects the niverse thro %h the "o$er of -ts maya# A%ain: in that niverse 2rahman as the 9iva is entan%led thro %h maya# 10 +no$: then: that "rakriti is maya and that Freat Fod is the &ord of maya# The $hole niverse is filled $ith o!9ects $hich are "arts of ;is !ein%# 11 2y tr ly realisin% ;im $ho: tho %h non<d al: d$ells in "rakriti: !oth in its "rimary and in its secondary as"ect and in =hom this $hole $orld comes to%ether and dissolves<!y tr ly realisin% ;im =ho is the &ord: the !esto$er of !lessin%s: the Adora!le Fod: one attains the s "reme "eace# 12 ;e: the creator of the %ods and the !esto$er of their "o$ers: the S ""ort of the niverse: H dra the omniscient: $ho at the !e%innin% %ave !irth to ;iranya%ar!ha<may ;e endo$ s $ith clear intellect6 1, ;e $ho is the soverei%n of the %ods: in $hom the $orlds find their s ""ort: $ho r les over all t$o<footed and fo r<footed !ein%s<let s serve that Fod: radiant and !lissf l: $ith an o!lation# 14 2y realisin% ;im $ho is s !tler than the s !tlest $ho d$ells in the midst of the chaos: $ho is the )reator of all thin%s and is

endo$ed $ith many forms: $ho is the non<d al *ervader of So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

the niverse and all %ood<!y realisin% ;im one attains the s "reme "eace# 1/ -t is ;e $ho: in "ro"er time: !ecomes the c stodian of the niverse and the soverei%n of allA $ho conceals ;imself in all !ein%s as their inner =itnessA and in $hom the sa%es and the deities are nited# 8erily: !y kno$in% ;im one c ts as nder the fetters of death# 11 ;e $ho kno$s 2rahman: $ho is all 2liss: eDtremely s !tle: like the film that rises to the s rface of clarified ! tter and is hidden in all !ein%s<he $ho kno$s the radiant Beity: the sole *ervader of the niverse: is released from all his fetters# 17 The Maker of all thin%s: self<l mino s and all<"ervadin%: ;e d$ells al$ays in the hearts of men# ;e is revealed !y the ne%ative teachin%s of the 8edanta: discriminative $isdom and the +no$led%e of (nity !ased "on reflection# They $ho kno$ ;im !ecome immortal# 1. =hen there is no darkness of i%norance: there is no day or ni%ht: neither !ein% nor non<!ein%A the " re 2rahman alone eDists# That imm ta!le Heality is the meanin% of 3That3A -t is adored !y the S n# ?rom -t has "roceeded the ancient $isdom# 10 No one can %ras" ;im a!ove: across: or in the middle# There is no likeness of ;im# ;is name is Freat Flory (Mahad Easah'# 20 ;is form is not an o!9ect of visionA no one !eholds ;im $ith the eyes# They $ho: thro %h " re intellect and the +no$led%e of (nity !ased "on reflection: realise ;im as a!idin% in the heart !ecome immortal# 21 -t is !eca se Tho : 5 &ord: art !irthless: that some rare so ls:

fri%htened !y !irth and death: take ref %e in Thee# 5 H dra: may Thy !eni%n face "rotect me for ever6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

22 5 H dra: do not: in Thy $rath: destroy o r children and %rand<children# Bo not destroy o r livesA do not destroy o r co$s or horsesA do not destroy o r stron% servants# ?or $e invoke Thee al$ays: $ith o!lations: for o r "rotection# )ha"ter 8 1 -n the -mm ta!le: infinite S "reme 2rahman remain hidden the t$o: kno$led%e and i%norance# -%norance leads to $orldliness and kno$led%e: to -mmortality# 2rahman: $ho controls !oth kno$led%e and i%norance: is different from !oth# 2 ;e: the non<d al 2rahman: $ho r les over every "ositionA $ho controls all forms and all so rcesA $ho: in the !e%innin%: filled $ith kno$led%e the omniscient ;iranya%ar!ha: ;is o$n creation: $hom ;e !eheld $hen ;e (;iranya%ar!ha' $as "rod ced<;e is other than !oth kno$led%e and i%norance# , At the time of the creation the &ord s"reads o t individ al nets in vario s $ays and then at the time of the cosmic dissol tion $ithdra$s them into the %reat "rakriti# A%ain the all< "ervadin% Beity creates the a%%re%ates of !ody and senses: !oth individ al and collective and their controllers also and th s eDercises ;is overlordshi"# 4 As the s n shines: ill minin% all the 7 arters<a!ove: !elo$ and across<so also Fod: self<res"lendent: adora!le and non<d al: controls all o!9ects: $hich themselves "ossess the nat re of a ca se# /<1 ;e $ho is the ca se of all and $ho ena!les all thin%s to f nction accordin% to their nat reA $ho !rin%s to mat rity all that can !e ri"enedA $ho: !ein% non<d al: r les over the $hole niverse and en%a%es the % nas in their res"ective f nctions<;e is concealed in the ("anishads: the secret "art of the 8edas# 2rahma kne$ ;im $ho can !e kno$n only from

the evidence of the 8edas# The %ods and seers of olden times $ho kne$ ;im !ecame 2rahman and attained -mmortality# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 Gndo$ed $ith % nas: the 9iva "erforms action: seekin% its fr itA and a%ain: it rea"s the fr it of $hat it has done# Ass min% all forms and led !y the three % nas: the 9iva: r ler of the "ranas: roams a!o t follo$in% the three "aths: accordin% to its deeds# . 5f the siIe of a th m!: ! t !rilliant: like the s n: the 9iva "ossesses !oth volition and e%oism# -t is endo$ed $ith the 7 alities of !oth ! ddhi and Atman# Therefore it is seen as another entity: inferior and small as the "oint of a %oad# 0 +no$ the em!odied so l to !e a "art of the h ndredth "art of the "oint of a hair divided a h ndred timesA and yet it is infinite# 10 -t is not female: it is not male: nor is it ne ter# $hatever !ody it takes: $ith that it !ecomes nited# 11 2y means of desires: contact: attachment and del sion: the em!odied so l ass mes: s ccessively: diverse forms in vario s "laces: accordin% to its deeds: 9 st as the !ody %ro$s $hen food and drink are "o red into it# 12 The em!odied so l: !y means of %ood and evil deeds committed !y itself: ass mes many forms: coarse and fine# 2y virt e of its actions and also of s ch characteristics of the mind as kno$led%e and desire: it ass mes another !ody for the en9oyment of s ita!le o!9ects# 1, ;e $ho kno$s the &ord: $ho is $itho t !e%innin% or end: $ho stands in the midst of the chaos of the $orld: $ho is the )reator of all thin%s and is endo$ed $ith many forms<he $ho kno$s the radiant Beity: the sole *ervader of the niverse: is released from all his fetters# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 Those $ho kno$ ;im $ho can !e realised !y the " re heart: $ho is called incor"oreal: $ho is the ca se of creation and destr ction: $ho is all %ood and the creator of the siDteen "arts<those $ho kno$ the l mino s &ord are freed from em!odiment# )ha"ter 81 Some learned men s"eak of the inherent nat re of thin%s and some s"eak of time: as the ca se of the niverse# They all: indeed: are del ded# -t is the %reatness of the self<l mino s &ord that ca ses the =heel of 2rahman to revolve# 2 ;e !y $hom the $hole niverse is constantly "ervaded is the +no$er: the A thor of time# ;e is sinless and omniscient: -t is at ;is command that the $ork $hich is called earth: $ater: fire: air and akasa a""ears as the niverse# All this sho ld !e reflected "on !y the $ise# , The yo%i $ho first "erforms actions and then t rns a$ay from them and $ho "ractises one: t$o: three: or ei%ht disci"lines: nites one "rinci"le $ith another "rinci"le and $ith the hel" of virt es c ltivated !y the self and of s !tle tendencies attains &i!eration in co rse of time# 4 ;e $ho attains " rity of heart !y "erformin% actions as an offerin% to the &ord and mer%es "rakriti and all its effects in 2rahman: realises his tr e Self and there!y transcends "henomena# -n the a!sence of maya: !oth collective and individ al: all his "ast actions are destroyed# After the destr ction of the "rara!dha karma he attains final &i!eration# / The Freat &ord is the !e%innin%: the ca se $hich nites the so l $ith the !odyA ;e is a!ove the three kinds of time and is seen to !e $itho t "arts# After havin% $orshi""ed that adora!le Fod d$ellin% in the heart: $ho is of many forms and is the tr e

so rce of all thin%s: man attains final &i!eration# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1 ;e from $hom this niverse "roceeds is hi%her and other than all forms of the Tree of the =orld and of time# =hen one kno$s ;im $ho is the ind$eller: the !rin%er of %ood: the destroyer of evil: the &ord of "o$ers: the immortal s ""ort of all: one attains final &i!eration# 7 =e kno$ ;im $ho is the S "reme &ord of lords: the S "reme Beity of deities: the H ler of r lersA $ho is hi%her than the im"erisha!le "rakriti and is the self<l mino s: adora!le &ord of the $orld# . ;e is $itho t a !ody or or%ansA none like nto ;im is seen: or !etter than ;e# The 8edas s"eak of ;is eDalted "o$er: $hich is innate and ca"a!le of "rod cin% diverse effects and also of ;is omniscience and mi%ht# 0 ;e has no master in the $orld: no r ler: nor is there even a si%n of ;im !y $hich ;e can !e inferred# ;e is the ca se: the &ord of the lord of the or%ansA and ;e is $itho t "ro%enitor or controller# 10 May the non<d al &ord: $ho: !y the "o$er of ;is maya: covered ;imself: like a s"ider: $ith threads dra$n from "rimal matter: mer%e s in 2rahman6 11 The non<d al and res"lendent &ord is hidden in all !ein%s# All<"ervadin%: the inmost Self of all creat res: the im"eller to actions: a!idin% in all thin%s: ;e is the =itness: the Animator and the A!sol te: free from % nas# 12 There is a non<d al H ler of the actionless manyA ;e makes the one seed manifold# Gternal ha""iness !elon%s to the $ise: $ho "erceive ;im $ithin themselves<and not to others#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1, ;e is the Gternal amon% the eternal: the )onscio s amon% the conscio s and tho %h non<d al: f lfils the desires of many# ;e $ho has kno$n ;im: the l mino s &ord: the Freat )a se: to !e realised !y +no$led%e (Samkhya' and yo%a: is freed from all fetters# 14 The s n does not shine there: nor the moon and the stars: nor these li%htnin%s<m ch less this fire# ;e shinin%: everythin% shines after ;im# 2y his li%ht all this is li%hted# 1/ -n this niverse the S$an: the S "reme Self alone eDists# -t is ;e $ho: as fire: a!ides in the $ater# 5nly !y kno$in% ;im does one "ass over death: There is no other $ay to reach the S "reme Foal# 11 ;e $ho is the s ""ort of !oth the nmanifested "rakriti and the 9iva: $ho is the &ord of the three % nas and $ho is the ca se of !onda%e: eDistence and &i!eration from samsara: is verily the )reator of the niverse: the +no$er: the inmost Self of all thin%s and their So rce<the omniscient &ord: the A thor of time: the *ossessor of virt es: the +no$er of everythin%# 17 ;e $ho constantly r les the $orld is verily the ca se of !onda%e and &i!eration# Gsta!lished in ;is o$n %lory: ;e is the -mmortal: the Gm!odiment of )onscio sness: the omni"resent *rotector of the niverse# There is no one else a!le to r le it# 1. Seekin% &i!eration: - take ref %e in the &ord: the revealer of Self<+no$led%e: $ho in the !e%innin% created 2rahma and delivered the 8edas to ;im# 10<20 =hen men shall roll " s"ace as if it $ere a "iece of hide: then there $ill !e an end of misery $itho t oneCs c ltivatin% the

+no$led%e of the &ord: $ho is $itho t "arts: $itho t actions: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

tran7 il: !lameless: nattached: the s "reme !rid%e to -mmortality: an like a fire that has cons med all its f el# 21 Thro %h the "o$er of a sterity and thro %h the %race of the &ord: the sa%e Svetasvatara realised 2rahman and "roclaimed the hi%hly sacred +no$led%e: s "remely cherished !y the com"any of seers: to sannyasins of the most advanced sta%e# 22 The "rofo nd mystery in the 8edanta $as ta %ht in the "revio s cycle# -t sho ld not !e %iven to one $hose "assions have not !een s !d ed: nor to one $ho is not a son or a disci"le# 2, -f these tr ths have !een told to a hi%h<minded "erson $ho feels the hi%hest devotion for Fod and for his % r as for Fod: then they $ill s rely shine forth as inner eD"eriences<then: indeed: they $ill shine forth# Gnd of Svetasvatara ("anishad The *eace )hant 5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation 5m# May $e: 5 %ods: hear $ith o r ears $hat is a s"icio s6 May $e: 5 $orshi"f l %ods: see $ith o r eyes $hat is %ood6 May $e: stron% in lim!s and !ody: sin% yo r "raise and en9oy the life allotted to s !y *ra9a"ati6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

*rasna ("anishad K estion 1 5m# S kesa: the Son of 2haradva9aand Satyakama: the son of Si!iand Sa ryayani: !elon%in% to the family of Far%aand +a salya: the son of Asvalaand 8aidar!hi: !elon%in% to the family of 2hri% and +ahandhi: the Son of +atya<all these: devoted to 2rahman and firm in 2rahman and seekin% the S "reme 2rahman: a""roached: f el in hand: the venera!le *i""alada $ith the tho %ht that he $o ld tell them everythin% a!o t 2rahman# 2 The rishi said to them: Stay $ith me a year more: "ractisin% a sterities: chastity and faith# Then yo may ask 7 estions accordin% to yo r desire# -f $e kno$ $e shall tell yo all# , Then +a!andhi: the son of +atya: came to him and asked: Sir: $hence are these creat res !orn@ 4 To him the teacher said: *ra9a"ati: the )reator: $as desiro s of "ro%eny# ;e "erformed a sterities and havin% "erformed a sterities: created the "air: the moon (rayi' and the s n ("rana'# ;e said to ;imself: 3These t$o sho ld "rod ce creat res for Me in manifold $ays#3 / The s n is: indeed: "rana: lifeA the moon is rayi: food# ?ood is: indeed: all this<$hat has form and $hat is formless# Therefore everythin% havin% form is: indeed: food# 1 No$ the s n: $hen it rises: enters the eastern 7 arter and there!y enfolds the livin% !ein%s of the east in its rays# And $hen it ill minates the so thern: the $estern: the northern: the lo$er: the ""er and the intermediate 7 arters<$hen it ill minates everythin%<it th s enfolds all livin% !ein%s in its rays#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7<. That s n rises every day<the s n: $hich is the so l of all creat res: the so l of all forms: $hich is life and fire# This has !een descri!ed !y the follo$in% rik: The $ise kno$ him $ho is in all forms: f ll of rays: all< kno$in%: non<d al: the s ""ort of all life: the eye of all !ein%s: the %iver of heat# There rises the s n: the tho sand< rayed: eDistin% in a h ndred forms: the life of all creat res# 0 The year: verily: is *ra9a"ati and there arc t$o "aths thereof: the So thern and the Northern# Those $ho "erform sacrifices and en%a%e in "io s actions: as d ties to !e done: $in only the =orld of the MoonA verily they ret rn hither a%ain# Therefore the rishis $ho desire off<s"rin% travel !y the So thern *ath# This *ath of the ?athers is rayi: food# 10 2 t those $ho seek the Self thro %h a sterity: chastity: faith and kno$led%e travel !y the Northern *ath and $in the S n# The S n: verily: is the s ""ort of all lives# ;e is immortal and fearlessA ;e is the final %oal# Thence they do not ret rn# This "ath is !locked for the i%norant# )oncernin% it there is the follo$in% verse: 11 Some call ;im the father $ith five feet and $ith t$elve forms: the %iver of rain and the d$eller in the re%ion a!ove the sky# 5thers: a%ain: say that the $orld is fiDed in the omniscient S n: endo$ed $ith seven $heels and siD s"okes# 12 The month: verily: is *ra9a"ati# -ts dark half: verily: is food: rayiA its !ri%ht half: the eater: "rana# Therefore some rishis "erform sacrifice in the !ri%ht half: some in the other half# 1, Bay and ni%ht: verily: are *ra9a"ati# 5f these: day is the eater: "rana and ni%ht: the food: rayi# Those $ho 9oin in seD al en9oyment !y day verily dissi"ate lifeA ! t to 9oin in seD al en9oyment !y ni%ht is: verily: chastity#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 ?ood: verily: is *ra9a"ati# ?rom that comes semenA from semen are all these creat res !orn# 1/ Those: therefore: $ho "ractise this r le of *ra9a"ati !e%et a "air# 2 t 2rahmaloka !elon%s to those $ho o!serve a sterity and chastity and in $hom tr th is firmly esta!lished# 11 The stainless =orld of 2rahma !elon%s to those in $hom there is no crookedness: no falsehood: no dece"tion# K estion -1 Then 8aidar!hi: !elon%in% to the family of 2hri% : asked him: Sir: ho$ many %ods s ""ort the !ody of the created !ein%@ ;o$ many of these manifest their "o$er thro %h it@ And $hich one: f rthermore: is "aramo nt@ 2 To the disci"le he said: S"ace: akasa: verily is that %od<the $ind: fire: $ater: earth: s"eech: mind: eye and ear: as $ell# These: havin% manifested their %lory: said !oastf lly: 3=e s ""ort this !ody and "hold it#3 , To them "rana: the chiefmost said: 3Bo not fall into del sion# alone: dividin% myself into five "arts: s ""ort this !ody and "hold it#3 2 t they $ere incred lo s# 4 *rana: o t of "ride: rose "$ard: as it $ere: from the !ody# No$: $hen it rose "$ard all the others rose "$ard also and $hen it settled do$n they all settled do$n $ith it# As !ees %o o t $hen their 7 een %oes o t and ret rn $hen she ret rns: even so did s"eech: mind: eye and ear# They: !ein% satisfied: "raised "rana# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ -t ! rns as fire: it is the s n: it is the rainA it is -ndra: it is the $ind: it is the earth: it is food# -t is the l mino s %od# -t is !ein% and non<!ein%A it is immortality# 1 As s"okes in the h ! of a $heel: all are fiDed in "rana: incl din% the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the kshattriyas and the !rahmins# 7 As *ra9a"ati tho movest a!o t in the $om!A it is tho : indeed: $ho art !orn a%ain# To thee: 5 *rana: creat res !rin% offerin%s: to thee $ho d$ellest in the !ody $ith the or%ans# . Tho art the chief !earer of o!lations to the %ods and the first offerin% to the de"arted fathersA tho art the tr e activities of the rishis: of the Atharvan%iras# 0 -ndra tho art: 5 *rana and H dra: too: in "ro$ess# Tho art the *rotector# Tho movest in the skyA tho art the s n: the lord of li%hts# 10 =hen: 5 *rana: tho sho$erest do$n rain: these creat res of thine are deli%hted: thinkin% there $ill !e as m ch food as they desire# 11 Tho art vratya: 5 *rana and the Gkarshi ?ire that devo rs the ! tter# Tho art the S "reme &ord of all# =e are the %ivers of the ! tter that tho cons mest: 5 Matarisva6 Tho art o r father# 12 That form of thine $hich a!ides in s"eech: $hich a!ides in the ear: $hich a!ides in the eye and $hich "ervades the mind: make "ro"itio s# Fo not a$ay6

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1, All that eDists here is nder the control of "rana and also $hat eDists in heaven# *rotect s as a mother her sonsA !esto$ "on s "ros"erity and $isdom# K estion --1 Then +a salya: the son of Asvala: asked *i""alada: Sir: $hence is this "rana !orn@ ;o$ does it come into this !ody@ ;o$ does it a!ide in the !ody after it has divided itself@ ;o$ does it de"art@ ;o$ does it s ""ort the eDternal and ho$ the internal@ 2 To him the teacher re"lied: Eo are askin% diffic lt 7 estionsA yo m st !e eDceedin%ly devoted to 2rahman# Therefore - $ill ans$er yo # , This "rana is !orn of Atman# As a shado$ is cast !y a "erson: so this "rana is: !y Atman# Thro %h the activity of the mind it comes into this !ody# 4 As an em"eror commands his officials: sayin%A 3H le these villa%es or those:3 so this "rana em"loys the other "ranas: each in its se"arate "lace# / *rana en%a%es a"ana in the or%ans of eDcretion and %enerationA he himself moves thro %h the mo th and nose and d$ells in the eye and ear# -n the middle is samanaA it distri! tes e7 ally $hat has !een offered as food in the fire in the stomach# ?rom this "rana fire arise the seven flames# 1 The atman d$ells in the heart: $here there are one h ndred and one arteries (nadi'A for each of these there are one h ndred !ranches and for each of these !ranches: a%ain: there are seventy<t$o tho sand s !sidiary vessels# 8yana moves in

these# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 And then dana: ascendin% "$ard thro %h one of them: cond cts the de"artin% so l to the virt o s $orld: for its virt o s deedsA to the sinf l $orld: for its sinf l deedsA and to the $orld of men: for !oth# . The s n: verily: is the eDternal "ranaA for it rises: favo rin% the "rana in the eye# The deity that eDists in the earth controls the a"ana of man# The s"ace: akasa: !et$een heaven and earth is samana# The air is vyana# 0 ?ire: verily: is danaA therefore he $hose fire has !een eDtin% ished %oes o t for re!irth: $ith the senses a!sor!ed in the mind# 10 =hatever oneJs thinkin%: $ith that one enters into "rana# *rana 9oined $ith fire: to%ether $ith the so l: leads to $hatever $orld has !een fashioned !y tho %ht# 11 The $ise man $ho th s kno$s "rana does not lose his offs"rin% and !ecomes immortal# As to this there is the follo$in% verse: 12 ;e $ho kno$s the ori%in of "rana: its entry: its "lace: its fivefold distri! tion: its internal as"ect and also its eDternal: o!tains immortalityA yea: he o!tains immortality# K estion -8 1 NeDt Sa ryayani: !elon%in% to the family of Far%a: asked: Sir: $hat are they that slee" in man and $hat are they that remain a$ake in him@ =hich deity is it that sees dreams@ =hose is the ha""iness@ -n $hom: a%ain: are all these %athered to%ether@ So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 To him *i""alada re"lied: 5 Far%ya: as the rays of the s n: $hen it sets: are %athered in that l mino s or! and a%ain %o forth $hen it rises: even so: verily: all these<the o!9ects and the senses<!ecome one in the s "erior %od: the mind# Therefore at that time a man hears not: sees not: smells not: tastes not: to ches not: s"eaks not: %ras"s not: en9oys not: emits not and does not move a!o t# ;e slee"s<that is $hat "eo"le say# , The "rana fires remain a$ake in this city# A"ana is the Farha"atya ?ire and vyana: the Anvaharya"achana ?ire# And "rana is the Ahavaniya ?ire: so called from !ein% taken<since it is taken from the Farha"atya ?ire# 4 Samana is so called !eca se it distri! tes e7 ally the t$o o!lations: namely: the o t<!reathin% and the in<!reathin%A it is the "riest# The mind: verily: is the sacrificer# (dana is the fr it of the sacrifice: !eca se it leads the sacrificer every day: in dee" slee": to 2rahman# / There: in dreams: that %od: the mind: eD"eriences %lory# =hatever has !een seen he sees a%ainA $hatever has !een heard he hears a%ainA $hatever has !een eD"erienced in different co ntries and 7 arters: he eD"eriences a%ain# =hatever has !een seen or not seen: heard or not heard and $hatever is real or not real<he sees it all# ;e sees all: himself !ein% all# 1 =hen the 9iva is overcome !y li%ht he sees no dreamsA at that time: in this !ody: arises this ha""iness# 7<. As a !ird %oes to a tree to roost: even so: 5 friend: all this rests in the S "reme Atman: Garth and its s !tle co nter"art: $ater and its s !tle co nter"art: fire and its s !tle co nter"art: air and its s !tle co nter"art: akasa and its s !tle co nter"art: the eye and $hat can !e seen: the ear and $hat can !e heard: the nose and $hat

can !e smelt: the taste and $hat can !e tasted: the skin and $hat can !e to ched: the or%an of s"eech and $hat can !e So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

s"oken: the hands and $hat can !e %ras"ed: the or%an of %eneration and $hat can !e en9oyed: the or%an of eDcretion and $hat can !e eDcreted: the feet and $hat is their destination: the mind (manas' and $hat can !e tho %ht: the intellect (! ddhi' and $hat can !e com"rehended: the e%o (ahamkara' and the o!9ect of e%oism: the memory (chitta' and its o!9ect: kno$led%e (te9ah' and its o!9ect: "rana and $hat is to !e s ""orted# 0 ;e: verily: it is $ho sees: feels: hears: smells: tastes: thinks and kno$s# ;e is the doer: the intelli%ent self: the " r sha# ;e is esta!lished in the ;i%hest: the im"erisha!le Atman# 10 ;e $ho kno$s that im"erisha!le 2ein%: !ri%ht: $itho t shado$: $itho t !ody: $itho t colo r: verily attains the S "reme: the ndecayin% * r sha: 5 my %ood friend: he $ho kno$s Atman !ecomes all<kno$in%: !ecomes all# A!o t it there is the follo$in% verse: 11 ;e: 5 friend: $ho kno$s that im"erisha!le 2ein% $herein rests the intelli%ent self: to%ether $ith the %ods: the "ranas and the elements<he !ecomes all<kno$in% and enters into all# K estion 8 1 Then Satyakama: the son of Si!i: asked *i""aladaA Sir: if amon% men someone sho ld here meditate on the sylla!le A(M ntil death: $hich $orld: verily: $o ld he $in there!y@ 2 ;e re"lied: 5 Satyakama: the sylla!le A(M is the S "reme 2rahman and also the other 2rahman# Therefore he $ho kno$s it attains: $ith its s ""ort: the one or the other# , -f he meditates on one letter (matra': then: !ein% enli%htened !y that alone: he 7 ickly comes !ack to earth after death# The rik verses lead him to the $orld of men# 2y "ractisin% a sterity: chastity and faith he en9oys %reatness#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 -f: a%ain: he meditates on the second letter: he attains the mind and is led " !y the ya9 r verses to the intermediate s"ace: to the *lane of the Moon# ;avin% en9oyed %reatness in the *lane of the Moon: he ret rns hither a%ain# / A%ain: he $ho meditates on the ;i%hest *erson thro %h this sylla!le A(M consistin% of three letters: !ecomes nited $ith the eff l%ent S n# As a snake is freed from its skin: even so he is freed from sin# 1 The three letters of A(M: if em"loyed se"arately: are mortalA ! t $hen 9oined to%ether in meditation on the total Heality and sed "ro"erly on the activities of the eDternal: internal and intermediate states: the kno$er trem!les not# 7 The $ise man: meditatin% on A(M: attains this $orld !y means of the rik versesA the intermediate $orld !y means of the ya9 r versesA and that $hich is kno$n to the seers !y means of the sama verses# And also thro %h the sylla!le A(M he realises that $hich is tran7 il: free from decay: death and fear and $hich is the ;i%hest# K estion 81 Then S kesa: the son of 2haradva9a: said to *i""alada: Sir: ;iranya!ha: the "rince of +osala: once came to me and asked this 7 estion: 35 son of 2haradva9a: do yo kno$ the *erson $ith siDteen "arts@3 - said to the "rince: 3- do not kno$ ;imA if - kne$ ;im: $hy sho ld - not tell yo @ S rely he $ho s"eaks $hat is not tr e $ithers a$ay to the very rootA therefore sho ld not s"eak ntr th#3 Then he silently mo nted his chariot and $ent a$ay# No$ - ask yo : =here does that *erson d$ell@ 2 *i""alada said to him: That *erson<;e from $hom these siDteen "arts arise<is verily here $ithin the !ody#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, The * r sha reflected: 3=hat is it !y $hose de"art re - shall de"art and !y $hose stayin% - shall stay@3 4 ;e created "ranaA from "rana faith: s"ace: air: fire: $ater: earth: the or%ans: mind: foodA from food virility: a sterity: the 8edic hymns: sacrifice: the $orldsA and in the $orlds ;e created names# / As these flo$in% rivers: !o nd for the ocean: disa""ear into the ocean after havin% reached it: their names and forms !ein% destroyed and are called sim"ly the ocean<even so: these siDteen "arts of the seer: $hose %oal is the * r sha: disa""ear into the * r sha after havin% reached ;im: their names and forms !ein% destroyed and are called sim"ly the * r sha# ;e !ecomes free of "arts and immortal# 5n this there is the follo$in% verse: 1 +no$ ;im: the * r sha: $ho alone is to he kno$n and in $hom the "arts rest firm: like the s"okes in the nave of a $heel: that death may not affect yo # 7 *i""alada said to them: Th s far: indeed: - kno$ the S "reme 2rahmanA there is nothin% hi%her than this# . And they: $orshi""in% him: said: Tho : indeed: art o r father<tho $ho hast taken s across o r i%norance to the other shore# Adoration to the s "reme rishis6 Adoration to the s "reme rishis6 Gnd of *rasna ("anishad The *eace )hant 5m# May $e: 5 %ods: hear $ith o r ears $hat is a s"icio s6 May $e: 5 $orshi"f l %ods: see $ith o r eyes $hat is %ood6

May $e: stron% in lim!s and !ody: sin% yo r "raise and en9oy So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

the life allotted to s !y *ra9a"ati6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 The *eace )hant 5m# May $e: 5 %ods: hear $ith o r ears $hat is a s"icio s6 May $e: 5 $orshi"f l %ods: see $ith o r eyes $hat is %ood6 May $e: stron% in lim!s and !ody: sin% yo r "raise and en9oy the life allotted to s !y *ra9a"ati6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Mand kya ("anishad )ha"ter - L A%ama *rakarana (The )ha"ter !ased on 8edic Testimony' ;arih A m6 A(M: the $ord: is all this: the $hole niverse# A clear eD"lanation of it is as follo$s: All that is "ast: "resent and f t re is: indeed: A(M# And $hatever else there is: !eyond the threefold division of time<that also is tr ly A(M# -All this is: indeed: 2rahman# This Atman is 2rahman# This same Atman has fo r 7 arters# --The first 7 arter is called 8aisvanara: $hose s"here of activity is the $akin% state: $ho is conscio s of eDternal o!9ects: $ho has seven lim!s and nineteen mo ths and $ho is the eD"eriencer of %ross o!9ects# -8 The second 7 arter is Tai9asa: $hose s"here of activity is the dream state: $ho is conscio s of internal o!9ects: $ho is endo$ed $ith seven lim!s and nineteen mo ths and $ho is the eD"eriencer of s !tle o!9ects# 8 That is the state of dee" slee" $herein one aslee" neither desires any o!9ect nor sees any dream# The third 7 arter is *ra9na: $hose s"here is dee" slee": in $hom all eD"eriences !ecome nified: $ho is: verily: a mass of conscio sness: $ho is f ll of !liss and eD"eriences !liss and $ho is the door leadin% to the kno$led%e of dreamin% and $akin%# 8;e is the &ord of all# ;e is the kno$er of all# ;e is the inner controller# ;e is the so rce of allA for from him all !ein%s ori%inate and in him they finally disa""ear# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Fa da"ada +arika 1 8isva is all<"ervadin%: the eD"eriencer of eDternal o!9ects# Tai9asa is the co%niIer of internal o!9ects# *ra9na is a mass of conscio sness# -t is one alone that is th s kno$n in the three states# 2 8isva is the co%niIer thro %h the ri%ht eyeA Tai9asa is the co%niIer thro %h the mind $ithinA *ra9na is the akasa in the heart# Therefore the one Atman is "erceived threefold in the same !ody# ,<4 8isva eD"eriences the %rossA Tai9asa: the s !tleA and *ra9na: the !lissf l# +no$ these to !e the threefold eD"erience# The %ross o!9ect satisfies 8isvaA the s !tle: Tai9asaA and the !lissf l: *ra9na# +no$ these to !e the threefold satisfaction# / The eD"eriencer and the o!9ects of eD"erience associated $ith the three states have !een descri!ed# ;e $ho kno$s these !oth does not !ecome attached to o!9ects tho %h en9oyin% them# 1 S rely a comin% into eDistence m st !e "redicated of all "ositive entities that eDist# *rana manifests all inanimate o!9ects# The * r sha manifests the conscio s !ein%s in their manifold forms# 7 Some of those $ho contem"late the "rocess of creation re%ard it as the manifestation of FodCs "o$ersA others ima%ine creation to !e like dreams and ill sions# . Those $ho are convinced a!o t the reality of manifested o!9ects ascri!e the manifestation solely to FodCs $ill: $hile those $ho s"ec late a!o t time re%ard time as the creator of thin%s#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

0 Some say that the manifestation is or the " r"ose of FodCs en9oyment: $hile others attri! te it to ;is division# 2 t it is the very nat re of the eff l%ent 2ein%# =hat desire is "ossi!le for ;im $ho is the f lfillment of all desires@ 8-T riya is not that $hich is conscio s of the inner (s !9ective' $orld: nor that $hich is conscio s of the o ter (o!9ective' $orld: nor that $hich is conscio s of !oth: nor that $hich is a mass of conscio sness# -t is not sim"le conscio sness nor is -t nconscio sness# -t is n"erceived: nrelated: incom"rehensi!le: ninfera!le: nthinka!le and indescri!a!le# The essence of the )onscio sness manifestin% as the self in the three states: -t is the cessation of all "henomenaA -t is all "eace: all !liss and non<d al# This is $hat is kno$n as the ?o rth (T riya'# This is Atman and this has to !e realiIed# 10 T riya: the chan%eless H ler: is ca"a!le of destroyin% all miseries# All other entities !ein% nreal: the non<d al T riya alone is kno$n as eff l%ent and all<"ervadin%# 11 8isva and Tai9asa are conditioned !y ca se and effect# *ra9na is conditioned !y ca se alone# Neither ca se nor effect eDists in T riya# 12 *ra9na does not kno$ anythin% of self or non<self: of tr th or ntr th# 2 t T riya is ever eDistent and all<seein%# 1, Non<co%nition of d ality is common to !oth *ra9na and T riya# 2 t *ra9na is associated $ith slee" in the form of ca se and this slee" does not eDist in T riya# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 The first t$o: 8isva and Tai9asa: are associated $ith dreamin% and slee" res"ectivelyA *ra9na: $ith Slee" !ereft of dreams# +no$ers of 2rahman see neither slee" nor dreams in T riya# 1/ Breamin% is the $ron% co%nition and slee" the non<co%nition: of Heality# =hen the erroneo s kno$led%e in these t$o is destroyed: T riya is realiIed# 11 =hen the 9iva: aslee" nder the infl ence of !e%innin%less maya: is a$akened: it then realiIes !irthless: slee"less and dreamless Non<d ality# 17 -f the "henomenal niverse $ere real: then certainly it $o ld disa""ear# The niverse of d ality $hich is co%niIed is mere ill sion (maya'A Non<d ality alone is the S "reme Heality# 1. -f anyone ima%ines ill sory ideas s ch as the teacher: the ta %ht and the scri"t res: then they $ill disa""ear# These ideas are for the " r"ose of instr ction# B ality ceases to eDist $hen Heality is kno$n# 8--The same Atman eD"lained !efore as !ein% endo$ed $ith fo r 7 arters is no$ descri!ed from the stand"oint of the sylla!le A(M# A(M: too: divided into "arts: is vie$ed from the stand"oint of letters# The 7 arters of Atman are the same as the letters of A(M and the letters are the same as the 7 arters# The letters are A: ( and M# -M 8aisvanara Atman: $hose s"here of activity is the $akin% state: is A: the first letter of A(M: on acco nt of his all< "ervasiveness or on acco nt of his !ein% the first# ;e $ho kno$s this o!tains all desires and !ecomes first amon% the %reat#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

M Tai9asa Atman: $hose s"here of activity is the dream state: is (: the second letter of A(M: on acco nt of his s "eriority or intermediateness# ;e $ho kno$s this attains a s "erior kno$led%e: receives e7 al treatment from all and finds in his family no one i%norant of 2rahman# M*ra9na Atman: $hose s"here is dee" slee": is M: the third letter of A(M: !eca se !oth are the meas re and also !eca se in them all !ecome one# ;e $ho kno$s this is a!le to meas re all and also com"rehends all $ithin himself# 10 =hen it is desired to descri!e the identity of 8isva and the letter A: the chief %ro nd %iven is the fact that each is the first in its res"ective s"here# Another reason for this identity is the all<"ervasiveness of each# 20 The clear %ro nd for realiIin% Tai9asa as of the same nat re as the letter ( is the common feat re of s "eriority# Another "lain reason for s ch identity is their !ein% in the middle# 21 The indis" ta!le reason %iven for the identity of *ra9na and M is the common feat re that !oth are the meas re# The other reason for s ch identity is another common feat re: namely: that !oth re"resent the state of mer%ence# 22 ;e $ho kno$s for certain the similarity of the three states and the three letters of A(M: !ased "on their common feat res: is $orshi""ed and adored !y all !ein%s and also is a %reat sa%e# 2, Thro %h meditation on A the seeker attains 8isvaA thro %h meditation on (: Tai9asaA and thro %h meditation on M: *ra9na# Meditation on the 3so ndless3 !rin%s no attainment# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

M-The ?o rth (T riya' is $itho t "arts and $itho t relationshi"A -t is the cessation of "henomenaA -t is all %ood and non<d al# This A(M is verily Atman# ;e $ho kno$s this mer%es his self in Atman<yea: he $ho kno$s this# Gnd of Mand kya ("anishad 24 A(M sho ld !e kno$n 7 arter !y 7 arter# There is no do !t that the 7 arters are the same as the letters# ;avin% nderstood A(M 7 arter !y 7 arter: one sho ld not think of anythin% else# 2/ The mind sho ld !e concentrated on A(M# A(M is the fearless 2rahman# ;e $ho is al$ays a!sor!ed in A(M kno$s no fear $hatever# 21 A(M is verily the &o$er 2rahman# -t is also stated to !e the ;i%her 2rahman# A(M is !e%innin%less and ni7 e# There is nothin% o tside it# -t is nrelated to any effect and is imm ta!le# 27 A(M is: indeed: the !e%innin%: middle and end of all thin%s# ;e $ho has realiIed A(M as imm ta!le immediately attains the S "reme Heality# 2. +no$ A(M to !e -svara: ever "resent in the hearts of all# The calm so l: contem"latin% A(M as all<"ervadin%: does not %rieve# 20 5ne $ho kno$s A(M: $hich is so ndless and also endo$ed $ith infinite so nds: $hich is all %ood and the ne%ation of d ality: is a real sa%e and none other# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -- < 8aitathya *rakarana (The )ha"ter on -ll sion' 1 ;arih A m# The $ise declare the nreality of all entities seen in dreams: !eca se they are located $ithin the !ody and the s"ace therein is confined# 2 The dreamer: on acco nt of the shortness of the time involved: cannot %o o t of the !ody and see the dream o!9ects# Nor does he: $hen a$akened: find himself in the "laces seen in the dream# , Scri"t re: on rational %ro nds: declares the non<eDistence of the chariots etc# "erceived in dreams# Therefore the $ise say that the nreality esta!lished !y reason is "roclaimed !y scri"t re# 4 The different o!9ects seen in the confined s"ace of dreams are nreal on acco nt of their !ein% "erceived# ?or the same reason i#e# on acco nt of their !ein% "erceived: the o!9ects seen in the $akin% state are also nreal# The same condition i#e# the state of !ein% "erceived eDists in !oth $akin% and dreamin%# The only difference is the limitation of s"ace associated $ith dream o!9ects# / Tho %htf l "ersons s"eak of the sameness of the $akin% and dream states on acco nt of the similarity of the o!9ects "erceived in !oth states on the %ro nds already mentioned# 1 -f a thin% is non<eDistent !oth in the !e%innin% and in the end: it is necessarily non<eDistent in the "resent# The o!9ects that $e see are really like ill sionsA still they are re%arded as real# 7 The tility of the o!9ects of $akin% eD"erience is contradicted

in dreamsA therefore they are certainly nreal# Th s !oth eD"eriences: havin% a !e%innin% and an end: are nreal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

. The o!9ects "erceived !y the dreamer: not s ally seen in the $akin% state: o$e their eDistence to the "ec liar conditions nder $hich the co%niIer i#e# the mind f nctions for the time !ein%: as $ith those residin% in heaven# The dreamer: associatin% himself $ith the dream conditions: "erceives those o!9ects: even as a man: $ell instr cted here: %oes from one "lace to another and sees the "ec liar o!9ects !elon%in% to those "laces# 0<10 -n dreams: $hat is ima%ined $ithin the mind is ill sory and $hat is co%niIed o tside !y the mind: realA ! t tr ly: !oth are kno$n to !e nreal# Similarly: in the $akin% state: $hat is ima%ined $ithin !y the mind is ill sory and $hat is co%niIed o tside !y the mind: realA ! t !oth sho ld !e held: on rational %ro nds: to !e nreal# 11 -f the o!9ects "erceived in !oth $akin% and dreamin% are ill sory: $ho "erceives all these o!9ects and $ho: a%ain: ima%ines them@ 12 -t is the self<l mino s Atman $ho: thro %h the "o$er of -ts o$n maya: ima%ines in -tself !y -tself all the o!9ects that the s !9ect eD"eriences $ithin and $itho t# -t alone is the co%niIer of o!9ects# This is the decision of 8edanta# 1, The &ord (Atman': $ith ;is mind t rned o t$ard: ima%ines in diverse forms vario s o!9ects either "ermanent: s ch as the earth: or im"ermanent: s ch as li%htnin%: $hich are already in ;is mind in the form of vasanas: or desires# A%ain: ;e t rns ;is mind $ithin and ima%ines vario s ideas# 14 Those that are co%niIed internally only as lon% as the tho %ht of them lasts and those that are "erceived o tside and relate to t$o "oints in time: are all mere o!9ects of the ima%ination# There is no %ro nd for differentiatin% the one from the other#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1/ Those that eDist $ithin the mind as s !9ective ideas and are kno$n as nmanifested and those that are "erceived to eDist o tside in a manifested form: !oth are mere o!9ects of the ima%ination# Their difference lies only in the difference of the or%ans !y means of $hich they are "erceived# 11 ?irst of all is ima%ined the 9iva: the em!odied individ al and then are ima%ined the vario s entities: !oth eDternal s ch as so nds: forms: etc# and internal s ch as the "ranas: sense< or%ans: etc#: that are "erceived to eDist# As is oneJs kno$led%e so is oneJs memory# 17 As a ro"e lyin% in darkness: a!o t $hose nat re one remains ncertain: is ima%ined to !e a snake or a line of $ater: so Atman is ima%ined in vario s $ays# 1. =hen the real nat re of the ro"e is ascertained: all misconce"tions a!o t it disa""ear and there arises the conviction that it is nothin% ! t a ro"e# Gven so is the tr e nat re of Atman determined# 10 Atman is ima%ined as "rana and other n m!erless ideas# All this is d e to maya: !elon%in% to the eff l%ent Atman: !y $hich -t a""ears: -tself: to !e del ded# 20 Those conversant $ith "rana descri!e Atman as "ranaA those conversant $ith the elements: as the elementsA those conversant $ith the % nas: as the % nasA and those conversant $ith the tattvas: as the tattvas# 21 Those ac7 ainted $ith the "adas call -t the "adasA those ac7 ainted $ith o!9ects: the o!9ectsA those ac7 ainted $ith the lokas: the lokasA those ac7 ainted $ith the %ods: the %ods#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

22 Those conversant $ith the 8edas descri!e Atman as the 8edasA those conversant $ith the sacrifices: as the sacrificesA those conversant $ith the en9oyer: as the en9oyerA and those conversant $ith the o!9ects of en9oyment call -t the o!9ects of en9oyment# 2, The kno$ers of the s !tle call -t the s !tle and the kno$ers of the %ross: the %ross# Those that are familiar $ith the *ersonal Beity call -t the *ersonal Beity and those that are familiar $ith the void: the void# 24 Those that kno$ time call Atman time and those that kno$ s"ace call -t s"ace# Those versed in the art of dis" tation call -t the o!9ect of dis" teA and those kno$in% the $orlds call -t the $orlds# 2/ The kno$ers of the mind call Atman the mindA the kno$ers of the ! ddhi: the ! ddhi# The kno$ers of the chitta call -t the chittaA and the kno$ers of ri%hteo sness and nri%hteo sness call -t ri%hteo sness and nri%hteo sness# 21 Some say that Atman consists of t$enty<five cosmic "rinci"lesA some: of t$enty<siD "rinci"lesA some: a%ain: of thirty<one "rinci"lesA $hile there are yet others $ho descri!e -t as consistin% of an infinite n m!er of "rinci"les# 27 Those $ho kno$ ho$ to %ratify others call Atman %ratificationA those $ho are conversant $ith the asramas call -t the asramas# The %rammarians call -t the masc line: feminine and ne ter %endersA and still others: the ;i%her 2rahman and the &o$er 2rahman# 2. The kno$ers of creation call -t creationA the kno$ers of dissol tion: dissol tionA and the kno$ers of "reservation:

"reservation# -n tr th: all s ch ideas are al$ays ima%ined in Atman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

20 The disci"le %ras"s only that idea $hich is "resented to him !y his teacher# Atman ass mes the form of $hat is ta %ht and th s "rotects the disci"le# A!sor!ed in that idea: he realiIes it as Atman# ,0 Atman: tho %h non<se"arate from all these ideas: a""ears to he se"arate# ;e $ho tr ly kno$s this inter"rets: $itho t any fear: the meanin% of the 8edas# ,1 As dreams: ill sions and castles in the air are vie$ed: so is the tan%i!le niverse vie$ed !y the $ise: $ell versed in 8edanta# ,2 There is neither dissol tion nor creation: none in !onda%e and none "racticin% disci"lines# There is none seekin% &i!eration and none li!erated# This is the a!sol te tr th# ,, Atman is ima%ined as the nreal o!9ects that are "erceived to eDist and as Non<d ality as $ell# The o!9ects: too: are ima%ined in the non<d al Atman# Therefore Non<d ality is 2liss# ,4 The diversity in the niverse does not eDist as an entity identical =ith Atman: nor does it eDist !y itself# Neither is it se"arate from 2rahman nor is it non<se"arate# This is the statement of the $ise# ,/ The $ise: $ho are free from attachment: fear and an%er and are $ell versed in the 8edas: have realiIed Atman as devoid of all "hantasms and free from the ill sion of the manifold and as non<d al# ,1 Therefore: kno$in% Atman as s ch: fiD yo r attention on

Non<d ality# ;avin% realiIed Non<d ality: !ehave in the $orld like an inert o!9ect# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

,7 The ill mined sannyasin does not "raise any deity: does not sal te any s "erior and does not "erform rites to "ro"itiate de"arted ancestors# He%ardin% !oth !ody and Atman as his a!ode: he remains satisfied $ith $hat comes !y chance# ,. ;avin% kno$n the tr th re%ardin% $hat eDists internally as also the tr th re%ardin% $hat eDists eDternally: he !ecomes one $ith Heality: he eD lts in Heality and never deviates from Heality# )ha"ter --- L Adavaita *rakarana L (The )ha"ter on Non<d ality' 1 The 9iva: !etakin% himself to devotional $orshi": a!ides in the manifest 2rahman# ;e thinks that !efore the creation all $as of the same nat re as the !irthless Heality# Therefore he is said to "ossess a narro$ intellect# 2 Therefore - shall no$ descri!e 2rahman: $hich is n!orn: the same thro %ho t and free from narro$ness# ?rom this one can nderstand that 2rahman does not in reality "ass into !irth even in the sli%htest de%ree: tho %h -t a""ears to !e manifest every$here# , Atman: $hich is like akasa (infinite s"ace': is said to !e manifested in the form of 9ivas: $hich may !e likened to the akasas enclosed in "ots# The !odies: also: are said to !e manifested from Atman: 9 st as a "ot and the like are created o t of akasa# As re%ards the manifestation of Atman this is the ill stration# 4 As: on the destr ction of the "ot etc#: the akasa enclosed in them mer%e in the %reat akasa: so the 9ivas mer%e in Atman# / As the d st: smoke: etc# soilin% the akasa enclosed in a

"artic lar "ot do not soil the other akasas enclosed in other So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

"ots: so also the ha""iness: miseries: etc# of one 9iva do not affect other 9ivas# 1 Tho %h the diversity of forms: f nctions and names of the akasas associated $ith different rece"tacles is admitted: yet this does not im"ly any real differentiation in akasa itself# The same is the concl sion re%ardin% the 9ivas# 7 As the akasa enclosed in a "ot is neither an effect nor a "art of the real akasa: so the 9iva is neither an effect nor a "art of atman# . )hildren re%ard akasa as !ein% soiled !y dirtA like$ise the i%norant re%ard Atman as !ein% similarly soiled# 0 Atman: in re%ard to -ts !irth and death: -ts %oin% and comin% i#e# re!irth and -ts d$ellin% in different !odies: is not nlike akasa# 10 All a%%re%ates are "rod ced !y AtmanJs maya: as in a dream# No rational ar% ment can !e %iven to esta!lish their reality: $hether they are of e7 al stat s or $hether some are s "erior to others# 11 The S "reme Self is the self of the five sheaths: s ch as the "hysical and the vital: $hich have !een descri!ed in the Taittiriya ("anishad# That the S "reme Self is like akasa has already !een stated# 12 The same akasa d$ells $ithin !oth the earth and the stomachA like$ise: the same 2rahman d$ells $ithin the "airs descri!ed in the Madh <2rahmana# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1, The identity of the 9iva and Atman is "raised !y "ointin% o t their non<d alityA m lti"licity is condemned# Therefore non< d alism alone is free from error# 14 The se"arateness of the 9iva and Atman: $hich has !een declared in the earlier section of the ("anishads: dealin% $ith the creation: is fi% rative: !eca se this section states only $hat $ill ha""en in the f t re# This se"arateness cannot !e the real meanin% of those "assa%es# 1/ The scri"t ral statements re%ardin% the creation: sin% the eDam"les of earth: iron and s"arks: are for the " r"ose of clarifyin% the mind# M lti"licity does not really eDist in any manner# 11 There are three sta%es of life: corres"ondin% to the threefold nderstandin% of men: inferior: mediocre and s "erior# Scri"t re: o t of com"assion: has ta %ht this disci"line for the !enefit of the nenli%htened# 17 The d alists: firmly clin%in% to their concl sions: contradict one another# The non<d alists find no conflict $ith them# 1. Since Non<d ality is (ltimate Heality: d ality is said to !e -ts effect# The d alist sees d ality in !oth the A!sol te and the relative# Therefore the non<d alist "osition does not conflict $ith the d alist "osition# 10 The n!orn Atman !ecomes manifold thro %h maya and not other$ise# ?or if the manifold $ere real: then the immortal $o ld !ecome mortal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

20 The dis" tants assert that the n!orn entity (Atman' !ecomes !orn# No$ can one eD"ect that an entity that is !irthless and immortal sho ld !ecome mortal@ 21 The immortal cannot !ecome mortal: nor can the mortal !ecome immortal# ?or it is never "ossi!le for a thin% to chan%e its nat re# 22 ;o$ can one $ho !elieves that an entity !y nat re immortal !ecomes mortal: maintain that the immortal: after "assin% thro %h chan%e: retains its chan%eless nat re@ 2, )ornin% into !irth may !e real or ill soryA !oth vie$s are e7 ally s ""orted !y the scri"t res# 2 t that vie$ $hich is s ""orted !y the scri"t res and corro!orated !y reason is alone to !e acce"ted and not the other# 24 ?rom s ch scri"t ral "assa%es as: 35ne does not see any m lti"licity in Atman3 and 3-ndra (the S "reme &ord': thro %h maya: ass mes diverse forms3: one kno$s that Atman: tho %h ever n!orn: a""ears to have !ecome many only thro %h maya# 2/ ? rther: !y the ne%ation of the creation: comin% into !irth is ne%ated# The ca sality of 2rahman is denied !y s ch a statement as 3=ho can ca se -t to come into !irth@3 21 5n acco nt of the incom"rehensi!le nat re of Atman: the scri"t ral "assa%e 3Not this: not this3 ne%ates all d alistic ideas attri! ted to Atman# Therefore the !irthless Atman alone eDists# 27 =hat is ever eDistent a""ears to "ass into !irth thro %h maya: yet from the stand"oint of Heality it does not do so# 2 t he $ho

thinks this "assin% into !irth is real asserts: as a matter of fact: that $hat is !orn "asses into !irth a%ain# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2. The nreal cannot !e !orn either really or thro %h maya# ?or it is not "ossi!le for the son of a !arren $oman to !e !orn either really or thro %h maya# 20 As in dreams the mind acts thro %h maya: "resentin% the a""earance of d ality: so also in the $akin% state the mind acts thro %h maya: "resentin% the a""earance of d ality# ,0 There is no do !t that the mind: $hich is in reality non<d al: a""ears to !e d al in dreamsA like$ise: there is no do !t that $hat is non<d al: i#e# Atman: a""ears to !e d al in the $akin% state# ,1 All the m lti"le o!9ects: com"risin% the mova!le and the immova!le: are "erceived !y the mind alone# ?or d ality is never "erceived $hen the mind ceases to act# ,2 =hen the mind: after realiIin% the kno$led%e that Atman alone is real: !ecomes free from ima%inations and therefore does not co%niIe anythin%: for $ant of o!9ects to he co%niIed: it ceases to !e the mind# ,, +no$led%e (>nana': $hich is n!orn and free from ima%ination: is descri!ed !y the $ise as ever inse"ara!le from the kno$a!le# The imm ta!le and !irthless 2rahman is the %oal of kno$led%e# The !irthless is kno$n !y the !irthless# ,4 5ne sho ld kno$ the !ehavior of the mind $hich: !ein% endo$ed $ith discrimination and free from ill sions is nder control# The condition of the mind in dee" slee" is not like that ! t is of a different kind# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

,/ The mind is $ithdra$n in dee" slee": ! t it is not so $hen the mind is controlled# The controlled mind is verily the fearless 2rahman: the li%ht of $hose omniscience is all<"ervadin%# ,1 2rahman is !irthless: slee"less: dreamless: nameless and formless# -t is ever eff l%ent and omniscient# No d ty: in any sense: can ever !e associated $ith -t# ,7 Atman is !eyond all eD"ression !y $ords and !eyond all acts of the mind# -t is %reat "eace: eternal eff l%ence and samadhiA -t is nmovin% and fearless# ,. 2rahman is free from mental activity and hence from all ideas of acce"tance or relin7 ishment# =hen kno$led%e is esta!lished in Atman it attains !irthlessness and sameness# ,0 This yo%a: $hich is not in to ch $ith anythin%: is hard for yo%is in %eneral to attain# They are afraid of it: !eca se they see fear in that $hich is really fearlessness# 40 Eo%is $ho are i%norant of Non<d ality de"end on the control of the mind for attainin% fearlessness: the destr ction of misery: Self<+no$led%e and im"erisha!le "eace# 41 The mind is to !e !ro %ht nder )ontrol !y nde"ressed effortA it is like em"tyin% the ocean: dro" !y dro": $ith the hel" of a !lade of k sa %rass# 42 The mind distracted !y desires and en9oyments sho ld he !ro %ht nder control !y "ro"er meansA so also the mind en9oyin% "leas re in inactivity (laya'# ?or the state of inactivity is as harmf l as the state of desires#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4, T rn !ack the mind from the en9oyment of desires: remem!erin% that they !e%et only misery# Bo not see the created o!9ects: remem!erin% that all this is the n!orn Atman# 44 -f the mind !ecomes inactive: aro se it from layaA if distracted: make it tran7 il# (nderstand the nat re of the mind $hen it contains the seed of attachment# =hen the mind has attained sameness: do not dist r! it a%ain# 4/ The yo%i m st not taste the ha""iness arisin% from samadhiA he sho ld detach himself from it !y the eDercise of discrimination# -f his mind: after attainin% steadiness: a%ain seeks eDternal o!9ects: he sho ld make it one $ith Atman thro %h %reat effort# 41 =hen the mind does not la"se into inactivity and is not distracted !y desires: that is to say: $hen it remains nshaka!le and does not %ive rise to a""earances: it verily !ecomes 2rahman# 47 This S "reme 2liss a!ides in the Self# -t is "eaceA it is &i!erationA it is !irthless and cannot !e descri!ed in $ords# -t is called the omniscient 2rahman: !ein% one $ith the !irthless Self: $hich is the tr e o!9ect of kno$led%e# 4. No 9iva ever comes into eDistence# There eDists no ca se that can "rod ce it# The s "reme tr th is that nothin% ever is !orn# )ha"ter -8 < Alatasanti *rakarana (The )ha"ter on the K enchin% of the ?ire<!rand' 1 - !o$ to the !est amon% men: $ho: !y means of kno$led%e: $hich is like akasa and $hich is non<different from the %oal of kno$led%e: realiIed the nat re of the 9ivas (dharmas': $hich: too: are like akasa#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 - !o$ to the yo%a kno$n as as"arsa: ta %ht in the scri"t res: $hich "romotes the ha""iness and $ell<!ein% of all creat res and is free from strife and contradictions# , Some dis" tants "ost late that only an eDistin% entity can a%ain come into eDistence: $hile other dis" tants: "ro d of their intellect: "ost late that only a non<eDistin% entity can come into eDistence# Th s they 7 arrel amon% themselves# 4 An eDistin% entity cannot a%ain come into eDistence (!irth'A nor can a non<eDistin% entity come into eDistence# Th s dis" tin% amon% themselves: they really esta!lish the non<d alistic vie$ of a9ati (non<creation'# / =e a""rove the a9ati (non<creation' th s esta!lished !y them# =e have no 7 arrel $ith them# No$ hear from s a!o t (ltimate Heality: $hich is free from all dis" tations# 1<. The dis" tants assert that the n!orn entity (Atman' !ecomes !orn# ;o$ can one eD"ect that an entity that is !irthless and immortal sho ld !ecome mortal@ The immortal cannot !ecome mortal: nor can the mortal !ecome immortal# ?or it is never "ossi!le for a thin% to chan%e its nat re# ;o$ can one $ho !elieves that an entity !y nat re immortal !ecomes mortal: maintain that the immortal: after "assin% thro %h chan%e: retains its chan%eless nat re@ 0 2y the "rakriti: or nat re: of a thin% is nderstood that $hich: $hen ac7 ired: !ecomes the essential "art of the thin%: that $hich is its characteristic 7 ality: that $hich is its inaliena!le nat re from its very !irth: that $hich is not eDtraneo s to it and that $hich never ceases to !e itself# 10

All the 9ivas are: !y their very nat re: free from senility and death# 2 t they think they are s !9ect to senility and death and So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!y the very "o$er of tho %ht they a""ear to deviate from their tr e nat re# 11 The dis" tant accordin% to $hom the ca se itself is the effect m st maintain that the ca se is !orn as the effect# -f it is !orn: ho$ can it !e called !irthless@ -f it is s !9ect to modification: ho$ then can it !e said to !e eternal@ 12 -f: as yo say: the effect is non<different from the ca se: then the effect too m st !e n!orn# ? rther: ho$ can the ca se !e eternal if it is non<different from the effect: $hich is !orn@ 1, There is no ill stration to s ""ort the vie$ that the effect is !orn from an n!orn ca se# A%ain: if it is said that the effect is "rod ced from a ca se $hich itself is !orn: then this leads to an infinite re%ress# 14 ;o$ can they $ho assert that the effect is the ca se of the ca se and the ca se is the ca se of the effect: maintain the !e%innin%lessness of !oth ca se and effect@ 1/ Those $ho say that the effect is the ca se of the ca se and that the ca se is the ca se of the effect maintain: act ally: that the creation takes "lace after the manner of the !irth of father from son# 11 -f ca sality is asserted: then the order in $hich ca se and effect s cceed each other m st !e stated# -f it is said that they a""ear sim ltaneo sly: then: !ein% like the t$o horns of an animal: they cannot !e m t ally related as ca se and effect# 17 The ca se that yo affirm: cannot !e esta!lished as the ca se if it is "rod ced from the effect# ;o$ can the ca se: $hich itself is not esta!lished: %ive !irth to the effect@

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1. -f the ca se is "rod ced from the effect and if the effect is: a%ain: "rod ced from the ca se: $hich of the t$o is !orn first "on $hich de"ends the !irth of the other@ 10 The ina!ility to re"ly to the 7 estion raised a!ove: the i%norance a!o t the matter and the im"ossi!ility of esta!lishin% the order of s ccession if the ca sal relation is admitted clearly lead the $ise to "hold: nder all conditions: the doctrine of a9ati: or non<creation# 20 The ill stration of the seed and the s"ro t is somethin% $hich is yet to !e "roved# The ill stration i#e# the middle term: $hich itself is not yet "roved: cannot !e sed for esta!lishin% a "ro"osition to !e "roved# 21 The i%norance re%ardin% the antecedence and the s !se7 ence of ca se and effect clearly "roves the a!sence of creation (a9ati'# -f the 9iva (dharma' has really !een horn: then $hy can yo not "oint o t its antecedent ca se@ 22 Nothin% $hatsoever is !orn: either of itself or of another entity# Nothin% is ever "rod ced: $hether it !e !ein% or non<!ein% or !oth !ein% and non<!ein%# 2, The ca se cannot !e "rod ced from a !e%innin%less effectA nor can the effect !e "rod ced from a !e%innin%less ca se# That $hich is $itho t !e%innin% is necessarily free from !irth# 24 S !9ective kno$led%e m st have an o!9ect for its ca seA other$ise variety !ecomes non<eDistent# ? rther: from the eD"erience of "ain: the eDistence of eDternal o!9ects: acce"ted !y the d alistic scri"t res: m st !e admitted# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2/ The d alists: !y force of reason: assert that there is a ca se of s !9ective kno$led%e# 2 t from the stand"oint of the tr e nat re of thin%s $e assert that the so<called ca se is: after all: no ca se# 21 The mind is not related to eDternal o!9ects or to the ideas that a""ear as s ch o!9ects# This is so !eca se o!9ects are non< eDistent and the ideas that a""ear as eDternal o!9ects are not distinct from the mind# 27 The mind does not enter into the ca sal relation in any of the three "eriods of time# ;o$ can it ever !e s !9ect to del sion: $hen there is no ca se for s ch del sion@ 2. Therefore neither the mind nor the o!9ects "erceived !y the mind are ever !orn# To see their !irth is like seein% the foot"rints of !irds in the sky# 20 The ca se: 2rahman: from $hich the !irthless mind is asserted: !y the d alists: to have !een !orn is itself n!orn# 2eca se 2rahman is ever n!orn: therefore it is never "ossi!le for -t to !e other than $hat -t is# ,0 -f: as the d alists contend: the $orld is !e%innin%less: then it cannot !e non<eternal# Moksha (&i!eration' cannot have a !e%innin% and !e eternal# ,1<,2 -f a thin% is non<eDistent in the !e%innin% and in the end: it is necessarily non<eDistent in the "resent# The o!9ects that $e see are really like ill sionsA still they are re%arded as real# The tility of the o!9ects of $akin% eD"erience is contradicted in dreamsA therefore they are certainly nreal# 2oth eD"eriences have a !e%innin% and an end#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

,, All entities seen in dreams are nreal: !eca se they are "erceived inside the !ody# ;o$ is it "ossi!le for thin%s that are "erceived to eDist: really to eDist in 2rahman: $hich is indivisi!le and homo%eneo s@ ,4 -t is not reasona!le to think that a dreamer act ally %oes o t in order to eD"erience the o!9ects seen in the dream: !eca se of the discre"ancy of the time involved in s ch a 9o rney# Nor does he: $hen a$akened: find himself in the "laces seen in the dream# ,/ The dreamer: after a$akin%: realiIes the ill soriness of the conversations he had $ith friends etc# in the dream state# ? rther: he does not "ossess in the $akin% state anythin% he ac7 ired $hile dreamin%# ,1 The dream !ody is ns !stantial !eca se the other i#e# the "hysical !ody: different from it: is "erceived# &ike the dream !ody: all thin%s co%niIed !y the mind are ns !stantial# ,7 Since the eD"erience of o!9ects in dreams is similar to the eD"erience of o!9ects in the $akin% state: $akin% eD"erience is re%arded as the ca se of dream eD"erience# -t is only !y him $ho admits $akin% eD"erience to !e the ca se of dream eD"erience that $akin% eD"erience can !e re%arded as real# ,. All entities are aNsaid to !e n!orn: since !irth cannot !e esta!lished as a fact# -t is tterly im"ossi!le for the nreal to !e !orn of the real# ,0 A man filled $ith the im"ressions of the nreal o!9ects seen in the $akin% state sees those very thin%s in dreams as $ell# 2 t he does not see in the $akin% state the nreal o!9ects seen in dreams#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

40 The nreal cannot have another nreality for its ca se: nor can the real have the nreal for its ca se# The real cannot !e the ca se of the real# And ho$ tterly im"ossi!le it is for the real to !e the ca se of the nreal6 41 As a "erson in the $akin% state thro %h false kno$led%e a""ears to handle o!9ects: $hose nat re is inscr ta!le: as if they $ere real: so also: in dreams: he "erceives: thro %h false kno$led%e: o!9ects $hose eDistence is "ossi!le in the dream state alone# 42 =ise men teach ca sality only for the sake of those $ho: afraid of non<creation: assert the reality of eDternal o!9ects !eca se they "erceive s ch o!9ects and also !eca se they clin% to vario s social and reli%io s d ties# 4, Those $ho: !eca se of their fear of the tr th of a!sol te non< creation and also !eca se of their "erce"tion of eDternal o!9ects: deny a9ati (non<creation' are not affected !y the evil conse7 ent on the !elief in creation# This evil: if there is any: is insi%nificant# 44 As an ele"hant con9 red " !y a ma%ician is taken to !e real !eca se it is "erceived to eDist and also !eca se it ans$ers to the !ehavior of a real ele"hant: so also eDternal o!9ects are taken to !e real !eca se they are "erceived to eDist and !eca se one can deal $ith them# 4/ -t is )onscio sness: 8i9nana: alone that a""ears to !e !orn or to move or to take the form of matter# 2 t this )onscio sness is really ever n!orn: immova!le and free from the traits of materialityA it is all "eace and non<d al# 41 Th s the mind is never s !9ect to !irth# All !ein%s: too: are free

from !irth# Those $ho kno$ this do not fall into false kno$led%e# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

47 As the line made !y a movin% fire<!rand a""ears to !e strai%ht: crooked: etc#: so )onscio sness: $hen set in motion: a""ears as the "erceiver: the "erceived and the like# 4. As the fire<!rand: $hen not in motion: is free from all a""earances and remains chan%eless: so )onscio sness: $hen not in motion: is free from all a""earances and remains )han%eless# 40 =hen the fire<!rand is set in motion: the a""earances that are seen in it do not come from else$here# =hen it is still: the a""earances do not leave the motionless fire<!rand and %o else$here: nor do they enter into the fire<!rand itself# /0 The a""earances do not emer%e from the fire<!rand: !eca se their nat re is not that of a s !stance# This a""lies like$ise to )onscio sness: !eca se of the similarity of the a""earances# /1</2 =hen )onscio sness is associated $ith the idea of activity: as in the $akin% and dream states: the a""earances that seem to arise do not come from any$here else# =hen )onscio sness is non<active: as in dee" slee": the a""earances do not leave the non<active )onscio sness and %o else$here: nor do they mer%e in it# The a""earances do not emer%e from )onscio sness: for their nat re is not that of a s !stance# They are incom"rehensi!le: !eca se they are not s !9ect to the relation of ca se and effect# /, A s !stance may !e the ca se of another s !stance and a non< s !stance: the ca se of another non<s !stance# 2 t the 9ivas cannot "ossi!ly !e anythin% like a s !stance or a non< s !stance# /4 Th s eDternal a""earances (o!9ects' are not ca sed !y the mind:

nor is the mind ca sed !y them# ;ence tho %htf l "eo"le hold to the "rinci"le of a!sol te non<creation# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

// As lon% as a "erson clin%s to the !elief in ca sality: he $ill find ca se "rod cin% effect# 2 t $hen this attachment to ca sality $ears a$ay: ca se and effect !ecome non<eDistent# /1 As lon% as a "erson clin%s to the !elief in ca sality: samsara $ill contin e to eD"and for him# 2 t $hen this attachment to ca sality $ears a$ay: samsara !ecomes non<eDistent# /7 The entire niverse is created !y false kno$led%eA therefore nothin% in it is eternal# Gverythin%: a%ain: as one $ith (ltimate Heality: is n!ornA therefore there is no s ch thin% as destr ction# /. 2irth is ascri!ed to the 9ivasA ! t s ch !irth is not "ossi!le from the stand"oint of Heality# Their !irth is like that of an ill sory o!9ect# That ill sion: a%ain: does not eDist# /0 The ill sory s"ro t is !orn of the ill sory seed# This ill sory s"ro t is neither "ermanent nor destr cti!le# The same a""lies to the 9ivas# 10 The term "ermanent or im"ermanent cannot !e a""lied to the !irthless 9ivas# =hat is indescri!a!le in $ords cannot !e discriminated a!o t as "ermanent or im"ermanent# 11<12 As in dreams the mind acts thro %h maya: "resentin% the a""earance of d ality: so also in the $akin% state the mind acts thro %h maya: "resentin% the a""earance of d ality# There is no do !t that the mind: $hich is in reality non<d al: a""ears to !e d al in dreamsA like$ise: there is no do !t that $hat is non<d al i#e# Atman: a""ears to !e d al in the $akin% state# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1, The dreamer: $anderin% a!o t in all the ten directions in his dream: sees the $hole variety of 9ivas: !orn of e%%s: moist re: etc# 14 These entities: $hich are o!9ects of the mind of the dreamer: do not eDist a"art from his mind# &ike$ise: the mind of the dreamer is an o!9ect of "erce"tion of the dreamer alone# 1/<11 The $akin% man: $anderin% a!o t in all the ten directions in his $akin% state: sees the $hole variety of 9ivas: !orn of e%%s: moist re: etc# They are the o!9ects of the mind of the $akin% man and do not eDist a"art from it# &ike$ise: the mind of the $akin% man is an o!9ect of his "erce"tion alone# 17 2oth the mind and the 9ivas are o!9ects of each otherJs "erce"tion# )an the one eDist inde"endent of the other@ The re"ly of the $ise is in the ne%ative# There is no evidence of the eDistence of the one $itho t the otherA they are co%niIed only thro %h each other# 1.<70 As the dream 9iva comes into eDistence and disa""ears: so also these 9ivas "erceived in the $akin% state a""ear and disa""ear# As the 9iva con9 red " !y the ma%ician comes into eDistence and disa""ears: so also these 9ivas "erceived in the $akin% state a""ear and disa""ear# As an artificial 9iva comes into eDistence and disa""ears: so also these 9ivas "erceived in the $akin% state a""ear and disa""ear# 71 No 9iva ever comes into eDistence# There eDists no ca se that can "rod ce it# The s "reme tr th is that nothin% ever is !orn# 72 The $orld of d ality: $hich is "erceived to eDist and is characteriIed !y the s !9ect<o!9ect relationshi": is verily a

movement of the mind# The mind: a%ain: from the stand"oint of So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Heality has no contact $ith any o!9ect# ;ence it is declared to !e eternal and nattached# 7, That $hich eDists on the stren%th of false kno$led%e !ased "on ima%ination does not really eDist# A%ain: that $hich is said to eDist on the stren%th of the vie$s advanced !y other schools of tho %ht does not really eDist# 74 Atman is called !irthless (a9a' from the stand"oint of false kno$led%e !ased "on ima%inationA in reality -t is not even !irthless# The n!orn Atman is said to !e !orn from the stand"oint of the false kno$led%e cherished !y other schools of tho %ht# 7/ *eo"le "ersistently hold to the idea of nreality i#e# d ality# 2 t s ch d ality does not eDist# 5ne $ho has realiIed the a!sence of d ality is not !orn a%ain: since there remains no lon%er any ca se for his !irth# 71 =hen the mind finds no ca se<s "erior: inferior: or middlin%<it !ecomes free from !irth# ;o$ can there !e an effect $itho t a ca se@ 77 The !irthlessness of the mind: $hich is free from manifestation and ca sal relationshi": is a!sol te and constant# ?or d ality i#e# the "erceivin% mind and its o!9ects is merely an o!9ectification of the mind# 7. HealiIin% the a!sence of ca sality as ltimate tr th and not findin% any other reason for !irth: one attains that state $hich is free from %rief: desire and fear# 70 5n acco nt of attachment to nreal o!9ects the mind " rs es s ch o!9ects# 2 t it comes !ack to its " re state $hen it attains

non<attachment: realiIin% their nreality# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

.0 The mind freed from attachment to all eDternal o!9ects and ndistracted !y fresh o!9ects attains the state of imm ta!ility# The $ise realiIe s ch a mind to !e 2rahmanA -t is ndifferentiated: !irthless and non<d al# .1 The !irthless: dreamless and slee"less Heality reveals -tself !y -tselfA for this Bharma (Atman' !y -ts very nat re is self< l mino s# .2 The &ord (Atman' !ecomes easily hidden !eca se of attachment to any sin%le o!9ect and is revealed $ith %reat diffic lty# ., The i%norant: $ith their childish minds: verily cover Atman !y "redicatin% of -t s ch attri! tes as eDistence: non<eDistence: eDistence and non<eDistence and total non<eDistence: derivin% these characteristics from the notions of chan%e: immova!ility: com!ination of chan%e and immova!ility and a!sol te ne%ation $hich they associate $ith Atman# .4 These are the fo r theories re%ardin% Atman: thro %h attachment to $hich -t al$ays remains hidden from oneJs vie$# ;e $ho kno$s the &ord to he ever nto ched !y them indeed kno$s all# ./ =hat else remains to !e desired !y him $ho has attained the state of the !rahmin<a state of com"lete omniscience and non<d ality: $hich is $itho t !e%innin%: middle: or end@ .1 The h mility (vinaya' of the !rahmins is nat ral# Their tran7 ility (sama' is also nat ral# ? rther: the control of the senses (dama' comes nat ral to them# ;e $ho has realiIed 2rahman attains "eace#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

.7 8edanta reco%niIes the ordinary state of $akin%: in $hich d ality: consistin% of o!9ects and the idea of comin% in contact $ith them: is admitted# -t also reco%niIes a " rer ordinary state i#e# the dream state: in $hich is eD"erienced d ality consistin% of o!9ects and the idea of comin% in contact $ith them: tho %h s ch o!9ects do not eDist# .. The $ise reco%niIe another state: in $hich there eDist neither o!9ects nor ideas re%ardin% them# This state is !eyond all em"irical eD"eriences# They descri!e the three: kno$led%e: the o!9ects of kno$led%e i#e# the three states and the s "remely kno$a!le i#e# (ltimate Heality# .0 ;avin% kno$n kno$led%e and the threefold kno$a!le: one after another: the kno$er: endo$ed $ith s "reme intellect: attains in this very life and every$here: the state of omniscience# 00 5ne sho ld !e conversant: at the very o tset: $ith fo r thin%s# These are as follo$s: the thin%s to !e avoided: the %oal to !e realiIed: the disci"lines to !e c ltivated and the tendencies to !e rendered ineffective# 5f these fo r: all eDce"t the %oal to !e realiIed i#e# the S "reme Heality eDist only as "rod cts of the ima%ination# 01 All Atmans (Bharmas' are to !e kno$n: !y their very nat re: to !e !e%innin%less and nattached like akasa# There is not the sli%htest variety in there in any $ay or at any time# 02 All 9ivas are: !y their very nat re: ill mined from the very !e%innin%# There can never !e any do !t a!o t their nat re# ;e $ho:# havin% kno$n this: rests $itho t seekin% f rther kno$led%e is alone ca"a!le of attainin% -mmortality# 0,

The 9ivas: from the very !e%innin% and !y their very nat re: are all "eace: n!orn and com"letely free# They are characteriIed So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!y sameness and non<se"arateness# The n!orn Atman is al$ays esta!lished in sameness and " rity# 04 Those $ho al$ays $ander in the realm of se"arateness cannot realiIe the " rity of Atman# Their minds are inclined to differentiation and they assert the se"arateness of the Atmans# Therefore they are called narro$<minded# 0/ They alone in this $orld are endo$ed $ith the hi%hest $isdom $ho are firm in their conviction of the sameness and !irthlessness of Atman# The ordinary man does not nderstand their $ay# 01 +no$led%e: $hich is the very essence of the n!orn 9ivas: is itself called n!orn and nrelated# This +no$led%e is "roclaimed to !e nattached: since it is nrelated to any other o!9ect# 07 To those i%norant "eo"le $ho !elieve that Atman can deviate from -ts tr e nat re even in the sli%htest meas re: -ts eternally nrelated character is lost# -n that case the destr ction of the veil is o t of the 7 estion# 0. All 9ivas are ever free from !onda%e and " re !y nat re# They are ill mined and free from the very !e%innin%# Eet the $ise s"eak of the 9ivas as ca"a!le of kno$in% (ltimate Heality# 00 The +no$led%e of the $ise man: $ho is all li%ht: is never related to any o!9ect# All the 9ivas: as $ell as +no$led%e: are ever nrelated to o!9ects# This is not the vie$ of 2 ddha# 100 ;avin% realiIed the +no$led%e of the S "reme Heality: $hich is hard to %ras": "rofo nd: !irthless: the same thro %ho t: all li%ht and free from m lti"licity: $e sal te -t as !est $e can#

A m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

?inal Sal tation !y Sri Sankaracharya - sal te 2rahman: the destroyer of the fear of those $ho take ref %e in -t<$hich: tho %h n!orn: a""ears to !e associated $ith !irth thro %h -ts o$n ma9estic "o$ersA $hich: tho %h motionless: a""ears to !e movin%A and $hich: tho %h non< d al: a""ears to have ass med many forms to those $hose vision is del ded !y the "erce"tion of diverse o!9ects and their attri! tes# l "rostrate myself at the feet of the teacher of my teacher: the most adored amon% the adora!le: $ho<o t of sheer com"assion for the !ein%s dro$ned in the dee" ocean of the $orld: infested !y the terri!le sharks of incessant !irths and deaths<resc ed: for the !enefit of all: this nectar: hardly attaina!le even !y the immortals: from the inmost de"ths of the ocean of the 8edas !y ch rnin% it $ith the rod of his ill mined $isdom# - make o!eisance $ith my $hole !ein% to those holy feet<the dis"ellers of the fear of the chain of !irths and deaths<of my o$n %reat teacher: $ho: thro %h the li%ht of his ill mined $isdom: destroyed the darkness of del sion envelo"in% my mindA $ho " t an end: for ever: to my a""earance and disa""earance in this terri!le ocean of inn mera!le !irths and deathsA and $ho ena!les all others: too: that take shelter at his feet: to attain nfailin% kno$led%e of the scri"t res: "eace and the state of "erfect non<differentiation# A m Tat Sat -nvocation May my s"eech !e fiDed in my mind: may my mind !e fiDed in my s"eech6 5 self<l mino s 2rahman: !e manifested to me# 5 mind and s"eech: may yo !rin% me the meanin% of the 8edas6 May $hat - st dy from the 8edas not leave me6 - shall nite day and ni%ht thro %h this st dy# - shall think of the ri%htA - shall s"eak the ri%ht# May 2rahman "rotect me: may 2rahman "rotect the teacher6 May 2rahman "rotect me: may 2rahman "rotect the teacher6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Aitareya ("anishad *art 5ne )ha"ter - < The )reation of 8irat 1 -n the !e%innin% all this verily $as Atman only: one and $itho t a second# There $as nothin% else that $inked# ;e !etho %ht ;imself: 3&et Me no$ create the $orlds#3 2 ;e created these $orlds: Am!hah: the $orld of $ater<!earin% clo ds: Marichi: the $orld of the solar rays: Mara: the $orld of mortals and A": the $orld of $aters# Eon is Am!hah: a!ove heavenA heaven is its s ""ort# The Marichis are the inters"ace# Mara is the earth# =hat is nderneath is A"# , ;e !etho %ht ;imself: 3;ere no$ are the $orlds# &et Me no$ create $orld<% ardians#3 Hi%ht from the $aters ;e dre$ forth the *erson in the form of a l m" and %ave ;im a sha"e# 4 ;e !rooded over ;im# ?rom ;im: so !rooded over: the mo th $as se"arated o t: as $ith an e%%A form the month: the or%an of s"eechA from s"eech: fire: the controllin% deity of the or%an# Then the nostrils $ere se"arated o tA from the nostrils: the or%an of !reathA from !reath: air: the controllin% deity of the or%an# Then the eyes $ere se"arated o tA from the eyes: the or%an of si%htA from si%ht: the s n: the controllin% deity of the or%an# Then the ears $ere se"arated o tA from the ears: the or%an of hearin%A from hearin%: the 7 arters of s"ace: the controllin% deity of the or%an# Then the skin $as se"arated o tA from the skin: hairs: the or%an of to chA from the hairs: "lants and trees: air the controllin% deity of the or%ans# Then the heart $as se"arated o tA from the heart: the or%an of the mindA from the mind: the moon: the controllin% deity of the or%an# Then the navel $as se"arated o tA from the navel: the or%an of the a"anaA from the a"ana: Beath: 8ar na: the controllin% deity of the or%an#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Then the virile mem!er $as se"arated o tA from the virile mem!er: semen: the or%an of %enerationA from the semen: the $aters: the controllin% deity of the or%an# )ha"ter --<)osmic *o$ers in the ; man 2ody 1 These deities: th s created: fell into this %reat ocean# ;e s !9ected the *erson to h n%er and thirst# They said to ;im: 3?ind o t for s an a!ode $herein !ein% esta!lished $e may eat food#3 2<, ;e !ro %ht them a co$# They said: 32 t this is not eno %h for s#3 ;e !ro %ht them a horse# They said: 3This: too: is not eno %h for s#3 ;e !ro %ht them a "erson# The deities said: 3Ah: this is $ell done: indeed#3 Therefore a "erson is verily somethin% $ell done# ;e said to the deities: 3No$ enter yo r res"ective a!odes#3 4 The deity fire !ecame the or%an of s"eech and entered the mo th# Air !ecame !reath and entered the nostrils# The s n !ecame si%ht and entered the eyesA the 7 arters of s"ace !ecame hearin% and entered the ears# *lants and trees: the deity of air: !ecame hairs and entered the skin# The moon !ecame the mind and entered the heart# Beath !ecame the a"ana and entered the navel# The $aters !ecame semen and entered the virile mem!er# / ; n%er and thirst said to the )reator: 3?or the t$o of s find an a!ode also#3 ;e said to them: 3- assi%n the t$o of yo to these deitiesA - make yo co<sharers $ith them#3 Therefore to $hatsoever deity an o!lation is made: h n%er and thirst !ecame sharers in it# )ha"ter ---<The Gm!odiment of the S "reme Self 1 ;e !etho %ht ;imself: 3;ere no$ are the $orlds and the $orld<% ardians# &et Me cerate food for them#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e !rooded over the $aters# ?rom the $aters: th s !rooded over: there emer%ed a condensed form# The form that so emer%ed is indeed food# , The food so created $ished to flee a$ay# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith s"eech# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith s"eech# -f: indeed: ;e has %ras"ed it $ith s"eech: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely tterin% the $ord food 4<10 The )reator so %ht to %ras" it $ith the !reath# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the !reath# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the !reath: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely smellin% food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the eye# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the eye# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the eye: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely seein% food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the ear# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the ear# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the ear: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely hearin% of food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the skin# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the skin# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the skin: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely to chin% food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the mind# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the mind# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the mind: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely thinkin% of food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the virile mem!er# 2 t ;e $as not a!le to %ras" it $ith the virile mem!er# -f: indeed: ;e had %ras"ed it $ith the virile mem!er: one $o ld then have !een satisfied !y merely emittin% food# ;e so %ht to %ras" it $ith the a"ana and ;e %ras"ed it# This %ras"er of food is $hat vay : air or "rana is# This vay is $hat lives on food# 11 ;e !etho %ht ;imself: 3;o$ co ld this eDist $itho t Me@3 Then ;e said to ;imself: 3=hich $ay shall - enter it@3 he said to ;imself f rther: 3-f s"eech is ttered !y the or%an of s"eech:

if smellin% is done !y the !reath: seein% !y the eyes: hearin% !y the ears: to chin% !y the skin: thinkin% !y the mind: eatin% !y So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

the a"ana and the emission of semen !y the virile mem!er: them $ho am -@3 12 So: "iercin% the end: the &ord entered thro %h that door# That door is kno$n as the vidriti: the cleft# This is the "lace of !liss# Atman: th s em!odied: has three a!odes: three conditions of slee"# This is one a!ode: this is another: this is the third# 1, ;avin% !een !orn as the 9iva: ;e realised the elements as one $ith ;imself# =hat else here $o ld one desire to s"eak a!o t@ ;e "erceived this very "erson as the all<"ervadin% 2rahman# ;e said: 3Ah: - have seen -t#3 14 Therefore ;e is called -dandra# -dandra: indeed is ;is name# ;im $ho is -dandra they call indirectly -ndra# ?or the %ods a""ear to !e fond of cry"tic e"ithetsA yea: the %ods a""ear to !e fond of cry"tic e"ithets# *art T$o )ha"ter -<The Three 2irths of the Self 1 This "erson is: at first: the %erm in a man# That $hich is the semen is here called the %erm# This semen is the vi%o r dra$n from all the lim!s# The man !ears the self in the self# =hen he "o rs the semen into a $oman: he %ives it a !irth# This: indeed: is the first !irth of the em!odied so l# 2 That semen !ecomes one $ith the $oman<9 st like a lim! of her o$n# That is $hy it does not h rt her# She no rishes this self of his that has come into her# , She: !ein% the no risher: sho ld !e no rished# The $oman no rishes the em!ryo# -mmediately after its !irth he no rishes the child: $hich in the !e%innin% $as already !orn# No rishin% the child from !irth on$ard: he th s no rishes himself for the

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

contin ation of these $orlds# ?or th s alone are these $orlds "er"et ated# This is oneJs second !irth# 4 ;e $ho is the one self of his: is made his s !stit te for virt o s deeds# Then the other self of his: havin% accom"lished his d ties and reached his a%e de"arts# So de"artin% hence: he is !orn a%ain# This is the third !irth# / A!o t this a rishi has said: 3=hile still lyin% in the $om!: - came to kno$ all the !irths of the %ods# A h ndred stron%holds: as if made of iron: confined me: yet - ! rst thro %h them all s$iftly: like a ha$k#3 8amadeva s"oke: in this $ise: even $hile lyin% in the $om!# 1 Th s endo$ed $ith +no$led%e: he: !ecomin% one $ith the S "reme Self and soarin% aloft on the dissol tion of the !ody: o!tained all desires in the heavenly $orld and !ecame immortal<yea: !ecame immortal# *art Three )ha"ter -<)oncernin% the Self 1 =ho is ;e $hom $e $orshi": thinkin%: 3This is the Self3@ =hich one is the Self@ -s it ;e !y $hom one sees form: !y $hom one hears so nd and !y $hom one tastes the s$eet and the ns$eet@ 2 -s it the heart and the mind# -t is conscio sness: lordshi": kno$led%e: $isdom: retentive "o$er of mind: sense kno$led%e: steadfastness: tho %h: tho %htf lness: sorro$: memory: conce"ts: " r"ose: life: desire: lon%in%: all these are ! t vario s names of )onscio sness (*ra9nanam'# , ;e is 2rahman: ;e is -ndra: ;e is *ra9a"atiA ;e is all these

%odsA ;e is the five %reat elements<earth: air: akasa: $ater: li%htA ;e is all these small creat res and the others $hich are So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

miDedA ;e is the ori%in<those !orn of an e%%: of a $om!: of s$eat and of a s"ro tA ;e is horses: co$s: h man !ein%s: ele"hants<$hatever !reathes here: $hether movin% on le%s or flyin% in the air or nmovin%# All this is % ided !y )onscio sness: is s ""orted !y )onscio sness# The !asis is )onscio sness# )onscio sness is 2rahman# 4 ;e: havin% realised oneness $ith * re )onscio sness: soared from this $orld and havin% o!tained all desires in yonder heavenly $orld: !ecame immortal<yea: !ecame immortal# Gnd of Aitareya ("anishad The *eace )hant May my s"eech !e fiDed in my mind: may my mind !e fiDed in my s"eech6 5 self<l mino s 2rahman: !e manifest to me# 5 mind and s"eech: may yo !rin% me the meanin% of the 8edas6 May $hat - st dy from the 8edas not leave me6 - shall nite day and ni%ht thro %h this st dy# - shall think of the ri%htA shall s"eak the ri%ht# May 2rahman "rotect me: may 2rahman "rotect the teacher6 May 2rahman "rotect me: may 2rahman "rotect the teacher6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 -nvocation 5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2rihadaranyaka ("anishad *art 5ne )ha"ter -<Meditation on the ;orse<sacrifice 1 5m: verily: the head of the sacrificial horse is the da$n: its eye the s n: its vital !reath the $ind: its o"en mo th the 8aisvanara fire and the tr nk of the sacrificial horse is the year# The !ack is heaven: the !elly the intermediate re%ion: the hoof the earth: the sides the fo r 7 arters: the ri!s the intermediate 7 arters: the lim!s the seasons: the 9oints the months and half<months: the feet the days and ni%hts: the !ones the stars: the flesh the clo ds# -ts half<di%ested food is the sand: the !lood<vessels the rivers: the liver and l n%s the mo ntains: the hair the her!s and trees# The fore "art of the horse is the risin% s n and the hinder "art the settin% s n# -ts ya$n is li%htnin%: its shakin% of the !ody is th nder: its $ater is rain and its nei%hin% is indeed voice# 2 The day: verily: is the %olden c " called mahiman: in front of the horse: $hich arose "ointin% it o t# -ts so rce is the eastern sea# The ni%ht: verily: is the silver c " called mahiman: !ehind the horse: $hich arose "ointin% it o t# -ts so rce is the $estern sea# These t$o vessels a""eared at either end of the horse# As a racer the horse carried the %odsA as a stallion: the %andharvasA as a r nner: the demonsA as a horse: men# The sea is its sta!le and the sea: its so rce# )ha"ter --<The *rocess of )reation 1 -n the !e%innin% there $as nothin% $hatsoever in the niverse# 2y Beath: indeed: all this $as covered<!y h n%er: for h n%er is: verily: death# 3&et Me have a mind:3 $as ;is desire and ;e created the mind# Then ;e moved a!o t: $orshi""in% ;imself# ?rom ;im: th s $orshi""in%: $ater $as "rod ced# 38erily:3 Beath tho %h: 3$hile - $as $orshi""in%: $ater $as "rod ced3A that is $hy the Arka (fire sed in the ;orse<sacrifice' is so called# S rely: ha""iness comes to him $ho kno$s ho$ the fire came to !e called arka#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 =ater: verily: is arka# =hat $as then like froth on the $ater !ecame solidifiedA that $as earth# After the earth $as created: ;iranya%ar!ha $as tired# ?rom ;im: th s fati% ed and heated: came forth ;is essence as !ri%htness# That $as ?ire# , ;e divided ;imself into three: the s n one<third and the air one<third# Th s *rana is divided into three# ;is head is the east and ;is arms are that (the north<east' and that (the so th<east'# ;is hinder "art is the $est and ;is t$o hi"< !ones are that (the north<$est' and that (the so th<$est'# ;is sides are the so th and the north: ;is !ack is heaven: ;is !elly is the intermediate re%ion and ;is chest is the earth# Th s ;e stands firm on $ater# ;e $ho kno$s this stands firm $herever he %oes# 4 ;e desired: 3&et a second self !e !orn of Me:3 and ;e (Beath or ; n%er' !ro %ht a!o t the nion of s"eech $ith the mind# =hat $as the seed there !ecame the year# *rior to that there had !een no year# ;e (Beath' !ore him (the year' for as lon% as a year and after that time "ro9ected him# Then: $hen he $as !orn: Beath o"ened ;is mo th to devo r him# ;e (the child' cried: 32han63 and that: indeed: !ecame s"eech# / ;e tho %ht: 3-f - kill him: - shall have ! t very little food:JJ and thro %h the nion of that s"eech and that mind ;e !ro %ht forth all this: $hatever there is: the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r< 8eda: the Sama<8eda: the metres: the sacrifices: men and animals# =hatever ;e !ro %ht forth ;e resolved to eat# 8erily: !eca se ;e eats everythin%: therefore is Aditi (Beath' called Aditi# ;e $ho kno$s $hy Aditi came to have this name of Aditi !ecomes the eater of everythin% and everythin% !ecomes his food# 1 ;e desired: 3&et me sacrifice a%ain $ith the %reat sacrifice#3 ;e $as tired and he "racticed a sterities# ?rom ;im th s fati% ed and heated: ;is fame and vi%o r de"arted# The "ranas (or%ans' are verily fame and vi%o r# =hen the "ranas $ent o t ;is !ody !e%an to s$ell: ! t the mind $as set on the !ody#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 ;e desired: 3&et this !ody of Mine !e fit for a sacrifice and let Me !e em!odied thro %h this#3 Thinkin% th s: ;e entered the !ody# 2eca se the !ody s$elled (asvat': therefore it came to !e called horse (asva'# And !eca se it !ecame fit for sacrifice (medhya': therefore the ;orse<sacrifice came to !e kno$n as Asvamedha# ;e $ho kno$s this verily kno$s the ;orse< sacrifice# *ra9a"ati: desirin% a%ain to sacrifice $ith the %reat sacrifice: ima%ined ;imself as the horse and lettin% the horse remain free: ;e reflected on it# At the end of a year he sacrificed it to ;imself and dis"atched the other animals to the %ods# Therefore "riests even no$ sacrifice to *ra9a"ati the sanctified horse dedicated to all the %ods# 8erily: the s n $ho shines yonder is the ;orse<sacrifice# ;is !ody is the year# This earthly fire is the arka (sacrificial fire': $hose lim!s are these $orlds# So these t$o: fire and the s n: are the arka and the Asvamedha (;orse<sacrifice'# These t$o: a%ain: !ecome the same %od: Beath# ;e $ho kno$s this con7 ers f rther deathA death cannot overcome himA death !ecomes his selfA and he !ecomes one $ith these deities# )ha"ter ---<The *rana: -ts Flories and Hedeemin% *o$er 1 There $ere t$o classes of *ra9a"atiCs sons: the %ods (devas' and the demons (as ras'# Nat rally: the %ods $ere fe$ and the demons many# They str %%led $ith one another for mastery of these $orlds# 2ein% over$helmed !y the demons: the %ods said: 3=ell: let (s overcome the demons at the sacrifice (9yotishtoma' !y means of the (d%itha#3 2 They said to the or%an of s"eech: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said s"eech and chanted for them# =hatever en9oyment common to all comes from the or%an of s"eech: it sec red for the %ods !y chantin%: $hile the en9oyment derived from the fine tterance of the $ords it tiliIed for itself# No$: the demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it (s"eech' and "ierced it $ith evil# That evil is $hat is fo nd today $hen one s"eaks im"ro"erlyA that is that evil# ,

Then they said to the or%an of smell: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said the or%an and chanted for them# =hatever So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

en9oyment common to all comes from the nose: it sec red for the %ods !y chantin%: $hile the en9oyment derived from fine smellin% it tiliIed for itself# No$: the demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it and "ierced it $ith evil# That evil is $hat is fo nd today $hen one smells im"ro"er thin%sA that is that evil# 4 Then they said to the or%an of Seein%: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said the or%an and chanted for them# =hatever en9oyment common to all comes from the eye: it sec red for the %ods !y chantin%: $hile the en9oyment derived from fine seein% it tiliIed for itself# No$: the demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it and "ierced it $ith evil# That evil is $hat is fo nd today $hen one sees im"ro"er thin%sA that is that evil# / Then they said to the or%an of hearin%: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said the or%an and chanted for them# =hatever en9oyment common to all comes from the ear: it sec red for the %ods !y chantin%: $hile the en9oyment derived from fine hearin% it tiliIed for itself# No$: the demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it and "ierced it $ith evil# That evil is $hat is fo nd today $hen one hears im"ro"er thin%sA that is that evil# 1 Then they said to the mind: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said the mind and chanted for them# =hatever en9oyment common to all comes from the mind: it sec red for the %ods !y chantin%: $hile the en9oyment derived from fine thinkin% it tiliIed for itself# No$: the demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it and "ierced it $ith evil# That evil is $hat is fo nd today $hen one thinks im"ro"erlyA that is that evil# &ike$ise they also to ched these other deities $ith evil<smote them $ith evil# 7 Then they said to the vital !reath in the mo th: 3)hant the (d%itha for s#3 3So !e it:3 said the vital !reath and chanted for them# The demons kne$ that thro %h this chanter the %ods $o ld overcome them# They char%ed at it: intendin% to "ierce it

$ith evil# 2 t as a clod of earth: hittin% a stone: is scattered: even so they $ere scattered in all directions: cr shed and So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

com"letely destroyed# There "on the %ods !ecame esta!lished in their tr e selves and the demons "erished# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes his tr e self and his s"itef l kinsman "erishes# . Then the or%ans said: 3=here is that $hich 9oined s to o r tr e selves@3 After deli!eration they discovered that it $as here: $ithin the mo th (asye'# ;ence the vital !reath ("rana' is called ayasya and also: !eca se it is the essence (rasa' of the lim!s (an%a' of the !ody: an%irasa# 0 That deity is called 3d r:3 !eca se death is far (d r' from it# ?rom him $ho kno$s this: death is far a$ay# 10 That deity took a$ay death: the evil of these %ods and carried it to $here the end of the 7 arters is# There it de"osited their evil# Therefore let no one %o to a "erson of that re%ion: or to the co ntry !eyond the !order: lest he sho ld meet there $ith evil: $ith death# 11 That deity: after takin% a$ay the death<the evil<of the %ods: carried them !eyond death# 12 ?irst of all: it carried the or%an of s"eech: $hich is the foremost or%an# =hen the or%an of s"eech $as freed from death it !ecame fire# That fire: havin% transcended death: shines !eyond its reach# 1,<1/ Then it carried the or%an of smell# =hen it $as freed from death it !ecame air (8ay '# That air: havin% transcended death: !lo$s !eyond its reach# Then it carried the or%an of si%ht# =hen it $as freed from death it !ecame the s n (S rya'# That s n: havin% transcended death: shines !eyond its reach# Then it carried the or%an of hearin%# =hen it $as freed from death: it !ecame the 7 arters (Bisah'# Those 7 arters: havin% transcended death: remain !eyond its reach#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

11 Then it carried the mind# =hen the mind $as freed from death it !ecame the moon ()handra'# That moon: havin% transcended death: shines !eyond its reach# Th s: verily: that deity carries !eyond death him $ho kno$s this# 17 NeDt it (the vital !reath' o!tained eata!le food for itself !y chantin%# ?or $hatever food is eaten: is eaten !y the vital !reath alone and it (the vital !reath' rests on that (the food'# 1. The %ods said to the vital !reath: 38erily: 9 st this m ch is all the food there is and yo have sec red it for yo rself !y chantin%# No$ %ive s: "lease: a share of this food#3 3Then sit aro nd facin% me#3 3So !e it#3 They sat do$n aro nd the vital !reath# That is $hy $hatever food one eats thro %h the vital !reath satisfies the or%ans# So do his relatives sit aro nd facin% him $ho kno$s thisA he !ecomes the s ""orter of his kinsmen: the %reatest amon% them and their leader: a %ood eater of food and their lord# =hoever: amon% his kinsmen: the %reatest amon% them and their leader: a %ood eater of food and their lord# =hoever: amon% his kinsmen: desires to !e a rival of the man $ho has this kno$led%e is not a!le to s ""ort his de"endents# 2 t: on the other hand: he $ho follo$s him (the kno$er of the vital !reath' and $ho: follo$in% him: desires to s ""ort his de"endents is certainly a!le to do so# 10 -t is called ayasa an%irasa: for it is the essence (rasa' of the lim!s (an%a'# Ees: the "rana is the essence of the lim!s# ?rom $hichever lim! the vital !reath de"arts: that lim! $ithers ri%ht thereA therefore it is verily the essence of the lim!s# 20 -t is also 2rihas"ati (lord of the Hi%<8eda'# S"eech is 2rihati (Hi%' and the vital !reath is its lord ("ati'# Therefore it is called 2rihas"ati# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

21 -t is also the 2rahmanas"ati (lord of the Ea9 r<8eda'# S"eech is 2rahman (Ea9 r' and the vital !reath is its lord ("ati'# Therefore it is called 2rahmanas"ati# 22 *rana is Saman: too# S"eech is: verily: sa and this ("rana' is ama# Saman (the chant of the Sama<8eda' is kno$n !y that name !eca se it is sa (s"eech' and ama ("rana'# 5r !eca se it ("rana' is e7 al (sama' to a $hite ant: e7 al to a mos7 ito: e7 al to an ele"hant: e7 al to these three $orlds: nay: e7 al to this niverseA therefore it ("rana' is indeed the Sama<8eda# ;e $ho kno$s this vital !reath to !e s ch attains nion $ith it or lives in the same $orld $ith it# 2, And it is also the (d%itha# The vital !reath is verily t: for !y the vital !reath all this niverse is "held ( tta!dha'A and s"eech is %itha (son%'# And !eca se it is t and %itha: therefore it is (d%itha# 24 He%ardin% this there is also the follo$in% anecdote: 2rahmadatta: the %reat<%randson of )hikitana: $hile drinkin% kin% OsomaP: said: 3&et this soma strike off my head if - say that the ayasya an%irasa chanted the (d%itha thro %h any other means than this vital !reath and s"eech#3 S rely he chanted thro %h s"eech and the vital !reath# 2/ ;e $ho kno$s the $ealth of this saman (8ital !reath' o!tains $ealth# Tone: indeed: is its $ealth# Therefore let one $ho is %oin% to "erform the sacrificial $ork as a "riest desire that his voice may have a %ood tone and let him "erform the sacrifice thro %h that voice $ith a %ood tone# Therefore "eo"le desire to see at a sacrifice a "riest $ith a %ood voice: like one $ho has $ealth# ;e $ho th s kno$s $hat is the $ealth of the saman o!tains $ealth# 21 ;e $ho kno$s the s varna (%old' of the saman (vital !reath' o!tains %old# Tone is verily its %old# ;e $ho th s kno$s $hat

is the %old of the saman o!tains %old# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

27 ;e $ho kno$s the s ""ort of the saman (vital !reath' %ets a s ""ort# S"eech 8erily is its s ""ort# ?or: s ""orted in s"eech: the vital !reath is transformed into a chant# Some say the s ""ort is in food (the !ody'# 2. NeDt follo$s the edifyin% re"etition (a!hyaroha' only of the hymns called "avamanas# The "riest called "rastotri indeed chants the saman# =hile he chants it: let the sacrificer recite these OEa9 r versesP: 3&ead me from the nreal to the real# ?rom darkness lead me to li%ht# ?rom death lead me to immortality#3 =hen the mantra (verse' says: 3&ead me from the nreal to the real:3 3the nreal3 means death and the 3real:3 immortalityA so it says: 3?rom death lead me to immortality:3 that is to say: 3Make me immortal#3 =hen it says: 3?rom darkness lead me to li%ht:3 3darkness3 means death and 3li%ht:3 immortalityA so it says: 3?rom death lead me to immortality:3 that is to say: 3Make me immortal#3 -n the verse: 3?rom death lead me to immortality:3 there is nothin% that is hidden# Then come the remainin% hymns: $ith $hich: !y sin%in% them: Othe chanterP sho ld o!tain food for himself# Therefore $hile they are !ein% chanted let the sacrificer ask for a !oon< anythin% that he desires# =hatever o!9ects this chanter: endo$ed $ith s ch kno$led%e: desires for himself or for the sacrificer: he o!tains !y his chantin%# This OmeditationP !y itself $ins the $orld (;iranya%ar!ha'# ;e $ho th s kno$s the saman (the "rana: or vital !reath'<for him there is no fear of not !ein% admitted into that $orld# )ha"ter -8<The )reation and -ts )a se 1 -n the !e%innin%: this niverse $as the self (8ira9' alone: in the sha"e of a "erson# ;e reflected and sa$ nothin% else ! t ;is self# ;e first said: 3- am ;e#3 Therefore ;e came to !e kno$n !y the name - (Aham'# ;ence: even no$: $hen a "erson is addressed: he first says: 3-t is -:3 and then says $hatever other name he may have# And !eca se ;e: !efore (" rva' the $hole %ro " of as"irants: ! rnt (a shat' all evils: therefore ;e is called * r sha# ;e $ho kno$s this verily ! rns " him $ho $ishes to !e 8ira9 in advance of him#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e $as afraid# Therefore "eo"le still are afraid $hen alone# ;e tho %ht: 3Since there is nothin% else ! t Myself: $hat am afraid of@3 There "on ;is fears $ere %oneA for $hat $as there to fear@ Ass redly: it is from a second entity that fear arises# , ;e $as not at all ha""y# Therefore a "erson even today is not ha""y $hen alone# ;e desired a mate# ;e !ecame the siIe of a man and $ife in close em!race# ;e divided this !ody into t$o# ?rom that division arose h s!and ("ati' and $ife ("atni'# Therefore: as Ea9navalkya said: the !ody !efore one acce"ts a $ife is one half of oneself: like the half of a s"lit "ea# Therefore this s"ace is indeed filled !y the $ife# ;e $as nited $ith her# ?rom that nion h man !ein%s $ere !orn# 4 She reflected: 3;o$ can he nite $ith me after havin% "rod ced me from himself@ =ell: let me hide myself#3 She !ecame a co$: the other (Man ' !ecame a ! ll and $as nited $ith herA from that nion co$s $ere !orn# The one !ecame a mare: the other !ecame a stallionA the one !ecame a she<ass: the other !ecame a he<ass and $as nited $ith herA from that nion one<hoofed animals $ere !orn# The one !ecame a she<%oat: the other !ecame a he<%oatA the one !ecame a he$: the other !ecame a ram and $as nited $ith herA from that nion %oats and shee" $ere !orn# Th s: indeed: he "rod ced everythin% that eDists in "airs: do$n to the ants# / ;e (8ira9' realiIed: 3-ndeed: - am the creation: for - "rod ced all this#3 Therefore ;e !ecame the creation# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes a creator in this creation of 8ira9# 1 Then ;e (8ira9' r !!ed !ack and forth th s and "rod ced fire from its so rce: the mo th and the hands# Therefore !oth the hands and mo th are hairless inside# =hen they (the "riests' s"eak of "artic lar %ods: sayin%: 3Sacrifice to him:3 3Sacrifice to that one:3 they are mistakenA for these are all ;is manifestations: ;e ;imself is all the %ods# No$: $hatever is li7 id: ;e "rod ced from semenA and that is soma# This niverse is indeed this m ch: food and the eater of

food# Soma is foodA and fire: the eater of food# This is the hi%hest creation of 8ira9: that ;e "ro9ected the %ods: $ho are So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

even s "erior to ;im# This is the hi%hest creation !eca se ;e: altho %h mortal ;imself: manifested the immortal# And he $ho kno$s this verily !ecomes a creator in this hi%hest creation of 8ira9# 7 No$: all this niverse $as then ndifferentiated# -t !ecame differentiated !y name and form: it $as kno$n !y s ch and s ch a name and s ch and s ch a form# Th s to this day this niverse is differentiated !y name and formA so it is said# 3;e has s ch a name and s ch a form#3 This Self has entered into these !odies " to the very ti"s of the nails: as a raIor lies hidden in its case: or as fire: $hich s stains the $orld: lies hidden in its so rce# *eo"le do not see the Self: for $hen vie$ed in "arts -t is incom"lete: $hen !reathin%: -t is called the vital !reath ("rana'A $hen s"eakin%: the or%an of s"eechA $hen seein%: the eyeA $hen hearin%: the earA $hen thinkin%: the mind# These are merely -ts names accordin% to -ts f nctions# ;e $ho meditates on one or another of -ts as"ects does not kno$: for -t is then incom"lete: the Self is se"arated from -ts totality !y !ein% associated $ith a sin%le characteristic# The Self alone is to !e meditated "on: for in -t all these !ecome nified# 5f all these: this Self alone sho ld !e kno$n: for one kno$s all these thro %h -t: 9 st as one may find an animal $hich is lost thro %h its foot"rints# ;e $ho th s kno$s the Self o!tains fame and association $ith dear ones# . This Self is dearer than a son: dearer than $ealth: dearer than everythin% else: !eca se -t is innermost# -f one holdin% the Self dear $ere to say to a "erson $ho s"eaks of anythin% other than the Self as dear: that he: the latter: $ill lose $hat he holds dear<and the former is certainly com"etent to do so<it $ill indeed come tr e# 5ne sho ld meditate "on the Self alone as dear# ;e $ho meditates "on the Self alone as dear<$hat he holds dear $ill not "erish# 0 They say: 3Since men think that !y the +no$led%e of 2rahman they !ecome all: $hat: "ray: $as it that 2rahman kne$ !y $hich -t !ecame all@3 10

This self $as indeed 2rahman in the !e%innin%# -t kne$ itself only as 3- am 2rahman#3 Therefore it !ecame all# And $hoever So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

amon% the %ods had this enli%htenment: also !ecame That 2rahman# -t is the same $ith the seers (rishis': the same $ith men# The seer 8amadeva: havin% realiIed this self as That: came to kno$: 3- $as Man and the s n#3 And to this day: $hoever in a like manner kno$s the self as 3- am 2rahman:3 !ecomes all this niverse# Gven the %ods cannot "revent his !ecomin% this: for he has !ecome their Self# No$: if a man $orshi"s another deity: thinkin%: 3;e is one and - am another:3 he does not kno$# ;e is like an animal to the %ods# As many animals serve a man: so does each man serve the %ods# Gven if one animal is taken a$ay: it ca ses an% ish to the o$nerA ho$ m ch more so $hen many are taken a$ay6 Therefore it is not "leasin% to the %ods that men sho ld kno$ this# 11 -n the !e%innin% this (the kshatriya and other castes' $as indeed 2rahman: one only $itho t a second# ;e: !ein% one: did not flo rish# ;e "ro9ected: f rther: an eDcellent form: kshatriyahood<those kshatriyas (r lers' amon% the %ods: -ndra: 8ar na: Soma (Moon': H dra: *ar9anya: Eama: Mrity (Beath' and -sana# Therefore there is none hi%her than the kshatriyas# Th s at the Ha9as ya sacrifice: the !rahmin sits !elo$ and $orshi"s the kshatriya# ;e confers that %lory on kshatriyahood alone# 2 t !rahminhood is nevertheless the so rce of kshatriyahood# Therefore even tho %h the kin% is eDalted in the sacrifice: at the end of it he resorts to !rahminhood as his so rce# ;e $ho sli%hts a !rahmin strikes at his o$n so rce# ;e !ecomes more evil: as one $ho sli%hts his s "erior# 12 Eet ;e (8ira9' did not flo rish# ;e "ro9ected the 8aisya caste<those classes of %ods $ho are desi%nated in %ro "s: the 8as s: H dras: Adityas: 8isve<devas and Mar ts# 1, Still ;e did not flo rish# ;e "ro9ected the s dra caste<* shan# This earth is 8erily * shan (the no risher'A for it no rishes all that eDists# 14 Eet ;e did not flo rish# ;e "ro9ected: f rther: that eDcellent form: 9 stice (dharrna'# This 9 stice is the controller of the

kshatriya# Therefore there is nothin% hi%her than 9 stice# So even a $eak man ho"es to defeat a stron%er man thro %h So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

9 stice: as one does $ith the hel" of a kin%# 8erily: that $hich is 9 stice is tr th# Therefore if a man s"eaks the tr th: they say he s"eaks $hat is 9 st and if he s"eaks $hat is 9 st: they say he s"eaks the tr thA for 9 stice alone is !oth these# 1/ So these fo r castes $ere "ro9ected: the !rahmin: the kshatriya: the vaisya and the s dra# Amon% the %ods *ra9a"ati !ecame a !rahmin as fire and amon% men ;e !ecame the !rahmin# ;e !ecame a kshatriya amon% men thro %h the divine kshatriyas: a vaisya thro %h the divine vaisyas and a s dra thro %h the divine s dras# Therefore "eo"le desire to attain the res lts of their rites amon% the %ods thro %h fire and amon% men as a !rahmin# ?or *ra9a"ati directly "ro9ected ;imself as these t$o forms# No$: if a man de"arts from this $orld $itho t realiIin% his o$n =orld (the Self': -t: !ein% nkno$n: does not "rotect him<as the 8edas: nrecited: or as a deed naccom"lished: do not "rotect him# Nay: even if one $ho does not kno$ -t (the Self' sho ld "erform here on earth a %reat many meritorio s acts: those acts $ill in the end s rely "erish for him# 5ne sho ld meditate only "on the =orld called the Self# ;e $ho meditates "on the =orld called the Self<his $ork does not "erishA for from this very Self he "ro9ects $hatever he desires# 11 No$: this self (the i%norant "erson' is an o!9ect of en9oyment (lokah' to all !ein%s# -n so far as he offers o!lations in the fire and "erforms sacrifices: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to the %ods# -n so far as he st dies the 8edas: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to the rishis# -n so far as he makes offerin%s to the Manes and desires children: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to the Manes# -n so far as he %ives shelter and food to men: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to men# -n so far as he %ives fodder and $ater to the animals: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to the animals# -n so far as !easts and !irds and even ants find a livin% in his home: he !ecomes an o!9ect of en9oyment to these# > st as one $ishes no in9 ry to oneJs !ody: so do all !ein%s $ish no in9 ry to him $ho has this kno$led%e# All this: indeed: has !een kno$n and $ell investi%ated# 17 -n the !e%innin% this a%%re%ate of desira!le o!9ects $as ! t the self: one only# ;e cherished the desire: 3&et me have a $ife: so

that - may !e !orn as the childA and let me have $ealth: so that may "erform rites#3 This m ch: indeed: is the ran%e of desireA So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

even if one $ishes: one cannot %et more than this# Therefore: to this day: a man $ho is sin%le desires: 3&et me have a $ife: so that - may !e !orn as the childA and let me have $ealth: so that may "erform rites#3 So lon% as he does not o!tain each one of these: he thinks he is incom"lete# No$: his com"leteness can also come in this $ay: The mind is his self: s"eech his $ife: the vital !reath his child: the eye his h man $ealth: for he finds it $ith the eyeA the ear his divine $ealth: for he hears it $ith the earA the !ody his instr ment of rites: for he "erforms rites thro %h the !ody# So this sacrifice has five factors<the animals have five factors: men have five factors and all this that eDists has five factors# ;e $ho kno$s this o!tains all this# )ha"ter 8<Manifestations of *ra9a"ati 1 The follo$in% are the mantras: 3- shall no$ disclose that the father "rod ced seven kinds of food thro %h meditation and rites# 5ne is common to all eaters# T$o he assi%ned to the %ods# Three he desi%ned for himself# And one he %ave to the animals# 5n it (food' rests everythin%< $hatsoever !reathes and $hatsoever !reathes not# =hy are not these foods eDha sted altho %h they are al$ays !ein% eaten@ ;e $ho kno$s the ca se of this ineDha sti!ility of the food eats food $ith "re<eminence ("ratika'# ;e o!tains identity $ith the %ods and lives on nectar#3 2 =hen it is said: 3That the father "rod ced seven kinds of food thro %h meditation and rites:3 the statement means that the father indeed "rod ced them thro %h meditation and rites# =hen it is said: 35ne is common to all eaters:3 it means that the food $hich is eaten is that $hich is common to all# ;e $ho a""ro"riates this food is never free from evil: for this is: verily: the %eneral food# =hen it is said: 3T$o he assi%ned to the %ods:3 the statement means o!lations made in the fire and "resents offered other$ise to the %ods# Therefore "eo"le make o!lations in the fire and offer "resents other$ise to the %ods# Some: ho$ever: say that the t$o foods refer to the ne$<moon and f ll<moon sacrifices# Therefore one sho ld not en%a%e in sacrifices for material ends# =hen it is said: 35ne he %ave to the animals:3 the statement refers to milkA for at first men and animals live on milk alone# That is $hy they first make a ne$<!orn !a!e lick melted ! tter or they " t it to the !reast#

And they s"eak of the ne$<!orn calf as not yet eatin% %rass# =hen it is said: 35n it rests everythin%<$hatsoever !reathes and $hatsoever !reathes not:3 it means that everythin% rests on So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

milk: all that !reathes and !reathes not# -t is f rther said in another 2rahmana that !y makin% offerin%s of milk in the fire for a year one overcomes f rther deathA ! t one sho ld not think th s# ?or he $ho kno$s this overcomes f rther death the very day he makes the offerin%: !eca se he offers all eata!le food to the %ods# =hen it is asked: 3=hy are not these foods eDha sted altho %h they are al$ays !ein% eaten@3 the ans$er is that the eater is indeed the ca se of this ineDha sti!ility: for he "rod ces this food a%ain and a%ain# =hen it is said: 3;e $ho kno$s the ca se of this ineDha sti!ility:3 the statement means that the eater is indeed the ca se of this ineDha sti!ility: for he "rod ces this food thro %h meditation and rites# -f he did not do this the food $o ld !e eDha sted# =hen it is said: 3;e eats food $ith "ratika:3 the $ord "ratika means "re<eminenceA hence the meanin% is that he eats food "re<eminently# The statement: 3;e o!tains identity $ith the %ods and lives on nectar:3 is a e lo%y# , 3Three he desi%ned for himself3<that is to say: the mind: the or%an of s"eech and the vital !reathA these he desi%ned for himself# They say: 3My mind $as else$here: - did not see itA my mind $as else$here: - did not hear it#3 -t is clear that a man sees $ith his mind and hears $ith his mind# Besire: determination: do !t: faith: lack of faith: steadfastness: lack of steadfastness: shame: intelli%ence and fear<all this is tr ly the mind# Gven if one is to ched from !ehind: one kno$s it thro %h the mindA therefore the mind eDists# =hatever so nd there is: it is 9 st the or%an of s"eechA for it serves to determine a thin%: ! t it cannot itself !e revealed# The "rana: a"ana: vyana: dana: samana and ana<all these are ! t the vital !reath ("rana'# This !ody (atma' consists of these<the or%an of s"eech: the mind and the vital !reath# 4 These verily are the three $orlds: the or%an of s"eech is this $orld (the earth': the mind is the intermediary $orld (the sky' and the vital !reath is that $orld (heaven'# / These verily are the three 8edas: the or%an of s"eech is the Hi%<8eda: the mind is the Ea9 r<8eda and the vital !reath is the Sama<8eda# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1 These verily are the %ods: the Manes and men: the or%an of s"eech is the %ods: the mind is the Manes and the vital !reath is men# 7 These verily are father: mother and child: the mind is the father: the or%an of s"eech is the mother and the vital force is the child# .<10 These verily are $hat is kno$n: $hat is to !e kno$n and $hat is nkno$n# =hatever is kno$n is a form of the or%an of s"eech: for it is the kno$er# The or%an of s"eech "rotects him $ho kno$s its different manifestations !y !ecomin% that $hich is kno$n'# =hatever is to !e kno$n is a form of the mind: for the mind is $hat is to !e kno$n# The mind "rotects him $ho kno$s this !y !ecomin% that $hich is to !e kno$n# =hatever is nkno$n is a form of the vital !reath: for the vital !reath is $hat is nkno$n# The vital !reath "rotects him $ho kno$s this !y !ecomin% that $hich is nkno$n# 11 The earth is the !ody of that or%an of s"eech and this fire is its l mino s or%an# And as far as the or%an of s"eech eDtends: so far eDtends the earth and so far eDtends fire# 12 No$: heaven is the !ody of this mind and that s n yonder is its l mino s or%an# And as far as the mind eDtends: so far eDtends the earth and so far eDtends fire# The t$o (fire and the s n' $ere nited and from that $as !orn the vital !reath# -t (the vital !reath' is the s "reme &ord (-ndra'# -t is $itho t a rival# A second !ein% is: indeed: a rival# ;e $ho kno$s this has no rival# 1, NeDt: $ater is the !ody of this vital !reath and that moon yonder is its l mino s or%an# And as far as the vital !reath eDtends: so far eDtends $ater and so far eDtends the moon# These are all e7 al: all infinite# ;e $ho meditates "on them as

finite $ins a finite $orld: ! t he $ho meditates "on them as infinite $ins an infinite $orld# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 That *ra9a"an: re"resented !y the year: consists of siDteen "arts# The ni%hts and days are fifteen of his "arts and the constant "oint is the siDteenth# ;e as the moon is increased and decreased !y the ni%hts and days# Thro %h the siDteenth "art he "ermeates all livin% !ein%s as the ne$<moon ni%ht and rises the follo$in% mornin%# Therefore: in hono r of this deity: on this ni%ht let no one c t off the !reath of any !reathin% !ein%: not even of a liIard# 1/ 8erily: the "erson $ho kno$s this is himself that *ra9a"ati $ho is endo$ed $ith siDteen "arts and $ho is re"resented !y the year# =ealth constit tes fifteen of his "arts and the !ody is his siDteenth "art# ;e is increased and decreased !y that $ealth# This !ody is the nave and $ealth is the felloe# Therefore even if a man loses everythin%: ! t lives in his !ody: "eo"le say that he has lost only his felloe $hich can !e restored a%ain# 11 No$: these are: verily: the three $orlds: the $orld of men: the $orld of the Manes and the $orld of the %ods# The $orld of men can !e %ained thro %h a son only and !y no other riteA the $orld of the Manes thro %h ritesA and the $orld of the %ods thro %h meditation# The $orld of the %ods is the !est of the $orlds# Therefore they "raise meditation# 17 No$ therefore follo$s the entr stin%: =hen a man thinks he is a!o t to die: he says to his son: 3Eo are 2rahman: yo are the sacrifice and yo are the $orld#3 The son re"lies: 3- am 2rahman: - am the sacrifice: - am the $orld#3 The Sr ti eD"lains the tho %hts of the father: 3=hatever has !een st died !y me (the father' is all nified in the $ord 2rahman# =hatever sacrifices have !een made !y me (the father' are all nified in the $ord sacrifice# And $hatever $orlds $ere to !eA $on !y me (the father' are all nified in the $ord $orld# All this it indeed this m ch# ;e (the son': !ein% all this: $ill "rotect me from the ties of this $orld#3 Therefore they s"eak of a son $ho is $ell instr cted as !ein% cond cive to the $innin% of the $orldA and therefore a father instr cts him# =hen a father $ho kno$s this de"arts from this $orld: he< alon% $ith his o$n or%an of s"eech: mind and vital !reath< "enetrates his son# -f: thro %h a la"se: any d ty has !een left

ndone !y him: the son eDonerates him from all thatA therefore he is called a son# The father remains in this $orld thro %h the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

son# The divine and immortal or%an of s"eech: mind and vital !reath enter into him (the father'# 1. The divine or%an of s"eech from the earth and fire enters into him# That is the divine or%an of s"eech thro %h $hich $hatever he says is f lfilled# 10 The divine mind from heaven and the s n "ermeates him# That is the divine mind thro %h $hich he !ecomes 9oyf l only and %rieves no more# 20 The divine vital !reath from $ater and the moon "ermeates him# And: verily: that is the divine vital !reath $hich: $hether movin% or not movin%: neither feels "ain nor is in9 red# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the self of all !ein%s# As is this deity (;iranya%ar!ha': so is he# And as all !ein%s hono r this deity: so do they hono r him# ;o$soever creat res may %rieve: that %rief of theirs remains $ith them ! t only merit %oes to him# No demerit ever %oes to the %ods# 21 NeDt follo$s the consideration of the vo$ (meditative $orshi"': *ra9a"ati "ro9ected the or%ans# They: $hen they $ere "ro9ected: 7 arrelled $ith one another# The or%an of s"eech resolved: 3$ill %o on s"eakin%3A the eye: 3- $ill %o on seein%3A the ear: 3$ill %o on hearin%#3 So did the other or%ans: accordin% to their f nctions# Beath: havin% taken the form of $eariness: laid hold of them<it overtook them and havin% overtaken them: restrained them# Therefore does the or%an of s"eech !ecome tired and so do the eye and the ear# 2 t death did not overtake the vital !reath ("rana' in the !ody# The other or%ans resolved to kno$ it and said: 3This is verily the %reatest amon% sA $hether movin% or not movin%: it neither feels "ain nor is in9 red# =ell then: let s ass me its form#3 They all ass med its form# Therefore they are called "ranas after it# -n $hatever family there is a man $ho kno$s this<that family they call !y his name# And $hoever com"etes $ith one $ho kno$s this: shrivels and after shrivellin%: in the end dies# This is $ith re%ard to the !ody#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

22 No$ $ith re%ard to the %ods# ?ire resolved: 3- $ill %o on ! rnin%3A the s n: 3- $ill %o on %ivin% heat3A the moon: 3- $ill %o on shinin%#3 And so did the other %ods: accordin% to their f nctions# As is the vital !reath in the !ody amon% the or%ans: so is air (vay ' amon% the %ods# The other %ods fade: ! t not air# Air is the deity that never sets# 2, No$ there is this verse (sloka': The %ods o!served the vo$ of that from $hich the s n rises and in $hich it sets# This vo$ is follo$ed today and this $ill !e follo$ed tomorro$# The s n rises verily from the "rana (the vital !reath in its cosmic form' and also sets in it# The %ods even today o!serve the same vo$ $hich they o!served then# Therefore a man sho ld o!serve a sin%le vo$<he sho ld "erform the f nctions of the "rana and a"ana (res"iration and eDcretion': lest the evil of death sho ld overtake him# And if he "erforms them: let him try to com"lete them# Thro %h this he o!tains identity $ith that deity: or lives in the same $orld $ith it# )ha"ter 8-<The Three As"ects of the (niverse 1 8erily: this niverse is a triad of name: form and $ork# 5f those names $hich are in daily se: s"eech (so nd in %eneral' is the so rce ( ktha': for from it all names arise# -t is their common feat re (saman': for it is common to all names# -t is their 2rahman (self': for it s ""orts all names# 2 NeDt: of forms: the eye is the so rce ( ktha': for from it all forms arise# -t is their )ommon feat re (saman': for it is common to all forms# -t is their 2rahman (self': for it s ""orts all forms# , NeDt: of $ork: the !ody is the so rce ( ktha': for from it all $orks arise# -t is their common feat re (saman': for it is common to all $orks# -t is their 2rahman (self': for it s ""orts all $orks# These three to%ether are one<this !odyA and the !ody:

altho %h one: is these three# This immortal entity is covered !y So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

tr th: the vital !reath is the immortal entity and name and form are tr th and !y them the immortal entity is covered# *art T$o )ha"ter -<Helative As"ects of 2rahman 1 5m# There lived of yore a man of the Far%a family called "ro d 2alaki: $ho $as an elo7 ent s"eaker# ;e said to A9atasatr : the kin% of +asi: 3- $ill tell yo a!o t 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3?or this "ro"osal - %ive yo a tho sand co$s# *eo"le indeed r sh: sayin%: J>anaka: >anaka#J - too have some of his virt es#3 2 Far%ya said: 3That !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the s n: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk to me a!o t him# - meditate "on him as all< s r"assin%: as the head of all !ein%s and as res"lendent#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes all<s r"assin%: the head of all !ein%s and res"lendent# , Far%ya said: 3That !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the moon: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk to me a!o t him# - meditate "on him as the %reat: $hite<ro!ed: radiant Soma#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him has: every day: a! ndant soma "ressed for him in his "rinci"al and a Diliary sacrifices and his food never r ns short# 4 Far%ya said: 3That !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the li%htnin%: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk to me a!o t him# - meditate "on him as l mino s#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes l mino s and his "ro%eny too !ecome l mino s# / Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the akasa: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as f ll and nmovin%#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him is filled $ith

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

"ro%eny and cattle and his "ro%eny is never eDtinct from this $orld# 1 Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the air: - meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as the &ord (-ndra': as irresisti!le and as the nvan7 ished army#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes ever victorio s: invinci!le and a con7 eror of enemies# 7 Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in fire: - meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as for!earin%#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes for!earin% and his "ro%eny !ecomes for!earin%# . Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in $ater: - meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as a%reea!le#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him<to him comes $hat is a%reea!le: not $hat is disa%reea!le and to him are !orn children $ho are a%reea!le# 0 Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the mirror: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as shinin%#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes shinin% and his "ro%eny too !ecomes shinin% and he o tshines all those $ith $hom he comes in contact# 10 Far%ya said: 3The so nd that arises !ehind a man $hile he $alks: - meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as life#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him reaches his f ll a%e on this earth and life does not de"art from him !efore the com"letion of that time# 11

Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the 7 arters: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as second and as inse"ara!le#3 =hosoever th s mediates "on him %ets com"anions and his follo$ers never "art $ith him# 12 Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho consists of shado$: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as death#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him reaches his f ll a%e on this earth and death does not overtake him !efore the com"letion of that time# 1, Far%ya said: 3This !ein% (" r sha' $ho is in the self: meditate "on as 2rahman#3 A9atasatr said: 3No: no6 *lease do not talk a!o t him# - meditate "on him as self<"ossessed#3 =hosoever th s meditates "on him !ecomes self<"ossessed and his "ro%eny too !ecomes self<"ossessed# Far%ya remained silent# 14 A9atasatr said: 3-s this all@3 3That is all#3 32y kno$in% that m ch one cannot kno$ 2rahman#3 3&et me a""roach yo as a st dent:3 said Far%ya# 1/ A9atasatr said: 3-t is contrary to s al "ractice that a !rahmin sho ld a""roach a kshatriya: thinkin%: J;e $ill teach me a!o t 2rahman#J Nevertheless: - $ill instr ct yo #3 So sayin%: he took Far%ya !y the hand and rose# They came to a slee"in% man# A9atasatr addressed him !y these names: Freat: =hite< ro!ed: Hadiant: Soma# The man did not %et "# The kin% " shed him a%ain and a%ain $ith his hand till he a$oke# Then he %ot "# 11 A9atasatr said: 3=hen this !ein% f ll of conscio sness (identified $ith the intellect' $as th s aslee": $here $as it then and $hence did it th s come !ack@3 Far%ya did not kno$ the ans$er# 17

A9atasatr said: 3=hen this !ein% f ll of conscio sness (vi9nana maya' is th s aslee": it a!sor!s: at that time: the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

f nctions of the or%ans thro %h its o$n conscio sness and rests in the S "reme Self (akasa' that is in the heart# =hen this !ein% a!sor!s them: it is called sva"iti# Then the or%an of smell is a!sor!ed: the or%an of s"eech is a!sor!ed: the eye is a!sor!ed: the ear is a!sor!ed and the mind is a!sor!ed#3 1. =hen the self remains in the dream state: these are its achievements (res lts of "ast action': -t then !ecomes a %reat kin%: as it $ereA or a no!le !rahmin: as it $ereA or attains: as it $ere: hi%h or lo$ states# Gven as a %reat kin%: takin% $ith him his retin e of citiIens: moves a!o t: accordin% to his "leas re: $ithin his o$n domain: so does the self: takin% $ith it the or%ans: move a!o t accordin% to its "leas re: in the !ody# 10 NeDt: $hen the self %oes into dee" slee"<$hen it does not kno$ anythin%<it ret rns alon% the seventy<t$o tho sand nerves called hita: $hich eDtend from the heart thro %ho t the $hole !ody and remains in the !ody# As a !a!y or an em"eror or a no!le !rahmin lives: havin% reached the s mmit of ha""iness: so does the self rest# 20 As the s"ider moves alon% the thread it "rod ces: or as from a fire tiny s"arks fly in all directions: even so from this Atman come forth all or%ans: all $orlds: all %ods: all !ein%s# -ts secret name (("anishad' is 3the Tr th of tr th#3 The vital !reaths are the tr th and their tr th is Atman# )ha"ter --<Bescri"tion of the *rana 1 ;e $ho kno$s the calf to%ether $ith its a!ode: its s"ecial resort: its "ost and its ro"e: kills his seven hostile kinsmen# The vital !reath in the !ody is indeed the calfA this !ody is its a!ode: the head its s"ecial resort: stren%th its "ost and food its ro"e# 2 These seven %ods that "revent decay $orshi" it (the calf': thro %h these "ink lines in the eye: H dra attends on itA thro %h the $ater in the eye: *ar9anya attends on itA thro %h the " "il of the eye: the s n attends on itA thro %h the !lack of the eye: fire

attends on itA thro %h the $hite "ortion: -ndraA thro %h the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

lo$er eyelid: the earthA and thro %h the ""er eyelid: heaven attends on it# ;e $ho kno$s this<his food does not diminish# , He%ardin% this there is the follo$in% mantra: 3There is a !o$l $hich has its mo th !elo$ and $hich ! l%es at the to"# Manifold kno$led%e has !een " t into itA seven sa%es sit on its rim and the or%an of s"eech: $hich has comm nication $ith the 8edas: is the ei%hth#3 =hat is called the 3!o$l $hich has its mo th !elo$ and $hich ! l%es at the to"3 is this head of o rs: for it is a !o$l $hich has its mo th !elo$ and $hich ! l%es at the to"# =hen it is said: 3Manifold kno$led%e has !een " t into it:3 this refers to the or%ansA these indeed re"resent manifold kno$led%e# =hen it is said: 3Seven sa%es sit on its rim:3 this refers to the or%ansA they indeed are the sa%es# 3The or%an of s"eech: $hich has comm nication $ith the 8edas: is the ei%hth3 !eca se the or%an of s"eech is the ei%hth and comm nicates $ith the 8edas# 4 These t$o ears are Fotama and 2haradva9a: this one (the ri%ht' is Fotama and this one (the left': 2haradva9a# These t$o eyes are 8isvamitra and >amada%ni: this one (the ri%ht' is 8isvamitra and this one (the left': >amada%ni# These t$o nostrils are 8asishtha and +asya"a: this one (the ri%ht' is 8asishtha and this one (the left': +asya"a# The ton% e is Atri: for thro %h the ton% e food is eaten# Atri is the same as atti (eatin%'# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the eater of everythin% and everythin% !ecomes his food# )ha"ter ---<The T$o ?orms of 2rahman 1 8erily: there are t$o forms of 2rahman: %ross and s !tle: mortal and immortal: limited and nlimited: definite and indefinite# 2 The %ross form is that $hich is other than air and akasa# -t is mortal: limited and definite# The essence of that $hich is %ross: $hich is mortal: $hich is limited and $hich is definite is the s n that shines: for it (the s n' is the essence of the three elements#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, No$ the s !tle: -t is air and akasa# -t is immortal: it is nlimited and it is indefinite# The essence of that $hich is s !tle: $hich is immortal: $hich is nlimited and $hich is indefinite is the *erson (* r sha' in the solar or!: for that *erson is the essence of the t$o elements# This is $ith reference to the %ods# 4 No$ $ith reference to the !ody: The %ross form is that $hich is other than the air and the akasa that is in the !ody# -t is mortal: it is limited and it is definite# The essence of that $hich is %ross: $hich is mortal: $hich is limited and $hich is definite is the eyeA for it (the eye' is the essence of the three elements# / No$ the s !tle: -t is the air and the akasa that is in the !ody# -t is immortal: it is nlimited and it is indefinite# The essence of that $hich is s !tle: $hich is immortal: $hich is nlimited and $hich is indefinite is the "erson (" r sha' that is in the ri%ht eye: for that "erson is the essence of the t$o elements# 1 The form of that "erson is like a cloth dyed $ith t rmeric: or like %rey shee"Js $ool: or like the scarlet insect called -ndra%o"a: or like a ton% e of fire: or like a $hite lot s: or like a flash of li%htnin%# ;e $ho kno$s this<his s"lendo r is like a flash of li%htnin%# No$: therefore: the descri"tion of 2rahman: 3Not this: not this3 (Neti: Neti'A for there is no other and more a""ro"riate descri"tion than this 3Not this#3 No$ the desi%nation of 2rahman: 3The Tr th of tr th#3 The vital !reath is tr th and -t (2rahman' is the Tr th of that# )ha"ter -8<Ea9navalkya and Maitreyi (-' 1 3Maitreyi: my dear:3 said Ea9navalkya: 3- am %oin% to reno nce this life# &et me make a final settlement !et$een yo and +atyayani (his other $ife'#3 2 There "on Maitreyi said: 38enera!le Sir: if indeed the $hole earth: f ll of $ealth: !elon%ed to me: $o ld - !e immortal

thro %h that@3 3No:3 re"lied Ea9navalkya: 3yo r life $o ld !e So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

9 st like that of "eo"le $ho have "lenty# 5f -mmortality: ho$ever: there is no ho"e thro %h $ealth#3 , Then Maitreyi said: 3=hat sho ld - do $ith that $hich $o ld not make me immortal@ Tell me: venera!le Sir: of that alone $hich yo kno$ to !e the only means of attainin% -mmortality#3 4 Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My dear: yo have !een my !eloved even !efore and no$ yo say $hat is after my heart# )ome: sit do$nA - $ill eD"lain it to yo # As - eD"lain it: meditate on $hat - say#3 / Then Ea9navalkya said: 38erily: not for the sake of the h s!and: my dear: is the h s!and loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self $hich: in its tr e nat re: is one $ith the S "reme Self# 38erily: not for the sake of the $ife: my dear: is the $ife loved: ! t she is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the sons: my dear: are the sons loved: h t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of $ealth: my dear: is $ealth loved: ! t it is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the !rahmin: my dear: is the !rahmin loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the kshatriya: my dear: is the kshatriya loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the $orlds: my dear: are the $orlds loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the %ods: my dear: are the %ods loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the !ein%s: my dear: are the !ein%s loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the All: my dear: is the All loved: ! t it is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: my dear Maitreyi: it is the Self that sho ld !e realiIed<sho ld !e heard of: reflected on and meditated "on# 2y the realiIation of the Self: my dear<thro %h hearin%: reflection and meditation<all this is kno$n# 1

3The !rahmin re9ects one $ho kno$s him as different from the Self# The kshatriya re9ects one $ho kno$s him as different So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

from the Self# The $orlds re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The %ods re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The !ein%s re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The All re9ects one $ho kno$s it as different from the Self# This !rahmin: this kshatriya: these $orlds: these %ods: these !ein%s and this All<are that Self# 7<0 3As the vario s "artic lar kinds of notes of a dr m: $hen it is !eaten: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed only $hen the %eneral note of the dr m or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y different kinds of strokes is %ras"edA 3And as the vario s "artic lar notes of a conch: $hen it is !lo$n: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed only $hen the %eneral note of the conch or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y different kinds of !lo$in% is %ras"edA 3And as the vario s "artic lar notes of a vina: $hen it is "layed: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed 5nly $hen the %eneral note of the vina or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y different kinds of "layin% is %ras"edA Similarly: no "artic lar o!9ects are "erceived in the $akin% and dream states a"art from * re -ntelli%ence# 10 3As from a fire kindled $ith $et f el vario s kinds of smoke iss e forth: even so: my dear: the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharvan%irasa: history (itihasa': mytholo%y (" rana': the arts (vidya': the ("anishads: verses (slokas': a"horisms (s tras': el cidations (an vyakhyanas' and eD"lanations (vyakhyanas' are like the !reath of this infinite Heality# ?rom this S "reme Self are all these: indeed: !reathed forth# 11 3As the ocean is the one %oal of all $aters (i#e# the "lace $here they mer%e': so the skin is the one %oal of all kinds of to ch: the nostrils are the one %oal of all smells: the ton% e is the one %oal of all savo rs: the ear is the one %oal of all so nds: the mind is the one %oal of all deli!erations: the intellect is the one %oal of all forms of kno$led%e: the hands are the one %oal of all actions: the or%an of %eneration is the one %oal of all kinds of en9oyment: the eDcretory or%an is the one %oal of all eDcretions: the feet are the one %oal of all kinds of $alkin%: the or%an of s"eech is the one %oal of all the 8edas#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 3As a l m" of salt dro""ed into $ater !ecomes dissolved in $ater and cannot !e taken o t a%ain: ! t $herever $e taste the $ater it tastes salt: even so: my dear: this %reat: endless: infinite Heality is * re -ntelli%ence alone# This self comes o t as a se"arate entity from these elements and $ith their destr ction this se"arate eDistence also is destroyed# After attainin% oneness it has no more conscio sness# This is $hat - say: my dear#3 So said Ea9navalkya# 1, Then Maitreyi said: 3> st here yo have !e$ildered me: venera!le Sir: !y sayin% that after attainin% oneness the self has no more conscio sness#3 Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3)ertainly - am not sayin% anythin% !e$ilderin%: my dear# This Heality is eno %h for kno$led%e: 5 Maitreyi#3 14 3?or $hen there is d ality: as it $ere: then one smells another: one sees another: one hears another: one s"eaks to another: one thinks of another: one kno$s another# 2 t $hen everythin% has !ecome the Self: then $hat sho ld one smell and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld one see and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld one hear and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld one s"eak and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld one think and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld one kno$ and thro %h $hat@ Thro %h $hat sho ld 5ne kno$ That o$in% to $hich all this is kno$n<thro %h $hat: my dear: sho ld one kno$ the +no$er@3 )ha"ter 8<The -nterde"endence of )reated 5!9ects 1 This Garth is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this earth# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this earth and the !ri%ht: immortal: cor"oreal !ein% $ho is in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 2

This $ater is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this $ater# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!ein% $ho is in this $ater and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% eDistin% as the semen in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# , This fire is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this fire# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this fire and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the or%an of s"eech in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 4 This air is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this air# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this air and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the vital !reath in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# / This s n is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this s n# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this s n and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the eye in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 1 These 7 arters are the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of these 7 arters# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in these 7 arters and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the ear in the !ody and $ith the time of hearin% are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 This moon is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this moon# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this moon and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the mind in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# . This li%htnin% is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this li%htnin%# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this li%htnin% and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the li%ht in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% (nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 0 This th nder<clo d is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this th nder<clo d# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this th nder<clo d and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith so nd and $ith the voice in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 10 This akasa is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this akasa# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this akasa and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the akasa in the heart in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 11 This dharma (ri%hteo sness' is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this dharma# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this dharma and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the dharma in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this self# This kno$led%e of this self

is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this kno$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 This tr th is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this tr th# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in this tr th and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith tr th in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 1, This mankind is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this mankind# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in mankind and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith mankind in the !ody are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 14 This cosmic !ody (atman' is the honey (effect' of all !ein%s and all !ein%s are the honey (effect' of this cosmic !ody# &ike$ise: the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% $ho is in the cosmic !ody and the !ri%ht: immortal !ein% identified $ith the individ al self are !oth honey# These fo r are ! t this Self# The +no$led%e of this Self is the means to -mmortalityA this nderlyin% nity is 2rahmanA this +no$led%e of 2rahman is the means of !ecomin% all# 1/ And verily this Self is the H ler of all !ein%s: the +in% of all !ein%s# > st as all the s"okes are fiDed in the nave and the felloe of a chariot $heel: so are all !ein%s: all %ods: all $orlds: all or%ans and all these individ al creat res fiDed in this Self# 11 This: verily: is the honey (madh <doctrine' $hich Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: ta %ht the Asvins# The Mantra (the rishi' "erceived this and said: 35 Asvins in h man form: - $ill disclose that terri!le deed of yo rs: called damsa: $hich yo "erformed o t of %reed: as the th nder<clo d discloses the a""roachin% rain# - $ill disclose the honey (madh <doctrine': $hich Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: ta %ht yo thro %h the head of a horse#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

17 This: verily: is the honey (madh <doctrine' $hich Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: ta %ht the Asvins# The Mantra (the rishi' "erceived this and said: 35 Asvins: yo fiDed a horseJs head on Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: $ho: 5 terri!le ones: $ishin% to !e tr e to his "romise: ta %ht yo the rit alistic meditation on the honey (madh <doctrine' connected $ith the s n and also the secret (s"irit al' meditation on it#3 1. This: verily: is the honey (madh <doctrine' $hich Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: ta %ht the Asvins# The Mantra (rishi' "erceived this and said: 3;e (the &ord' made !odies $ith t$o feetA ;e made !odies $ith fo r feet# ;avin% first !ecome a !ird (the s !tle !ody': ;e: the S "reme *erson: entered the !odies# 5n acco nt of ;is d$ellin% in all !odies (" r': ;e is called the *erson (* r sha'# There is nothin% that is not covered !y ;im: nothin% that is not "ervaded !y ;im#3 10 This: verily: is the honey (madh <doctrine' $hich Badhyach: versed in the Atharva<8eda: ta %ht the Asvins# The Mantra (the rishi' "erceived this and said: 3;e (the &ord' transformed ;imself in accordance $ith each form and each form of ;is $as for the sake of makin% ;im kno$n# The &ord (-ndra': thro %h ;is mayas: a""ears manifoldA for to ;im are yoked ten horses: nay: h ndreds# 3This Atman is the or%ansA -t is ten and tho sands<many and infinite# This 2rahman is $itho t antecedent or conse7 ent: $itho t interior or eDterior# This self: the all<"erceivin%: is 2rahman# This is the teachin% of the ("anishads#3 )ha"ter 8-<The &ine of Teachers 1 No$ the line of teachers thro %h $hom the honey: or the madh <doctrine: has !een transmitted: *a timashya received it from Fa "avana# Fa "avana from another *a timashya# This *a timashya from another Fa "avana# This Fa "avana from +a sika# +a sika from +a ndinya# +a ndinya from Sandilya# Sandilya from +a sika

and Fa tama# Fa tama So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ?rom A%nivesya# A%nivesya from Sandilya and Ana!himlata# Ana!himlata from another Ana!himlata# This Ana!himlata from still another Ana!himlata# This Ana!himlata from Fa tama# Fa tama from Saitava and *rachinayo%ya# Saitava and *rachinayo%ya from *arasarya# *arasarya from 2haradva9a# 2haradva9a from another 2haradva9a and Fa tama# Fa tama from still another 2haradva9a# This 2haradva9a from *arasarya# *arasarya from 2ai9ava"ayana# 2ai9ava"ayana from +a sikayani# +a sikayani , ?rom Fhritaka sika# Fhritaka sika from *arasaryayana# *arasaryayana from *arasarya# *arasarya from >at karnya# >at karnya from As rayana and Easka# As rayana from Traivani# Traivani from A "a9andhani# A "a9andhani from As ri# As ri from 2haradva9a# 2haradva9a from Atreya# Atreya from Manti# Minti from Fa tama# Fa tama from another Fa tama# This Fa tama from 8atsya# 8atsya from Andilya# Andilya from +aisorya +a"ya# +aisorya +a"ya from + maraharita# + maraharita from Falava# Falava from 8idar!hika ndinya# 8idar!hika ndinya from 8atsana"at 2a!hrava# 8atsana"at 2a!hrava from *athin Sa !hara# *athin Sa !hara from Ayasya An%irasa# Ayasya An%irasa from A!h ti Tvashtra# A!h ti Tvashtra from 8isvar "a Tvashtra# 8isvar "a Tvashtra from the Asyins# The Asvins from Badhyach Atharvana# Badhyach Atharvana from Atharvana Baiva# Atharvana Baiva from Mrity *radhvamsana# Mrity *radhvamsana from *radhvamsana# *radhvamsana from Gkarshi# Gkarshi from 8i"rachitti# 8i"rachitti from 8yashti# 8yashti from Sanar # Sanar from Sanatana# Sanatana from Sana%a# Sana%a from *arameshthin (8ira9'# *arameshthin from 2rahma (;iranya%ar!ha'# 2rahman is self<!orn# Sal tation to 2rahman# *art Three )ha"ter -<Ea9navalkya and Asvala 1 5m# >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha: "erformed a sacrifice in $hich %ifts $ere freely distri! ted amon% the "riests# 2rahmin scholars from the co ntries of + r and *anchala $ere assem!led there# Gm"eror Tanaka of 8ideha $ished to kno$ $hich of these !rahmins $as the most er dite 8edic scholar#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

So he confined a tho sand co$s in a "en and fastened on the horns of each ten "adas of %old# 2 ;e said to them: 38enera!le !rahmins: let him amon% yo $ho is the !est 8edic scholar drive these co$s home#3 None of the !rahmins dared# Then Ea9navalkya said to one of his " "ils: 3Bear Samsrava: drive these co$s home#3 ;e drove them a$ay# The !rahmins $ere f rio s and said: 3;o$ does he dare to call himself the !est 8edic scholar amon% s@3 No$ amon% them there $as Asvala: the hotri "riest of Gm"eror >anaka of 8ideha# ;e asked Ea9navalkya: 3Are yo indeed the !est 8edic scholar amon% s: 5 Ea9navalkya@3 ;e re"lied: 3- !o$ to the !est 8edic scholar: ! t - 9 st $ish to have these co$s#3 There "on the hotri Asvala determined to 7 estion him# , 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3since everythin% here (i#e# connected $ith the sacrifice' is overtaken !y death: since everythin% is overcome !y death: !y $hat means does the sacrificer free himself from the reach of death@3 3Thro %h the hotri "riest and the or%an of s"eech looked "on as fire# The sacrificerJs or%an of s"eech is the hotri# This or%an of s"eech is fireA this fire is the hotriA this fire is the means to li!erationA this is com"lete li!eration#3 4 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3since everythin% here is overtaken !y day and ni%ht: since everythin% is overcome !y day and ni%ht: !y $hat means does the sacrificer free himself from the reach of day and ni%ht@3 3Thro %h the adhvary "riest and the eye looked "on as the s n# The sacrificerJs eye is the adhvary # This eye is the s n# This s n is the adhvary A this s n is the means to li!erationA this is com"lete li!eration#3 / 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3since everythin% here is overtaken !y the !ri%ht and dark fortni%hts: since everythin% is overcome !y the !ri%ht and dark fortni%hts: !y $hat means does the sacrificer free himself from the reach of the !ri%ht and dark

fortni%hts@3 3Thro %h the d%atri "riest and the vital !reath looked "on as the air# This vital !reath is the d%atri# This vital !reath is the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

airA this air is the d%atriA this air is the means to li!erationA this is com"lete li!eration#3 1 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3since the sky is: as it $ere: $itho t a s ""ort: !y means of $hat s ""ort does the sacrificer %o to heaven@3 3Thro %h the 2rahma "riest and the mind looked "on as the moon# The sacrificerJs mind is the 2rahma# The mind is the moonA this moon is the 2rahmaA this moon is the means to li!erationA this is com"lete li!eration# So far a!o t the $ays of li!erationA no$ a!o t the meditation !ased "on resem!lance# 7 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3ho$ many kinds of Hi% verses $ill the hotri "riest se today in this sacrifice@3 3Three kinds#3 3And $hich are these three@3 3The introd ctory: the sacrificial and the e lo%istic as the third#3 3=hat does he (the sacrificer' $in thro %h them@3 3All this that has life#3 . 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3ho$ many kinds of o!lations $ill the adhvary "riest offer today in this sacrifice@3 3Three#3 3And $hich are these three@3 3Those $hich: $hen offered: !laIe "$ardA those $hich: $hen offered: make a %reat noiseA and those $hich: $hen offered: sink do$n#3 3=hat does he (the sacrificer' $in thro %h them@3 32y those $hich: $hen offered: !laIe "$ard: he $ins the $orld of the %odsA for the $orld of the %ods shines !ri%ht: as it $ere# 2y those $hich: $hen offered: make a %reat noise: he $ins the $orld of the ManesA for this $orld of the Manes is eDcessively noisy# 2y those $hich: $hen offered: sink do$n: he $ins the $orld of menA for the $orld of men is do$n !elo$#3 0

3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3$ith ho$ many %ods does the 2rahma "riest seated on the ri%ht "rotect the sacrifice today@3 3=ith one#3 3=hich is that one@3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3The mind# The mind is indeed infinite and infinite are the 8isve<devas# An infinite $orld he (the sacrificer' $ins there!y#3 10 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3ho$ many kinds of hymns of "raise $ill the d%atri "riest chant today in this sacrifice@3 3Three#3 3And $hich are these three@3 3The introd ctory: the sacrificial and the e lo%istic 3=hich are those that have reference to the !ody@3 3The "rana is the introd ctory hymn: the a"ana is hymn and the vyana is the e lo%istic hymn#3 3=hat does he (the sacrificer' $in thro %h them@3 3Thro %h the introd ctory hymn he $ins the earth: thro %h the sacrificial hymn he $ins the sky and thro %h the e lo%istic hymn he $ins heaven# There "on the "riest Asvala held his "eace# )ha"ter --<Ea9navalkya and Arta!ha%a 1 Then Arta!ha%a: of the line of >aratkar : 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3ho$ many %rahas (or%ans' are there and ho$ many ati%rahas (o!9ects'@3 3Gi%ht %rahas:3 he re"lied: 3and ei%ht ati%rahas#3 3And $hich are these ei%ht %rahas and ei%ht ati%rahas@3 2 3The *rana (the nose': indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the a"ana (odo r': the ati%rahaA for one smells odo rs thro %h a"ana (the air !reathed in'# , 3The vak (the or%an of s"eech': indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha: nameA for one tters names thro %h the or%an of s"eech# 4 3The ton% e: indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha: tasteA for one kno$s tastes !y the ton% e#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ 3The eye: indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha colo rA for one sees colo rs thro %h the eye# 1 3The ear: indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha so ndA for one hears so nds $ith the ear# 7 3The mind: indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha desireA for thro %h the mind one cherishes desires# . 3The hands: indeed: are the %rahaA they are controlled !y the ati%raha: $orkA for one "erforms $ork !y means of the hands# 0 3The skin: indeed: is the %rahaA it is controlled !y the ati%raha: to chA for one feels to ch thro %h the skin# These are the ei%ht %rahas and ei%ht ati%rahas#3 10 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3since all this is the food of death: $ho: "ray: is that %od to $hom death is the food@3 3?ire: indeed: is deathA it is the food of $ater# 5ne $ho kno$s this con7 ers f rther death#3 11 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3$hen this li!erated "erson dies: do his or%ans de"art from him or not@3 3No:3 re"lied Ea9navalkya: 3they mer%e in him only# The !ody s$ells: is inflated and in that state the dead !ody lies at rest#3 12 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3$hen s ch a man dies: $hat is it that does not leave him@3 3The name# ?or the name is infinite and infinite are the 8isve< devas# ;e $ho kno$s this $ins there!y an infinite $orld#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1, 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3$hen the vocal or%an of this dead "erson mer%es in fire: the nose in air: the eye in the s n: the mind in the moon: the ear in the 7 arters: the !ody in the earth: the akasa (s"ace' in the heart in the eDternal akasa: the hair on the !ody in the her!s: the hair on the head in the trees and the !lood and semen are de"osited in $ater: $here is that "erson then@3 Ea9navalkya said: 3Five me yo r hand: dear Arta!ha%a# =e shall decide this !et$een o rselvesA $e cannot do it in a cro$d#3 Then they $ent o t and deli!erated and $hat they talked a!o t $as karma ($ork' and $hat they "raised $as karma: one !ecomes %ood thro %h %ood karma and evil thro %h evil karma# There "on Arta!ha%a: of the line of >aratkar : held his "eace# )ha"ter ---<Ea9navalkya and 2h 9y 1 NeDt 2h 9y : the %randson of &ahya: 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3$e $ere travellin% in the co ntry of Madra as reli%io s st dents: $hen $e came to the ho se of *atanchala: of the line of +a"i# ;is da %hter $as "ossessed !y a %andharva# =e asked him: J=ho are yo @J ;e said: J- am S dhanvan: of the line of An%iras#J =hile askin% him a!o t the limits of the $orld: $e said: J=here $ere the descendants of *arikshit@J And like$ise - ask yo : Ea9navalkya: $here $ere the descendants of *arikshit@ Tell me: $here $ere the descendants of *arikshit@3 2 Ea9navalkya said: 3The %andharva: - s ""ose: told yo that they $ent $here those $ho "erform the ;orse<sacrifice %o#3 3And $here do they %o $ho have "erformed the ;orse< sacrifice@3 3Thirty<t$o times the s"ace traversed !y the s nJs chariot in a day makes this "lane (loka'A aro nd it: coverin% t$ice the area: is the $orld ("rithivi'A aro nd the $orld: coverin% t$ice the area: is the ocean# No$: as is the ed%e of a raIor or the $in% of a fly: so is there 9 st that m ch s"ace !et$een the t$o halves of the cosmic shell# Thro %h that o"enin% they %o o t# 3?ire: in the form of a falcon: delivered them to 8ay # 8ay : "lacin% them in itself: took them $here "revio s "erformers of the ;orse<sacrifice $ere#3

Th s did the %andharva "raise 8ay # Therefore 8ay alone is the a%%re%ate of all individ als# ;e $ho kno$s this: as stated So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

a!ove: con7 ers f rther death# There "on 2h 9y : the %randson of &ahya: held his "eace# )ha"ter -8<Ea9navalkya and (shasta 1 Then (shasta: the son of )hakra: 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3eD"lain to me the 2rahman that is immediately and directly "erceived<the self that is $ithin all#3 3This is yo r self that is $ithin all#3 3=hich self is $ithin all: Ea9navalkya@3 3That $hich !reathes thro %h the "rana is yo r self that is $ithin all# That $hich moves do$n$ard thro %h the a"ana is yo r self that is $ithin all# That $hich "ervades thro %h the vyana is yo r self that is $ithin all# That $hich %oes o t $ith the dana is yo r self that is $ithin all# This is yo r self that is $ithin all#3 2 (shasta: the son of )hakra: said: 3Eo have eD"lained it as one mi%ht say: JS ch is a co$:J JS ch is a horse#J Tell me "recisely the 2rahman that is immediate and direct<the self that is $ithin all#3 3This is yo r self that is $ithin all#3 3=hich is $ithin all: Ea9navalkya@3 3Eo cannot see the seer of seein%A yo cannot hear the hearer of hearin%A yo cannot think of the thinker of thinkin%A yo cannot kno$ the kno$er of kno$in%# This is yo r self that is $ithin allA everythin% else ! t this is "erisha!le#3 There "on (shasta: the son of )hakra: held his "eace# )ha"ter 8<Ea9navalkya and +ahola 1 NeDt +ahola: the son of + shitaka: 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3eD"lain to me the 2rahman that is directly and immediately "erceived<the self that is $ithin all#3 3This is yo r self that is $ithin all#3 3=hich self is $ithin all: Ea9navalkya@3 3-t is that $hich transcends h n%er and thirst: %rief: del sion: old a%e and death# ;avin% realiIed this Self: !rahmins %ive " the desire for sons: the desire for $ealth and the desire for the

$orlds and lead the life of reli%io s mendicants# That $hich is the desire for sons is the desire for $ealth and that $hich is the desire for $ealth is the desire for the $orldsA for !oth these are So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

! t desires# Therefore a !rahmin: after he is done $ith scholarshi": sho ld try to live on that stren%th $hich comes of scholarshi"# After he is done $ith that stren%th and scholarshi": he !ecomes meditative and after he is done $ith !oth meditativeness and non<meditativeness: he !ecomes a kno$er of 2rahman# 3;o$ does the kno$er of 2rahman !ehave@ ;o$soever he may !ehave: he is s ch indeed# Gverythin% else ! t this is "erisha!le#3 There "on +ahola: the son of + shitaka: held his "eace# )ha"ter 8-<Ea9navalkya and Far%i (-' 1 Then Far%i: the da %hter of 8achakn : 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya :3 said she: 3if all this is "ervaded !y $ater: !y $hat: "ray: is $ater "ervaded@3 32y air: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat: "ray: is air "ervaded@3 32y the sky: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat is the sky "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of the %andharvas: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat is the $orld of the %andharvas "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of the s n: 5 Far%i# 32y $hat is the $orld of the s n "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of the moon: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat is the $orld of the moon "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of the stars: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat is the $orld of the stars "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of the %ods: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat is the $orld of the %ods "ervaded@3 32y the $orld of -ndra: 5 Far%i# 32y $hat is the $orld of -ndra "ervaded@3 32y the =orld of 8iri9: 5 Far%i# 32y $hat is the =orld of 8iri9 "ervaded@3 32y the =orld of ;iranya%ar!ha: 5 Far%i#3 32y $hat: "ray: is the =orld of ;iranya%ar!ha "ervaded@3 3Bo not: 5 Far%i:3 said he: 37 estion too m ch: lest yo r head sho ld fall off# Eo are 7 estionin% too m ch a!o t a deity a!o t $hom $e sho ld not ask too m ch# Bo not ask too m ch: 5 Far%i#3 There "on Far%i: the da %hter of 8achakn : held her "eace# )ha"ter 8--<Ea9navalkya and (ddalaka

1 Then (ddalaka: the son of Ar na: 7 estioned him# 3Ea9navalkya:3 said he: 3in the co ntry of Madra $e lived in So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

the ho se of *atanchala: of the line of +a"i: st dyin% the scri"t res on the sacrifices# ;is $ife $as "ossessed !y a %andharva# =e asked him: J=ho are yo @J ;e said: J- am +a!andha: the son of Atharvan#J ;e said to *atanchala +a"ya and those st dyin% the scri"t res on the sacrifices: J5 descendant of +a"i: do yo kno$ that S tra !y $hich this $orld: the other $orld and all !ein%s are held to%ether@J *atanchala +a"ya said: J- do not kno$ it: venera!le Sir#J Then he said to *atanchala +a"ya and those st dyin% the scri"t res on the sacrifices: J5 descendant of +a"i: do yo kno$ that -nner )ontroller $ho controls this $orld: the neDt $orld and all !ein%s@J *atanchala +a"ya said: J- do not kno$ him: venera!le Sir#J Then he said to *atanchala +a"ya and those st dyin% the scri"t res on the sacrifices: J5 descendant of +a"i: he $ho kno$s that S tra and that -nner )ontroller indeed kno$s 2rahmanA he kno$s the $orlds: he kno$s the %ods: he kno$s the 8edas: he kno$s the !ein%s: he kno$s the self: he kno$s everythin%#J ;e eD"lained it all to them and - kno$ it# -f yo : Ea9navalkya: do not kno$ that S tra and that -nner )ontroller and still take a$ay the co$s that !elon% only to the kno$ers of 2rahman: yo r head $ill fall off#3 3- kno$: 5 Fa tama: that S tra and that -nner )ontroller#3 3Anyone mi%ht say: J- kno$: - kno$#J Tell s $hat yo kno$#3 2 Ea9navalkya said: 38ay : 5 Fa tama: is that S tra# 2y 8ay : as !y a thread: 5 Fa tama: are this $orld: the other $orld and all !ein%s held to%ether# Therefore: 5 Fa tama: they say of a "erson $ho dies that his lim!s have !een loosenedA for they are held to%ether !y 8ay as !y a thread#3 3K ite so: Ea9navalkya# No$ descri!e the -nner )ontroller#3 , Ea9navalkya said: 3;e $ho inha!its the earth: yet is $ithin the earth: $hom the earth does not kno$: $hose !ody the earth is and $ho controls the earth from $ithin<;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 4<14 3;e $ho inha!its $ater: yet is $ithin $ater: $hom $ater does not kno$: $hose !ody $ater is and $ho controls $ater from $ithin<;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its fire: yet is $ithin fire: $hom fire does not kno$: $hose !ody fire is and $ho controls fire from $ithin

<;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the sky: yet is $ithin the sky: $hom the sky does not kno$: $hose !ody the sky is and $ho controls the sky So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the air: yet is $ithin the air: $hom the air does not kno$: $hose !ody the air is and $ho controls the air from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its heaven: yet is $ithin heaven: $hom heaven does not kno$: $hose !ody heaven is and $ho controls heaven from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the s n: yet is $ithin the s n: $hom the s n does not kno$: $hose !ody the s n is and $ho controls the s n from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the 7 arters of s"ace: yet is $ithin them: $hom the 7 arters do not kno$: $hose !ody the 7 arters are and $ho controls the 7 arters from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the moon and stars: yet is $ithin the moon and stars: $hom the moon and stars do not kno$: $hose !ody the moon and stars are and $ho controls the moon and stars from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the akasa: yet is $ithin the akasa: $hom the akasa does not kno$: $hose !ody the akasa is and $ho controls the akasa from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its darkness: yet is $ithin darkness: $hom darkness does not kno$: $hose !ody darkness is and $ho controls darkness from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its li%ht: yet is $ithin li%ht: $hom li%ht does not kno$: $hose !ody li%ht is and $ho controls li%ht from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal#3 This m ch $ith reference to the %ods (adhidaivatam'# No$ $ith reference to !ein%s (adhi!h tam'# 1/ Ea9navalkya said: 3;e $ho inha!its all !ein%s: yet is $ithin all !ein%s: $hom no !ein%s kno$: $hose !ody all !ein%s are and $ho controls all !ein%s from $ithin<;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal#3 This m ch $ith reference to the !ein%s# No$ $ith reference to the !ody# 11

Ea9navalkya said: 3;e $ho inha!its the nose ("rana': yet is $ithin the nose: $hom the nose does not kno$: $hose !ody the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

nose is and $ho controls the nose from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the or%an of s"eech: yet is $ithin s"eech: $hom s"eech does not kno$: $hose !ody s"eech is and $ho controls s"eech from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the eye: yet is $ithin the eye: $hom the eye does not kno$: $hose !ody the eye is and $ho controls the eye from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the ear: yet is $ithin the ear: $hom the ear does not kno$: $hose !ody the ear is and $ho controls the ear from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the mind: yet is $ithin the mind: $hom the mind does not kno$: $hose !ody the mind is and $ho controls the mind from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the skin: yet is $ithin the skin: $hom the skin does not kno$: $hose !ody the skin is and $ho controls the skin from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the intellect (vi9nana': yet is $ithin the intellect: $hom the intellect does not kno$: $hose !ody the intellect is and $ho controls the intellect from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e $ho inha!its the or%an of %eneration: yet is $ithin the or%an: $hom the or%an does not kno$: $hose !ody the or%an is and $ho controls the or%an from $ithin <;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# 3;e is never seen: ! t is the SeerA ;e is never heard: ! t is the ;earerA ;e is never tho %ht of: ! t is the ThinkerA ;e is never kno$n: ! t is the +no$er# There is no other seer than ;e: there is no other hearer than ;e: there is no other thinker than ;e: there is no other kno$er than ;e# ;e is yo r Self: the -nner )ontroller: the -mmortal# Gverythin% else ! t ;im is "erisha!le#3 There "on (ddilaka: the son of Ar na: held his "eace# )ha"ter 8---<Ea9navalkya and Far%i (--' 1 Then the da %hter of 8achakn said: J8enera!le !rahmins: shall ask him t$o 7 estions# -f he ans$ers me these: then none of yo can defeat him in disc ssin% 2rahman#3 The !rahmins said: 3Ask: 5 Far%i#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 Far%i said: 35 Ea9navalkya: - shall ask yo t$o 7 estions: As a man of +asi or the +in% of 8ideha: scion of a heroic line: mi%ht strin% his nstr n% !o$: take in his hand t$o !am!oo< ti""ed arro$s hi%hly "ainf l to enemies and a""roach his enemies closely: even so: 5 Ea9navalkya: do - confront yo $ith t$o 7 estions# Ans$er me these#3 3Ask: 5 Far%i#3 , She said: 35 Ea9navalkya: $hat "ervades that S tra $hich is a!ove heaven and !elo$ the earth: $hich is heaven and earth as $ell as $hat is !et$een them and $hich<they say<$as: is and $ill !e@3 4 ;e said: 3That: 5 Far%i: $hich is a!ove heaven and !elo$ the earth: $hich is heaven and earth as $ell as $hat is !et$een them and $hich<they say<$as: is and $ill !e: is "ervaded !y the nmanifested akasa# / She said: 3- !o$ to yo : 5 Ea9navalkya# Eo have f lly ans$ered this 7 estion of mine# No$ !race yo rself for the other#3 3Ask: 5 Far%i#3 1<7 She said: 3Ea9navalkya: $hat "ervades that S tra $hich is a!ove heaven and !elo$ the earth: $hich is heaven and earth as $ell as $hat is !et$een them and $hich<they say<$as: is and $ill !e@3 ;e said: 3That: 5 Far%i: $hich is a!ove heaven and !elo$ the earth: $hich is heaven and earth as $ell as $hat is !et$een them and $hich<they say<$as: is and $ill !e: is "ervaded !y the nmanifested akasa#3 3=hat "ervades the akasa@3 . ;e said: 3That: 5 Far%i: the kno$ers of 2rahman call the

-m"erisha!le# -t is neither %ross nor s !tle: neither short nor lon%: neither red nor moistA -t is neither shado$ nor darkness: neither air nor akasaA -t is nattachedA -t is $itho t taste or smell: $itho t eyes or ears: $itho t ton% e or mindA -t is non< So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

eff l%ent: $itho t vital !reath or mo th: $itho t meas re and $itho t eDterior or interior# -t does not eat anythin%: nor is -t eaten !y anyone# 0 38erily: nder the mi%hty r le of this -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: the s n and moon are held in their res"ective "ositions# (nder the mi%hty r le of this -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: heaven and earth are held in their res"ective "ositions# (nder the mi%hty r le of this -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: moments: m h rtas (a!o t forty< ei%ht min tes': days and ni%hts: fortni%hts: months: seasons and years are held in their res"ective "ositions# (nder the mi%hty r le of this -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: some rivers flo$ east$ard from the $hite mo ntains: others flo$in% $est$ard contin e in that direction and still others kee" to their res"ective co rses# (nder the mi%hty r le of this -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: men "raise those $ho %ive: the %ods de"end "on the sacrificer and the Manes "on the Barvi offerin%# 10 3=hosoever in this $orld: 5 Far%i: $itho t kno$in% this -m"erisha!le: offers o!lations: "erforms sacrifices and "ractises a sterities: even for many tho sands of years: finds all s ch acts ! t "erisha!le# =hosoever: 5 Far%i: de"arts from this $orld $itho t kno$in% this -m"erisha!le is misera!le# 2 t he: 5 Far%i: $ho de"arts from this $orld after kno$in% the -m"erisha!le is a kno$er of 2rahman# 11 38erily: that -m"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: is never seen ! t is the SeerA -t is never heard: ! t is the ;earerA -t is never tho %ht of: ! t is the ThinkerA -t is never kno$n: ! t is the +no$er# There is no other seer ! t This: there is no other hearer ! t This: there is no other thinker ! t This: there is no other kno$er ! t This# 2y this im"erisha!le: 5 Far%i: is the nmanifested akasa "ervaded#3 12 Then said Far%i: 38enera!le !rahmins: yo may consider yo rselves fort nate if yo can %et off from him thro %h !o$in% to him# None of yo : - !elieve: $ill defeat him in ar% ments a!o t 2rahman# There "on the da %hter of 8achakn held her "eace#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -M<Ea9navalkya and 8ida%hdha 1 Then 8ida%hdha: the son of Sakala: asked him: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 Ea9navalkya ascertained the n m!er thro %h the %ro " of mantras kno$n as the Nivid and said: 3As many as are mentioned in the Nivid of the 8isve<devas< three h ndred and three and three tho sand and three#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya (the son of Sakala' and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 3Thirty<three#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 3SiD#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 3Three#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 3T$o#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 35ne and a half#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked a%ain: 3;o$ many %ods are there: Ea9navalkya@3 35ne#3 38ery %ood:3 said Sakalya and asked: 3=hich are those three h ndred and three and those three tho sand and three@3 2 Ea9navalkya said: 3There are only thirty<three %ods# These others are ! t manifestations of them#3 3=hich are these thirty<three@3 3The ei%ht 8as s: the eleven H dras and the t$elve Adityas< these are thirty<one# And -ndra and *ra9a"ati make " the thirty<three#3 , 3=hich are the 8as s@3 asked Sakalya# 3?ire: the earth: the air: the sky: the s n: heaven: the moon and

the stars<these are the 8as sA for in them all this niverse is "laced (vasavah'# Therefore they are called 8as s# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 3=hich are the H dras@3 asked Sakalya# 3The ten or%ans in the h man !ody: $ith the mind as the eleventh# =hen they de"art from this mortal !ody: they make oneJs relatives $ee"# 2eca se they make them $ee" (r d': therefore they are called H dras# / 3=hich are the Adityas@3 asked Sakalya# 3There are t$elve months in the year# These are the Adityas: !eca se they move alon% carryin% (adadanah' all this $ith themA therefore they are called Adityas#3 1 3=hich is -ndra and $hich is *ra9a"ati@3 asked Sakalya# 3The th ndercla" is -ndra and the sacrifice is *ra9a"ati#3 3=hich is the th ndercla"@3 3The th nder!olt#3 3=hich is the sacrifice@3 3The animals#3 7 3=hich are the siD %ods@3 asked Sakalya# 3?ire: the earth: the air: the sky: the s n and heavenA for these siD com"rise all those#3 . 3=hich are the three %ods@3 asked Sakalya# 3These three $orlds: !eca se all those %ods are com"rised in these three#3 3=hich are the t$o %ods@3 3Matter and the vital !reath ("rana'#3 3=hich are the one and a half@3 3This air that !lo$s#3 0

Ea9navalkya said: 3)oncernin% this some say: JSince the air !lo$s as one s !stance: ho$ can it !e one and a half (adhyardha'@J The ans$er is: -t is one and a half !eca se !y its "resence everythin% attains s r"assin% %lory (adhyardhnot'#3 3=hich is the one Fod@3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3The vital !reath (;iranya%ar!ha'A it is 2rahman $hich is called That (Tyat'#3 10 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is the earth: $hose or%an of vision is fire: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is in this !ody# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity (ca se'@3 3Nectar (chyle':3 said Ea9navalkya# 11 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is l st (kama': $hose or%an of vision is the intellect: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is identified $ith l st# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3=omen:3 said Ea9navalkya# 12 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is colo rs: $hose or%an of vision is the eye: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is in the s n# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3Tr th (the eye':3 said Ea9navalkya# 1, Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is the akasa: $hose or%an of vision is the ear: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate

s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is identified $ith the ear and $ith the time of hearin%# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3The 7 arters:3 said Ea9navalkya# 14 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is darkness: $hose or%an of vision is the intellect: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is identified $ith shado$ (i%norance'# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3Beath:3 said Ea9navalkya# 1/ Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is "artic lar colo rs: $hose or%an of vision is the eye: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the !ein% $ho is in the mirror# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3The vital !reath:3 said Ea9navalkya# 11 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is $ater: $hose or%an of vision is the intellect: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is in $ater# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 38ar na (rain':3 said Ea9navalkya#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

17 Sakalya said: 38erily: $hosoever kno$s that 2ein% $hose !ody is semen: $hose or%an of vision is the intellect: $hose li%ht is the mind and $ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety: he indeed kno$s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3- kno$ that 2ein% of $hom yo s"eak<$ho is the ltimate s ""ort of the !ody and or%ans in their entirety# -t is the 2ein% $ho is identified $ith the son# Fo on: Sakalya#3 3=ho is ;is deity@3 3*ra9a"ati (the father':3 said Ea9navalkya# 1. =hen Sakalya ke"t silent Ea9navalkya addressed him th s: 3Sakalya: have these !rahmins made yo their instr ment s ch as ton%s for ! rnin% charcoal@3 10<20 3Ea9navalkya:3 said Sakalya: 3$hat 2rahman do yo kno$: that yo have th s flo ted these 8edic scholars of + r and *anchala@3 Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3- kno$ the 7 arters: $ith their deities and s ""orts#3 Sakalya said: 3-f yo kno$ the 7 arters: $ith their deities and s ""orts: $hat deity are yo identified $ith in the east@3 3=ith the deity s n#3 3-n $hat does the s n find its s ""ort@3 3The eye# 3-n $hat does the eye find its s ""ort@3 3)olo rs: for one sees colo rs $ith the eye#3 3-n $hat do colo rs find their s ""ort@3 3The heart (mind':3 said Ea9navalkya: 3for one kno$s colo rs thro %h the heart# Therefore it is in the heart that colo rs find their s ""ort#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 21 3Ea9navalkya:3 said Sakalya: 3$hat deity are yo identified $ith in the so th@3 3=ith the deity Eama (the %od of 9 stice'#3 3-n $hat does Eama find his s ""ort@3

3The sacrifice#3 3-n $hat does the sacrifice find its s ""ort@3 3The rem neration of the "riests#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3-n $hat does the rem neration find its s ""ort@3 3?aith: for $hen a man has faith he rem nerates the "riest# Therefore it is in faith that the rem neration finds its s ""ort#3 3-n $hat does faith find its s ""ort@3 3The heart (mind':3 said Ea9navalkya: 3for one kno$s faith thro %h the heart# Therefore it is in the heart that faith finds its s ""ort#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 22 3Ea9navalkya:3 said Sakalya: 3$hat deity are yo identified $ith in the $est@3 3=ith the deity 8ar na (the %od of rain'#3 3-n $hat does 8ar na find his s ""ort@3 3=ater#3 3-n $hat does $ater find its s ""ort@3 3Semen#3 3-n $hat does semen find its s ""ort@3 3The heart:3 said Ea9navalkya# 3Therefore they say of a ne$< !orn child $ho resem!les his father that it seems as if he has s"r n% from his fatherJs heart<that he has !een created of his fatherJs heart: as it $ere# Therefore it is in the heart that semen finds its s ""ort#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 2, 3Ea9navalkya:3 said Sakalya: 3$hat deity are yo identified $ith in the north@3 3=ith the deity Soma (the moon and the cree"er of that name'#3 3-n $hat does Soma find its s ""ort@3 3The initiatory rite#3 3-n $hat does initiation find its s ""ort@3 3Tr th# Therefore they say to the one $ho is initiated: JS"eak the tr thJA for it is in the tr th that initiation finds its s ""ort#3 3-n $hat does the tr th find its s ""ort@3 3The heart:3 said Ea9navalkya: 3for thro %h the heart one kno$s the tr thA therefore it is in the heart that the tr th finds its s ""ort#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3

24 3=hat deity:3 said Sakalya: 3are yo identified $ith in the fiDed direction (i#e# overhead'@3 3=ith the deity fire#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3-n $hat does fire find its s ""ort@3 3S"eech#3 3-n $hat does s"eech find its s ""ort@3 3The heart#3 3-n $hat does the heart find its s ""ort@3 2/ 3Eo %host:3 said Ea9navalkya: 3that yo think that the heart sho ld !e else$here than in o rselves6 -f it $ere else$here than in o rselves: do%s $o ld eat this !ody or !irds tear it to "ieces#3 21 3-n $hat do the !ody and the heart find their s ""ort@3 asked Sakalya# 3-n the "rana#3 3-n $hat does the "rana find its s ""ort@3 3-n the a"ana#3 3-n $hat does the a"ana find its s ""ort@3 3-n the vyana#3 3-n $hat does the vyana find its s ""ort@3 3-n the dana#3 3-n $hat does the dana find its s ""ort@3 3-n the samana#3 ;ere the ("anishad itself states: This self is That $hich has !een descri!ed as 3Not this: not this#3 -t is im"erce"ti!le: for -t is never "erceivedA ndecayin%: for -t never decaysA nattached: for -t is never attachedA nfettered: for -t never feels "ain and never s ffers in9 ry# Ea9navalkya said: 3These are the ei%ht a!odes: the ei%ht or%ans of vision: the ei%ht deities and the ei%ht !ein%s# 3No$ - ask yo a!o t that *erson $ho is to !e kno$n only from the ("anishads: $ho definitely "ro9ects those !ein%s and a%ain $ithdra$s them into ;imself and $ho is at the same time transcendental# 3-f yo cannot clearly eD"lain ;im to me: yo r head shall fall off@J Sakalya did not kno$ ;imA his head fell offA and ro!!ers snatched a$ay his !ones: mistakin% them for somethin% else#

27 Then Ea9navalkya said: 38enera!le !rahmins: $hosoever amon% yo $ishes to 7 estion me may So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

no$ do so: or all of yo may# 5r $hosoever amon% yo desires it: - shall 7 estion him: or - shall 7 estion all of yo # 2 t the !rahmins did not dare# 2. Ea9navalkya interro%ated them $ith the follo$in% verses: 1# As is a mi%hty tree: so indeed is a man: this is tr e# ;is hairs are the leaves and his skin is the o ter !ark# 2# ?rom his skin !lood flo$s and from the !ark: sa"# Therefore $hen a man is =o nded !lood flo$s: as sa" from a tree that is in9 red# ,# ;is flesh is its inner !ark and his nerves are its innermost layer of !ark: $hich is to %h# ;is !ones lie $ithin: as does the $ood of the tree# ;is marro$ resem!les the "ith# 4# A tree: $hen it is felled: s"rin%s a%ain from its root in a ne$ formA from $hat root: tell me: does a man s"rin% forth after he is c t off !y death@ /# Bo not say: ?rom the semen: for that is "rod ced from the livin% man# A tree s"rin%s from the seed as $ellA after it is dead it certainly s"rin%s a%ain# 1# -f a tree is " lled " $ith its root: it $ill not s"rin% a%ain# ?rom $hat root: tell me: does a mortal s"rin% forth after he is c t off !y death@ 7# -f yo think he is indeed !orn: - say: No: he is !orn a%ain# No$ $ho sho ld a%ain !rin% him forth@ The ("anishad states: -t is 2rahman: $hich is a!sol te +no$led%e and 2liss: the ltimate %oal of him $ho offers $ealth and also of him $ho has realiIed 2rahman and stands firm in -t# *art ?o r )ha"ter -<*artial Befinitions of 2rahman 1

5m# >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha: $as seated to %ive a dience $hen Ea9navalkya arrived# The Gm"eror said to him: 3Ea9navalkya: for $hat " r"ose have yo come here@ =ith a desire for cattle: or to hear some s !tle 7 estions asked@3 3?or !oth: Eo r Ma9esty:3 said he# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo #3 3>itvan: the son of Silina: told me that the or%an of s"eech (fire' is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the son of Silina say that the or%an of s"eech is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho cannot s"eak@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode (!ody' and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3 3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 QThe "hysical or%an of s"eech is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t sho ld !e mediated "on as intelli%ence#R Q=hat is intelli%ence: 5 Ea9navalkya@R Q-t is the or%an of s"eech: Eo r Ma9esty:R said Ea9navalkya# QThro %h the or%an of s"eech alone: 5 Gm"eror: are kno$n the Hi%<8eda: the Ea% r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharvan%irasa: history: ancient lore: the arts: the ("anishads: verses: a"horisms: eD"lanations: commentaries: the res lts of sacrifices: the res lt of offerin% o!lations in the fire: the res lts of %ivin% food and drink: this $orld: the neDt $orld and all !ein%s# QThe or%an of s"eech: Eo r Ma9esty: is the S "reme 2rahman# The or%an of s"eech never deserts him $ho: kno$in% this: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#R Q- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:R said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: QMy father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#R , Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo #3 3(danka: the son of S l!a: told me that the vital !reath ("rana' is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the son of S l!a say that the vital !reath is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho does not live@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3

3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3The vital !reath is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

sho ld !e meditated "on as dear#3 3=hat is that dearness: 5 Ea9navalkya@3 3-t is the vital !reath: Eo r Ma9esty:3 said Ea9navalkya# 3?or the sake of that vital !reath (life': 5 Gm"eror: one "erforms sacrifices for him for $hom they sho ld not !e "erformed and acce"ts %ifts from him from $hom they sho ld not !e acce"tedA nay: for the sake of the vital !reath: 5 Gm"eror: one may %o to a 7 arter $here one r ns the risk of losin% oneCs life# 3The vital !reath: 5 Gm"eror: is the S "reme 2rahman# The vital !reath never deserts him $ho: kno$in% $hat has 9 st !een said: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#3 3- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:3 said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#3 4 Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo # 32ark : the son of 8rishna: told me that the eye is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the son of 8rishna say that the eye is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho cannot see@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3 3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3The eye is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t sho ld !e meditated "on as tr th#3 3=hat is tr th: 5 Ea9navalkya@3 3-t is the eye: Eo r Ma9esty:3 said Ea9navalkya# 38erily: Eo r Ma9esty: if one asks a "erson $ho has seen $ith his eyes: S;ave yo seen@C and he ans$ers: SEes: - have:C then it is tr e# 3The eye: Eo r Ma9esty: is the S "reme 2rahman# The eye never deserts him $ho: kno$in% $hat has 9 st !een said: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#3 3- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:3 said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo #3 3Farda!hivi"ita: a descendant of 2haradva9a: told me that the ear is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the descendant of 2haradva9a say that the ear is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho cannot hear@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3 3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3The ear is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t sho ld !e meditated "on as infinite#3 3=hat is infinity: 5 Ea9navalkya@3 3-t is the 7 arters: Eo r Ma9esty:3 said Ea9navalkya# 38erily: Eo r Ma9esty: to $hatever 7 arter (direction' one may %o: one never reaches its end# ;ence the 7 arters are infinite# The 7 arters: 5 Gm"eror: are the ear and the ear: 5 Gm"eror: is the S "reme 2rahman# 3The ear never deserts him $ho: kno$in% this: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#3 3- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:3 said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#3 1 Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo #3 3Satyakama: the son of >a!ala: told me that the mind is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the son of >aa say that the mind is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho has no mind@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3 3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3The mind is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t sho ld !e meditated "on as !liss#3 3=hat is !liss: 5 Ea9navalkya@3

3-t is the mind: Eo r Ma9esty:3 said Ea9navdkya# 38erily: Eo r Ma9esty: $ith the mind a man desires and $oos a $omanA then So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

a son resem!lin% him is !orn of her and he is the ca se of !liss# The mind: 5 Gm"eror: is the S "reme 2rahman# 3The mind never deserts him $ho: kno$in% this: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#3 3- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:3 said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#3 7 Ea9navalkya said: 3&et me hear $hat anyone amon% yo r teachers may have told yo #3 38ida%hdha: the son of Sakala: told me that the heart is 2rahman#3 3As anyone $ho had the !enefit of !ein% ta %ht !y a %ood mother: father and teacher sho ld say: so did the son of Sakala say that the heart is 2rahmanA for $hat can !e attained !y a "erson $ho is $itho t a heart@ 2 t did he tell yo a!o t its a!ode and s ""ort@3 3No: he did not#3 3This 2rahman is only one<footed: Eo r Ma9esty#3 3Then yo tell s: 5 Ea9navalkya#3 3The heart is its a!ode and the akasa is its s ""ort# -t sho ld !e meditated "on as sta!ility#3 3=hat is sta!ility: 5 Ea9navalkya@3 3-t is the heart:3 said Ea9navalkya# 38erily: Eo r Ma9esty: the heart is the a!ode of all !ein%s and the heart: Eo r Ma9esty: is the s ""ort of all !ein%s# The heart: 5 Gm"eror: is the S "reme 2rahman# 3The heart never deserts him $ho: kno$in% this: meditates "on itA all !ein%s ea%erly a""roach himA and !ein% a %od: he attains the %ods#3 3- %ive yo a tho sand co$s $ith a ! ll as lar%e as an ele"hant:3 said Gm"eror >anaka# Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My father $as of the o"inion that one sho ld not acce"t %ifts from a disci"le $itho t f lly instr ctin% him#3 )ha"ter --<)oncernin% The Self 1 >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha: rose from his lo n%e: h m!ly a""roached Ea9navalkya and said: 3Sal tation to yo : 5

Ea9navalkya# *lease instr ct me#3 Ea9navalkya said: 3Eo r Ma9esty: as one $ho $ishes to %o a lon% distance $o ld "roc re a chariot or a shi": even so yo So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

have f lly e7 i""ed yo r mind $ith so many secret names of 2rahman# Eo are also hono red and $ealthyA yo have st died the 8edas and heard the ("anishads# 2 t do yo kno$ $here yo $ill %o $hen yo are released from this !ody@3 38enera!le Sir: - do not kno$ $here - shall %o#3 3Then - $ill tell yo $here yo $ill %o#3 3Tell me: venera!le Sir#3 2 3The "erson $ho is in the ri%ht eye is named -ndha# Tho %h he is -ndha: "eo"le call him !y the indirect name -ndraA for the %ods are fond of indirect names and hate to !e addressed directly# , 3The "erson $ho is in the left eye is his $ife: 8ira9 (matter'# The akasa that lies $ithin the heart is their "lace of nion# Their food is the l m" ("inda' of !lood in the heart# Their $ra" is the net<like str ct re in the heart# The "ath on $hich they move from slee" to $akin% is the nerve that %oes "$ard from the heartA it is like a hair s"lit into a tho sand "arts# -n the !ody there are nerves called hita: $hich are "laced in the heart# Thro %h these the essence of o r food "asses as it moves on# Therefore the s !tle !ody (Tai9asa' receives finer food than the %ross !ody (8aisvanara'# 4 35f the ill mined sa%e $ho is identified $ith *ra9na in dee" slee" the east is the eastern vital !reath ("rana': the so th is the so thern vital !reath: the $est is the $estern vital !reath: the north is the northern vital !reath: the ""er direction is the ""er vital !reath: the direction !elo$ is the nether vital !reath and all the directions are all the vital !reaths# 3This self is That $hich has !een descri!ed as SNot this: not this#C -t is im"erce"ti!le: for -t is never "erceivedA ndecayin%: for -t never decaysA nattached: for -t is never attachedA nfettered: for -t never feels "ain and never s ffers in9 ry# 38erily: 5 >anaka: yo have attained That $hich is free from fear:3 said Ea9navalkya# 38enera!le Ea9navalkya:3 said Gm"eror >anaka: 3may that fearless 2rahman !e yo rs too: for yo have made kno$n to s the fearless 2rahman# Sal tations to yo 6 ;ere is the Gm"ire of 8ideha and also myself at yo r service#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter ---<-nvesti%ation of the Three States 1 Ea9navalkya called on >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha# ;e said to himself: 3- $ill not say anythin%#3 2 t once "on a time >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha and Ea9navalkya had had a talk a!o t the A%nihotra sacrifice and Ea9navalkya had offered him a !oon# >anaka had chosen the ri%ht to ask him any 7 estions he $ished and Ea9navalkya had %ranted him the !oon# So it $as the Gm"eror $ho first 7 estioned him# 2 3Ea9navalkya: $hat serves as li%ht for a man@3 3The li%ht of the s n: 5 Gm"eror:3 said Ea9navalkya: 3for $ith the s n as li%ht he sits: %oes o t: $orks and ret rns#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 , 3=hen the s n has set: Ea9navalkya: $hat serves as li%ht for a man@3 3The moon serves as his li%ht: for $ith the moon as li%ht he sits: %oes o t: $orks and ret rns#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 4 3=hen the s n has set and the moon has set: Ea9navalkya: $hat serves as li%ht for a man@3 3?ire serves as his li%ht: for $ith fire as li%ht he sits: %oes o t: $orks and ret rns#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3 / 3=hen the s n has set: Ea9navalkya and the moon has set and the fire has %one o t: $hat serves as li%ht for a man@3 3S"eech (so nd' serves as his li%ht: for $ith s"eech as li%ht he sits: %oes o t: $orks and ret rns# Therefore: Eo r Ma9esty: $hen one cannot see even oneCs o$n hand: yet $hen a so nd is ttered: one can %o there#3 3> st so: Ea9navalkya#3

1 3=hen the s n has set: Ea9navalkya and the moon has set and the fire has %one o t and s"eech has sto""ed: $hat serves as So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

li%ht for a man@3 3The self: indeed: is his li%ht: for $ith the self as li%ht he sits: %oes o t: $orks and ret rns#3 7 3=hich is the self@3 3This " r sha $hich is identified $ith the intellect (vi9nanamaya' and is in the midst of the or%ams: the self< ind l%ent li%ht $ithin the heart (intellect'# Ass min% the likeness of the intellect: it $ansers !et$een the t$o $orldsA it thinks: as it $ere and moves: as it $ere !ein% indetified $ith dreasm: it trasncends this $akin% $orld: $hich re"resents the forms of death (i%norance and its effects'# . 3That "erson (the individ al self': $hen he is !orn: that is to say: $hen he ass mes a !ody: is 9oined $ith evils and $hen he dies: that is to say: leaves the !ody: he discards those evils# 0 3And there are only t$o states for that "erson: the one here in this $orld and the other in the neDt $orld# The third: the intermediate: is the dream state# =hen he is in that intermediate state: he s rveys !oth states: the one here in this $orld and the other in the neDt $orld# No$: $hatever s ""ort he may have for the neDt $orld: he "rovides himself $ith that and sees !oth evils (s fferin%s' and 9oys# 3And $hen he dreams: he takes a$ay a little of the im"ressions of this all<em!racin% $orld (the $akin% state': himself makes the !ody nconscio s and creates a dream !ody in its "lace: revealin% his o$n !ri%htness !y his o$n li%ht<and he dreams# -n this state the "erson !ecomes self<ill mined# 10 3There are no real chariots in that state: nor animals to !e yoked to them: nor roads there: ! t he creates the chariots: animals and roads# There are no "leas res in that state: no 9oys: no re9oicin%s: ! t he creates the "leas res: 9oys and re9oicin%s# There are no "ools in that state: no reservoirs: no rivers: ! t he creates the "ools: reservoirs and rivers# ;e indeed is the a%ent# 11

3He%ardin% this there are the follo$in% verses: SThe eff l%ent infinite !ein% (" r sha': $ho travels alone: makes the !ody insensi!le in slee" ! t himself remains a$ake So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

and takin% $ith him the l mino s "articles of the or%ans: $atches those $hich lie dormant# A%ain he comes to the $akin% state# 12 SThe eff l%ent infinite !ein% (" r sha': $ho is immortal and travels alone: % ards the nclean nest (!ody' $ith the hel" of the vital !reath ("rana' and himself moves o t of the nest# That immortal entity $anders $herever he likes# 1, S-n the dream $orld: the l mino s one attains hi%her and lo$er states and creates many forms<no$: as it $ere: en9oyin% himself in the com"any of $omen: no$ la %hin%: no$ even !eholdin% fri%htf l si%hts# 14 SGveryone sees his s"ort ! t him no one sees#C They say: SBo not $ake him s ddenly#C -f he does not find the ri%ht or%an: the !ody !ecomes diffic lt to doctor# 1/ Ea9navalkya said: 3Tha entity (" r sha': after en9oyin% himself and raomin% in the dream state and merely $itnessin% the res lts of %ood and evil: remians in a state of "rofo nd slee" and then hastens !ack in the reverse $ay to his former condition: the dream state# ;e remains naffected !y $hatever he sees in that dream state: for this infinite !ein% is nattached#3 >anaka said: 3> st so: Ea9navalkya# - %ive yo : Sir: a tho sand co$s# *lease instr ct me f rther a!o t &i!eration itself# 11 3Ea9navalkya said: 3That entity (" r sha': after en9oyin% himself and roamin% in the dream state and merely $itnessin% the res lts of %ood and evil: hastens !ack in the reverse $ay to his former condition: the $akin% state# ;e remains naffected !y $hatever he sees in that state: for this infinite !ein% is nattached#3 >anaka said: 3> st so: Ea9navalkya# - %ive yo : Sir: a tho sand co$s# *lease instr ct me f rther a!o t &i!eration itself#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

17 Ea9navalkya said: 3That entity (" r sha': after en9oyin% himself and roamin% in the $akin% state and merely $itnessin% the res lts of %ood and evil: hastens !ack in the reverse $ay to its former condition: the dream state or that of dreamless slee"# 1. 3As a lar%e fish s$ims alternately to !oth !anks of a river<the east and the $est<so does the infinite !ein% move to !oth these states: dreamin% and $akin%# 10 3As a ha$k or a falcon roamin% in the sky !ecomes tired: folds its $in%s and makes for its nest: so does this infinite entity (" r sha' hasten for this state: $here: fallin% aslee": he cherishes no more desires and dreams no more dreams# 20 3There are ni his !ody nerves (nadis' called hita: $hich are fine as a hair divided into a tho sand "arts and are filled $ith $hite: !l e: !ro$n: %reen and red fl ids# Theyt are the seat of the s !le !ody: $hich is the storeho se of im"ressions# No$: $hen he feels as if he $ere !ein% killed or over"o$ered: or !ein% chased !y an ele"hant: or fallin% into a "it: in short: $hen he fancies at that time: thoro %h i%norance: $hatever fri%htf l thin% he has eD"ericned in the $akin% state: that is the dream state# So also: $hen he thinks he is a %od: as it $ere: or a kin%: as it $ere: or thinks: 3This niverse is myself and - am all:: that is his hi%hest state# 21 3That indeed is his form<free from desires: free from evils: free from fear# As a man f lly em!raced !y his !eloved $ife kno$s nothin% that is $itho t: nothin% that is $ithin: so does this infinite !ein% (the self': $hen f lly em!raced !y the S "reme Self: kno$ nothin% that is $itho t: nothin% that is $ithin# 3That indeed is his form: in $hich all his desires are f lfilled: in $hich all desires !ecome the self and $hich is free from desires and devoid of %rief# 22

3-n this state a father is no more a father: a mother is no more a mother: the $orlds are no more the $orlds: the %ods are no So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

more the %ods: the 8edas are no more the 8edas# -n this state a thief is no more a thief: the killer of a no!le !rahmin is no more a killer: a chandala is no more a chandala: a "a lkasa is no more a "a lkasa: a monk is no more a monk: an ascetic is no more an ascetic# 3This form of his is nto ched !y %ood deeds and nto ched !y evil deeds: for he is then !eyond all the $oes of his heart# 2, 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not see: yet it is seein% tho %h it does not seeA for there is no cessation of the vision of the seer: !eca se the seer is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the seer that it co ld see# 24 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not smell: yet it is smellin% tho %h it does not smellA for there is no cessation of the smellin% of the smeller: !eca se the smeller is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the smeller that it co ld smell# 2/ 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not taste: yet it is tastin% tho %h it does not tasteA for there is no cessation of the tastin% of the taster: !eca se the taster is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the taster that it co ld taste# 21 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not s"eak: yet it is s"eakin% tho %h it does not s"eakA for there is no cessation of the s"eakin% of the s"eaker: !eca se the s"eaker is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the s"eaker that it co ld s"eak a!o t# 27 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not hear: yet it is hearin% tho %h it does not hearA for there is no cessation of the hearin% of the hearer: !eca se the hearer is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the hearer that it co ld hear#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2. 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not think: yet it is thinkin% tho %h it does not thinkA for there is no cessation of the thinkin% of the thinker: !eca se the thinker is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the thinker that it co ld think of# 20 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not to ch: yet it is to chin% tho %h it does not to chA for there is no cessation of the to chin% of the to cher: !eca se the to cher is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the to cher that it co ld to ch# ,0 3And $hen it a""ears that in dee" slee" it does not kno$: yet it is kno$in% tho %h it does not kno$A for there is no cessation of the kno$in% of the kno$er: !eca se the kno$er is im"erisha!le# There is then: ho$ever: no second thin% se"arate from the kno$er that it co ld kno$# ,1 3=hen in the $akin% and dream states there is: as it $ere: another: then one can see the other: then one can smell the other: then one can s"eak to the other: then one can hear the other: then one can think of the other: then one can to ch the other: then one can kno$ the other# ,2 3-n dee" slee" it !ecomes trans"arent like $ater: the $itness: one and $itho t a second# This is the =orld of 2rahman: Eo r Ma9esty# This is its s "reme attainment: this is its s "reme %lory: this it its hi%hest $orld: this is its s "reme !liss# 5n a "article of this !liss other creat res live#3 Th s did Ea9navalkya teach >anaka# ,, 3-f a "erson is "erfect of !ody and is "ros"ero s: lord of others and most lavishly s ""lied $ith all h man en9oyments: he re"resents the hi%hest !lessin% amon% men# This h man !liss m lti"lied a h ndred times makes one meas re of the !liss of

the Manes $ho have $on their o$n $orld# The !liss of these Manes $ho have $on their $orld: m lti"lied a h ndred times: makes one meas re of !liss in the $orld of the %andharvas# The So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!liss of the %andharvas: m lti"lied a h ndred times: makes one meas re of the !liss of the %ods !y action (those $ho attain %odhood thro %h sacrificial rites'# The !liss of the %ods !y action: m lti"lied a h ndred times: makes one meas re of the !liss of the %ods !y !irth: as also of one $ho is versed in the 8edas: sinless and free from desire# The !liss of the %ods !y !irth: m lti"lied a h ndred times: makes one meas re of !liss in the =orld of *ra9a"an (8ira9': as also of one $ho is versed in the 8edas: sinless and free from desire# The !liss in the =orld of *ra9a"ati: m lti"lied a h ndred times: makes one meas re of !liss in the =orld of 2rahma (;iranya%ar!ha': as also 5T one $ho is versed in the 8edas: sinless and free from desire# This: indeed: is the s "reme !liss# This is the state of 2rahman: 5 Gm"eror:3 said Ea9navalkya# >anaka said: - %ive yo a tho sand co$s: venera!le Sir# *lease instr ct me f rther a!o t &i!eration itself#3 At this Ea9navalkya $as afraid that the intelli%ent em"eror $as drivin% him to %ive the sol tion of all his 7 estions# ,4 3That entity (the self': after en9oyin% himself and roamin% in the dream state and merely $itnessin% the res lts of merits and demerits: hastens !ack in the reverse $ay to its former condition: the $akin% state# ,/ 3> st as a heavily loaded cart moves alon%: creakin%: even so the self identified $ith the !ody: !ein% "resided over !y the Self $hich is all conscio sness (the S "reme Self': moves alon%: %roanin%: $hen !reathin% !ecomes diffic lt at the a""roach of death# ,1 3=hen this !ody %ro$s thin<!ecomes emaciated or disease< then: as a man%o or a fi% or a fr it of the "ee" l tree !ecomes detached from its stalk: so does this infinite !ein% com"letdy detachin% himself from the "arts of the !ody: a%ain move on: in the same $ay that he came: to another !ody for the remanisfestation of his vital !reath ("rana'# ,7 3> st as: $hen a kin% comes: the %ras a""ointed to deal $ith crimesA the s tas and the leaders of the villa%e a$ait him $ith food and drink and lod%in%s ready: sayin%: S;ere he comes:

here he comes:C even so: for the "erson $ho kno$s a!o t the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

fr its of his o$n $ork: there $ait all the elements: sayin%: S;ere comes 2rahman: here he comes#C ,. 3> st as: $hen the kin% $ishes to de"art: the %ras a""ointed to deal $ith crimes: the s tas and the leaders of the villa%e %ather aro nd him: even so do all the or%ans %ather aro nd the self: at the time of death: $hen it str %%les for !reath#3 )ha"ter -8<Beath and the ;ereafter 1 Ea9navalkya contin ed: 3No$: $hen that self !ecomes $eak and nconscio s: as it $ere: the or%ans %ather aro nd it# ;avin% $holly seiIed these "articles of li%ht: the self comes to the heart# =hen the "residin% deity of the eye t rns !ack from all sides: the dyin% man fails to notice colo r# 2 3The eye !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then "eo"le say: S;e does not see#C The nose !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not smell#C The ton% e !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not taste#C The vocal or%an !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not s"eak#C The ear !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not hear#C The mind !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not think#C The skin !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not to ch#C The intellect !ecomes nited $ith the s !tle !odyA then they say: S;e does not kno$#C 3The ""er end of the heart li%hts " and !y that li%ht the self de"arts: either thro %h the eye or thro %h the head or thro %h any other "art (a"ert re' of the !ody# 3And $hen the self de"arts: the vital !reath follo$s and $hen the vital !reath de"arts: all the or%ans follo$# 3Then the self !ecomes endo$ed $ith a "artic lar conscio sness and "asses on to the !ody to !e attained !y that conscio sness# 3+no$led%e: $ork and "ast eD"erience follo$ the self# , 3And 9 st as a leech movin% on a !lade of %rass reaches its end: takes hold of another and dra$s itself to%ether to$ards it: so does the self: after thro$in% off this !ody: that is to say: after

makin% it nconscio s: take hold of another s ""ort and dra$ itself to%ether to$ards it# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 3And 9 st as a %oldsmith takes a small 7 antity of %old and fashions o t of it another<a ne$er and !etter<form: so does the self: after thro$in% off this !ody: that is to say: after makin% it nconscio s: fashion another<a ne$er and !etter<form: s ited to the Manes: or the %andharvas: or the %ods: or 8ira9: or ;iranya%ar!ha: or other !ein%s# / 3That self is indeed 2rahmanA it is also identified $ith the intellect: the mind and the vital !reath: $ith the eyes and ears: $ith earth: $ater: air and akasa: $ith fire and $ith $hat is other than fire: $ith desire and $ith a!sence of desire: $ith an%er and $ith a!sence of an%er: $ith ri%hteo sness and nri%hteo sness: $ith all<it is identified: as is $ell kno$n: $ith this (i#e# $hat is "erceived' and $ith that (i#e# $hat is inferred'# Accordin% as it acts and accordin% as it !ehaves: so it !ecomes: !y doin% %ood it !ecomes %ood and !y doin% evil it !ecomes evil# -t !ecomes virt o s thro %h virt o s action and evil thro %h evil action# 35thers: ho$ever: say that the self is identified $ith desire alone# As is its desire: so is its resol tionA and as is its resol tion: so is its deedA and $hatever deed it does: that it rea"s# 1 3He%ardin% this there is the follo$in% verse: 32eca se of attachment: the transmi%ratin% self: to%ether $ith its $ork: attains that res lt to $hich its s !tle !ody or mind clin%s# ;avin% eDha sted in the other $orld the res lts of $hatever $ork it did in this life: it ret rns from that $orld to this $orld for fresh $ork#C 3Th s does the man $ho desires transmi%rate# 2 t as to the man $ho does not desire<$ho is $itho t desire: $ho is freed from desire: $hose desire is satisfied: $hose only o!9ect of desire is the Self<his or%ans do not de"art# 2ein% 2rahman: he mer%es in 2rahman# 7 3He%ardin% this there are the follo$in% verses: 3=hen all the desires that d$ell in his heart are %ot rid of: then does the mortal man !ecome immortal and attain 2rahman in this very !ody#C 3> st as the slo %h of a snake lies: dead and cast a$ay: on an

ant<hill: even so lies this !ody# Then the self !ecomes disem!odied and immortal S"irit: the S "reme Self (*rana': So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2rahman: the &i%ht#3 >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha: said: 3- %ive yo : venera!le Sir: a tho sand co$s#3 . 3He%ardin% this there are the follo$in% verses: SThe s !tle: ancient "ath stretchin% far a$ay has !een to ched (reached' !y meA nay: - have realiIed it myself# 2y this "ath the $ise: the kno$ers of 2rahman: move on to the celestial s"here (&i!eration' after the fall of this !ody: havin% !een freed even $hile livin%#C 0 SSome s"eak of it as $hite: others as !l e: %rey: %reen: or red# This "ath is realiIed !y a kno$er of 2rahman and is trod !y $hoever kno$s 2rahman: has done %ood deeds and is identified $ith the S "reme &i%ht#C 10 S-nto !lindin% darkness enter those $ho $orshi" i%noranceA into a %reater darkness than that: as it $ere: enter those $ho are devoted to kno$led%e#C 11 S)heerless indeed are those $orlds covered $ith !lindin% darkness# To them after death %o those "eo"le $ho are i%norant and n$ise#C 12 S-f a man kno$s the Self as - am this: then desirin% $hat and for $hose sake $ill he s ffer in the $ake of the !ody@C 1, S=hoever has realiIed and intimately kno$n the Self: =hich has entered this "erilo s and "er"leDin% "lace (the !ody': is the maker of the niverseA for he is the maker of all# All is his Self and he: a%ain: is indeed the Self of all#C 14 SB$ellin% in this very !ody: $e have someho$ realiIed

2rahmanA other$ise $e sho ld have remained i%norant and %reat destr ction $o ld have overtaken s# Those $ho kno$ 2rahman !ecome immortal: $hile others only s ffer misery#C So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1/ S=hen a "erson follo$in% the instr ctions of a teacher directly !eholds the eff l%ent Self: the &ord of all that has !een and $ill !e: he no lon%er $ishes to hide himself from -t#C 11 SThat nder $hich the year $ith its days rolls on< "on that immortal &i%ht of l li%hts the %ods meditate as lon%evity#C 17 SThat in $hich the five %ro "s of five and the akasa rest: that very Atman - re%ard as the -mmortal 2rahman# +no$in% that 2rahman: - am immortal#C 1. SThey $ho kno$ the 8ital 2reath (*rana' of the vital !reath ("rana': the Gye of the eye: the Gar of the ear: the Mind of the mind: have realiIed the ancient: "rimordial 2rahman#C 10 SThro %h the mind alone is 2rahman to !e realiIed# There is in -t no diversity# ;e %oes from death to death $ho sees in -t: as it $ere: diversity#C 20 S(nkno$a!le and constant: -t sho ld !e realiIed in one form only# The Self is free from taint: !eyond the akasa: !irthless: infinite and nchan%in%#C 21 SThe intelli%ent seeker of 2rahman: learnin% a!o t the Self alone: sho ld "ractise $isdom ("ra9na'# &et him not think of too many $ords: for that is eDha stin% to the or%an of s"eech#C 22 3That %reat: n!orn Self: $hich is identified $ith the intellect (vi9nanamaya' and $hich d$ells in the midst of the or%ans: lies in the akasa $ithin the heart# -t is the controller of all: the lord of all: the r ler of all# -t does not !ecome %reater thro %h %ood deeds or smaller thro %h evil deeds# -t is the lord of all: the

r ler of all !ein%s: the "rotector of all !ein%s# -t is the dam that serves as the !o ndary to kee" the different $orlds a"art# The So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!rahmins seek to realiIe -t thro %h the st dy of the 8edas: thro %h sacrifices: thro %h %ifts and thro %h a sterity $hich does not lead to annihilation# +no$in% -t alone one !ecomes a sa%e (m ni'# =ishin% for this =orld (i#e# the Self' alone: monks reno nce their homes# 3The kno$ers of 2rahman of olden times: it is said: did not $ish for offs"rin% !eca se they tho %ht: S=hat shall $e do $ith offs"rin%<$e $ho have attained this Self: this =orld@C They %ave ": it is said: their desire for sons: for $ealth and for the $orlds and led the life of reli%io s mendicants# That $hich is the desire for sons is the desire for $ealth and that $hich is the desire for $ealth is the desire for the $orldsA for !oth these: indeed: are ! t desires# SThis Self is That $hich has !een descri!ed as Not this: not this# -t is im"erce"ti!le: for -t is not "erceivedA ndecayin%: for -t never decaysA nattached: for -t is never attachedA nfettered: for -t never feels "ain and never s ffers in9 ry# S;im $ho kno$s this these t$o tho %hts do not overcome: ?or this - did an evil deed and ?or this - did a %ood deed# ;e overcomes !oth# Thin%s done or not done do not afflict him#C 2, 3This has !een eD"ressed !y the follo$in% Hi% verse: SThis is the eternal %lory of 2rahman: -t neither increases nor decreases thro %h $ork# Therefore one sho ld kno$ the nat re of That alone# +no$in% -t one is not to ched !y evil action#C 3Therefore he $ho kno$s -t as s ch !ecomes self<controlled: calm: $ithdra$n into himself: "atient and collectedA he sees the Self in his o$n self (!ody'A he sees all as the Self# Gvil does not overcome him: ! t he overcomes all evil# Gvil does not afflict him: ! t he cons mes all evil# ;e !ecomes sinless: taintless: free from do !ts and a tr e 2rahmana (kno$er of 2rahman'# This is the =orld of 2rahman: 5 Gm"eror and yo have attained -t#3 Th s said Ea9navalkya# >anaka said: S8enera!le Sir: - %ive yo the em"ire of 8ideha and myself: too: $ith it: to $ait "on yo # 24 That %reat: n!orn Self is the eater of food and the %iver of $ealth# ;e $ho kno$s this o!tains $ealth# 2/ That %reat: n!orn Self is ndecayin%: immortal: ndyin%: fearlessA -t is 2rahman (infinite'# 2rahman is indeed fearless#

;e $ho kno$s -t as s ch !ecomes the fearless 2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8<Ea9navalkya and Maitreyi (--' 1 Ea9navalkya had t$o $ives: Maitreyi and +atyayani# 5f these: Maitreyi $as conversant $ith the +no$led%e of 2rahman: $hile +atyayani had an essentially feminine o tlook# 5ne day Ea9navalkya: $hen he $ished to em!race another mode of life: 2 Said: 3Maitreyi: my dear: - am %oin% to reno nce this life to !ecome a monk# &et me make a final settlement !et$een yo and +atyayani#3 , Maitreyi said: 38enera!le Sir: if indeed the $hole earth f ll of $ealth !elon%ed to me: $o ld - !e immortal thro %h that or not@3 3No:3 re"lied Ea9navalkya: 3yo r life $o ld !e 9 st like that of "eo"le $ho have "lenty# 5f -mmortality: ho$ever: there is no ho"e thro %h $ealth#3 4 Then Maitreyi said: 3=hat sho ld - do $ith that $hich $o ld not make me immortal@ Tell me: venera!le Sir: of that alone $hich yo kno$ to !e the only means of attainin% -mmortality#3 / Ea9navalkya re"lied: 3My dear: yo have !een my !eloved even !efore and no$ yo have resolved to kno$ $hat is after my heart# -f yo $ish: my dear: - shall eD"lain it to yo # As eD"lain it: meditate on $hat - say#3 1 And he said: 38erily: not for the sake of the h s!and: my dear: is the h s!and loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self $hich: in its tr e nat re: is one $ith the S "reme Self# 38erily: not for the sake of the $ife: my dear: is the $ife loved: ! t she is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the sons: my dear: are the sons loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of $ealth: my dear: is $ealth loved: ! t it is loved for the sake of the self#

38erily: not for the sake of the animals: my dear: are the animals loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

38erily: not for the sake of the !rahmin: my dear: is the !rahmin loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the kshatriya: my dear: is the kshatriya loved: ! t he is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the $orlds: my dear: are the $orlds loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the %ods: my dear: are the %ods loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the 8edas: my dear: are the 8edas loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the !ein%s: my dear: are the !ein%s loved: ! t they are loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: not for the sake of the All: my dear: is the All loved: ! t it is loved for the sake of the self# 38erily: my dear Maitreyi: it is the Self that sho ld !e realiIed<sho ld !e heard of: reflected on and meditated "on# 2y the realisation of the Self: my dear: thro %h hearin%: reflection and meditation: all this is kno$n# 7 3The !rahmin re9ects one $ho kno$s him as different from the Self# The kshatriya re9ects one $ho kno$s him as different from the Self# The $orlds re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The %ods re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The 8edas re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The !ein%s re9ect one $ho kno$s them as different from the Self# The All re9ects one $ho kno$s it as different from the Self# This !rahmin: this kshatriya: these $orlds: these %ods: these 8edas: these !ein%s and this All<are that Self# .<10 3As the vario s "artic lar kinds of notes of a dr m: $hen it is !eaten: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed only $hen the %eneral note of the dr m or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y different kinds of strokes is %ras"edA 3And as the vario s "artic lar notes of a conch: $hen it is !lo$n: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed only $hen the %eneral note of the conch or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y different kinds of !lo$in% is %ras"edA 3And as the vario s "artic lar notes of a vina: $hen it is "layed: cannot !e %ras"ed !y themselves: ! t are %ras"ed only $hen the %eneral note of the vina or the %eneral so nd "rod ced !y the different kinds of "layin% is %ras"edA

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

11 3As from a fire kindled $ith $et f el vario s kinds of smoke iss e forth: even so: my dear: the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharvan%irasa: history (itihasa': mytholo%y (" rana': the arts (vidya': ("anishads: verses (slokas': a"horisms (s tras': el cidations (an vyakhyanas': eD"lanations (vyakhyanas': sacrifices: o!lations in the fire: food: drink: this $orld: the neDt $orld and all !ein%s are all like the !reath of this infinite Heality# ?rom this S "reme Self are all these: indeed: !reathed forth# 12 3As the ocean is the one %oal of all $aters (the "lace $here they mer%e': so the skin is the one %oal of all kinds of to ch: the nostrils are the one %oal of all smells: the ton% e is the one %oal of all savo rs: the ear is the one %oal of all so nds: the mind is the one %oal of all deli!erations: the intellect is the one %oal of all forms of kno$led%e: the hands are the one %oal of all actions: the or%an of %eneration is the one %oal of all kinds of en9oyment: the eDcretory or%an is the one %oal of all eDcretions: the feet are the one %oal of all kinds of $alkin%: the or%an of s"eech is the one %oal of all the 8edas# 1, 3As a l m" of salt has neither inside nor o tside and is alto%ether a homo%eneo s mass of taste: even so this Self: my dear: has neither inside nor o tside and is alto%ether a homo%eneo s mass of -ntelli%ence# This Self comes o t as a se"arate entity from the elements and $ith their destr ction this se"arate eDistence is also destroyed# After attainin% this oneness it has no more conscio sness# This is $hat - say: my dear#3 So said Ea9navalkya# 14 Then Maitreyi said: 3> st here yo have com"letely !e$ildered me: venera!le Sir# -ndeed: - do not at all nderstand this#3 ;e re"lied: 3)ertainly - am not sayin% anythin% !e$ilderin%: my dear# 8erily: this Self is imm ta!le and indestr cti!le# 1/ 3?or $hen there is d ality: as it $ere: then one sees another: one smells another: one tastes another: one s"eaks to another:

one hears another: one thinks of another: one to ches another: one kno$s another# 2 t $hen to the kno$er of 2rahman So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

everythin% has !ecome the Self: then $hat sho ld he see and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he smell and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he taste and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he s"eak and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he hear and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he think and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he to ch and thro %h $hat: $hat sho ld he kno$ and thro %h $hat@ Thro %h $hat sho ld one kno$ That 5$in% to $hich all this is kno$n@ 3This Self is That $hich has !een descri!ed as SNot this: not this#C -t is im"erce"ti!le: for -t is never "erceivedA ndecayin%: for -t never decaysA nattached: for -t never attaches -tselfA nfettered: for -t never feels "ain and never s ffers in9 ry# Thro %h $hat: 5 Maitreyi: sho ld one kno$ the +no$er@ 3Th s yo have the instr ction %iven to yo # This m ch: indeed: is the means to -mmortality#3 ;avin% said this: Ea9navalkya reno nced home# )ha"ter 8-<The &ine of Teachers 1 No$ the line of teachers: =e received the kno$led%e from *a timashya# *a timashya received it from Fa "avana# Fa "avana from another *a timashya# This *a timashya from another Fa "avana# This Fa "avana from +a sika# +a sika from +a ndinya# +a ndinya from Sandilya# Sandilya from +a sika and Fa tama# Fa tama 2 ?rom A%nivesya# A%nivesya from Far%ya# Far%ya from another Far%ya# This Far%ya from Fa tama# Fa tama from Saitava# Saitava from *irasaryayana# *arasarayayana from Far%yayana# Far%yayana from (ddalakayana# (ddalakayana from >a!alayana# >a!alayana from Madhyandinayana# Madhyandinayana from Sa karayana# Sa karayana from +ashayana# +ashayana from Sayakayana# Sayakayana from +a sikayani# +a sikayani , ?rom Fhritaka sika# Fhritaka sika from *arasaryayana# *arasaryayana from *arasarya# *arasarya from >at karnya# >at karnya from As rayana and Eiska# As rayana from Traivani# Traivani from A "a9andhani# A "a9andhani from As ri# As ri from 2haradva9a# 2haradva9a from Atreya# Atreya

from Manti# Manti from Fa tama# Fa tama from another Fa tama# This Fa tama from 8atsya# 8atsya from Sandi-ya# Sandilya from +aisorya +a"ya# +aisorya +a"ya from So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

+ maraharita# + maraharita from Falava# Falava from 8idar!hika ndinya# 8idar!hika ndinya from 8atsana"at 2a!hrava# 8atsana"at 2a!hrava from *athin Sa !hara# *athin Sa !hara from Ayasya An%irasa# Ayasya An%irasa from A!h ti Tvashtra# A!h ti Tvashtra from 8isvar "a Tvashtra# 8isvar "a Tvashtra from the t$o Asvins# The t$o Asvins from Badhyach Atharvana# Badhyach Atharvana from Atharvana Baiva# Atharvana Baiva from Mrity *radhvamsana# Mrity *radhvamsana from *radhvamsana# *radhvamsana from Gkarshi# Gkarshi from 8i"rachitti# 8i"rachitti from 8yashti# 8yashti from Sanar # Sanar from Sanitana# Sanitana from Sana%a# Sana%a from *arameshthin (8ira9'# *arameshthin from 2rahman (;iranya%ar!ha'# 2rahman is self<!orn (eternal'# Sal tation to 2rahman# *art ?ive )ha"ter -<The -nfinity of 2rahman 1 5m# -nfinite is That 2rahman: infinite in this manifested niverse# ?rom the -nfinite 2rahman "roceeds the infinite# After the realiIation of the Freat -dentity or after the cosmic dissol tion: $hen the infinity of the infinite niverse mer%es in the -nfinite 2rahman: there remains the -nfinite 2rahman alone# 5m is the Akasa 2rahman<the "rimeval akasa# -t is the akasa containin% air: says the son of +a ravayarn# -t (5m' is the 8eda<th s the kno$ers of 2rahman kno$A for thro %h it one kno$s $hat is to he kno$n# )ha"ter --<The Three Freat Bisci"lines 1 *ra9a"ati had three kinds of offs"rin%: %ods: men and demons (as ras'# They lived $ith *ra9a"ati: "ractisin% the vo$s of !rahmacharins# After finishin% their term: the %ods said to him: 3*lease instr ct s: Sir#3 To them he ttered the sylla!le da and asked: 3;ave yo nderstood@3 They re"lied: 3=e have# Eo said to s: S)ontrol yo rselves (damyata'#C ;e said: 3Ees: yo have nderstood#3 2 Then the men said to him: 3*lease instr ct s: Sir3 To them he ttered the same sylla!le da and asked:

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3;ave yo nderstood@3 They re"lied: 3=e have# Eo said to s: SFive (datta'#C ;e said: SEes: yo have nderstood# , Then the demons said to him: 3*lease instr ct s: Sir#3 To them he ttered the same sylla!le da and asked: 3;ave yo nderstood@3 They re"lied: 3=e have# Eo said to s: S2e com"assionate (dayadhvam'#C ;e said: 3Ees: yo have nderstood#3 That very thin% is re"eated even today !y the heavenly voice: in the form of th nder: as 3Ba:3 3Ba:3 3Ba:3 $hich means: 3)ontrol yo rselves:3 3Five:3 and 3;ave com"assion#3 Therefore one sho ld learn these three: self<control: %ivin% and mercy# )ha"ter ---<2rahman as the ;eart 1 *ra9a"ati is this<the heart (intellect'# -t (the heart' is 2rahman# -t is all# ;ridayam (the heart' consists of three sylla!les# 5ne sylla!le is hriA and to him $ho kno$s this: his o$n "eo"le and others !rin% "resents# 5ne sylla!le is daA and to him $ho kno$s this: his o$n "eo"le and others %ive their "o$ers# 5ne sylla!le is yamA and he $ho kno$s this %oes to heaven# )ha"ter -8<Meditation on Satya 2rahman 1 That intellect 2rahman $as verily this<satya alone# And $hosoever kno$s this %reat: %lorio s first<!orn one as the Satya 2rahman con7 ers these $orlds# And his enemy is th s con7 ered and !ecomes non<eDistent<yes: $hosoever kno$s this %reat: %lorio s first<!orn one as the Satya 2rahmanA for Satya indeed is that 2rahman# )ha"ter 8<-n *raise of Satya 2rahman 1 -n the !e%innin% this niverse $as $ater alone# That $ater "rod ced Satya# Satya is 2rahman# 2rahman "rod ced *ra9a"ati and *ra9a"ati the %ods# Those %ods meditate on Satya# This name Satya consists of three sylla!les# Sa is one sylla!le: ti is one sylla!le and ya is one sylla!le# The first and last

sylla!les are the tr th# -n the middle is ntr th# This ntr th is enclosed on !oth sides !y tr thA th s tr th "re"onderates# (ntr th does not h rt him $ho kno$s this# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 No$: that $hich is Satya is the s n<the !ein% $ho d$ells in yonder or! and the !ein% $ho is in the ri%ht eye# These t$o rest on each other# The former (the !ein% in the s n' rests on the latter (the !ein% in the ri%ht eye' thro %h his rays and the latter rests on the former thro %h his or%ans# =hen the individ al self is a!o t to leave the !ody: he sees the solar or! clearly (i#e# $itho t rays'# Those rays no lon%er come to him# , 5f this !ein% $ho is in the solar or!: the sylla!le 2h h is the head: for there is one head and there is this one sylla!leA the $ord 2h vah is the arms: for there are t$o arms and there are these t$o sylla!lesA the $ord Svah is the le%s: for there are t$o le%s and there are these t$o sylla!les# ;is secret name is Ahar# ;e $ho kno$s this destroys evil and leaves it !ehind# 4 5f this !ein% $ho is in the ri%ht eye: the sylla!le 2h r is the head: for there is one head and there is this one sylla!leA the $ord 2h var is the arms: for there are t$o arms and there are these t$o sylla!lesA the $ord Svar is the le%s: for there are t$o le%s and there are these t$o sylla!les# ;is secret name is Aham# ;e $ho kno$s this destroys evil and leaves it !ehind# )ha"ter 8-<Meditation on 2rahman as the Mind 1 This !ein% identified $ith the mind and res"lendent !y nat re is realiIed !y yo%is $ithin the heart as of the siIe of a %rain of rice or !arley# ;e is the lord of all: the r ler of all and %overns all this <$hatever there is# )ha"ter 8--<Meditation on 2rahman as &i%htnin% 1 They say that li%htnin% is 2rahman# -t is called li%htnin% (vidy t' !eca se it scatters (vidanat' darkness# =hosoever kno$s this<that li%htnin% is 2rahman<scatters the evils that are ran%ed a%ainst himA for li%htnin% is indeed 2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8---<Meditation on the 8edas as a )o$ 1 5ne sho ld meditate "on s"eech (the 8edas' as a co$# She (s"eech' has fo r teats: the so nds SvahaA 8ashat: ;anta and Svadha# The %ods live on t$o of her teats: Svaha and 8ashatA men: on ;antaA and the Manes on Svadha# ;er ! ll is the vital !reath ("rana' and her calf: the mind# )ha"ter -M<<Meditation on the 8aisvanara ?ire 1 This fire $hich is $ithin a man and di%ests food that is eaten is 8aisvanara# -ts so nd is that $hich one hears !y sto""in% the ears# =hen a man is a!o t to leave the !ody: he hears this so nd no more# )ha"ter M<<The *ath of the Be"artin% So l 1 =hen a man de"arts from this $orld: he reaches the air# The air o"ens there for him as $ide as the hole of a chariot $heel# Thro %h this o"enin% he ascends and reaches the s n# The s n o"ens there for him as $ide as the hole of a lam!ara# 2y this o"enin% he ascends and reaches the moon# The moon o"ens there for him as $ide as the hole of a dr m# 2y this o"enin% he ascends and reaches a =orld free from %rief and cold# There he d$ells for endless years# )ha"ter M-<The S "reme A sterities 1 The s "reme a sterity is indeed that a man s ffers $hen he is ill# ;e $ho kno$s this $ins the hi%hest $orld# The s "reme a sterity is indeed that a man: after death: is carried to the forest# ;e $ho kno$s this $ins the hi%hest $orld# The s "reme a sterity is indeed that a man: after death: is laid on the fire# ;e $ho kno$s this $ins the hi%hest $orld# )ha"ter M--<Meditation on ?ood and the 8ital 2reath as 2rahman 1

Some say that food is 2rahmanA ! t this is not so: for food decays $itho t the vital !reath ("rana'# 5thers say that the vital So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!reath is 2rahmanA ! t this is not so: for the vital !reath dries " $itho t food# These t$o deities (food and the vital !reath': $hen they !ecome nited: attain the hi%hest state (2rahmanhood'# Th s reflectin%: *ratrida said to his father: 3=hat %ood: indeed: can - do him $ho kno$s this and $hat evil can - do him either@3 ;is father ans$ered: sto""in% him $ith a %est re of his hand: 35h: no: *ratridaA for $ho $o ld attain the hi%hest merely !y !ein% identified $ith these t$o@3 ? rther: he (the father' said to him this: 3-t is viA food is verily vi: for all these creat res rest (visanti' on food# -t is ramA the vital !reath is ram: for all these creat res deli%ht (ramante' in the vital !reath#3 All creat res rest on him: all creat res deli%ht in him: $ho kno$s this# )ha"ter M---<Meditation on the 8ital 2reath 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the vital !reath as the (ktha# The vital !reath is the (ktha: for it raises " ( ttha"ayati' all this niverse# ?rom him $ho kno$s this there is raised a son $ho is a kno$er of the vital !reath and he $ins nion $ith and a!ode in the same $orld as the (ktha# 2 5ne sho ld meditate "on the vital !reath as the Ea9 s# The vital !reath is the Ea9 s: for all these !ein%s are nited (y 9yante' $ith one another if the vital !reath is "resent# All !ein%s are nited to %ive eminence to him $ho kno$s this and he $ins nion $ith and a!ode in the same $orld as the Ea9 s (vital !reath'# , 5ne sho ld meditate "on the vital !reath as the Saman# The vital !reath is the Saman: for all these !ein%s meet (samyanchi' if the Saman (vital !reath' is "resent# ?or the sake of him $ho kno$s this all !ein%s are nited and they s cceed in %ivin% him eminenceA and he $ins nion $ith and a!ode in the same $orld as the Saman# 4 5ne sho ld meditate "on the vital !reath as the +shatra# The vital !reath is the +shatra: for the vital !reath "rotects (trayate' the !ody from $o nds (khanitoh'# ;e $ho kno$s this attains

the +shatra (vital !reath' $hich needs no other "rotector and he $ins nion $ith and a!ode in the same $orld as the +shatra# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M-8<The Sacred Fayatri 1 The $ords 2h mi (earth': Antariksha (sky' and Bya s (heaven' form ei%ht sylla!les and the first foot of the Fayatri consists of ei%ht sylla!les# So the three $orlds constit te the first foot of the Fayatri# =hosoever kno$s this a!o t the first foot of the Fayatri $ins all that is in the three $orlds# 2 Hichah: Ea9 mshi and Samani form ei%ht sylla!les and the second foot of the Fayatri consists of ei%ht sylla!les# So these three 8edas constit te the second foot of the Fayatri# =hosoever th s kno$s the second foot of the Fayatri $ins as m ch as that treas ry of kno$led%e: the three 8edas: has to confer# , *rana: a"ana and vyana form ei%ht sylla!les and the third foot of the Fayatri# consists of ei%ht sylla!les# So these three forms of the vital !reath constit te the third foot of the Fayatri# =hosoever kno$s this a!o t the third foot of the Fayatri $ins all the livin% !ein%s that are in the niverse# No$: its t riya: a""arently visi!le (darsata' and s "ram ndane ("arora9a' foot is this<s n that %lo$s yonder# That $hich is fo rth is called t riya# ;e (the !ein% in the solar or!' is a""arently visi!le (darsata': !eca se he is seen: as it $ere: !y the yo%is# ;e is s "ram ndane ("arora9a': !eca se he shines alone on the $hole niverse as its overlord# ;e $ho th s kno$s the fo rth foot of the Fayatri shines $ith s"lendo r and %lory# 4 That Fayatri rests on that fo rth: a""arently visi!le: s "ram ndane foot# And that: a%ain: rests on tr th# The eye is tr th: for the eye is indeed tr th# Therefore: even today: if t$o "ersons come dis" tin%: one sayin%: 3- sa$ it:3 and another: 3heard of it:3 $e sho ld tr st the one $ho says: 3- sa$ it# That tr th rests on stren%th# The vital !reath ("rana' is stren%th# ;ence tr th rests on the vital !reath# Therefore they say that stren%th is more "o$erf l than tr th# Th s the Fayatri is !ased on the vital !reath $ithin the !ody# That Fayatri "rotected the %ayas# The or%ans are the %ayasA therefore the Fayatri "rotected (tatre' the or%ans# 2eca se it "rotected the or%ans: it is called the Fayatri# The Savitri verse:

$hich the teacher comm nicates to the " "il: is no other than So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

this# -t saves the or%ans of the " "il to $hom it is im"arted !y the teacher# / Some im"art to the " "il the Savitri $hich is in the An sht !h metre: sayin%: 3The %oddess of s"eech is An sht !hA so $e shall im"art it to him#3 2 t one sho ld not do that# 5ne sho ld im"art only that Savitri $hich is Fayatri# 8erily: if one $ho kno$s this acce"ts too m ch as a %ift: as it $ere: it is not eno %h for even one foot of the Fayatri# 1 -f he (the kno$er of the Fayatri' acce"ts as a %ift the three $orlds f ll of $ealth: he $ill !e receivin% the fr it of kno$in% only the first foot of the Fayatri# -f he acce"ts as a %ift as m ch as this treas ry of kno$led%e: the 8edas: has to confer: he $ill !e receivin% the fr it of kno$in% only the second foot of the Fayatri# And if he acce"ts as a %ift as m ch as is covered !y all livin% creat res in the $orld: he $ill !e receivin% the fr it of kno$in% only the third foot of the Fayatri# =hile the fr it of kno$in% its fo rth: a""arently visi!le: s "ram ndane foot< yonder s n that %lo$s<is not to !e co nter!alanced !y any %ift received# -ndeed: ho$ co ld anyone receive so m ch as a %ift@ 7 The sal tation to the Fayatri: 35 Fayatri: tho art one<footed: t$o<footed: three<footed and fo r<footed# And tho art $itho t any feet: for tho art nattaina!le# Sal tation to thee: fo rth foot: a""arently visi!le and s "ram ndane6 May the enemy never attain his o!9ect63 Sho ld the kno$er of the Fayatri !ear hatred to$ards anyone: he sho ld either se this mantra: 3May his desired o!9ect never flo rish63<in $hich case that o!9ect of the "erson a%ainst $hom he th s sal tes the Fayatri never flo rishes<or he may say: 3May - attain that cherished o!9ect of his63 . 5n this s !9ect >anaka: Gm"eror of 8ideha: said to 2 dila: the son of Asvatarasva: 3=ell: ho$ is it that yo : $ho called yo rself a kno$er of the Fayatri: have come to he an ele"hant and are carryin% me@3 ;e re"lied: 32eca se: Eo r Ma9esty: - did not kno$ its mo th#3

>anaka said: 3?ire is its mo th# -f "eo"le " t a lar%e 7 antity of f el into the fire: it is all ! rnt "# Similarly: a man $ho kno$s So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

this: even if he commits a %reat many sins: cons mes them all and !ecomes " re: clean and free from decay and death#3 )ha"ter M8<The *rayer of a Byin% *erson 1 The door (real nat re' of the tr th (Satya 2rahman' is covered !y a %olden disc# 5"en it: 5 No risher6 Hemove it so that $ho have !een $orshi""in% the tr th may !ehold it# 5 No risher6 5 lone Traveller of the sky6 5 )ontroller6 5 S n6 5 5ffs"rin% of *ra9a"ati6 Father yo r rays# =ithdra$ yo r li%ht# - $o ld see thro %h yo r %race that form of yo rs $hich is the most !eni%n# - am indeed ;e: that " r sha $ho d$ells in the s n# - am immortal# No$ $hen my !ody falls may my !reath ret rn to the all< "ervadin% *rana6 May this !ody: red ced to ashes: ret rn to the earth6 5m# 5 ?ire: $ho art the sym!ol 5m: 5 %od of deli!erations: remem!er: remem!er all that - have done# 5 ?ire: lead s !y the %ood "ath to$ards the en9oyment of the fr it of o r action# Eo kno$: 5 %od: all o r deeds# Bestroy o r sin of deceit# =e offer !y $ords re"eated sal tations to yo # *art SiD )ha"ter -<The S "remacy of the *rana 1 5m# ;e $ho kno$s $hat is the oldest and %reatest !ecomes the oldest and %reatest amon% his kinsmen# The vital !reath ("rana' is indeed the oldest and %reatest# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the oldest and %reatest amon% his kinsmen and also amon% those of $hom he $ishes to !e so# 2 ;e $ho kno$s $hat is the most eDcellent (vasishtha' !ecomes the most eDcellent amon% his kinsmen# The or%an of s"eech is indeed the vasishtha# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the most eDcellent amon% his kinsmen and also amon% those of $hom he $ishes to !e so# , ;e $ho kno$s $hat has the attri! te of steadiness ("ratishtha'

lives steadily in ro %h as $ell as smooth "laces and times# The eye indeed is endo$ed $ith steadiness: for $ith the hel" of the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

eye one remains steady in ro %h as $ell as smooth "laces and times# ;e $ho kno$s this lives steadily in ro %h as $ell as smooth "laces and times# 4 ;e $ho kno$s "ros"erity (sam"ad' attains $hatever o!9ect he desires# The ear indeed is "ros"erity: for $hen the ear is intact all the 8edas are ac7 ired# ;e $ho kno$s this attains $hatever o!9ect he desires# / ;e $ho kno$s the a!ode (ayatana' !ecomes the a!ode of his kinsmen and also of other "eo"le# The mind indeed is the a!ode# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the a!ode of his kinsmen as $ell as of other "eo"le# 1 ;e $ho kno$s $hat has the attri! te of "rocreation ("ra9ati' is enriched $ith children and animals# Semen verily has this attri! te# ;e $ho kno$s this is enriched $ith children and animals# 7 These or%ans: dis" tin% a!o t $ho $as s "erior amon% them: $ent to *ra9a"ati and asked: 3=hich one amon% s is the most eDcellent (vasishtha'@3 ;e said: 3That one amon% yo is the most eDcellent !y $hose de"art re this !ody is considered to s ffer most#3 . The or%an of s"eech de"arted# After !ein% a!sent for a $hole year it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans said: 3=e lived 9 st as d m! "eo"le live: $itho t s"eakin% thro %h the ton% e: ! t livin% thro %h the vital !reath: seein% thro %h the eye: hearin% thro %h the ear: kno$in% thro %h the mind and "rocreatin% thro %h the or%an of %eneration#3 Then the or%an of s"eech entered the !ody# 0 The eye de"arted# After !ein% a!sent for a $hole year it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3

The other or%ans said: 3=e lived 9 st as !lind "eo"le live: $itho t seein% thro %h the eye: ! t livin% thro %h the vital So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!reath: s"eakin% thro %h the or%an of s"eech: hearin% thro %h the ear: kno$in% thro %h the mind and "rocreatin% thro %h the or%an of %eneration#3 Then the eye entered the !ody# 10 The ear $ent o t# After !ein% a!sent for a $hole year it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans said: 3=e lived 9 st as deaf "eo"le live: $itho t hearin% thro %h the ear: ! t livin% thro %h the vital !reath: s"eakin% thro %h the or%an of s"eech: seein% thro %h the eye: kno$in% thro %h the mind and "rocreatin% thro %h the or%an of %eneration#3 Then the ear entered the !ody# 11 The mind $ent o t# After !ein% a!sent for a $hole year it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans said: 3=e lived 9 st as idiots live: $itho t kno$in% thro %h the mind: ! t livin% thro %h the vital !reath: s"eakin% thro %h the or%an of s"eech: seein% thro %h the eye: hearin% thro %h the ear and "rocreatin% thro %h the or%an of %eneration#3 Then the mind entered the !ody# 12 Then the or%an of %eneration $ent o t# After !ein% a!sent for a $hole year it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans said: 3=e lived 9 st as im"otent "eo"le live: $itho t "rocreatin% children thro %h the or%an of %eneration: ! t livin% thro %h the vital !reath: s"eakin% thro %h the or%an of s"eech: seein% thro %h the eye: hearin% thro %h the ear and kno$in% thro %h the mind#3 Then the or%an of %eneration entered the !ody# 1, Then as the vital !reath $as a!o t to de"art: it "rooted the or%ans from their "laces 9 st as a %reat: no!le horse of the Sindh co ntry tears " the "e%s to $hich his feet are tied# They said: 38enera!le Sir: "lease do not %o o t# =e shall not !e a!le to live $itho t yo #3 3-f - am s ch: then %ive me an offerin%#3 3So !e it#3 14

The or%an of s"eech said: 3That attri! te of !ein% most eDcellent $hich - "ossess is yo rs#3 The eye said: 3That attri! te of steadiness $hich - "ossess is So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

yo rs#3 The ear said: 3That attri! te of "ros"erity $hich - "ossess is yo rs#3 The mind said: 3That attri! te of !ein% an a!ode $hich "ossess is yo rs# The or%an of %eneration said: 3That attri! te of "rocreation $hich - "ossess is yo rs#3 Then the vital !reath said: 3-f - am s ch: then $hat $ill !e my food and $hat $ill !e my dress@3 They re"lied: 3=hatever food there is<incl din% that of do%s: $orms: insects and moths<$ill !e yo r food and $ater $ill !e yo r dress#3 ;e $ho kno$s the food of the vital !reath to !e s ch never ha""ens to eat anythin% or acce"t anythin% that is not food# =ise men $ho are versed in the 8edas therefore take a si" of $ater > st !efore and after eatin%A they think that there!y they remove the nakedness of the vital !reath# )ha"ter --<The *rocess of He!irth 1 Svetaket : the %randson of Ar na: came to the assem!ly of the *anchalas# ;e a""roached *ravahana: the son of >ivala: $ho $as !ein% $aited "on !y his co rtiers# As soon as the kin% sa$ him: he said: 3-s it yo : !oy@3 ;e re"lied: 3Ees: Sir#3 Then the kin% asked: 3;ave yo !een ta %ht !y yo r father@3 3Ees:3 he re"lied# 2 The kin% said: 3Bo yo kno$ ho$ "eo"le: after de"artin% from this life: "roceed on different "aths@3 3No:3 he re"lied# 3Bo yo kno$ ho$ they ret rn to this $orld@3 3No:3 he re"lied# 3Bo yo kno$ $hy the other $orld is never filled " even tho %h so many "eo"le %o there a%ain and a%ain@3 3No:3 he re"lied# 3Bo yo kno$ after ho$ many offerin%s of o!lations the $ater (the li7 id o!lation' !ecomes endo$ed $ith a h man voice: rises " and s"eaks@3 3No:3 he re"lied# 3Bo yo kno$ the means of access to the "ath leadin% to the %ods or to that leadin% to the Manes: that is to say: thro %h $hat deeds men attain the "ath leadin% to the %ods or that leadin% to the Manes@ =e have heard the follo$in% $ords of the Mantra: S- have heard of the t$o "aths for men: one leadin%

to the Manes and the other to the %ods# Foin% alon% them they (de"arted so ls' are nited $ith their destination# They (the "aths' lie !et$een the father (heaven' and the mother (earth'#C Svetaket said: 3- do not kno$ even one of these#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, Then the kin% invited him to stay# 2 t the !oy: disre%ardin% the invitation: h rried a$ay# ;e $ent to his father and said: 3Bid yo not tell me !efore that yo had f lly instr cted me@3 3=hat then: my intelli%ent child@3 3That fello$ of a kshatriya asked me five 7 estions and - did not kno$ one of them#3 3=hat $ere they@3 3These:3 said Svetaket and he recited them# 4 The father said: 3My child: !elieve me: $hatever - myself kne$: - told yo # 2 t come: let s %o there and live as reli%io s st dents (!rahmachirins'#3 3Eo may %o: Sir:3 the son re"lied# Then Fa tama $ent to $here +in% *ravahana: the son of >ivala: $as %ivin% a dience# The kin% offered him a seat: ordered $ater for him and made him the reverential offerin%# Then he said: 3Hevered Fa tama: $e $ill %ive yo a !oon#3 / Fa tama said: 3Eo have "romised me this !oon# No$ "lease tell me $hat yo s"oke a!o t to my !oy#3 1 The kin% said: 3Ah: those are divine !oons: Fa tama# *lease ask a h man !oon#3 7 Fa tama said: 3Eo kno$ $ell that - have %old: co$s: horses: maidservants: retin e and a""arel# *lease do not !e n%enero s to$ards me in re%ard to that %ift $hich is "lentif l: infinite and in<eDha sti!le#3 The kin% said: 3Then: verily: 5 Fa tama: yo sho ld ask it in the "rescri!ed $ay#3 Fa tama re"lied: 3- a""roach yo as a disci"le#3 The ancients sed to a""roach a teacher thro %h mere declaration# So Fa tama lived $ith the kin% !y merely anno ncin% that he $as a st dent# .

The kin% said: 3*lease do not !e offended $ith s even as yo r "aternal %randfather $as not offended $ith o rs# 2efore no$ this kno$led%e never rested $ith a !rahmin# 2 t - shall teach it to yo : for $ho can ref se yo $hen yo s"eak like this@ So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

0 3Eonder $orld is the sacrificial fire: the s n is its f el: the rays its smoke: the day its flame: the fo r 7 arters its cinders and the intermediate 7 arters its s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer faith as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% +in% Moon is !orn# 10 3*ar9anya (the %od of rain': 5 Fa tama: is the fire: the year is its f el: the clo ds its smoke: li%htnin% its flame: the th nder!olt its cinders: the r m!lin% its s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer +in% Moon as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% rain is "rod ced# 11 3This $orld: 5 Fa tama: is the fire: the earth is its f el: fire its smoke: the ni%ht its flame: the moon its cinders: the stars its s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer rain as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% food is "rod ced# 12 3Man: 5 Fa tama: is the fire: the o"en mo th is its f el: the vital !reath its smoke: s"eech its flame: the eye its cinders and the ear its s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer food as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% semen is "rod ced# 1, 3=oman: 5 Fa tama: is the fire: her seD al or%an is the f el: the hairs the smoke: the v lva the flame: seD al interco rse the cinders: en9oyment the s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer semen as li!ation# 5 t of this offerin% a man is !orn# ;e lives as lon% as he is to live# Then: $hen he dies: 14 3They carry him to !e offered in the fire# The fire !ecomes his fire: the f el his f el: the smoke his smoke: the flame his flame: the cinders his cinders and the s"arks his s"arks# -n this fire the %ods offer the man as li!ation# 5 t of this offerin% the man emer%es in radiant s"lendo r# 1/ 3Those even amon% ho seholders $ho kno$ this: as descri!ed

and those too $ho: livin% in the forest: meditate $ith faith "on the Satya 2rahman (;iranya%ar!ha': reach the deity identified So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

$ith flame: from him the deity of the day: from him the deity of' the fortni%ht in $hich the moon $aDes: from him the deities of the siD months d rin% $hich the s n travels north$ard: from them the deity identified $ith the $orld of the %ods (devaloka': from him the s n: from the s n the deity of li%htnin%# Then a !ein% created from the mind of ;iranya%ar!ha comes and leads them to the $orlds of 2rahmin# -n those $orlds of 2rahma they !ecome eDalted and live for many years# They no more ret rn to this $orld# 11 32 t those $ho con7 er the $orlds thro %h sacrifices: charity and a sterity reach the deity of smoke: from smoke: the deity of the ni%ht: from ni%ht the deity of the fortni%ht in $hich the moon $anes: from the decreasin% half of the moon the deities of the siD months d rin% $hich the s n travels so th$ard: from these months the deity of the $orld of the Manes and from the $orld of the Manes: the moon# Heachin% the moon they !ecome food# There the %ods en9oy them: 9 st as here the "riests drink the shinin% soma 9 ice<sayin% as it $ere: 3?lo rish: d$indle#3 And $hen their "ast $ork is eDha sted they reach this very akasa: from the akasa they reach the air: from the air rain: from rain the earth# Heachin% the earth they !ecome food# Then they are a%ain offered in the fire of man and thence in the fire of $oman# 5 t of the fire of $oman they are !orn and "erform rites $ith a vie$ to %oin% to other $orlds# Th s do they rotate# 3Those: ho$ever: $ho do not kno$ these t$o $ays !ecome insects and moths and those creat res $hich often !ite (i#e# mos7 itoes and %nats'#3 )ha"ter ---<Hites for the Attainment of =ealth 1 =hoever $ishes to attain %reatness (i#e# $ealth for "erformin% sacrificial rites' sho ld act as follo$s: 5n an a s"icio s day of the fortni%ht in $hich the moon $aDes: nder a constellation !earin% a masc line name: d rin% the north$ard 9o rney of the s n: he sho ld ndertake for t$elve days a vo$ connected $ith the ("asads: %ather in a c " or a !o$l made of fi% $ood all the her!s and their %rains: s$ee" and "laster the %ro nd: lay the fire: s"read the k sa %rass: " rify the offerin% (clarified ! tter' accordin% to the r les: "lace !et$een himself and the fire the mantha (the "aste made of those her!s etc#' and offer o!lations $ith the follo$in% mantras: 35 ?ire: to all those %ods nder yo $ho s"itef lly slay menCs

desires: - offer their share# May they !e satisfied and satisfy me $ith all the o!9ects of my desire6 Svaha6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3To that deity $ho t rns o t to !e s"itef l nder yo r "rotection: thinkin% that she is the s ""ort of all: - offer this stream of clarified ! tter# Svaha63 2 3Svaha to the oldest: svaha to the %reatest63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the vital !reath ("rana': svaha to the vasishtha (the most eDcellent'63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the or%an of s"eech: svaha to that $hich has steadiness63 < tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the eye: svaha to "ros"erity63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the ear: svaha to the a!ode63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the mind: svaha to "rocreation ("ra9ati'63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# 3Svaha to the or%an of %eneration63< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste (mantha'# , 3Svaha to fire3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the moon3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the earth3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the sky3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to heaven3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to earth: sky and heaven3< tterin% these $ords: he

offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3Svaha to the !rahmin3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the kshatriya3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the "ast3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the f t re3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to the niverse3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to all3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 3Svaha to *ra9a"ati3< tterin% these $ords: he offers an o!lation in the fire and lets the remainder adherin% to the ladle dri" into the "aste# 4 Then he to ches the "aste: tterin% the mantra: 3Eo move as the vital !reathA yo ! m as fireA yo are infinite as 2rahmanA yo are nshaken as the sky# Eo are the meetin%<"lace of all# Eo are the so nd hin% and are ttered as hin% in the sacrifice !y the "rastotri# Eo are the (d%itha and are chanted !y the d%atri# Eo are recited !y the adhvary and recited !ack !y the a%nidhra# Eo are f lly a!laIe in the moist clo d# Eo are omni"resent and the r ler# Eo are food as the moon and li%ht as fire# Eo are death and yo are that in $hich all thin%s mer%e#3 / Then he raises the "aste: sayin%: 3As the vital !reath yo kno$ allA $e too are a$are of yo r %reatness as the vital !reath# The vital !reath is the kin%: the r ler: the soverei%n# May it make me kin%: r ler and soverei%n#3 1 Then he eats the "aste: sayin%: STat savit rvarenyamC (SThat adora!le li%htC'<CThe $inds !lo$ s$eetly (madh ': the rivers "o r forth s$eetness (madh 'A may the her!s !e s$eet (madh ' nto s6C SSvaha to the earth (2h h'#

S2har%o devasya dhimahiC<(S5f the radiant s n: =e meditate "onC '<CMay the ni%hts and days !e s$eet (madh ': may the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

d st of the earth !e s$eet (madh ': may heaven: o r father: !e s$eet (madh '6C SSvaha to the sky (2h vah'#C SBhiyo yo nah "rachodayitC (SMay ;e stim late o r intellectC'< SMay the soma cree"er !e s$eet (madh ' nto s: may the s n !e s$eet (madh ': may the 7 arters !e filled $ith s$eetness (madh ' for s6C SSvaha to heaven (Svah'#C Then he re"eats the $hole Fayatri and all the verses a!o t s$eetness (madh mati' and says at the end: 3May - !e all this6 Svaha to earth: sky and heaven# Then he eats all that is left of the "aste: $ashes his hands and lies do$n !ehind the fire $ith his head to the east# -n the mornin% he sal tes the s n sayin%: 3Eo are the one non<d al and !est lot s of the 7 artersA may - !e the one lot s amon% men# Then he ret rns the $ay he $ent: sits !ehind the fire and re"eats the line of teachers# 7 (ddalaka: the son of Ar na: ta %ht this to his " "il 8i9asaneya Ea9navalkya and said: 3Sho ld 5ne "o r it (the "aste' even 5n a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 . Then 8a9asaneya Ea9navalkya ta %ht this to his " "il Madh ka: the son of *ain%i and said: 3Sho ld one "o r it even on a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 0 Then Madh ka: the son of *ain%i: ta %ht this to his " "il )h la: the son of 2ha%avitta and said: 3Sho ld one "o r it even on a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 10 Then )h la: the son of 2ha%avitta: ta %ht this to his disci"le >anaki: the son of Ayasth na and said: 3Sho ld 5ne "o r it even on a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 11 Then >anaki: the son of Ayasth na: ta %ht this to his " "il Satyakama: the son of >a!ala and said: 3Sho ld one "o r it even on a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin%

forth#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 And Satyakama: the son of >a!ala: ta %ht this to his " "ils and said: 3Sho ld one "o r it even on a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 5ne m st not teach this to anyone ! t a son or a " "il# 1, ?o r articles are made of fi% $ood: the sacrificial ladle: the !o$l: the f el and the t$o miDin%<rods# The c ltivated %rains are ten in n m!er: Hice: !arley: sesam m: !eans: millet (an ': "anic seeds ("riyan% ': $heat: lentils: " lse and vetch# They sho ld !e cr shed and soaked in c rds: honey and clarified ! tter and offered as an o!lation# )ha"ter -8<)once"tion and 2irth as Heli%io s Hites 1 The earth is verily the essence of all these !ein%s: $ater is the essence of the earth: her!s of $ater: flo$ers of her!s: fr its of flo$ers: man of fr its and semen is the essence of man# 2 *ra9a"ati said to ;imself: 3=ell: let Me make a firm !asis for it (semen'#3 So ;e created $oman# ;avin% created her: ;e "laced her !elo$ and $orshi""ed her# Therefore one sho ld $orshi" a $oman: "lacin% her !elo$# ;e (*ra9a"ati' eDtended ;is or%an that "ro9ects and $ith it im"re%nated her# , ;er la" is the sacrificial altar: her hair the sacrificial %rass: her skin $ithin the or%an the li%hted fireA the t$o la!ia of the v lva are the t$o stones of the soma<"ress# ;e $ho: kno$in% this: "ractises seD al interco rse $ins as %reat a $orld as is $on thro %h the 8i9a"eya sacrificeA he ac7 ires for himself the fr it of the %ood deeds of the $oman# 2 t he $ho: $itho t kno$in% this: "ractises seD al interco rse t rns over to the $oman his o$n %ood deeds# 4

;avin% kno$n this: (ddalaka the son of Ar na: Naka the son of M d%ala and + mara<harita said: 3Many mortals: !rahmins only in name: "erform the seD al act $itho t So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

kno$led%e of $hat has !een said and de"art from this $orld im"otent and $itho t merit#3 Gven if this m ch semen<of one aslee" or of one a$ake<is s"illed: / ;e sho ld to ch it and re"eat the follo$in% mantra: 3=hatever semen of mine has s"ilt on earth: $hatever has flo$ed to "lants: $hatever to $ater: - reclaim it#3 =ith these $ords he sho ld take the semen $ith his rin% fin%er and th m! and r ! it !et$een his !reasts or eye!ro$s: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3&et the semen ret rn to me: let 8i%o r come to me a%ain: let %lo$ and %ood fort ne come to me a%ain# May the deities $ho d$ell in the sacrificial fire " t the semen !ack in its "ro"er "lace#3 1 No$: if a man sees himself (his reflection' in $ater: he sho ld recite the follo$in% mantra: 3May the %ods !esto$ on me vi%o r: manhood: fame: $ealth and merit#3 -n "raise of the $ife $ho $ill !ear him a son: She (his $ife' has " t on the soiled clothes of im" rityA she is: verily: loveliness amon% $omen# Therefore $hen she has removed the clothes of im" rity and a""ears !ea tif l: he sho ld a""roach her and s"eak to her# 7 -f she does not $illin%ly yield her !ody to him: he sho ld ! y her $ith "resents# -f she is still nyieldin%: he sho ld strike her $ith a stick or $ith his hand and overcome her: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3=ith "o$er and %lory - take a$ay yo r %lory#3 Th s she !ecomes discredited# . -f she %rants his desire: he sho ld re"eat the follo$in% mantra: 3=ith "o$er and %lory - %ive yo %lory#3 Th s they !oth !ecome %lorio s#

0 -f a man desires his $ife $ith the tho %ht: 3May she en9oy love $ith me:3 then: after insertin% the mem!er in her: 9oinin% mo th to mo th and strokin% her or%an: he sho ld tter the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

follo$in% mantra: 35 semen: yo have !een "rod ced from my every lim!: es"ecially from my heart thro %h the essence of food yo are the essence of the lim!s# 2rin% this $oman nder my control: like a deer "ierced !y a "oisoned arro$#3 10 No$: the $ife $hom he desires $ith the tho %ht: 3May she not conceive3<after insertin% the mem!er in her and 9oinin% mo th to mo th: he sho ld inhale and then eDhale: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3=ith "o$er: $ith semen: - reclaim the semen from yo #3 Th s she comes to !e $itho t semen# 11 No$: the $ife $hom he desires $ith the tho %ht: 3May she conceive3<after insertin% the mem!er in her and 9oinin% mo th to mo th: he sho ld inhale and then eDhale: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3=ith "o$er: $ith semen: - de"osit semen in yo #3 Th s she verily !ecomes "re%nant# 12 No$: if a manCs $ife has a "aramo r $hom he detests: he sho ld "erform the follo$in% rite in order to cast an evil s"ell "on him: &et him " t fire in an n!aked earthen vessel: s"read stalks of reed and k sa %rass inversely and offer in the sacrificial fire the reed ti"s: soaked in clarified ! tter: inversely: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3Eo have made a li!ation in my kindled fire6 - take a$ay yo r "rana and a"ana: yo : UUUUUUU6 ;ere the name of the evil< doer sho ld !e ttered# Eo have made a li!ation in my kindled fire6 - take a$ay yo r sons and cattle: yo : UUUUUUU6 Eo have made a li!ation in my kindled fire6 - take a$ay yo r 8edic rites and those done accordin% to the Smritis: yo : UUUUUUU6 Eo have made a li!ation in my kindled fire6 - take a$ay yo r ho"es and eD"ectations: yo : UUUUUUU ;e $hom a !rahmin $ho kno$s this rite c rses: de"arts from this $orld im"otent and shorn of merit# Therefore let no one even 9oke $ith the $ife of a 8edic scholar $ho kno$s this riteA for he $ho has this kno$led%e is a dan%ero s enemy#

1, -f a manCs $ife has the monthly sickness: she sho ld for three days drink $ater from a c " made of !ell metal# &et no s dra So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

man or $oman to ch her# After three ni%hts she sho ld !athe: " t on a ne$ cloth and her h s!and sho ld make her thresh rice# 14 -f a man $ishes that a son $ith a fair com"leDion sho ld !e !orn to him: that he sho ld st dy one 8eda and that he sho ld attain a f ll term of life: then they (h s!and and $ife' sho ld have rice cooked in milk and eat it $ith clarified ! tter# Th s they sho ld !e a!le to !e%et s ch a son# 1/ -f a man $ishes that a son $ith a ta$ny or !ro$n com"leDion sho ld !e !orn to him: that he sho ld st dy t$o 8edas and that he sho ld attain a f ll term of life: then they sho ld have rice cooked in c rds and eat it $ith clarified ! tter# Th s they sho ld !e a!le to !e%et s ch a son# 11 -f a man $ishes that a son $ith a dark com"leDion and red eyes sho ld !e !orn to him: that he sho ld st dy three 8edas and that he sho ld attain a f ll term of life: then they sho ld have rice cooked in $ater and eat it $ith clarified ! tter# Th s they sho ld !e a!le to !e%et s ch a son# 17 -f a man $ishes that a da %hter sho ld !e !orn to him $ho $ill !e a scholar and attain a f ll term of life: then they sho ld have rice cooked $ith sesam m and eat it $ith clarified ! tter# Th s they sho ld !e a!le to !e%et s ch a da %hter# 1. -f a man $ishes that a son sho ld !e !orn to him $ho $ill !e a famo s scholar: fre7 entin% assem!lies and s"eakin% deli%htf l $ords: a st dent of all the 8edas and an en9oyer of the f ll term of life: he sho ld have rice cooked $ith the meat of a yo n% ! ll or of one more advanced in years and he and his $ife sho ld eat it $ith clarified ! tter# Then they sho ld !e a!le to !e%et s ch a son# 10 No$: to$ards mornin% he " rifies the clarified ! tter accordin%

to the r les of Sthali"aka and offers Sthali"aka o!lations re"eatedly: sayin%: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3Svaha to fire6 Svaha to An mati6 Svaha to the radiant s n: $ho "rod ces infalli!le res lts63 ;avin% made the offerin%: he takes " the remnant of the cooked food: eats "art of it and %ives the rest to his $ife# Then he $ashes his hands: fills the $ater<vessel and s"rinkles her thrice $ith $ater: tterin% once this mantra: 3Fet " from here: 5 8isvavas 6 Seek another yo n% $oman: a $ife $ith her h s!and#3 20 Then he em!races her: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: - am the vital !reath and yo are s"eech# Eo are s"eech and am the vital !reath# - am Saman and yo are Hi%A - am heaven and yo are earth# )ome: let s strive to%ether so that $e may have a male child#3 21 Then he s"reads a"art her thi%hs: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3S"read yo rselves a"art: ;eaven and Garth#3 -nsertin% the mem!er in her and 9oinin% mo th to mo th: he strokes her three times from head to foot: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra: 3&et 8ishn make the $om! ca"a!le of !earin% a son6 &et Tvashtra sha"e the vario s lim!s of the child6 &et *ra9a"ati "o r in the semen6 &et Bhatra s ""ort the em!ryo6 5 Sinivali: make her conceiveA 5 %oddess $hose %lory is $ides"read: make her conceive6 May the t$o Atvins: %arlanded $ith lot ses: s ""ort the em!ryo6 22 3&et the t$o Atvins ch m the $om! $ith the t$o %olden arani sticks6 - am "lacin% a seed in yo r $om! to !e delivered in the tenth month# As the earth has fire in its $om!: as heaven is "re%nant $ith the s n: as the 7 arters are im"re%nated !y air: so - am im"re%natin% yo !y "lacin% this seed in yo r $om!#3 After the recitin% of the mantra: he tters his o$n name and that of his $ife and "laces the seed# 2, =hen she is a!o t to deliver the child: he s"rinkles her $ith $ater: re"eatin% the follo$in% mantra:

3As the $ind a%itates a "ond on every side: even so let yo r foet s stir and come o t alon% $ith the chorion# -ndra ("rana' made a "ath $hen the seed entered the $om!# 5 -ndra: follo$ So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

that "ath and come o t $ith the foet s and the coverin% and ca se also the after !irth to come forth $ith the !a!e#3 24 =hen the son is !orn: he sho ld li%ht a fire: take the child on his la": " t a miDt re of c rds and clarified ! tter in a !ell< metal c " and offer o!lations in the fire re"eatedly: tterin% the mantra: 3May - increase as the son in my o$n home and s ""ort a tho sand "eo"le6 May the Foddess of ?ort ne never de"art: $ith children and cattle: from his line6 Svaha6 The vital !reath that is in me: - mentally offer to yo # Svaha6 -f - have done anythin% too m ch or too little in this ceremony: may the all< kno$in% and hi%hly !eneficent fire make it 9 st ri%ht and "ro"er for me# Svaha63 2/ The: " ttin% his month to the childCs ri%ht ear: he sho ld say thrice: 3S"eech6 S"eech63 NeDt he $o ld miD to%ether c rds: honey and clarified ! tter and feed the child $ith a %olden stick $hich is not "laced inside the month: sayin% these mantras: 3- " t the earth (2h h' into yo A - " t the sky (2h vah' into yo A - " t heaven (Svah' into yo # The $hole of earth: sky and heaven - " t into yo #3 21 Then he (the father' %ives him (the son' a name: SEo are the 8eda (kno$led%e'#3 That is his secret name# 27 Then he "resents him to the mother to %ive him her !reast: tterin% the mantra: 35 Sarasvati: that !reast of thine $hich is fr itf l: the s stainer of all: f ll of milk: the !esto$er of $ealth and %enero s and !y $hich tho no rishest all $ho are $orthy<transfer that !reast here to my $ife: for my child to s ck# 2. Then he addresses the mother of the child th s: SEo are the adora!le Ar ndhati: the $ife of 8asishtha and $ith me: $ho am a man: as yo r "artner yo have !ro %ht forth a male child# 2e the mother of many male children: for yo

have %iven s a son# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8<The &ine of Teachers 1 No$ the line of teachers: The son of *a timashi received this kno$led%e from the son of +atyayani# The son of +atyayani from the son of Fa tami# The son of Fa tami from the son of 2haradva9i# The son of 2haradva9i from the son of *arasari# The son of *arasari from the son of A "asvasti# The son of A "asvasti from the son of another *arasari# The son of this *arasari from the son of +atyayani# The son of +atyayani from the son of +a siki# The son of +a siki from the son of Alam!i and the son of 8aiya%hra"adi# The son of 8aiya%hra"adi from the son of +anvi and the son of +a"i# The son of +a"i 2 ?rom the son of Atreyi# The son of Atreyi from the son of Fa tami# The son of Fa tami from the son of 2haradva9i# The son of 2haradva9i from the son of *arasari# The son of *arasari from the son of 8atsi# The son of 8atsi from the son of another *arasan## The son of this *arasan from the son of 8arkar ni# The son of 8arkar ni from the son of another 8arkar ni# The son of this 8arkar ni from the son of Arta!!a%i# The son of Arta!!a%i from the son of Sa n%i# The son of Sa n%i from the son of Sankriti# The son of Sankriti from the son of Alam!ayani# The son of Alam!ayani from the son of Alam!i# The son of Alam!i from the son of >ayanti# The son of >ayanti from the son of Mand kayani# The son of Mand kayani from the son of Mand ki# The son of Mand ki from the son of Sandili# The son of Sandili from the son of Hathitari# The son of Hathitari from the son of 2hal ki# The son of 2hal ki from the t$o sons of +ra nchiki# The t$o sons of +ra nchiki from the son of 8aida!hriti# The son of 8aida!hriti from the son of +arsakeyi# The son of +arsakeyi from the son of *rachinayo%i# The son of *rachinayo%i from the son of San9ivi# The son of San9ivi from As rivasin: $ho $as the son of *rasni# The son of *rasni from As rayana# As rayana from As ri# As ri , ?rom Ea9navalkya# Ea9navalkya from (ddalaka# (ddalaka from Ar na# Ar na from ("avesi# ("avesi from + sri# + sri from 8a9asravas# 8a9asravas from >ihvavat: the son of 2adhyo%a# >ihvavat: the son of 2adhyo%a: from Asita: the son of 8arsha%ana# Asita: the son of 8arsha%ana: from ;arita +asya"a# ;arita +asya"a from Sil"a +asya"a# Sil"a +asya"a

from +asya"a: the son of Nidhr va# +asya"a: the son of Nidhr va: from 8ach# 8ach from Am!hini# Am!hini from the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

s n# These $hite Ea9 ses (sacrificial form las not vitiated !y h man !lemishes' are eD"lained !y Ea9navalkya: !elon%in% to the 8a9asaneyi school# 4 The line of teachers is the same " to the son of San9ivi# The son of San9ivi received this kno$led%e from Mand kayani# Mand kayani from Mandavya# Mandavya from +a tsa# +a tsa from Mahitthi# Mahitthi from 8amakakshiyana# 8amakakshiyana from Sandilya# Sandilya from 8atsya# 8atsya from + sri# + sri from Ea9navachas: the son of Ha9astam!a# Ea9navachas: the son of Ha9astam!a: from T ra: the son of +avashi# T ra: the son of +avashi: from *ra9a"ati (;iranya%ar!ha'# *ra9a"ati received this kno$led%e from his relationshi" to 2rahman (the 8edas'# 2rahman is self< eDistent# Sal tation to 2rahman# Gnd of 2rihadaranyaka ("anishad The *eace )hant 5m# That is f llA this is f ll# This f llness has !een "ro9ected from that f llness# =hen this f llness mer%es in that f llness: all that remains is f llness# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Taittiriya ("anishad *art 5ne 5n Siksha or *ron nciation )ha"ter -<-nvocation ;arih 5m# May Mitra !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ar na !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May Aryaman !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May -ndra and 2rihas"ati !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ishn : of $ide strides: !e "ro"itio s nto s6 Sal tation to 2rahman6 Sal tation to Thee: 5 8ay 6 Tho indeed art the visi!le 2rahman# Thee indeed - shall "roclaim as the visi!le 2rahman# Thee indeed: 5 8ay : - shall "roclaim as the ri%ht# Thee indeed - shall "roclaim as the tr e# May -t "rotect me6 May -t "rotect the teacher6 May -t "rotect me6 May -t "rotect the teacher6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 )ha"ter --<&esson on *ron nciation 5m# =e $ill eD"o nd siksha: or the science of "ron nciation# -t deals $ith so nd: "itch: 7 antity: force: mod lation and com!ination# Th s is eD"lained the lesson on "ron nciation# )ha"ter ---<Meditation on the )om!inations 1 May %lory come on !oth of s to%ether6 May the li%ht of 2rahman shine alike thro %h !oth of s6 No$ $e $ill eD"lain the ("anishad on the Samhita (com!inations' nder five heads: $ith re%ards to the $orlds: the heavenly li%hts: kno$led%e: "ro%eny and the atman (!ody'# *eo"le call these the %reat Samhitas# ?irst: $ith re%ard to the $orlds: The earth is the first form: heaven is the last from: the akasa is the nion and the air is the medi m# Th s $ith re%ard to the $orlds# 2 NeDt: $ith re%ard to the heavenly li%hts: ?ire is the first form: the s n is the second form: $ater is the nion and li%htnin% is the medi m# Th s $ith re%ard to the heavenly li%hts# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, NeDt: $ith re%ard to kno$led%e: The teacher is the first form: the " "il is the second form: kno$led%e is the nion and the recitation is the medi m# Th s $ith re%ard to kno$led%e# 4 NeDt: $ith re%ard to "ro%eny: The mother is the first form: the father is the second form: the "ro%eny is the nion and "rocreation is the medi m# Th s $ith re%ard to the "ro%eny# / NeDt: $ith re%ard to atman: The lo$er 9a$ is the first form: the ""er 9a$ is the second form: the s"eech is the nion and the ton% e is the medi m# Th s $ith re%ard to the atman# 1 There are the %reat Samhitas# ;e $ho meditates on these Samhitas: as here eD"lained: !ecomes nited $ith "ro%eny: cattle: the li%ht of 2rahman: food and the heavenly $orld# )ha"ter -8<*rayer for =isdom and ?ort ne 1 May ;e $ho is the ! ll of the 8edic hymns: $ho ass mes all forms: $ho has s"r n% from the immortal hymns of the 8edas<may that that -ndra cheer me $ith $isdom# 5 Fod: may - !e the "ossessor of immortality6 May my !ody !e com"etentA may my ton% e !e eDceedin%ly s$eetA may - hear a! ndantly $ith my ears# Tho art the sheath of 2rahman: concealed !y intelli%ence# F ard for me $hat have learnt# 2 5m# NeDt !rin% me: $itho t delay: fort ne accom"anied !y $ool and cattle<fort ne $hich al$ays "rovides me $ith clothes and cattle: food and drink# -ncrease them $hen they have !een ac7 ired and "reserve them lon% $hen increased# Svaha6 May !rahmacharins come to me vario sly6 Svaha6 May !rahmacharins come to me6# Svaha6 May !rahmacharins "ractise self<control6 Svaha6 May !rahmacharins en9oy "eace6 Svaha6

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, May - !ecome famo s amon% men6 Svaha6 May - !ecome richer than the rich6 Svaha6 5 %racio s &ord: may - enter into Thee6 Svaha6 May Tho : 5 %racio s &ord: enter into me6 Svaha6 5 &ord: - am cleansin% my sins in that Self of Thine: $hich is like a river of a tho sand !ranches# Svaha6 5 *reserver: as $aters flo$ do$n$ard: as the months er%e in the year: so may !rahmacharins come to me from all directions6 Svaha6 Tho art a ref %e# To me do Tho shine forth# Acce"t me nto Thyself com"letely# )ha"ter 8<?o r Mystical (tterances 2h h: 2h vah: S vah<these are: verily: the three tterances# 2esides these there is a forth: called Mah$ah: $hich !ecame kno$n to the son of Mahachamasa# That is 2rahman: that is the Self# The other %ods are its lim!s# 2h h is: verily: this $orldA 2h vah: the mid<re%ionA S vah: the $orld yonderA Mahah: the s n# Thro %h the s n: indeed: do all the $orlds !ecome %reat# 2h h is: verily: fireA 2h vah: the airA S vah: the s nA Mahah: the moon# 2y the moon: indeed: do all the heavenly li%hts !ecome %reat# 2h h is: verily: the Hik<versesA 2h vah: the SamanA S vah: the Ea9 sA Mahah: 2rahman# 2y 2rahman: indeed: do all the 8edas !ecome %reat# 2h h is: verily: the "rana: 2h vah: the a"anaA S vah: the vyanaA Mahah: food# 2y food: indeed: do all the !reaths !ecome %reat# They: these fo r: !ecome fo rfold# ?o r and fo r are the vyahritis# ;e $ho kno$s these kno$s 2rahman# All the %ods !rin% offerin%s to him# )ha"ter 8-<Meditation on Sa% na 2rahman 1 There is a s"ace $ithin the heartA in it lies the *erson consistin% of mind: immortal and l mino s# The S sh mna "asses thro %h the "iece of flesh $hich han%s do$n like a ni""le !et$een the t$o "alates and ends $here the sk ll s"lits and the roots of hair lie a"art# That S sh mna is the "ath for the realisation of -ndra# The so ls of the as"irants:

"assin% thro %h the S sh mna: rests in fire: re"resented !y the vyahriti 2h hA the rests in the air: re"resented !y the vyahriti 2h vah# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e rests in the s n: re"resented !y the vyahriti S vahA he rests in 2rahman: re"resented !y the vyahriti Mahah# ;e attains self<r le# ;e attains the lordshi" of the mindA he attains the lordshi" of s"eechA he attains the lordshi" of si%htA he attains the lordshi" of hearin%A he attains the lordshi" of intelli%ence# ? rthermore: he !ecomes this<he !ecomes 2rahman: $hose !ody is s"ace: $hose nat re is tr e: $ho deli%hts in life and re9oices in the mid: $ho a!o nds in "eace: $ho is immortal# Th s do tho : 5 *rachinayo%ya: contem"late# )ha"ter 8--<Meditation on the ?ivefold Nat re and -ndivid al Garth: the mid<re%ion: heaven: the 7 arters and the intermediate 7 arters# A%ni (fire': 8ay (air': Aditya (s n': )handrama (moon' and the Nakshatras (stars'# =ater: her!s: tree: s"ace and the !ody# So m ch $ith reference to material o!9ects# No$ $ith reference to the !ody: The "rana: vyana: a"ana: dana and samanaA the eye: the ear: the mind s"eech and to chA the skin: flesh: m scle: !one and marro$# ;avin% th s ordained: a rishi said: 3=hatever eDists is fivefold#3 Thro %h the fivefold one !ecomes nited $ith the fivefold material o!9ect# )ha"ter 8---<Meditation on 5m 5n is 2rahman# 5m is all this# This sylla!le 5m is sed to indicate com"liance# =hen they are told: 35m: recite:3 they recite# (tterin% 5m: they sin% the Saman chants# =ith 35m: Som:3 they recite the "rayers# (tterin% 5m: the adhvary "riest %ives the res"onse# (tterin% 5m: the 2rahma %ives assent# (tterin% 5m: %ives "ermission to offer o!lations in the A%nihotra sacrifice# =hen a 8edic teacher $ishes to o!tain 2rahman he tters 5mA th s desirin% 2rahman: he verily o!tains 2rahman# )ha"ter -M<Bisci"lines The disci"lines are ri%htness and also the learnin% and teachin%A tr th and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA a sterity and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA self<control and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA tran7 illity and

also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA the kindlin% of sacrificial fires and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA the "erformance of the A%nihotra sacrifice and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA hos"itality to % ests and also the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA the "erfromance of social d ties and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA "rocreation and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edasA "ro"a%ation of the race and also the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edas# Bifferin% vie$s on the s !9ect: Tr th alone: accordin% to Satyvachas of the line of Hathitara: sho ld !e "ractisedA a sterity alone: accordin% to Ta"onitya the son of * r sishtiA accordin% to Naka the son of M d%alya: the learnin% and teachin% of the 8edas alone: for that is a sterity# )ha"ter M<A Mantra for Baily Meditation - am the mover of the tree of the niverse# My fame rises hi%h: like a mo ntain "eak# My root is the S "remely * re 2rahman# - am the nstained essence of the Self: like the nectar of immortality that resides in the s n# - am the !ri%htest treas re# am the shinnin% $isdom# - am immortal and ndecayin%# Th s did Trisank "roclaim after the attainment of the +no$led%e of the Self of the Self# )ha"ter M-<GDhortation to the Be"artin% St dent 1 ;avin% ta %ht the 8edas: the teacher th s instr cts the " "il: S"eak the tr th# *ractise dharma# Bo not ne%lect the st dy of the 8edas# ;avin% !ro %ht to the teacher the %ift desired !y him: enter the ho seholderJs life and see that the line of "ro%eny is not c t off# Bo not s$erve from the tr th# Bo not s$erve from dharma# Bo not ne%lect "ersonal $elfare# Bo not ne%lect "ros"erity# Bo not ne%lect the st dy and teachin% of the 8edas# 2 Bo not ne%lect yo r d ties to the %ods and the Manes# Treat yo r mother as Fod# Treat yo r father as Fod# Treat yo r teacher as Fod# Treat yo r % est as Fod# =hatever deeds are fa ltless: these are to !e "erformed<not others# =hatever %ood $orks have !een "erformed !y s: those sho ld !e "erformed !y yo <not others# , Those !rahmins $ho are s "erior to s<yo sho ld comfort them !y %ivin% them seats#

=hatever is to !e %iven sho ld !e %iven $ith faith: not $itho t faith<accordin% to oneCs "lenty: $ith modesty: $ith fear: $ith sym"athy# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 No$: if there arises in yo r mind any do !t concernin% any act: or any do !t concernin% cond ct: yo sho ld cond ct yo rself in s ch matters as !rahmins $o ld cond ct themselves< !rahmins $ho are com"etent to 9 d%e: $ho of their o$n accord are devoted to %ood deed and are not r%ed to their "erformance !y others and $ho are not too severe: ! t are lovers of dharma# No$: $ith re%ards to "ersons s"oken a%ainst: yo sho ld cond ct yo rself in s ch a $ay as !rahmins $o ld cond ct themselves<!rahmins $ho are com"etent to 9 d%e: $ho of their o$n accord are devoted to %ood deeds and are not r%ed to their "erformance !y others and $ho are not too severe: ! t are lovers of dharma# This is the r le# This is the teachin%# This is the secret $isdom of the 8edas# This is the command of Fod# This yo sho ld o!serve# This alone sho ld !e o!served# )ha"ter M--<The *eace )hant May Mitra !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ar na !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May Aryaman !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May -ndra and 2rihas"ati !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ishn : of $ide strides: !e "ro"itio s nto s6 Sal tation to 2rahman6 Sal tation to Thee: 5 8ay 6 Tho indeed art the visi!le 2rahman# Thee indeed - "roclaimed as the visi!le 2rahman# - "roclaimed the ri%ht# - "roclaimed the tr e# That "rotected me# That "rotected the teacher# Ay: that "rotected me: that "rotected the teacher# 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 *art T$o 5n 2rahmananda or the 2liss of 2rahman )ha"ter -<The Sheath of ?ood 1 5m# May Mitra !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ar na !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May Aryaman !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May -ndra and 2rihas"ati !e "ro"itio s nto s6 May 8ishn : of $ide strides: !e "ro"itio s nto s6 Sal tation to 2rahman6 Sal tation to Thee: 5 8ay 6 Tho indeed art the visi!le 2rahman# Thee indeed: 5 8ay : - shall "roclaim as the ri%ht6 Thee indeed: - shall "roclaim as the tr e6

May -t "rotect me6 May -t "rotect the teacher6 May -t "rotect me6 May -t "rotect the teacher6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill<feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 , 5m# ;e $ho kno$s 2rahman attains the S "reme# 5n the a!ove: the follo$in% mantra is recorded: Q;e $ho kno$s 2rahman $hich is Heality: +no$led%e and -nfinity: hidden in the cave of the heart and in the hi%hest akasa<he: !ein% one $ith the omniscient 2rahman: en9oys sim ltaneo sly all desires#R ?rom the Atman $as !orn akasaA from akasa: airA from air: fireA from fire: $aterA from $ater: earthA from earth: her!sA from her!s: foodA from food: man# ;e: that man: verily consists of the essence of food# This indeed is his head: this ri%ht arm is the ri%ht $in%: this left arm is the left $in%: this tr nk is his !ody: this s ""ort !elo$ the navel is his tail# )ha"ter --<The Sheath of the 8ital 2reath Q?rom food: verily: are "rod ced all creat res<$hatsoever d$ell on earth# 2y food alone: f rthermore: do they live and to food: in the end: do they ret rnA for food alone is the eldest of all !ein%s and therefore: it is called the "anacea for all#R QThey $ho $orshi" food as 2rahman o!tain all food# ?ood alone is the eldest of all !ein%s and therefore it is called the "anacea for all# ?rom food all creat res are !orn: !y food: $hen !orn: they %ro$# 2eca se it is eaten !y !ein%s and !eca se it eats !ein%s: therefore it is called food#R 8erily: different from this: $hich consists of the essence of food: ! t $ithin it: is another self: $hich consists of the vital !reath# 2y this the former is filled# This too has the sha"e of a man# &ike the h man sha"e of the former is the h man sha"e of the latter# *rana: indeed: is its headA vyana is its ri%ht $in%A a"ana is its left $in%A akasa is its tr nkA the earth is its tail: its s ""ort# )ha"ter ---<The Sheath of the Mind 1 QThe %ods !reathe after the "rana: so also do men and cattleA

for the "rana is the life of creat res# Therefore it is called the life of all# Those $ho $orshi" the "rana as 2rahman o!tain a So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

f ll lifeA for the "rana is the life of creat res# Therefore it is called the life of all#R 2 This sheath of the *rana is the em!odied so l of the former# 8erily: different from this sheath: $hich consists of the essence of the "rana: ! t $ithin it: is another self: $hich consists of the mind# 2y this the former is filled# This too has the sha"e of a man# &ike the h man sha"e of the former is the h man sha"e of the latter# The Ea% r<8eda is its head: the Hi%<8eda is its ri%ht $in%: the Sama<8eda is its left $in%: the teachin% is its tr nk: the hymns of Atharva and An%iras are its tail: its s ""ort# )ha"ter -8<The Sheath of the -ntellect 1 Q;e $ho kno$s the 2liss of 2rahman: $hence all $ords to%ether $ith the mind t rn a$ay: na!le to reach it<he never fears#R 2 This sheath of the mind is the em!odied so l of the former# 8erily: the different from this sheath: $hich consists of the essence of the mind: ! t $ithin it: is another self: $hich consists of the intellect# 2y this the former is filled# This too has the sha"e of a man# &ike the h man sha"e of the former is the h man sha"e of the latter# ?aith is it head: $hat is ri%ht is its ri%ht $in%: $hat is tr th is its left $in%: a!sor"tion is its tr nk: Mahat is its tail: its s ""ort# )ha"ter 8<The Sheath of 2liss 1 QThe intellect accom"lishes the sacrificeA it also accom"lishes all actions# All the %ods $orshi" the intellect: $ho is the eldest: as 2rahman#R Q-f a man kno$s the intellect as 2rahman and if he does not s$erve from it: he leaves !ehind in the !ody all evils and attains all his desires#R 2 This is the em!odied so l of the former#

8erily: different from this: $hich consists of the essence of the intellect: ! t $ithin it: is another self: $hich consists of !liss# 2y this the former is filled# This too has the sha"e of a man# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

&ike the h man sha"e of the former is the h man sha"e of the latter# >oy is its head: deli%ht is its ri%ht $in%: %reat deli%ht is its left: !liss is its tr nk# 2rahman is its tail: its s ""ort# )ha"ter 8-<2rahman: The So rce of All Q-f a "erson kno$s 2rahman as non<eDistent: he himself !ecomes non<eDistent# -f he kno$s 2rahman as eDistent: then kno$ him as eDistent#R This is the em!odied so l of the former# There "on the follo$in% 7 estions of the " "il: Boes anyone $ho kno$s not attain that =orld after de"artin% this life@ 5r does he $ho kno$s attain that =orld after de"artin% this life@ ;e desired: QMay - !e many: may - !e !orn# ;e "erformed a sterities# ;avin% "erformed a sterities: ;e created all this< $hatever there is# ;avin% created all this: ;e entered into it# ;avin% entered into it: ;e !ecame !oth the manifested and the nmanifested: !oth the defined and ndefined: !oth the s ""orted and ns ""orted: !oth the intelli%ent and the non< intelli%ent: !oth the real and the nreal# The Satya !ecame all this: $hatever there is# Therefore call -t the Tr e# )ha"ter 8--<2rahman as ?earlessness Q-n the !e%innin% all this $as non<eDistent# ?rom it $as !orn $hat eDists# That created -tself !y -tselfA therefore -t is called the self<made#R That $hich is Self<made is flavo rA for tr ly: on o!tainin% the flavo r one !ecomes !lissf l# =ho co ld direct the "rana and the a"ana if this 2liss did not eDist in the akasa@ 2rahman verily eDists !eca se -t alone !esto$s !liss# =hen a man finds fearless s ""ort in That $hich is invisi!le: incor"oreal: indefina!le and s ""ortless: he has then o!tained fearlessness# -f he makes the sli%htest differentiation in -t: there is fear for him# That !ecomes fear for the kno$er $ho does not reflect# )ha"ter 8---<The S "reme 2liss of 2rahman Q?rom fear of -t the $ind !lo$sA from fear of -t the s n risesA from fear of -t A%ni and -ndra and Beath: the fifth: r n#R No$ this is an in7 iry re%ardin% the 2liss# S ""ose there is a yo n% man<a no!le yo n% man<versed: the !est of r lers: firm in !ody and stron% and "ossesses the $hole $orld: f ll of $ealth: is his: that is one meas re of h man !liss# This h man !liss: m lti"lied on h ndred times: is one meas re

of the !liss of the h man %andharvas: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

This !liss of the h man %andharvas: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of the celestial %andharvas: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# This !liss of the celestial %andharvas: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of the Manes: $ho d$ell in the lon%<end rin% $orld: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# This !liss of the Manes $ho d$ell in the lon%<end rin% $orld: m lti"lied on h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of the %ods !orn in the A9ana heaven: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of the %ods !orn in the A9ana heaven: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of the sacrificial %ods $ho have attained to divinity !y means of sacrifices: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of the sacrificial %ods: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of the %ods: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of the %ods: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of -ndra: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of -ndra: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of 2rihas"ati: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of 2rihas"ati: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of *ra9a"ati: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# The !liss of *ra9a"ati: m lti"lied one h ndred times: is one meas re of the !liss of 2rahma: as also of a man versed in the 8edas and free from desires# ;e $ho is here in man and he $ho is in yonder s n<!oth are one# ;e $ho kno$s this: after dyin% to this $orld: attains the self $hich consists of food: attains the self $hich consist of the vital !reath: attains the self $hich consists of the mind: attains the self $hich consists of intellect: attains the self $hich consists of !liss# )ha"ter -M<The Mer%in% of Food and Gvil in 2rahman Q;e $ho kno$s the 2liss of 2rahman: $hence $ords to%ether $ith the mind t rn a$ay: na!le to reach -t<he is not afraid of anythin% $hatsoever#R ;e does not distress himself $ith the tho %ht: =hy did - not do $hat is %ood@ =hy did - do $hat is evil@ =hosoever kno$s this re%ards !oth these as AtmanA indeed he cherishes !oth these as Atman# S ch: indeed: is the ("anishad: the secret kno$led%e of

2rahman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

The *eace )hant 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill<feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 *art Three He%ardin% 8ar na and 2hri% )ha"ter -<Befinition of 2rahman 5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill<feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 ;arih 5m# 2hri% : the son of 8ar na: a""roached his father 8ar na and said: 38enera!le Sir: teach me a!o t 2rahman#3 To him: the son: he said this: 3?ood: the vital !reath: the eye: the ear: the mind: s"eech#3 To him he said f rther: 3That from $hich these !ein%s are !orn: That !y $hich: $hen !orn: they live: That into $hich they enter: they mer%e<seek to kno$ That# That is 2rahman#3 ;e "erformed a sterities# ;avin% "erformed a sterities< )ha"ter --<The 2ody as 2rahman ;e realised that food is 2rahmanA for from food: verily: are these !ein%s !ornA !y food: $hen !orn: do they liveA into food do they enter: do they mer%e# ;avin% realised this: he a""roached his father a%ain and said: 38enera!le Sir: teach me 2rahman#3 To him: the son: he said this: 3Seek to kno$ 2rahman !y means of a sterities# ?or a sterities are the means of kno$in% 2rahman#3 ;e "ractised a sterities# ;avin% "ractised a sterities< )ha"ter ---<The *rana as 2rahman ;e realised that the "rana is 2rahmanA for from the "rana: verily: are these !ein%s !ornA !y the "rana: $hen !orn: do they

liveA into the "rana do they enter: do they mer%e# ;avin% realised this: he a""roached his father a%ain and said: 38enera!le Sir: teach me 2rahman#3 To him: the son: he said this: 3Seek to kno$ 2rahman !y So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

means of a sterities# ?or a sterities are the means of kno$in% 2rahman#3 ;e "ractised a sterities# ;avin% "ractised a sterities< )ha"ter -8<The Mind as 2rahman ;e realised that the mind is 2rahmanA for from the mind: verily: are these !ein%s !ornA !y the mind: $hen !orn: do they liveA into the mind: at the time of disso l tion: do they enter: do they mer%e# ;avin% realised this: he a""roached his father a%ain and said: 38enera!le Sir: teach me 2rahman#3 To him: the son: he said this: 3Seek to kno$ 2rahman !y means of a steritiesA for a sterities are 2rahman#3 ;e "ractised a sterities# ;avin% "ractised a sterities< )ha"ter 8<The -ntellect as 2rahman ;e realised that the intellect (vi9nana' is 2rahmanA for from the intellect: verily: are these !ein%s !ornA !y the intellect: $hen !orn: do they liveA into the intellect: at the time of dissol tion: do they enter: do they mer%e# ;avin% realised this: he a""roached his father a%ain and said: 38enera!le Sir: teach me 2rahman#3 To him: the son: he said this: 3Seek to kno$ 2rahman !y means of a steritiesA for a sterities are the means of kno$in% 2rahman#3 ;e "ractised a sterities# ;avin% "ractised a sterities< )ha"ter 8-<2liss as 2rahman ;e realised that 2liss is 2rahmanA for from 2liss (ananda': verily: are these !ein%s !ornA !y !liss: $hen !orn: do they liveA into !liss: at the time of dissol tion: do they enter: do they mer%e# This is the $isdom ta %ht !y 8ar na and learnt !y 2hri% # -t is esta!lished in the the s "reme akasa: in the heart# ;e $ho kno$s this is esta!lished in the 2liss of 2rahman# ;e !ecomes a "ossessor of food and an eater of food# ;e !ecomes %reat in offs"rin% and cattle and in s"irit al radiance and %reat in fame# )ha"ter 8--<The -m"ortance of ?ood (-' &et him (the kno$er of 2rahman' never condemn foodA that is the vo$#

The "rana is: verily: foodA the !ody is the eater of food# The !ody rests on the "ranaA the "rana rest on the !ody# Th s food rests on food# ;e $ho kno$s this restin% of food on food is esta!lishedA he !ecomes a "ossessor of food and an eater of food# ;e !ecomes So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

%reat in offs"rin% and cattle and in s"irit al radiance and %reat in fame# )ha"ter 8---<The -m"ortance of ?ood (--' &et him (the kno$er of 2rahman' never a!andon foodA that is the vo$# =ater is: verily: foodA fire is the eater# ?ire rests on $ater and $ater rests on fire# Th s food rests on food# ;e $ho kno$s this restin% of food on food is esta!lishedA he !ecomes a "ossessor of food and an eater of food# ;e !ecomes %reat in offs"rin% and cattle and in s"irit al radiance and %reat in fame# )ha"ter -M<The -m"ortance of ?ood (---' &et him (the kno$er of 2rahman' make food "lentif lA that is the vo$# The earth is: verily: foodA the akasa is the eater# The akasa rests on the earth and the earth rests on the akasa# Th s food rests on food# ;e $ho kno$s this restin% of food on food is esta!lishedA he !ecomes a "ossessor of food and an eater of food# ;e !ecomes %reat in offs"rin% and cattle and in s"irit al radiance and %reat in fame# )ha"ter M<Meditation on 2rahman 1 &et him not deny lod%in%s to anyone: this is the vo$# Therefore he sho ld "roc re m ch food !y any means $hatsoever# To % ests: he sho ld say: 3The food has !een "re"ared for yo #3 -f this food is %iven first: food comes to the %iver first# -f this food is %iven in the middle: food comes to the %iver in the middle# -f this food is %iven last: food comes to the %iver last# 2 ;e $ho kno$s this o!tains the fr it mentioned a!ove# 5ne sho ld meditate on 2rahman as "reservation in s"eech: as ac7 isition and "reservation in the "rana ( "$ard !reath' and the a"ana (do$n$ard !reath': as action in the hands: as movement ($alkin%' in the feet: as evac ation in the an s# These are the meditations on 2rahman thro %h actions# NeDt follo$s the meditation on 2rahaman: thro %h the %ods: 5ne sho ld meditate on 2rahman as satisfaction in rain: as "o$er in li%htnin%A

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, As fame in cattle: as li%ht in the stars: as "rocreation: immortality and 9oy in the or%an of %eneration and as everythin% in the akasa# &et him contem"late 2rahman as the s ""ort and he $ill !e s ""ortedA let him contem"late 2rahman as %reatness and he $ill !ecome %reatA let him contem"late 2rahman as the mind and he $ill !e endo$ed $ith mind# 4 &et him contem"late 2rahman as adoration and all desires $ill fall do$n !efore him in adoration# &et him contem"late 2rahman as the S "reme &ord and he $ill !e endo$ed $ith s "remacy# &et him contem"late 2rahman as the destr ctive a%ent and his enemies $ho hate him and also those $ho do not hate him $ill "erish# This he $ho is in this man and that he $ho is in yonder s n: !oth are one# / ;e $ho kno$s this: as descri!ed a!ove: after dyin% to (i#e# $ithdra$in% from' this $orld: attains the self $hich consists of food: attains the self $hich consists of the vital !reath: attains the self $hich consists of the mind: attains the self $hich consists of the intellect: attains the self $hich consists of !liss# Then he %oes " and do$n these $orlds: eatin% the food he desires: ass min% the forms he likes# ;e sits: sin%in% the chant of the non<d ality of 2rahman: 3Ah6 Ah6 Ah63 1 3- am food: - am food: - am food6 - am the eater of food: - am the eater of food: - am the eater of food6 - am the niter: - am the niter: - am the niter6 3- am the first<!orn of the tr e: "rior to the %ods and the navel of -mmortality# ;e $ho %ives me a$ay: he alone "reserves me# ;e $ho eats food<-: as food: eat him# 3-: as the S "reme &ord: over"o$er the $hole $orld# - am radiant as the s n#3 =hosoever kno$s this: attains &i!eration# S ch: indeed: is the ("anishad# The *eace )hant

5m# May 2rahman "rotect s !oth6 May 2rahman !esto$ "on s !oth the fr it of +no$led%e6 May $e !oth o!tain the ener%y to ac7 ire +no$led%e6 May $hat $e !oth st dy reveal the So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Tr th6 May $e cherish no ill<feelin% to$ard each other6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 Gnd of Taittiriya ("anishad -nvocation 5m# May the different lim!s of my !ody: my ton% e: "rana: eyes: ears and my stren%th and also all the other sense<or%ans !e no rished6 All: indeed: is 2rahman: as is declared in the ("anishads# May - never deny 2rahman6 May 2rahman never deny me6 May there never !e denial on my "art6 May all the virt es descri!ed in the ("anishads !elon% to me: $ho am devoted to Atman6 Eea: may they all !elon% to me6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)hhando%ya ("anishad *art 5ne )ha"ter -<Meditation on 5m 1 The sylla!le 5m: called the (d%itha: sho ld !e meditated "onA for "eo"le sin% the (d%itha: !e%innin% $ith 5m# No$ follo$s the detailed eD"lanation of the sylla!le: 2 The essence of all these !ein%s is the earthA the essence of the earth is $aterA the essence of $ater is "lantsA the essence of "lants is a "ersonA essence of a "erson is s"eechA the essence of s"eech is the Hi%<8edaA essence of the Hi%<8eda is the Sama<8edaA the essence of the Sama<8eda is the (d%itha $hich is 5m# , That (d%itha (5m' is the !est of all essences: the s "reme: deservin% the hi%hest "lace: the ei%hth# 4 =hat: then: is the Hik@ =hat is the Saman@ =hat is the (d%itha@ This is to !e considered# / S"eech: indeed: is the HikA the vital !reath ("rana' is the SamanA the sylla!le 5m is the (d%itha# S"eech and the "rana: or the Hik and the Saman: form a co "le# 1 And that co "le !ecome nited in the sylla!le 5m# =hen a "air come to%ether they f lfil each otherCs desire# 7 ;e $ho kno$s this as stated a!ove and meditates on the sylla!le 5m: the (d%itha: !ecomes: indeed: a f lfiller of desires# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

. This sylla!le 5m is sed to %ive assent: for $herever one assents to somethin%: one says 5m (yes'# No$: $hat is assent is %ratification# ;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the sylla!le 5m: the (d%itha: !ecomes: indeed: a %ratifier of desires# 0 2y means of this sylla!le the threefold kno$led%e "roceeds# =hen adhvary "riest %ives an order in a sacrifice: he says 5m# =hen the hotri "riest recites the hymn: he says 5m# =hen the d%atri "riest sin%s the Saman: he says 5m# All this is done for the %lory of the -m"erisha!le Atman !y the %reatness of that sylla!le and !y its essence# 10 -t may !e contended that he $ho kno$s this tr e meanin% of the sylla!le 5m and he $ho does not: "erform the same sacrifice and therefore m st rea" the same fr it# 2 t this is not so# The res lts of kno$led%e and i%norance are different# =ork that is done $ith kno$led%e: faith and the ("anishad (i#e# meditation on the deities' "rod ces more "o$erf l fr it# This is: verily: the detailed eD"lanation of the sylla!le 5m# )ha"ter -- < Meditation on 5m as the *rana 1 =hen the %ods and the demons: !oth offs"rin% of *ra9a"ati: fo %ht $ith each other: the %ods took hold of the (d%itha: thinkin% that $ith this they $o ld van7 ish the demons# 2 They (i#e# the %ods' meditated on the (d%itha (5m' as the "rana $hich f nctions thro %h the nose# 2 t the demons "ierced it (i#e# the "rana' $ith evil# Therefore $ith it (i#e# the !reath' one smells !oth $hat is "leasant<smellin% and $hat is fo l<smellin%# ?or the !reath is "ierced !y evil# , Then they meditated on the (d%itha as s"eech# 2 t the demons "ierced it $ith evil# Therefore one s"eaks !oth tr th and falsehood# ?or s"eech is "ierced !y evil#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 Then they meditated on the (d%itha as the eye# 2 t the demons "ierced it $ith evil# Therefore one sees !oth $hat is si%htly and $hat is nsi%htly# ?or the eye is "ierced !y evil# / Then they meditated on the (d%itha as the ear# 2 t the demons "ierced it $ith evil# Therefore one hears !oth $hat is $orth hearin% and $hat is not $orth hearin%# ?or the ear is "ierced !y evil# 1 Then they meditated on the (d%itha as the mind# 2 t the demons "ierced it $ith evil# Therefore one thinks !oth "ro"er and im"ro"er tho %hts# ?or the mind is "ierced !y evil# 7 Then they meditated on the (d%itha as the "rinci"al (m khya' "rana# 2 t as a clod of earth hittin% a stone is scattered: even so the demons $ere destroyed $hen they hit it# . As a clod of earth is scattered $hen hittin% a stone: th s $ill he !e scattered $ho $ishes evil to one $ho kno$s this or $ho in9 res himA for he is a solid stone# 0 =ith this (i#e# the "rinci"al vital !reath' one does not discern $hat "leasant<smellin% and $hat is fo l<smellin%A for it is nsmitten !y evil# =hatever a "erson eats or drinks $ith it (the "rinci"al vital !reath' s ""orts the other "ranas# That is $hy they de"art $hen: at the time death: it no lon%er s ""orts them !y eatin% and drinkin%# -t o"ens the mo th at the time of death as if the dyin% man $ished to eat# 10<1, An%ira meditated on the (d%itha as the "rinci"al "rana# "eo"le call it (i#e# the "rana' An%iras: !eca se it is the essence (rasa' of the lim!s (an%a'# 2rihas"ati meditated on the (d%itha as the "rinci"al "rana# *eo"le call it (the "rana' 2rihas"ati: !eca se s"eech is %reat

(!rihat' and it is the lord ("ati' of s"eech# Ayasya meditated on the (d%itha as the "rinci"al "rana# *eo"le So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

call it (the "rana' as AyasyaA !eca se it comes (ayate' from the mo th (asya'# 8aka: the son of Bal!hya: kne$ it (the "rana'A he !ecame the d%atri "riest of the sacrificers d$ellin% in the Naimisha forest# 2y sin%in% the (d%itha he f lfilled all their desires# 14 ;e $ho kno$s this as descri!ed a!ove and meditates "on the im"erisha!le (d%itha (5m' o!tains all his desires !y sin%in% the (d%itha# So m ch for the (d%itha as meditates on $ith reference to the !ody# )ha"ter --- < Meditation on the (d%itha as the S n and the 8yana 1 No$ is descri!ed the meditation on the (d%itha $ith reference to the %ods: 5ne sho ld meditate on the (d%itha as the s n $ho %ives $armth# =hen he (the s n' rises he sin%s the (d%itha for the !enefit of all creat res# =hen he rises he destroys darkness and fear# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes the destroyer of darkness and fear# 2 This "rana and that s n are the same# This is $arm and that is $arm# This they call svara ($hat %oes o t' and that: "ratyasvara ($hat ret rns'# Therefore one sho ld meditate on the (d%itha as this and that# , 5ne sho ld meditate on the (d%itha as the vyana# That $hich one !reathes o t is the "rana and that $hich one !reathes in is the a"ana# That $hich is the 9 nction of the "rana and the a"ana is the 8yana# This vyana is s"eech# Therefore $hen one tters s"eech one sto"s the "rana and the a"ana# 4 That $hich is s"eech is the Hik# Therefore $hen a man tters a Hik he neither !reathes o t nor !reathes in# That $hich is the Hik is the Saman# Therefore $hen a man sin%s a Saman: he

neither !reathes o t nor !reathes in# That $hich is the Saman is the (d%itha# Therefore $hen a man sin%s the (d%itha he neither !reathes o t nor !reathes in# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ And other $orks also $hich re7 ire stren%th: s ch as the kindlin% of fire !y r !!in%: r nnin% a race and strin%in% a stron% !o$: are "erformed $itho t !reathin% o t or !reathin% in# Therefore one sho ld meditate on the (d%itha as the vyana# 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the letters of the $ord (d%itha (i#e# t: %i and tha'# (t is the "rana: for a man rises ( ttishthati' !y means of the "rana# Fi is s"eech: for s"eeches are called %irah# Tha is food: for all this s !sists (sthita' on food# 7 (t is heaven: %i the mid<re%ion and tha the earth# (t is the s n: %i the air and tha fire# (t is the Sama<8eda: %i the Ea9 r<8eda and tha the Hi%<8eda# To him $ho th s meditates s"eech yields milk and milk is s"eech# ;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the letters of the (d%itha !ecomes the "ossessor of food and the eater of food# . NeDt follo$s the f lfilment of "rayers# 5ne sho ld th s meditate on the o!9ect one $ishes to o!tain thro %h meditation: he (i#e# the d%atri "riest' sho ld meditate on the Saman $ith $hich he is %oin% chant the "raise# 0 ;e (the d%atri "riest' sho ld meditate on the Hik in $hich that Saman occ rs: on the rishi to $hom it $as revealed and on the deity $hom he is %oin% to "raise# 10 ;e (the d%atri "riest' sho ld meditate on the metre in $hich he is %oin% to chant the "raiseA he sho ld meditate on the hymn !y $hich he is %oin% to chant the "raise# 11 ;e (the d%atri "riest' sho ld meditate on the 7 arter of s"ace facin% $hich he is %oin% to chant the "raise# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

12 ?inally: he (the d%atri "riest' sho ld meditate on himself and then on the o!9ect desired and chant the "raise correctly# Th s $ill !e 7 ickly f lfilled for him the desire: desirin% $hich he may offer the hymn of "raise: yea: desirin% $hich he may offer the hymn of "raise# )ha"ter -8 < Meditation on 5m as ?earlessness and -mmortality 1 The sylla!le 5m: called the (d%itha: sho ld !e meditated "onA for "eo"le sin% the (d%itha: !e%innin% $ith 5m# No$ follo$s the detailed eD"lanation of this sylla!le# 2 The %ods: afraid of death: entered "on the threefold kno$led%e# They covered themselves $ith the metrical hymns# 2eca se they covered (acchadayan' themselves $ith the hymns: the hymns are called chhandas# , As a fisherman mi%ht o!serve a fish in shallo$ $ater: so death o!served the %ods in the Hik: the Ea9 s and the Saman# They too came to kno$ this: rose from the Hik: the Ea9 s and the Saman and entered the Svara (5m' alone# 4 =hen a man has mastered the Hi%<8eda he lo dly tters 5mA he does the same $hen he has mastered the Sama<8eda and the Ea9 r<8eda# The Svara is the sylla!le 5mA it is immortal and fearless# The %ods: !y enterin% it: !ecame immortal and fearless# / ;e $ho: kno$in% this: sin%s the "raise of the sylla!le 5m enters this same sylla!le: called the Svara: $hich is immortal and fearless# ;avin% entered it: he !ecomes immortal as the %ods are immortal# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8 < Meditation on 5m as the S n and the *rana 1 No$: verily: that $hich is the (d%itha is the *ranavaA that $hich is the *ranava is the (d%itha# Eonder s n is the (d%itha# -t is the *ranava: !eca se it moves alon% tterin% 5m# 2 +a shitaki in olden times said to his son: 3- san% the "raise of the s n re%ardin% it as one $ith its raysA therefore yo are my only son# Meditate on the rays and the s n as different from each another and yo $ill have many sons#3 So m ch $ith reference to the %ods# , No$ $ith reference to the !ody: 5ne sho ld meditate on the (d%itha as the "rinci"al "rana: for (i#e# the "rana' moves in the !ody tterin% 5m# 4 +a shitaki in olden times said to his son: 3- san% the "raise of the "rinci"al "rana aloneA therefore yo are my only son# Meditate on the (d%itha as the manifold "rana and yo $ill have many sons#3 / No$: verily: that $hich is the (d%itha is the *ranavaA that $hich is the *ranava is the (d%itha# ;e (i#e# the d%atri "riest' $ho kno$s this: rectifies from the seat of the hotri "riest any mistake committed !y him (the d%atri "riest': yea he rectifies it# )ha"ter 8- < The & mino s *erson in the Solar 5r! 1 This earth is the Hik and fire is the Saman# This Saman (i#e# fire' rests on that Hik (i#e# the earth'# Therefore the Saman is s n% restin% on the Hik# Sa is the earth: ama is fireA th s they (the earth and fire' are desi%nated as Sama# 2

The mid<re%ion is the Hik and the air is the Saman# This Saman (i#e# the air' rests on that Hik (i#e# the mid<re%ion'# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is the mid<re%ion: ama is the airA th s they (the mid<re%ion and the air' are desi%nated as Sama# 4 The stars are the Hik and the moon is the Saman# This Saman (i#e# the moon' rests on that Hik (i#e# the stars'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is the stars: ama is the moonA th s they (the stars and the moon' are desi%nated as Sama# / No$: the $hite radiance of the s n is the Hik and its !l e intense darkness is the Saman# This Saman (i#e# the darkness' rests on that Hik (i#e# the radiance'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# 1<7 Sa is the $hite radiance of the s n: ama is its !l e intense darknessA th s they (the radiance and the darkness' are desi%nated as Sama# No$: the %olden "erson $ho is seen in the s n: $ho has a %olden !eard and %olden hair: $ho is %olden to the very ti"s of his nails<his eyes are like a lot s flo$er: red as the r m" of a monkey# ;is name is (t: for he has risen ( dita' a!ove all evil# ;e: too: $ho kno$s this rises a!ove all evil# )ha"ter 8-- < The *erson in the Gye 1 No$ $ith reference to the !ody: S"eech is the Hik and the "rana is the Saman# This Saman (the "rana' rests on that Hik (s"eech'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is s"eech: ama is the "ranaA th s they (s"eech and the "rana' are desi%nated as Sama# 2 The eye is the Hik and the atman is the Saman# This Saman (the atman' rests on that Hik (s"eech'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is the eye: ama is the atmanA th s they (the eye and the atman' are desi%nated as Saman#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, The ear is the Hik and the mind is the Saman# This Saman (the mind' rests on that Hik (the ear'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is the ear: ama is the mindA th s they (the ear and the mind' are desi%nated as Sama# 4 No$: the $hite radiance of the eye is the Hik and its !l e intense darkness is the Saman# This Saman (darkness' rests on that Hik (radiance'# Therefore the Saman is s n%: restin% on the Hik# Sa is the $hite radiance of the eye: ama is its !l e intense darknessA th s they (the radiance and the darkness' are desi%nated as Sama# / No$: the "erson $ho is seen in the eye is the Hik: he is the Saman: he is the (ktha: he is the Ea9 s: he is 2rahman# The form of this "erson in the eye is the same as the form of that "erson in the s n# The 9oints this "erson in the eye are the same as the 9oints of that "erson in the s nA the name of this one ((t' is the same as the name of that one# 1 ;e is the lord of the $orlds $hich s"read !eneath that (i#e# the eye' and also of all the $ishes of men# Therefore all $ho sin% to the vina sin% of him and from him they o!tain $ealth# 7 ;e $ho: kno$in% this (i#e# the (d%itha': sin%s the Saman: sin%s !oth# Thro %h that (i#e# the "erson in the s n' he o!tains the $orld !eyond that (i#e# the s n' and the $ishes of the %ods# .<0 &ike$ise: thro %h this (i#e# the "erson in the eye': he o!tains the $orlds that s"read !eneath that (i#e# the eye' and all the $ishes of men# Therefore an d%atri "riest $ho kno$s this may say to the sacrificer for $hom he acts as "riest: 3=hat desire of yo rs shall - f lfil !y sin%in%@3 ?or he $ho: kno$in% this: sin%s the Saman is a!le to f lfil $ishes thro %h his sin%in% of the Saman: yea: thro %h his sin%in% of the Saman#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8--- < The Story of the *ravahana (-' 1 There $ere three men versed in the (d%itha: Silaka the son of Salavat: )haikitayana of the line of Bal!hya and *ravahana the son of >ivala# They said: 3=e are indeed versed in the (d%itha# &et s have a disc ssion of the (d%itha#3 2 3&et it !e so:3 they said and sat do$n# Then *ravihana the son >ivala said: 3Hevered Sirs: yo s"eak first and - shall listen to $hat the t$o !rahmins have to say#3 , Then Silaka the son of Salavat said to )haikitayana of the line Bal!hya: 3=ell: may - 7 estion yo @3 3Bo ask:3 he said# 4</ 3=hat is the s ""ort of the Saman@3 3Tone (svara':3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of tone@3 3The "rana (vital !reath':3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of the "rana@3 3?ood:3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of food@3 3=ater:3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of $ater@3 3Eonder $orld (heaven':3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of yonder $orld@3 3&et no one carry the Saman !eyond the heavenly $orld# =e "lace the Saman in the heavenly $orld: for the Saman is "raised as heaven#3 1 Then Silaka the son of Salavat said to )haikitayana of the line of Bal!hya: 35 Bal!hya yo r Saman is not firmly esta!lished# -f at this time anyone $ho kne$ the s ""ort of the Saman $ere to say: SEo r head shall fall offAC s rely yo r head $o ld fall off#3 7

3=ell then: revered Sir: let me learn it from yo :3 said )haikitayana# 3&earn it:3 re"lied Silaka# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3=hat is the s ""ort of that $orld@3 3This $orld:3 he re"lied# 3=hat is the s ""ort of this $orld@3 3&et no one carry the Saman !eyond this $orld: $hich is its s ""ort# =e "lace the Saman in this $orld as its s ""ort: for the Saman is "raised as the s ""ort (i#e# this $orld'#3 . Then said *ravahana the son of >ivala: 5 son of Salavat: yo r Saman (i#e# this earth' has an end# -f at this time anyone $ho kne$ the s ""ort of the Saman $ere to say: SEo r head shall fall off:C s rely yo r head $o ld fall off#3 3=ell then: let me learn this from yo : revered Sir:3 said Silaka# 3&earn it:3 said *ravahana# )ha"ter -M < The Story of *ravahana (--' 1 3=hat is the s ""ort of this $orld@3 asked Silaka# 3The akasa:3 said *ravahana# 3?or all these !ein%s are created from the akasa and ret rn to the akasa# The akasa is %reater than theseA therefore the akasa is the s "reme s ""ort#3 2 This is the (d%itha (5m': the most eDcellentA this is endless# ;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the (d%itha o!tains the most eDcellent life and $ins the most eDcellent $orlds# ,<4 Atidhanvan the son of S naka: havin% ta %ht this (d%itha to (darasandilya: said: 3As lon% as any of yo r descendants kno$ this (d%itha: their life shall !e the most eDcellent in this $orld and like$ise in the other $orld#3 ;e $ho th s kno$s the (d%itha and meditates on it<his life shall !e the most eDcellent in this $orld and like$ise in the other $orld: yea: the other $orld# )ha"ter M < The Story of (shasti (-' 1

=hen the cro"s of the + r s $ere destroyed !y th nderstorms: (shasti the son of )hakra: $ith his child<$ife: lived in a So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

de"lora!le condition in the villa%e of a man $ho o$ned an ele"hant# 2 ;e ((shasti' !e%%ed food from the o$ner of the ele"hant: $ho $as eatin% some $retched !eans# ;e (the o$ner of the ele"hant' said: 3- have nothin% ! t $hat is set !efore me#3 , (shasti said: 3Five me these#3 ;e %ave the !eans and said: 3;ere is some $ater left over from my drinkin%#3 (shasti said: 3-f - drink this: - $ill then !e drinkin% $hat has !een left !y another#3 4 The o$ner of the ele"hant said: 3=ere not those !eans also left over and therefore nclean@3 (shasti re"lied: 3- sho ld not have lived if - had not eaten themA ! t - can %et $ater $herever - like#3 / ;avin% himself eaten: (shasti %ave his $ife $hat $as left# 2 t she: havin% eaten !efore: took them (i#e# the !eans' and " t them a$ay# 1 NeDt mornin%: on a$akin%: he said: 3Alas: if - co ld %et even little a to eat: - mi%ht earn some money# The kin% over here is %oin% to "erform a sacrificeA he $o ld choose me for all the "riestly offices#3 7 ;is $ife said to him: 3;ere: my h s!and: are the !eans#3 After eatin% them: he $ent to the sacrifice that $as a!o t to !e "erformed# . ;e sa$ there the assem!led d%atri "riests and sat near them in

"lace $here they $o ld sin% the hymns# ;e said to the "rastotri "riest: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

0 35 "rastotri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to *rastiva: yo sin% the *rastiva: yo r head $ill fall off3 10<11 -n the same manner he addressed the d%atri "riest: 35 d%atri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to the (d%itha: yo sin% the (d%itha: yo r head $ill fall off#3 -n the same manner he addressed the "ratihartri "riest: 35 "ratihartri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to the *ratihara: yo sin% the *ratihara: yo r head $ill fall off#3 They all sto""ed "erformin% their d ties and sat in silence# )ha"ter M- < The Story of (shasti (--' 1 The sacrificer said to him ((shasti': 3- sho ld like to kno$ $ho yo are: revered Sir#3 3- am (shasti the son of )hakra:3 he re"lied# 2 ;e (the sacrificer' said: 3Hevered Sir: - looked for yo to "erform all these "riestly offices: ! t not findin% yo : Sir: have chosen others#3 , 32 t no$: Sir: "lease take " all the "riestly offices#3 3So !e it:3 said (shasti: 3! t let these "riests: $ith my "ermission: sin% the hymns of "raise# Eo $ill: ho$ever: %ive me as m ch $ealth as yo %ive them#3 3So !e it:3 said the sacrificer# 4 There "on the "rastotri "riest a""roached him and said: 3Sir: yo said to me: S5 "rastotri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to the *rastava: yo sin% the *rastava: yo r head $ill fall off#C =hich is that deity@3 /

(shasti said: 3The "rana is that deity# ?or all these !ein%s mer%e in the "rana alone and from the "rana alone do they rise# This is deity $hich !elon%s to the *rastava# -f $itho t kno$in% So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

him yo chanted the *rastava after havin% !een c rsed !y me: yo r head $o ld have fallen off#3 1 Then the d%atri "riest a""roached him and said: 3Sir: yo said to me: S5 d%atri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to the (d%itha: yo sin% the (d%itha: yo r head $ill fall off#C =hich is that deity@3 7 (shasti said: 3The s n is that deity# ?or all these !ein%s "raise the s n $hich is hi%h "# This is the deity $hich !elon%s to the (d%itha# -f $itho t kno$in% him yo had chanted the (d%itha after havin% !een c rsed !y me: yo r head $o ld have fallen off#3 . Then the "ratihartri "riest a""roached him and said: 3Sir: yo said to me: S5 "ratihartri "riest: if $itho t kno$in% the deity that !elon%s to the *ratihara: yo sin% the *ratihara: yo r head $ill fall off#C =hich is that deity@3 0 (shasti said: 3?ood is that deity# ?or all these !ein%s take food and live# This is the deity that !elon%s to the *ratihara# -f $itho t kno$in% him yo had chanted the *ratihara after havin% !een c rsed !y me: yo r head $o ld have fallen off#3 )ha"ter M-- < The (d%itha of the Bo%s 1 No$ follo$s the (d%itha of the do%s: 5ne day: 8aka the son of Bal!hya: or as he $as also called: Flava son of Mitra: $ent forth to st dy the 8edas# 2 A $hite do% a""eared !efore him# 5ther do%s: %atherin% aro nd: said to him (i#e# the $hite do%': 3Hevered Sir: "lease sin% for s: so $e may o!tain foodA $e are h n%ry#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, ;e (the $hite do%' said to them: 3)ome to me here tomorro$ mornin%#3 8aka the son of Bal!hya: or as he $as also called: Flava son of Mitra: ke"t $atch# 4 > st as the "riests move alon%: holdin% to one another: $hen they are a!o t to sin% "raises $ith the 8ahish"avamana hymn: so did the do%s move alon%# Then they sat do$n and ttered the sylla!le ;im# / 5m# &et s eat6 5m# &et s drink6 5m# &et the s n: $ho is the l mino s deity (deva': the %iver of rain (8ar na': the lord of creat res (*ra9a"ati': !rin% food here6 No$ a "rayer to the s n: 5 lord of food: !rin% food here: !rin% it here# 5m# )ha"ter M--- < The Mystical Meanin% of the Sto!ha Sylla!les 1 This Garth is verily the sylla!le ha A the air is the sylla!le haiA the moon is the sylla!le athaA the self is the sylla!le ihaA the fire is the sylla!le i# 2 The s n is the sylla!le A the invocation is the sylla!le eA the 8isve<devas are the sylla!le a <ho<iA *ra9a"ati is the sylla!le himA the "rana the sylla!le svaraA food is the sylla!le yaA 8irat is the sylla!le vak# , -ndefina!le is the thirteenth sto!ha: namely: the varia!le sylla!le h m# 4 To him $ho kno$s this secret kno$led%e of the Samans: s"eech yields milk and milk is s"eech# ;e !ecomes the "ossessor of food and the eater of food<he $ho kno$s this: yea: he $ho kno$s this#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

*art T$o )ha"ter 1 < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman (-' 1 5m# Meditation on the $hole of the Saman is %ood# =hatever is %ood: "eo"le say it is SamanA and $hatever is not %ood: "eo"le say it is not Saman# 2 Th s "eo"le say: 3;e a""roached him $ith Saman:3 that is to say: 3;e a""roached him in a !ecomin% manner#3 A%ain they say: 3;e a""roached him $itho t Saman:3 that is to say: 3;e a""roached him in an n!ecomin% manner#3 , And they also say: 3Tr ly this is Saman for s:3 that is to say: 3-t is %ood for s:3 $hen it is %ood# A%ain: they say: 3Tr ly this is not Saman for s:3 that is to say: 3-t is not %ood for s:3 $hen it is not %ood# 4 ;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the Saman as %ood<all %ood 7 alities $ill a""roach him 7 ickly: ay: they $ill accr e to him# )ha"ter -- < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman (--' 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman as the five $orlds# The sylla!le ;im is the earth: the *rastava fire: the (d%itha the sky: the *ratihara the s n: the Nidhana heaven# This is $ith reference to the ascendin% order# 2 No$ $ith reference to the descendin% order: The sylla!le ;im is heaven: the *rastava the s n: the (d%itha the sky: the *ratihara fire: the Nidhana the earth# ,

The $orlds in the ascendin% and descendin% orders !elon% to him $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman as the $orlds# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter --- < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman as Hain 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman as rain# The sylla!le ;im is the $ind that !lo$s from the east: the *rastava is the clo d that forms: the (d%itha is $hat rains: the *ratihara is the li%htnin% and the th nder# 2 The Nidhana is the cessation# -t rains for him $henever he desires and he !rin%s rain for others even $hen there is no rain $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman as rain# )ha"ter -8 < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman as =ater 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman in all the $aters# =hen the clo ds %ather: that is the sylla!le ;imA $hen it rains: that the *rastavaA the rivers $hich flo$ to the east: these are the (d%ithaA the rivers $hich flo$ to the $est: these are the *ratiharaA the ocean is Nidhana# 2 ;e does not die in $ater and he !ecomes rich in $ater $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman in all the $aters# )ha"ter 8 < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman as the Seasons 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman as the seasons# The sylla!le ;im is the s"rin%: the *rastava the s mmer: the (d%itha the rainy season: the *ratihara the a t mn: the Nidhana the $inter# 2 The seasons !elon% to him and he !ecomes rich in seasons $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman as the seasons# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8- < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman in Animals 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman in animals# The sylla!le ;im is %oats: the *rastava shee": the (d%itha co$s: the *ratihara horses: the Nidhana man# 2 Animals !elon% to him as o!9ects of en9oyment and he !ecomes rich in animals $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman in animals# )ha"ter 8-- < Meditation on the ?ivefold Saman as the Senses 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the fivefold Saman: $hich is the most eDcellent: as the "ranas (senses'# The sylla!le ;im is smell (i#e# the nose': the *rastava s"eech (the ton% e': the (d%itha si%ht (the eye': the *ratihara hearin% (the ear': the Nidhana the mind# These are each %reater than the "recedin%# 2 The most eDcellent o!9ects !elon% to him: nay: he con7 ers the most eDcellent $orlds $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fivefold Saman: $hich is the most eDcellent: as the senses# )ha"ter 8--- < Meditation on the Sevenfold Saman in S"eech 1 No$ for the sevenfold Saman: 5ne sho ld meditate on the sevenfold Saman in s"eech# =hen there is the sylla!le ; m in s"eech: that is the sylla!le ;imA like$ise *ra is the *rastava: A is the Adi# 2 (d is the (d%itha: *ra the *ratihara: ("a the ("adrava: Ni the Nidhana#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, ?or him s"eech yields milk: $hich is the milk of s"eech and he !ecomes rich in food and the eater of food $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the sevenfold Saman in s"eech# )ha"ter -M < Meditation on the Sevenfold Saman as the S n 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the sevenfold Saman as yonder s n# The s n is the Saman !eca se he is al$ays the same (sama'# ;e is the Saman !eca se he makes everyone cherish the same tho %ht: 3;e faces me:3 3;e faces me#3 2 5ne sho ld kno$ that all !ein%s de"end "on him (i#e# the s n'# =hat he is !efore his risin% is the sylla!le ;im# The animals de"end "on it (i#e# ;im'# Therefore the animals say 3;im3 !efore the s nrise: for they "artake of the sylla!le ;im of the Saman (s n'# , =hat he (the s n' is 9 st after he has risen: that is the *rastava# Men de"end "on it# Therefore men love "raise ("rast ti' and e lo%y: for they "artake of the *rastava of that Saman# 4 =hat he is $hen the rays %o forth: that is the Adi# 2irds de"end "on -t# Therefore !irds hold themselves $itho t s ""ort in the sky and fly a!o t: for they "artake of the Adi of that Saman# / =hat he is 9 st at midday: that is the (d%itha# The devas (%ods' are de"endent "on it# Therefore they are the !est of the offs"rin% of *ra9a"ati: for they "artake of the (d%itha of that Sa man# 1 =hat he is after midday and !efore afternoon: that is the *ratihara# The foet ses de"end "on it# Therefore they are held in the $om! after !ein% conceived and do not fall: for they

"artake of the *ratihara of the Saman# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 =hat he is after the afternoon and !efore s nset: that is the ("adrava# The animals of the forest de"end "on it# Therefore they r n ( "adravanti' to the forest and their caves $hen they see a man: for "artake of the ("adrava of that Saman# . =hat he is 9 st after the s nset: that is the Nidhana# The Manes de"end "on it# Therefore they " t them (i#e# the Manes' do$n (nidadhati': for they "artake of the Nidhana of that Saman# Th s a man meditates on the sevenfold Saman as the s n# )ha"ter M < Meditation on the Sevenfold Saman thro %h the N m!er of Sylla!les 1 NeDt one sho ld meditate on the sevenfold Saman $hich has a niform n m!er of sylla!les and $hich leads !eyond death: The $ord ;imkara has three sylla!les: the $ord *rastava has three sylla!les# ;ence they are e7 al (sama'# 2 The $ord Adi has t$o sylla!les and the $ord *ratihara has fo r sylla!les# -f $e take one sylla!le from *ratihara and 9oin to Adi: they !ecome e7 al (sama'# ,<4 The $ord (d%itha has three sylla!les and the $ord ("adrava has fo r sylla!les# =ith three and three sylla!les they sho ld !e e7 al# 5ne sylla!le !ein% left o t: it !ecomes trisylla!ic# ;ence the e7 ality (sama'# The $ord Nidhana has three sylla!lesA therefore it is e7 al# These make t$enty<t$o sylla!les of the sevenfold Saman# / =ith t$enty<one sylla!les he reaches the s nA for the s n is the t$enty<first from here# =ith the t$enty<second he con7 ers $hat is !eyond the s nA that "lane is !lessed and free from %rief#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

1 ;e o!tains here victory over the s n (death'A and to him comes victory hi%her than the victory over the s n $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the sevenfold Saman $hich has a niform n m!er sylla!les and $hich leads !eyond death: yea: $ho meditates "on the sevenfold Saman# )ha"ter M- < Meditation on the Fayatra Saman 1 The sylla!le ;im is the mind: the *rastava s"eech: the (d%itha si%ht: the *ratihara hearin%: the Nidhana !reath (the "rana'# This is the Fayatra Saman: as inter$oven in the five "ranas# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s this Fayatra Saman inter$oven in the "ranas "reserves his sense<or%ans intact: reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him $ho meditates on the Fayatra Saman the in9 nction is: 32e hi%h<minded#3 )ha"ter M-- < Meditation on the Hathantara Sama 1 The r !!in% of the fire<sticks is the sylla!le ;imA the risin% of smoke is the *rastavaA the ! rnin% is the (d%ithaA the formin% of em!ers is the *ratiharaA the %oin% o t is the Nidhana# This is the Hathantara Saman as inter$oven in fire# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s this Hathantara Saman as inter$oven in fire !ecomes radiant $ith the li%ht of 2rahman and endo$ed $ith a %ood a""etiteA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo si" $ater or s"it !efore the fire#3 )ha"ter M--- < Meditation on the 8amadevya Saman 1 A manJs !eckonin% to a $oman is the sylla!le ;imA his %ratifyin% her is the *rastavaA his lyin% $ith her is the *ratiharaA his s"endin% time $ith her is the NidhanaA and the finishin% of

the seD al act is also the Nidhana# This is the 8amadevya Saman as inter$oven in seD al interco rse# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the 8amadevya Saman as inter$oven in seD al interco rse does not s ffer from the "an% of se"aration and "rocreates from every interco rseA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not re9ect a $oman $ho comes to yo seekin% interco rse3# )ha"ter M-8 < Meditation on the 2rihat Saman 1 The risin% of the s n is the sylla!le ;imA the risen s n is the *rastavaA the midday s n is the (d%ithaA the afternoon s n is *ratiharaA the settin% s n is the Nidhana# This is the 2rihat Saman as inter$oven in the s n# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the 2rihat Saman as inter$oven in the !ecomes radiant and endo$ed $ith a %ood a""etiteA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry the ! rnin% s n#3 )ha"ter M8 < Meditation on the 8air "a Saman 1 The %atherin% of the mists is the sylla!le ;imA the formin% of clo ds is the *rastavaA the rainin% is the (d%ithaA the flashin% and th nderin% are the *ratiharaA the ceasin% of the rain is the Nidhana# This is the 8air "a Saman as inter$oven in the clo ds# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the 8air "a Saman as inter$oven in the clo ds o!tains cattle of vario s forms and of !ea tif l formA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry the rain#3 )ha"ter M8- < Meditation on the 8aira9a Saman 1

The sylla!le ;im is the s"rin%: the *rastava the s mmer: the (d%itha the rainy season: the *ratihara the a t mn: the Nidhana So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

the $inter# This is the 8aira9a Saman as inter$oven in the seasons# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the 8aira9a Saman as inter$oven in the seasons shines thro %h children: cattle and the li%ht of 2rahmanA he reach the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry the seasons#3 )ha"ter M8-- < Meditation on the Sakvari Saman 1 The sylla!le ;im is the earth: the *rastava the sky: the (d%itha heaven: the *ratihara the 7 arters: the Nidhana the sea# This is the Sakvari Saman as inter$oven in the $orlds# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the Sakvari Saman as inter$oven in the $orlds !ecomes the "ossessor of the $orldsA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry the $orlds#3 )ha"ter M8--- < Meditation on the Hevati Saman 1 The sylla!le ;im is %oats: the *rastava shee": the (d%itha co$s: the *ratihara horses: the Nidhana man# This is the Hevati Saman inter$oven in animals# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s these Hevati Samans as inter$oven in animals !ecomes the "ossessor of animalsA he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry animals#3 )ha"ter M-M < Meditation on the Ea9naya9niya Saman 1 The sylla!le ;im is hair: the *rastava skin: the (d%itha flesh:

the *ratihara !one: the Nidhana marro$# This is the Ea9naya9niya Saman as inter$oven in the mem!ers of the !ody# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the Ea9naya9niya Saman as inter$oven in the mem!ers of the !ody !ecomes "ossessed of lim!sA he is not cri""led in any lim!: he reaches the f ll len%th of life: lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# ?or him the in9 nction is: 3?or one year do not eat meat3 or JJBo not eat meat at all#3 )ha"ter MM < Meditation on the Ha9ana Saman 1 The sylla!le ;im is fire: the *rastava air: the (d%itha the s n: the *ratihara the stars: the Nidhana the moon# This is the Ha9ana Saman as inter$oven in the %ods# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s the Ha9ana Saman as inter$oven in the %ods o!tains the same $orld as the %ods: ac7 ires the same "ros"erity as theirs and realiIes nion $ith themA he reaches the f ll len%th of lives !ri%htly: !ecomes %reat in children and cattle: %reat in fame# him the in9 nction is: 3Bo not decry the !rahmins#3 )ha"ter MM- < Meditation on the Saman as -nter$oven in Gverythin% 1 The sylla!le ;im is the three 8edasA the *rastava is these three $orldsA the (d%itha is fire (A%ni': air (8ay ' and the s n (Aditya'A the *ratihara is the stars: the !irds and the raysA the Nidhana is the ser"ents: the %andharvas and the Manes# This is the Saman as inter$oven in everythin%# 2 ;e $ho th s kno$s this Saman as inter$oven in everythin% !ecomes everythin%# , 5n this there is the follo$in% verse: 3There are the fivefold three# Freater than these or !esides these there is nothin%#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 ;e $ho kno$s this: kno$s everythin%# All re%ions !rin% him %ifts# )ha"ter MM-- < The different notes em"loyed in the )hantin% of the Saman 1 An (d%atri "riest thinks th s: 3- choose the dee"<so ndin% note of the Saman: $hich is %ood for the cattle and $hich !elon%s to fire (A%ni'# The ndefined note !elon%s to *ra9a"ati: the defined note to Soma (the moon': the soft and smooth note to 8ay (the air': the smooth and stron% note to -ndra: the heron<like note to 2rihas"ati and d ll note to 8ar na#3 &et a man c ltivate all these: avoidin%: ho$ever: the note of 8ar na# 2 A man sho ld sin%: $ishin% that !y his son% he may sec re immortality for the %ods: 3May - o!tain !y my son% o!lations (svadha' for the Manes: ho"e for men: %rass and $ater for cattle: heaven for the sacrificer and food for myself#3 Th s reflectin% on all these in his mind: he (the d%atri "riest' sho ld chant the "raises $itho t makin% mistakes in "ron nciation etc# , All vo$els !elon% to the different "arts of -ndraJs !ody: all si!ilants to *ra9a"ati: all consonants to Mrity (death'# -f someone sho ld re"rove him (i#e# the d%atri "riest $ho kno$s this' re%ardin% the "ron nciation of vo$els: let him say: 3$ent to -ndra for my ref %e $hen "rono ncin% my vo$els# ;e $ill ans$er yo #3 4 And if someone sho ld re"rove him for his si!ilants: let him say: 3- $ent to *ra9a"ati for my ref %e# ;e $ill smash yo #3 And if someone sho ld re"rove him for his consonants: let him say3 - $ent to Mrity for my ref %e# ;e $ill ! rn yo to ashes#3 / All vo$els sho ld !e "rono nced $ith resonance and stren%th and $ith the tho %ht on the "art of the sin%er: 3May - im"art

stren%th to -ndra (the "rana'#3 All the si!ilants sho ld !e "rono nced f ll<$itho t !ein% s$allo$ed or thro$n o t and So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

$ith the tho %ht: 3May - %ive myself to *ra9a"ati#3 All consonants sho ld !e "rono nced slo$ly and $itho t miDin% them $ith the others and $ith the tho %ht: 3May - $ithdra$ myself from death#3 )ha"ter MM--- < *raise of 5m (nassociated $ith any Hit al 1 There are three divisions of dharma: Sacrifice: st dy and charity form the first# A sterity is the second# B$ellin% in the ho se of the teacher as a !rahmacharin: al$ays mortifyin% the !ody in the ho se of the teacher: is the third# All those $ho "ractise these dharmas attain the $orlds of the virt o s# 2 t one $ho is esta!lished in 2rahman o!tains -mmortality# 2 *ra9a"ati !rooded on the $orlds# ?rom them: th s !rooded "on: there $as revealed in his heart the threefold kno$led%e# ;e !rooded on it and from it: th s !rooded "on: there iss ed forth these sylla!les: 2h h: 2h vah and Svah# , ;e !rooded on them (the three sylla!les' and from them: th s !rooded "on: there iss ed forth 5m# As all leaves are held to%ether !y a midri!: so is all s"eech held to%ether !y 5m (!rahman'# 5m is all th s: yea: 5n is all this# )ha"ter MM-8 < The Bifferent *lanes attained !y the Sacrificer 1<2 The eD"o nders of 2rahman (i#e# the 8edas' ask: 3Since the mornin% o!lation !elon%s to the 8as s: the midday o!lation to the H dras and the third (i#e# evenin%' o!lation to the Adityas and the 8isve<devas: 3=here: then: is the $orld of the sacrificer@3 ;e $ho does not kno$ this: ho$ can he "erform the sacrifice@ 5nly he $ho kno$s sho ld "erform it# ,<4 2efore !e%innin% the mornin% chant: the sacrificer: sittin% !ehind the Farha"atya ?ire and facin% the north: sin%s the

Saman addressed to the 8as s: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

35 ?ire6 5"en the door of the earth<$orld# &et s see thee: that $e may r le this earth# /<1 Then the sacrificer offers an o!lation: recitin% th s: 3Adoration to A%ni: $ho d$ells in the earth<$orld6 Sec re this $orld for me: the sacrificer# That is the $orld for the sacrificer# 3-: the sacrificer: $ill %o thither $hen this life is over# Svaha63 After$ards the sacrificer chants: 3)ast a$ay the !olt of the earth<$orld#3 ;avin% said this: he rises# To him the 8as s offer the $orld connected $ith the mornin% o!lation# 7<. 2efore !e%innin% the midday o!lation: the sacrificer: sittin% !ehind the Bakshina ?ire and facin% the north: sin%s the Saman addressed to the H dras: 35 ?ire6 5"en the door of the sky<$orld# &et s see thee: that $e may r le $ide in the sky<$orld#3 0<10 Then the sacrificer offers an o!lation: recitin% th s: 3Adoration to 8ay : $ho d$ells in the sky<$orld6 Sec re this $orld for me: the sacrificer# That is the $orld for the sacrificer# 3-: the sacrificer: $ill %o thither $hen this life is over# Svaha63 After$ards the sacrificer chants: 3)ast a$ay the !olt of the sky<$orld#3 ;avin% said this: he rises# To him the H dras offer the $orld connected $ith the midday o!lation# 11<1, 2efore !e%innin% the third (i#e# evenin%' o!lation: the sacrificer: sittin% !ehind the Ahavaniya ?ire and facin% the north: sin%s the t$o Samans addressed to the Adityas and the 8isve< devas: 35 ?ire6 5"en the door of the heaven<$orld# &et s see thee: that $e may r le s "reme in heaven#3 This is addressed to the Adityas# NeDt the Saman addressed to the 8isve<devas: 35 ?ire6 5"en the door of the heaven<$orld# &et s see thee: that $e may r le s "reme in heaven#3 14<1/ Then the sacrificer offers an o!lation: recitin% th s: 3Adoration

to Adityas and the 8isve<devas: $ho d$ell in the heaven< $orld6 Sec re this $orld for me: the sacrificer# That is the $orld for the sacrificer# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3-: the sacrificer: $ill %o thither $hen this life is over# Svaha6 After$ards the sacrificer chants: 3)ast a$ay the !olt of the heaven<$orld#3 ;avin% said this: he rises# 11 To him the Adityas and the 8isve<devas offer the $orld connected $ith the third o!lation# ;e (the sacrificer' $ho kno$s this kno$s the meas re of the sacrifice: yea: he kno$s it# *art Three )ha"ter 1 < The ;oney<Boctrine (Hi%<8eda' 1 Eonder s n is: verily: the honey of the %ods# ;eaven is the cross<!eam# The mid<re%ion is the hive# The "articles of $ater<va"o rs dra$n !y the s n thro %h its rays are the e%%s# 2<, The eastern rays of the s n are the eastern honey<cells# The Hik<verses are the !ees# The rit al laid do$n in the Hi%< 8eda is the flo$er# The $ater of the sacrificial li!ations is the nectar of the flo$er# These Hiks heated the Hi%<8eda# ?rom it: th s heated: iss ed forth<as its essence<fame: radiance of the !ody: vi%o r of the senses: virility and the food that is eaten# 4 That essence flo$ed forth and $ent to$ard the s n and that forms $hat is called the red colo r of the risin% s n# )ha"ter -- < The ;oney<Boctrine (Ea9 r<8eda' 1 The so thern rays of the s n are the so thern honey<cells# The Ea9 s<verses are the !ees# The rit al laid do$n in the Ea9 r< 8eda is the flo$er# The $ater of the sacrificial li!ation is the nectar of the flo$er# 2 These Ea9 s<verses heated the Ea9 r<8eda# ?rom it: th s

heated: iss ed forth<as its essence<fame: radiance of the !ody: vi%o r of the senses: virility and the food that is eaten# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, That essence flo$ed forth and $ent to$ard the s n# That forms $hat is called the $hite colo r of the s n# )ha"ter --- < The ;oney<Boctrine (Sama<8eda' 1 The $estern rays of the s n are the $estern honey<cells# The Saman<verses are the !ees# The Sama<8eda is the flo$er# The $ater is the nectar# 2 The Samans heated the Sama<8eda# ?rom it: th s heated: iss ed forth<as its essence<fame: radiance: vi%o r of the senses: virility and the food that is eaten# , That flo$ed forth and $ent to$ard the s n# called the dark colo r of the s n# )ha"ter -8 < The ;oney<Boctrine (Atharva<8eda' 1 The northern rays of the s n are the northern honey<cells# The verses of the Atharvan%irasa are the !ees# The -tihasa<" rana is the flo$er# The $ater is the nectar# 2 These very hymns of the Atharvan%irasa heated the -tihasa< " rana# ?rom it: th s heated: iss ed forth<as its essence< fame: radiance: vi%o r of the senses: virility and the food that is eaten# , That flo$ed forth and $ent to$ard the s n# That forms $hat is called the eDtremely dark colo r of the s n# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8 < The ;oney<Boctrine ()ontin ed' 1 No$: the "$ard rays of the s n are the honey<cells a!ove# The secret teachin%s of the ("anishads are the !ees# 2rahman (5m' is flo$er# The $ater is the nectar# 2 These secret teachin%s as the !ees heated 2rahman (5m'# ?rom -t: th s heated: iss ed forth<as -ts essence<fame: radiance: vi%o r of the senses: virility and the food that is eaten# , That flo$ed forth and $ent to$ards the s n# That forms $hat a""ears to stir in the centre of the s n# 4 These different colo rs in the s n are the essences of the essencesA for the 8edas are the essences and these colo rs are: a%ain: their essences# These are the nectars of the nectarsA for the 8edas are the nectars (i#e# immortal' and of them these colo rs in the s n are the nectars# )ha"ter 8- < Meditation on the 8as s 1 5n the first of these nectars the 8as s live: $ith A%ni (fire' at their head# Tr ly: the %ods do not eat or drink# They are satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# 2 They retire into that red colo r and rise " from that colo r# , ;e $ho th s kno$s this nectar !ecomes one of the 8as s: $ith A%ni (fire' at their headA he is satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# ;e retires into that red colo r and a%ain rises " from that colo r# 4 As lon% as the s n rises in the east and sets in the $est: so lon% does he: like the 8as s: en9oy r lershi" and soverei%nty#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8-- < Meditation on the H dras 1 5n the second of these nectars the H dras live: $ith -ndra at their head# Tr ly: the %ods do not eat or drink# They are satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# 2 They retire into that $hite colo r and rise " from that colo r# , ;e $ho th s kno$s this nectar !ecomes one of the H dras: $ith -ndra at their headA he is satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# ;e retires into that $hite colo r and a%ain rises " from that colo r# 4 As lon% as the s n rises in the east and sets in the $est: t$ice as lon% does it rise in the so th and set in the north and 9 st so lon% does he: like the H dras: en9oy r lershi" and soverei%nty# )ha"ter 8--- < Meditation on the Adityas 1 5n the third of these nectars the Adityas live: $ith 8ar na at their head# Tr ly: the %ods do not eat or drink# They are satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# 2 They retire into that dark colo r and rise " from that colo r# , ;e $ho th s kno$s this nectar !ecomes one of the Adityas: $ith 8ar na at their headA he is satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# ;e ret rns into that dark colo r and a%ain rises " from that colo r# 4 As lon% as the s n rises in the so th and sets in the north: t$ice as lon% does it rise in the $est and set in the east and 9 st so lon% does he: like the Adityas: en9oy r lershi" and soverei%nty#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -M < Meditation on the Mar ts 1 5n the fo rth of these nectars the Mar ts live: $ith Soma at their head# Tr ly: the %ods do not eat or drink# They are satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# 2 They retire into that eDtremely dark colo r and rise " from that colo r# , ;e $ho th s kno$s this nectar !ecomes one of the Mar ts: $ith Soma at their headA he is satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# ;e retires into that eDtremely dark colo r and a%ain rises " from that colo r# 4 As lon% as the s n rises in the $est and sets in the east: t$ice as lon% does it rise in the north and set in the so th and 9 st so lon% does he: like the Mar ts: en9oy r lershi" and soverei%nty# )ha"ter M < Meditation on the Sadhyas 1 5n the fifth of these nectars the Sadhyas live: $ith 2rahma at their head# Tr ly: the %ods do not eat or drink# They are satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# 2 Thy retire into that form and rise " from that form# , ;e $ho kno$s this nectar !ecomes one of the Sadhyas: $ith 2rahma at their headA he is satisfied !y merely lookin% at the nectar# ;e retires into that form and a%ain rises " from that form# 4 As lon% as the s n rises in the north and sets in the so th: t$ice as lon% does it rise a!ove and set !elo$ and 9 st so lon% does he: like the Sadhyas: en9oy r lershi" and soverei%nty#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M- < The Hes lt of the Meditation on the ;oney 1 No$: after havin% risen thence "$ards: it (i#e# the s n' rises and sets no more# -t remains alone in the centre# And on this there is the follo$in% verse: 2 3There (i#e# in 2rahmaloka' the s n neither rises nor sets at any time# 5 ye %ods: if this is tr e: may - never fall from 2rahman63 , 8erily: for him $ho th s kno$s this 2rahma<("anishad: the s n does not rise or set# ?or him it is day for ever# 4 This doctrine 2rahma told to *ra9a"ati: *ra9a"ati to Man : Man to his offs"rin%# And to (ddalaka Ar ni this doctrine of 2rahman $as narrated !y his father# / A father may therefore tell that doctrine of 2rahman to his eldest son to a $orthy disci"le# 1 -t m st not !e told to anyone else: even if he sho ld offer one the $hole sea<%irt earth: f ll of treas reA for this doctrine is $orth more an that: yea: it is $orth more# )ha"ter M-- < Meditation on the Fayatri 1 The %ayatri is everythin%: $hatever here eDists# S"eech is verily the Fayatri: for s"eech sin%s forth (%aya<ti' and "rotects (traya<te' everythin%: $hatever here eDists# 2 That Fayatri is also the earthA for everythin% that eDists here rests on this earth and does not %o !eyond# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, -n man: that Fayatri is also the !odyA for the "ranas eDist in this !ody and do not %o !eyond# 4 That !ody: in man: is a%ain the heart $ithin a manA for the "ranas eDist in it and do not %o !eyond# / That Fayatri has fo r feet and is siDfold# The same is also declared !y a Hik<verse: 1 3S ch is its %reatness (i#e# of 2rahman as kno$n thro %h the sym!ol of the Fayatri'# Freater than it is the *erson (2rahman'# 5ne of -ts feet covers all !ein%sA the immortal three feet are in heaven (i#e# in -tself' 7<0 The 2rahman $hich has !een th s descri!ed is the same as the "hysical akasa o tside a "erson# The akasa $hich is o tside a "erson is the same as that $hich is inside a "erson# The akasa $hich is inside a "erson is the akasa $ithin the heart# The akasa $hich is $ithin the heart is omni"resent and nchan%in%# ;e $ho kno$s this o!tains f ll and nchan%in% "ros"erity# )ha"ter M--- < Meditation on the Boor<+ee"ers 1 5f that heart there are five doors controlled !y the devas# That $hich is the eastern door is the "rana<that is the eye: that is Aditya (the s n'# 5ne sho ld meditate on that as !ri%htness and the so rce of food# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes !ri%ht and an eater of food# 2 That $hich is the so thern %ate is the vyana<that is the ear: that is )handrama (the moon'# 5ne sho ld meditate on that as "ros"erity and fame# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes "ros"ero s and famo s#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, That $hich is the $estern %ate is the a"ana<that is s"eech: that is A%ni (fire'# 5ne sho ld meditate on that as the radiance of 2rahman and the so rce of food# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes radiant and an eater of food# 4 That $hich is the northern %ate is the samana<that is the mind: that is *ar9anya (the rain<%od'# 5ne sho ld meditate on that as fame and !ea ty# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes famo s and !ea tif l# / That $hich is the ""er %ate is the dana<that is 8ay : that is the akasa# 5ne sho ld meditate on that as stren%th and %reatness# ;e $ho kno$s this !ecomes stron% and %reat# 1 These are the five servants of 2rahman: the door<kee"ers of the $orld of heaven# ;e $ho th s kno$s these five servants of 2rahman: the door<kee"ers of the $orld of heaven<in his family a hero is !orn# ;e $ho th s kno$s the five servants of 2rahman: the door<kee"ers of the $orld of heaven: himself attains the $orld of heaven# 7<. No$: the li%ht $hich shines a!ove this heaven: a!ove all the $orlds: a!ove everythin%: in the hi%hest $orlds not eDcelled !y any other $orlds: that is the same li%ht $hich is $ithin man# There is this visi!le of this li%ht: $hen $e th s "erceive !y to ch the $armth in the !ody# And of it $e have this a di!le "roof: $hen $e th s hear: !y coverin% the ears: $hat is like the r m!lin% of a carria%e: or the !ello$in% of an oD: or the so nd of a !laIin% fire# 5ne sho ld $orshi" as 2rahman that inner li%ht $hich is seen and heard# ;e $ho kno$s !ecomes cons"ic o s and cele!rated: yea: he !ecomes cele!rated# )ha"ter M-8 < The Sandilya Boctrine 1 All this is 2rahman# ?rom -t the niverse comes forth: in -t the niverse mer%es and in -t the niverse !reathes# Therefore a

man sho ld meditate on 2rahman $ith a calm mind# No$: verily: a man consists of $ill# As he $ills in this $orld: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

so does he !ecome $hen he has de"arted hence# &et him $ith this kno$led%e in mind form his $ill# 2<, ;e $ho consists of the mind: $hose !ody is s !tle: $hose form is li%ht: $hose tho %hts are tr e: $hose nat re is like the akasa: $hose creation in this niverse: $ho cherishes all ri%hteo s desires: $ho contains all "leasant odo rs: $ho is endo$ed $ith all tastes: $ho em!races all this: $ho never s"eaks and $ho is $itho t lon%in%< ;e is my Self $ithin the heart: smaller than a %rain of rice: smaller than a %rain of !arley: smaller than a m stard seed: smaller than a %rain of milletA ;e is my Self $ithin the heart: %reater than the earth: %reater than the mid<re%ion: %reater than heaven: %reater than all these $orlds# 4 ;e $hose creation is this niverse: $ho cherishes all desires: $ho contains all odo rs: $ho is endo$ed $ith all tastes: $ho em!races all this: $ho never s"eaks and $ho is $itho t lon%in%<;e is my Self $ithin the heart: ;e is that 2rahman# =hen - shall have de"arted hence - shall certainly reach ;im: one $ho has this faith and has no do !t $ill certainly attain to that Fodhead# Th s said Sandilya: yea: th s he said# )ha"ter M8 < Meditation on the (niverse as a )hest 1 The chest of the niverse: $ith the mid<re%ion for its inside and the earth for its !ottom: does not decay# The 7 arters are its different corners and heaven is its lid: $hich is a!ove# This chest is the storeho se of treas res# -nside it are all thin%s# 2 The eastern 7 arter is called > h : the so thern 7 arter Sahamana: the $estern 7 arter Ha9ni and the northern 7 arter S !h ta# 8ay the air is their child# ;e $ho kno$s this 8ay as the child of the 7 arters never $ee"s for his sons# - kno$ the air to !e the child of the 7 artersA may - never $ee" for my sons# , - take ref %e in the im"erisha!le chest $ith this one and this

one and this one# - take ref %e in the "rana $ith this one and this one and this one# - take ref %e in 2h h $ith this one and So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

this one and this one# - take ref %e in 2h vah $ith this one and this one and this one# - take ref %e Svah $ith this one and this one and this one# 4 =hen - said: 3- take ref %e in the "rana:3 "rana meant everythin% that eDists here<in that - take ref %e# / =hen - said: 3- take ref %e in 2h h:3 $hat - really said $as: 3ref %e in the earth: the mid<re%ion and heaven#3 1 Then - said: 3- take ref %e in 2h vah:3 $hat - said $as: 3- take in fire: the air and the s n#3 7 =hen - said: 3- take ref %e in Svah:3 $hat - said $as: 3- take ref %e in the Hi%<8eda: Ea9 r<8eda and Sama<8eda#3 That is $hat - said: yea: that is $hat - said# )ha"ter M8- < Man as a Sacrifice (-' 1 A "erson: indeed: is a sacrifice# ;is first t$enty<fo r years constit te the mornin% li!ation# The Fayatri metre has t$enty<fo r sylla!les and the mornin% li!ation is offered $ith Fayatri hymns# The 8as s are connected $ith that "art of the sacrifice# The "ranas are the 8as sA for: verily: they make everythin% a!ide (visayanti' in this !ody# 2 -f anythin% ails him d rin% that "eriod: he sho ld recite the follo$in% mantra: 35 ye "ranas: ye 8as s: nite this mornin% li!ation $ith the midday li!ation# May -: $ho am a sacrifice: not disa""ear in the midst of the "ranas: $ho are the 8as s#3 Th s he rises from his illness and !ecomes free of it# , ;is neDt forty<fo r years constit te the midday li!ation# The Trist !h metre has forty<fo r sylla!les and the midday

li!ation is offered $ith Trist !h hymns# The H dras are So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

connected $ith that "art of the sacrifice# The "ranas are the H drasA for: verily: they make everythin% $ee" (rodayanti'# 4 -f anythin% ails him d rin% that second "eriod: he sho ld recite the follo$in% mantra: 35 ye "ranas: ye H dras: nite this midday li!ation $ith the third li!ation# May -: $ho am a sacrifice: not disa""ear in the midst of the "ranas: $ho are the H dras#3 Th s he rises from his illness and !ecomes free of it# / ;is neDt forty<ei%ht years constit te the third o!lation# The >a%ati metre has forty<ei%ht sylla!les and the third o!lation is offered $ith >a%ati hymns# The Adityas are connected $ith that "art of the sacrifice# The "ranas are the AdityasA for: verily: they take " (adadate' every<thin%# 1 -f anythin% ails him d rin% that third "eriod: he sho ld recite the follo$in% mantra: 35 ye "ranas: ye Adityas: eDtend this my third li!ation to the f ll a%e# May -: $ho am a sacrifice: not disa""ear in the midst of the "ranas: $ho are the Adityas#3 Th s he rises from his illness and !ecomes free of it# 7 Mahidasa: the son of -tara: kne$ this and said addressin% a disease: 35 yo disease6 =hy do yo afflict me@ - shall not die of this "ain3 ;e lived a h ndred and siDteen years# ;e: too: $ho kno$s this lives on to a h ndred and siDteen years# )ha"ter M8-- < Man as a Sacrifice (--' 1 =hen a man h n%ers: thirsts and a!stains from "leas res< these are his initiatory rites# 2 =hen he eats: drinks and en9oys "leas res: he then "artici"ates in ("asadas# ,

=hen a man la %hs: eats and en9oys seD al interco rse<these are St ta and Sastra# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 A sterity: alms%ivin%: "ri%htness: non<violence and tr thf lness<these are the %ifts (dakshina' for the "riests# / 2eca se the life of a man is a sacrifice therefore they say that his mother $ill %ive !irth (soshyati' to him: or his mother has %iven !irth (asoshta' to him# The same $ords are sed in the Soma<sacrifice and mean: 3;e $ill "o r o t the Soma< 9 ice3 and 3;e has "o red o t the Soma<9 ice#3 This is his !irth# ;is death is the Ava!hritha# 1 Fhora: of the line of An%irasa: comm nicated this teachin% to +rishna: the son of Bevaki<and it 7 enched +rishnaCs thirst for any other kno$led%e<and said: 3=hen a man a""roaches death he sho ld take ref %e in these three tho %hts: STho art indestr cti!le (akshata':C STho art nchan%in% (a"rachy ta':C and STho art the s !tle "rana#C 35n this s !9ect there are t$o Hik<verses: 7 3They (i#e# the kno$ers of 2rahman' see every$here the S "reme &i%ht: $hich shines in 2rahman: $hich is all< "ervadin% like the li%ht of day and $hich !elon%s to the "rimeval Seed# S*erceivin% the hi%her li%ht in the s n<$hich is a!ove the darkness of i%norance<as the hi%her li%ht in the heart: "erceivin% the S "reme &i%ht $hich is hi%her than all li%hts: $e have reached the ;i%hest &i%ht: the S n: the most l mino s amon% the %ods: yea: $e have reached the ;i%hest &i%ht: the S n: the most l mino s amon% the %ods#3 )ha"ter M8--- L The Mind and the Akasa as Sym!ols of 2rahman 1 5ne sho ld meditate on the mind as 2rahman<this is said $ith reference to the !ody# 5ne sho ld meditate on the akasa as 2rahman<this is to said $ith reference to the %ods# Th s !oth<the meditation $ith reference to the !ody and the meditation $ith reference to the %ods<are !ein% ta %ht#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 That 2rahman has fo r feet (7 arters': s"eech is one foot: the "rana (the nose' is one foot: the eye is one foot: the ear is one foot<this is to said $ith reference to the !ody# No$ $ith reference to the %ods: A%ni (fire' is one foot: 8ay (air' is one foot: Aditya (the s n' is one foot and the 7 arters (disah' are one foot# This is the t$ofold meditation $ith reference to the !ody and $ith reference to the %ods# , S"eech is: indeed: a fo rth foot (7 arter' of 2rahman of $hich the mind is a sym!ol# -t shines and $arms $ith the li%ht of fire# ;e $ho kno$s this shines and $arms $ith fame: $ith reno$n and $ith the radiance of 2rahman# 4 *rana (the nose' is: indeed: a fo rth foot of 2rahman# -t shines and $arms $ith the li%ht of the air# ;e $ho kno$s this shines and $arms $ith fame: $ith reno$n and $ith the radiance of 2rahman# / The eye: indeed: is a fo rth foot of 2rahman# -t shines and $arms $ith the li%ht of the s n# ;e $ho kno$s this shines and $arms $ith fame: $ith reno$n and $ith the radiance of 2rahman# 1 The ear: indeed: is a fo rth foot of 2rahman# -t shines and $arms $ith the li%ht of the 7 arters# =ith fame: $ith reno$n and $ith the radiance of 2rahman he shines and $arms $ho kno$s this: yea: $ho kno$s this# )ha"ter M-M < Meditation on the S n as 2rahman 1 The s n is 2rahman: this is the teachin%# An eD"lanation thereof follo$s: -n the !e%innin% this niverse $as non<eDistent# -t !ecame eDistent# -t %re$# -t t rned into an e%%# The e%% lay for the "eriod of a year# Then it !roke o"en# 5f the t$o halves of the e%%<shell: one half $as of silver: the other of %old#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 That $hich $as of silver !ecame the earthA that $hich $as of %old: heaven# =hat $as the thick mem!rane of the $hite !ecame the mo ntainsA the thin mem!rane of the yolk: the m st and the clo ds# The veins !ecame the riversA the fl id in the !ladder: the ocean# , And $hat $as !orn of it $as yonder Aditya: the s n# $hen it $as !orn sho ts of 3; rrah63 arose: to%ether $ith all !ein%s and all o!9ects of desire# Therefore at its rise and its every ret rn sho ts of 3; rrah63 to%ether $ith all !ein%s and all o!9ects of desire arise# 4 ;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the s n as 2rahman< "leasant so nds $ill 7 ickly a""roach him and contin e to deli%ht him: yea: contin e to deli%ht him# *art ?o r )ha"ter - < The Story of >anasr ti and Haikva 1 There once lived a kin% named >anasr ti: $ho $as a %reat< %randson of >anasr ta# ;e !esto$ed his %ifts $ith res"ect: %ave a$ay li!erally and cooked m ch food for the h n%ry# ;e ! ilt rest<ho ses every<$here $ith the tho %ht that "eo"le every$here $o ld eat his food# 2 5ne ni%ht some flamin%os $ere flyin% alon%# 5ne flamin%o said to another: 3;ey6 ;o6 Short<si%hted: Short<si%hted6 The radiance of >anasr ti: the %reat<%randson of >anasr ta: has s"read to the sky# Bo not to ch it: lest it sho ld ! rn yo #3 , The other re"lied: 3Say: $ho is this "erson a!o t $hom yo have s"oken as tho %h he $ere like Haikva: the man $ith the cart@3 3=hat sort of "erson is this Haikva: the man $ith the cart@3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 The short<si%hted flamin%o re"lied: 3As in a %ame of dice: $hen the krita is $on: the lo$er ones also are $on: so $hatever merits "eo"le ac7 ire all accr e to that Haikva# As Haikva descri!e him: too: $ho kno$s $hat Haikva kno$s#3 /<1 >anasr ti the %reat<%randson of >anasr ta overheard this conversation# -mmediately after %ettin% o t of !ed: he said to his attendant: 3?riend: did yo s"eak of me as tho %h - $ere Haikva: the man $ith the cart@3 3=hat sort of "erson is Haikva: the man $ith the cart@3 3As in a %ame of dice: $hen the krita is $on: the lo$er ones also are $on: so $hatever merits "eo"le ac7 ire all accr e to that Haikva# As Haikva - descri!e him: too: $ho kno$s $hat Haikva kno$s#3 7 The attendant searched for him and ret rned $itho t findin% him# Then the kin% said to him: 3&isten: $here a kno$er of 2rahman is to searched for: look for him there#3 . After "ro"er search the attendant came "on a "erson $ho: lyin% nderneath his cart: $as scratchin% an itch# ; m!ly he took his seat near him and said: 3Hevered Sir: are yo Haikva: the man $ith the cart@3 35h yes: - am he:3 he ans$ered# Then the attendant ret rned: sayin% to himself: 3- have fo nd him o t#3 )ha"ter -- < Bialo% e of Haikva and >anasr ti (-' 1<2 Then >anasr ti the %reat<%randson of >anasr ta took $ith him siD h ndred co$s: a necklace and a chariot $ith m les and $ent to Haikva and said: 3Haikva: here are siD h ndred co$s: a necklace and a chariot $ith m les# *ray: revered Sir: teach me the deity $hom yo $orshi"#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, To him the other said: 3Ah: may the necklace and the chariot remain $ith yo : 5 S dra: alon% $ith the co$s#3 There "on >anasr ti the %reat<%randson of >anasr ta took $ith him a tho sand co$s: a chariot $ith m les: a necklace and his o$n da %hter: too and $ent to Haikva# 4 >anasr ti said to him: 3Haikva: here are a tho sand co$s: a necklace: a chariot $ith m les: this $ife and this villa%e $here yo shall d$ell# Hevered Sir: teach me#3 / Then considerin% her (the "rincess' as the door for im"artin% kno$led%e: Haikva said: 35 S dra6 Eo !ro %ht these co$s and other "resentsA this is %ood# 2 t yo $ill make me s"eak no$ only thro %h this means (i#e# the "rincess'#3 These are the villa%es named Haikva"arna: in the co ntry of Mahavrishas: $here Haikva lived# No$ Haikva said to the kin%: )ha"ter --- < Bialo% e of Haikva and >anasr ti (--' 1 38erily: 8ay (the air' is the s$allo$er (samvar%a'# ?or $hen fire %oes o t it is indeed s$allo$ed !y the air# =hen the s n sets it is s$allo$ed !y the air# =hen the moon sets it is s$allo$ed !y the air# 2 3=hen $ater dries " it is s$allo$ed !y the air# ?or indeed the air a!sor!s them all# So m ch $ith reference to the %ods# , 3No$ $ith reference to the !ody: 8erily: the "rana is the s$allo$er# =hen a man slee"s: s"eech %oes into the "rana: si%ht %oes into the "rana: hearin% %oes into the "rana and the mind %oes into the "rana# ?or indeed the "rana a!sor!s them all# 4

3These are the t$o s$allo$ers: the air amon% the %ods: the "rana amon% the senses#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ 5nce Sa naka of the line of +a"i and A!hi"ratarin: the son of +akshasena: $ere !ein% $aited "on at their meal: $hen a !rahmacharin !e%%ed food of them# They did not %ive him anythin%# 1 ;e said: 35ne Fod: *ra9a"ati: s$allo$ed the fo r %reat ones# ;e is the F ardian of the $orld# 5 descendent of +a"i: 5 A!hi"ratarin: mortals do not see ;im tho %h he a!ides in manifold forms# 8erily: this food has not !een %iven to ;im to $hom it !elon%s#3 7 Sanaka of the line of +a"i: "onderin% on those $ords: $ent to the !rahmacharin and said: 3;e is the self of the %ods: the creator of all !ein%s: $ith n!roken teeth: the eater: the tr ly $ise one# They s"eak of ;is ma%nificence as %reat: !eca se $itho t !ein% eaten: ;e eats even $hat is not common food# 5 !rahmacharin: $e meditate "on this 2rahman#3 Then he said to the attendants: 3Five him food#3 . They %ave food to him# No$ these five (i#e# the eater vay and fire: the s n: the moon and $ater: $hich are its food' and those five (i#e# the eater "rana and the or%ans of s"eech: the eye: the ear and the mind: $hich are its food' make ten# These to%ether constit te the krita (the hi%hest thro$ in a %ame of dice'# 5n acco nt of this similarity of ten: these ten are the food in the ten 7 arters and f rther: they are 8irat: the eater of food: !y $hich all this !ecomes seen# All this he sees and the eater of food he !ecomes: $ho kno$s this: yea: $ho kno$s this# )ha"ter -8 < The Story of Satyakama 1 5nce "on a time: Satyakama the son of >a!ala addressed his mother and said: 3Hevered Mother: - $ish to !ecome a !rahmacharin# 5f $hat ancestry am -@3 2 She said to him: 3- do not kno$: my child: of $hat ancestry yo

are# -n my yo th - $as "reocc "ied $ith many ho sehold d ties and $ith attendin% on % ests $hen - conceived yo # - do So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

not kno$ of $hat ancestry yo are# - am >a!ala !y name and yo are Satyakama# So yo may s"eak of yo rself as Satyakama >a!ala (the son of >a!ala'# , ;e came to Fa tama the son of ;aridr mata and said: 3Hevered Sir: - $ish to live $ith yo as a !rahmacharin# May a""roach yo : as a " "il@3 4 Fa tama said to him: 35f $hat ancestry are yo : dear friend@3 Satyakama said: 3- do not kno$: Sir: of $hat ancestry - am# asked my mother a!o t it and she re"lied: S-n my yo th - $as "reocc "ied $ith many ho sehold d ties and $ith attendin% on % ests $hen - conceived yo # - do not kno$ of $hat ancestry yo are# - am >a!ala !y name and yo are Satyakama#C - am therefore: Sir: Satyakama >a!ala#3 / Fa tama said: 3None ! t a tr e !rahmin $o ld th s s"eak o t# ?etch the f el: dear friendA - shall initiate yo # Eo have not de"arted from tr th#3 ;e initiated Satyakama# ;avin% se"arated o t fo r h ndred lean and $eak co$s from his herd: he said: 3Bear friend: %o $ith these#3 Brivin% them a$ay to$ard the forest: Satyakama said: 3- shall not ret rn ntil they !ecome a tho sand#3 ;e lived a n m!er of years in the forest# =hen the co$s had !ecome a tho sand< )ha"ter 8 < -nstr ction !y the 2 ll 1 The ! ll of the herd: addressin% him: said: 3Satyakama63 3Hevered Sir63 Satyakama re"lied# The ! ll said: 3Bear friend: $e have !ecome a tho sand: take s to teacherCs ho se# 2 3- $ill declare to yo one foot of 2rahman#3 3Beclare it: Hevered Sir#3

The ! ll said to him: 3The east is one 7 arter: the $est is one 7 arter: the so th is one 7 arter: the north is one 7 arter# This: dear friend: is foot of 2rahman: consistin% of fo r 7 arters and this foot is called *rakasavat (shinin%'# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, 3;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% fo r 7 arters as shinin%: !ecomes shinin% on this earth# ;e con7 ers shinin% $orlds<he $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as shinin%#3 )ha"ter 8-- < -nstr ction !y ?ire 1 The ! ll f rther said: 3A%ni (fire' $ill declare to yo another foot of 2rahman#3 Satyakama then: $hen it $as the morro$: drove the co$s in the direction of the teacherCs ho se# And $hen they came to%ether to$ard evenin%: he li%hted a fire: "enned the co$s: laid f el on the fire and sat do$n !ehind the fire: facin% the east# 2 A%ni (fire': addressin% him: said: 3Satyakama63 3Hevered Sir63 Satyakama re"lied# , 3Bear friend: - $ill declare to yo one foot of 2rahman#3 3Beclare it: revered Sir#3 A%ni said to him: 3The earth is one 7 arter: the sky is one 7 arter: heaven is one 7 arter: the ocean is one 7 arter# This: dear friend: is one foot of 2rahman: consistin% of fo r 7 arters and this foot is called Anantavat (endless'# 4 3;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as endless: !ecomes endless on this earth# ;e con7 ers endless $orlds<he $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as endless#3 )ha"ter 8-- < -nstr ction !y the S$an 1 A%ni f rther said: 3A hamsa (s$an' $ill declare to yo another foot#3

Satyakama then: $hen it $as the morro$: drove the co$s in the direction of the teacherCs ho se# And $hen they came to%ether So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

to$ard evenin%: he li%hted a fire: "enned the co$s: laid f el on the fire and sat do$n !ehind the fire: facin% the east# 2 Then a s$an fle$ to him and said: 3Satyakama63 3Hevered Sir63 Satyakama re"lied# , Bear friend: - $ill declare to yo one foot of 2rahman#3 3Beclare it: revered Sir#3 The s$an said to him: 3?ire is one 7 arter: the s n is one 7 arter: the moon is one 7 arter: li%htnin% is one 7 arter# This: dear friend: is one foot of 2rahman: consistin% of fo r 7 arters and this foot is called >yotishmat (l mino s'# 4 ;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as l mino s: !ecomes l mino s on this earth# ;e con7 ers l mino s $orlds<he $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as l mino s# )ha"ter 8--- < -nstr ction !y the Biver<2ird 1 The s$an f rther said: 3A mad% (diver<!ird' $ill declare to yo another foot#3 Satyakama then: $hen it $as the morro$: drove the co$s in the direction of the teacherCs ho se# And $hen they came to%ether to$ard evenin%: he li%hted a fire: "enned the co$s: laid f el on the fire and sat do$n !ehind the fire: facin% the east# 2 Then a diver<!ird fle$ to him and said: 3Satyakama63 3Hevered Sir63 Satyakama re"lied# , 3Bear friend: - $ill declare to yo one foot of 2rahman#3 3Beclare it: revered Sir#3 The diver<!ird said to him: 3The "rana is one 7 arter: the eye is one 7 arter: the ear is one 7 arter: the mind is one 7 arter#

This: dear friend: is one foot of 2rahman: consistin% of fo r 7 arters and this foot is called Ayatanavat (havin% s ""ort'# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 3;e $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as Ayatanavat: "ossesses a s ""ort (i#e# home' on this earth# ;e con7 ers the $orlds $hich offer a home<he $ho kno$s this and meditates on the foot of 2rahman consistin% of fo r 7 arters as Ayatanavat#3 )ha"ter -M < -nstr ction !y the Teacher 1 Satyakama reached the teacherCs ho se# The teacher said to him: 3Satyakama63 3Hevered Sir63 Satyakama re"lied# 2 The teacher said: 3Bear friend: yo shine like one $ho kno$s 2rahman# =ho has ta %ht yo @3 35thers than men:3 he re"lied# 32 t - $ish: revered Sir: that yo alone sho ld teach me#3 , 3?or - have heard from "ersons like yo r %ood self that only kno$led%e $hich is learnt from a teacher (acharya' leads to the hi%hest %ood#3 Then he (Fa tama' ta %ht him the same kno$led%e# Nothin% $hatsoever $as left o t: yea: nothin% $hatsoever $as left o t# )ha"ter M < The Story of ("akosala 1 ("akosala the son of +amala d$elt as a !rahmachirin (reli%io s st dent' $ith Satyakama the son of >a!ala# ;e tended his teacherCs fires for t$elve years# Satyakama allo$ed his other " "ils to ret rn to their homes after they had finished their 8edic st dies ! t did not allo$ ("akosala to de"art# 2 Then his $ife said to him: 3This !rahmachirin: "ractisin% a sterities: has intelli%ently tended yo r fires# Five him instr ction lest the fires sho ld !lame yo #3 The teacher:

ho$ever: $ent a$ay on a 9o rney $itho t teachin% him# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, The !rahmachirin o t of mental %rief !e%an to fast# Then the teacherCs $ife said to him: 32rahmachirin: $hy do yo not eat@3 ;e said: 3There are in a man like me many desires directed to vario s o!9ects# - am f ll of sorro$s# - $ill not eat#3 4 There "on the fires said amon% themselves: 3This !rahmachirin: "ractisin% a sterities: has intelli%ently tended s# )ome: let s teach him#3 They said to him: 3The "rana is 2rahman: ka (9oy' is 2rahman: kha (the akaha' is 2rahman#3 / ;e said: 3- nderstand that the "rana is 2rahman: ! t - do not nderstand S9oyC (ka' and Sthe akasaC (kha'#3 They said: 3=hat is 9oy (ka' is the akasa (kha': $hat is the akasa (kha' is 9oy (ka'#3 They ta %ht him the "rana (i#e# 2rahman' and the akasa related to it# )ha"ter M- < -nstr ction !y the ;o sehold ?ire 1 NeDt the Farha"atya ?ire ta %ht him: 3The earth: fire: food and the s n are my forms# The "erson that is seen in the s n<- am he: - am he indeed# 2 3;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire frees himself from sinf l actions: o!tains the =orld of the Farha"atya ?ire: reaches his f ll a%e and lives !ri%htly# ;is descendants do not "erish# =e s ""ort him in this $orld and in the other $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire#3 )ha"ter M-- < -nstr ction !y the So thern ?ire 1 Then the Anvaharya (So thern' ?ie ta %ht him: 3=ater: the

7 arters: the stars and the moon are my forms# The "erson that is seen in the moon<- am he: - am he indeed# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 3;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire frees himself from sinf l actions: o!tains the =orld of the Anvaharya ?ire: reaches his f ll a%e and lives !ri%htly# ;is descendants do not "erish# =e s ""ort him in this $orld and in the other $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire#3 )ha"ter M--- < -nstr ction !y the Ahavaniya ?ire 1 Then the Ahavaniya ?ire ta %ht him: 3The "rana: the akaha: heaven and li%htnin% are my forms# The "erson that is seen in li%htnin%<- am he: - am he indeed# 2 3;e $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire frees himself from sinf l actions: o!tains the =orld of the Anvaharya ?ire: reaches his f ll a%e and lives !ri%htly# ;is descendants do not "erish# =e s ""ort him in this $orld and in the other $ho: kno$in% this: meditates on the fire#3 )ha"ter M-8 < Bialo% e !et$een the Teacher and the * "il 1 Then they (i#e# all the fires' said: 3("akosala: dear friend: th s $e ta %ht yo the kno$led%e of o rselves and the kno$led%e of the Self# 2 t the teacher $ill teach yo the $ay#3 The teacher ret rned and said to him: 3("akosala63 2<, ;e re"lied: 3Hevered Sir63 3Bear friend: yo r face shines like that of one $ho kno$s 2rahman# =ho has ta %ht yo @3 3=ho sho ld teach me: Sir@3 ;ere he conceals the fact: as it $ere# And he said "ointin% to the fires: 3?or this reason they are of this form no$: tho %h they $ere of a different form !efore#3 3Bear friend: $hat did they teach yo @3 3This:3 ("akosala re"lied and re"eated some of $hat the fires had told him# The teacher said: 3They told yo : dear friend: only a!o t the $orlds: ! t - shall tell yo a!o t 2rahman# As $ater does not

clin% to the lot s leaf: so no evil clin%s to one $ho kno$s this#3 ("akosala said to him: 3Hevered Sir: "lease tell me#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M8 < -nstr ction !y the Teacher 1 ;e said: 3The "erson that is seen in the eye<that is the Self# This is the immortal: the fearlessA this is 2rahman# That is $hy: if one dro"s melted ! tter or $ater in the eye: it flo$s a$ay on !oth sides# 2 3The seers call him Samyadvama: for all !lessin%s (vama' %o to$ards him (samyanti'# All !lessin%s %o to$ards him $ho kno$s this# , 3;e is also 8amani: for he carries to livin% !ein%s (nayati' all !lessin%s (vama'# ;e $ho kno$s this carries all !lessin%s# 4 3;e is also called 2hamani: for he shines (!hati' in all the $orlds# ;e $ho kno$s this shines in all the $orlds# / 3No$: $hether or not they "erform the f neral rites for s ch a "erson: he %oes to li%ht: from li%ht to day: from day to the !ri%ht half of the moon: from the !ri%ht half of the moon to the siD months d rin% $hich the s n %oes to the north: from those months to the year: from the year to the s n: from the s n to the moon: from the moon to li%htnin%# There a "erson $ho is not a h man !ein% meets him and leads him to 2rahman# This is the *ath of the Fods (Bevayana': the "ath leadin% to 2rahman# Those $ho travel !y it do not ret rn to the $hirl of h manity: yea: they do not ret rn#3 )ha"ter M8- < The Silence of the 2rahma *riest 1 8erily: he $ho moves alon% (i#e# the air' is the sacrificeA for he: movin% alon%: " rifies everythin%# And !eca se: movin% alon%: he " rifies everythin%: he is the sacrifice# 5f that sacrifice: the mind and s"eech are the t$o $ays# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2<, The 2rahma "riest " rifies one of the t$o (i#e# the mind' !y his mind# The other (i#e# s"eech' is " rified thro %h $ords !y the hotri "riest: the adhvary "riest and the d%atri "riest# -f the 2rahma "riest: after the *rataran vaka hymn has !e% n and !efore the recitation of the *aridhaniya hymn: !reaks his silence and s"eaks: he " rifies only one of the $ays (i#e# s"eech': ! t the other (i#e# the mind' is in9 red# As a man $alkin% on one le%: or a carria%e %oin% on one $heel: is in9 red: like$ise the sacrifice is in9 red# ?ollo$in% the in9 ry to the sacrifice: the sacrificer too is in9 red# 2y "erformin% the defective sacrifice he !ecomes more sinf l# 4 2 t if the 2rahma "riest: after the *rataran vaka hymn has !e% n and !efore the recitation of the *aridhaniya: does not !reak his silence and s"eak: he " rifies !oth the $ays and neither of them is in9 red# As a man $alkin% on t$o le%s or a carria%e %oin% on t$o $heels %oes on $itho t o!stacle: like$ise the sacrifice %oes on $itho t o!stacle# ?ollo$in% the s ccess of the sacrifice: the sacrificer too fares $ell# ;avin% "erformed the sacrifice he !ecomes !etter# )ha"ter M8-- < *enances for Mistakes in the Sacrifice 1 *ra9a"ati !rooded over the $orldsA from them: th s !rooded over: he s7 eeIed the essences: a%ni (fire' from the earth: vay (air' from the mid<re%ion and aditya (the s n' from heaven# 2 ;e !rooded over these three deitiesA from them: th s !rooded over: he s7 eeIed the essences# The Hik<verses from fire: the Ea9 s<verses from the air and the Saman<verses from the s n# , ;e !rooded over the threefold kno$led%e (i#e# the three 8edas'A from them: th s !rooded over: he s7 eeIed the essences: 2h h from the Hik<verses: 2h vah from the Ea9 s<verses and Svah from the Saman<verses#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 -f the sacrifice is in9 red $ith re%ard to the Hik<verses: one sho ld then offer a li!ation in the Farha"atya ?ire sayin%: 32h h Svaha63 Th s is healed the in9 ry $ith re%ard to the Hik<verses !y means of the essence and the "o$er of the Hik<verses themselves# / -f the sacrifice is in9 red $ith re%ard to the Ea9 s<verses: one sho ld then offer a li!ation in the So thern (Bakshina' ?ire: sayin%: 32h vah Svaha63 Th s is healed the in9 ry $ith re%ard to the Ea9 s<verses !y means of the essence and the "o$er of the Ea9 s<verses themselves# 1 -f the sacrifice is in9 red $ith re%ard to the Saman<verses: one sho ld then offer a li!ation in the Ahavaniya ?ire: sayin%: 3Svah Svaha63 Th s is healed the in9 ry $ith re%ard to the Saman<verses !y means of the essence and the "o$er of the Saman<verses themselves# 7<. As one !inds %old !y means of !oraD and silver !y means of %old and tin !y means of silver and lead !y means of tin and iron !y means of lead and $ood !y means of iron or leather: &ike$ise one heals any in9 ry done to the sacrifice $ith the "o$er of these $orlds: these %ods and these three 8edas# That sacrifice is $ell healed in $hich there is a 2rahma "riest $ho kno$s this# 0<10 That sacrifice is inclined to the north in $hich there is a 2rahma "riest $ho kno$s this# And $ith re%ard to s ch a 2rahma "riest: there is the follo$in% %atha: 3=herever it is in9 red: thither he (the 2rahma "riest' %oes#3 The silent 2rahma alone: as one or the "riests: "rotects the sacrificer: as a mare "rotects a $arrior# 2eca se the 2rahma "riest $ho kno$s this "rotects the sacrifice: the sacrificer and all the "riests: one sho ld therefore make a "erson $ho kno$s this the 2rahma "riest and not one $ho kno$s it not: yea: not one $ho kno$s it not# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

*art ?ive )ha"ter - < The S "remacy of the *rana 1 5m# ;e $ho kno$s $hat is the oldest and %reatest !ecomes himself the oldest and %reatest# The "rana: indeed: is the oldest and %reatest# 2 ;e $ho kno$s $hat is the most eDcellent (vasishtha' !ecomes the most eDcellent amon% his kinsmen# The or%an of s"eech: indeed: is the most eDcellent# , ;e $ho kno$s $hat has the attri! tes of firmness ("ratishtha' !ecomes firm in this $orld and the neDt# The eye: indeed: is endo$ed $ith firmness# 4 ;e $ho kno$s "ros"erity (sam"ad': his $ishes are f lfilled< !oth divine and h man $ishes# The ear: indeed: is "ros"erity# / ;e $ho kno$s the a!ode (ayatana' !ecomes the a!ode of his kinsmen# The mind: indeed: is the a!ode# 1 The "ranas (sense<or%ans' dis" ted amon% themselves a!o t $ho $as the !est amon% them: each sayin%: 3- am the !est:3 3am the !est#3 7 They $ent to *ra9a"ati: their "ro%enitor and said: 35 revered Sir: $ho is the !est amon% s@3 ;e said to them: 3;e !y $hose de"art re the !ody looks $orse than the $orst is the !est amon% yo #3 . The or%an of s"eech de"arted# After !ein% a$ay for a $hole year: it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live

$itho t me@3 The other or%ans re"lied: 3=e lived 9 st as d m! So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

"eo"le live: $itho t s"eakin%: ! t !reathin% $ith the "rana (nose': seein% $ith the eye: hearin% $ith the ear and thinkin% $ith the mind#3 Then the or%an of s"eech entered the !ody# 0 The eye de"arted# After !ein% a$ay for a $hole year: it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans re"lied: 3=e lived 9 st as !lind "eo"le live: $itho t seein%: ! t !reathin% $ith the "rana: s"eakin% $ith the ton% e: hearin% $ith the ear and thinkin% $ith the mind#3 Then the eye entered the !ody# 10 The ear $ent o t# After !ein% a$ay for a $hole year: it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans re"lied: 3=e lived 9 st as deaf "eo"le live: $itho t hearin%: ! t !reathin% $ith the "rana# S"eakin% $ith the ton% e: seein% $ith the eye and thinkin% $ith the mind#3 Then the ear entered the !ody# 11 The mind $ent o t# After !ein% a$ay for a $hole year: it came !ack and said: 3;o$ have yo !een a!le to live $itho t me@3 The other or%ans re"lied: 3=e lived 9 st like children $hose minds are not yet formed: $itho t thinkin% $ith the mind: ! t !reathin% $ith the "rana: s"eakin% $ith the ton% e: seein% $ith the eye and hearin% $ith the ear#3 Then the mind entered the !ody# 12 Then as the vital !reath $as a!o t to de"art: he "rooted the or%ans from their "laces 9 st as a no!le horse tears " the "e%s to $hich its feet are tied# They came to him and said: 3Hevered Sir: !e tho o r lordA tho art the !est amon% s# Bo not de"art from s#3 1, Then the or%an of s"eech said to him: 3That attri! te of !ein% most eDcellent $hich - "ossess is thine#3 Then the eye said: 3That attri! te of firmness $hich - "ossess is thine#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

14 Then the ear said: 3That attri! te of "ros"erity $hich - "ossess is thine#3 Then the mind said: 3That attri! te of !ein% the a!ode $hich "ossess is thine#3 1/ And "eo"le do not call them (i#e# the sense<or%ans' the or%ans of s"eech: the eyes: the ears: or the mind: ! t the "ranas# The "rana alone is all these# )ha"ter -- < The Mantha Hite 1 The "rana said: 3=hat $ill !e my food@3 They ans$ered: 3=hatever food there is<incl din% that of do%s and !irds#3 The ("anishad says: All that is eaten is the food of the ana# Ana is his (i#e# the "ranaCs' direct name# ?or one $ho kno$s this: there eDists nothin% $hich is not food# 2 ;e said: 3=hat $ill !e my dress@3 They ans$ered: 3=ater#3 Therefore $hen "eo"le eat they cover him (the "rana': !oth !efore and after eatin%: $ith $ater# Th s the "rana o!tains clothin% and is no lon%er naked# , Satyakama the son of >a!ala eD"lained this doctrine of the "rana to Fosr ti: the son of 8ya%hra"ada and said: 3-f one sho ld tell this to a dry st m": !ranches $o ld %ro$ and leaves s"rin% forth#3 4 No$: if a man $ishes to attain %reatness: he sho ld "erform the initiatory rite on the day of the ne$ moon and then on the ni%ht of the f ll moon he sho ld stir a "aste of all the her!s $ith c rds and honey and offer it as a li!ation in the fire $here the melted ! tter is offered: sayin%: 3Svaha to the oldest (9yashtha'

and %reatest (sreshtha'63 Then let him thro$ the remainder adherin% to the ladle into the "aste# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ -n the same manner he sho ld offer a li!ation in the fire $here the melted ! tter is offered: sayin%: 3Svaha to the most eDcellent (vasishtha'63 Then let him thro$ the remainder adherin% to the ladle into the "aste# -n the same manner he sho ld offer a li!ation into the fire $here the melted ! tter is offered: sayin%: 3Svaha to firmness ("ratishthi'63 and then thro$ the remainder adherin% to the ladle into the "aste# -n the same manner he sho ld offer a li!ation in the fire $here the melted ! tter is offered: sayin%: 3Svaha to "ros"erity (sam"ad'63 and then thro$ the remainder adherin% to the ladle into the "aste# -n the same manner he sho ld offer a li!ation into the fire $here the melted ! tter is offered: sayin%: 3Svaha to the a!ode (ayatana'63 and then thro$ the remainder adherin% to the ladle into the "aste# 1 Then: movin% a$ay a little from the fire and holdin% the "aste (mantha' in his hands: he recites: 3Tho ("rana' art ama !y name: for all this rests in thee# ;e (i#e# the "aste: $hich is the same as the "rana' is the oldest: the %reatest: the kin% and the soverei%n# May he make me the oldest: the %reatest: the kin% and the soverei%n# May - !e all this63 7 Then he recites the follo$in% Hik<mantra: s$allo$in% the "aste (mantha' each time he tters a foot of the mantra: 3=e desire: of the %reat "ro%enitor (i#e# the s n'3<here he s$allo$s a little<3of the l mino s: the food3<here he s$allo$s a little< 3the !est and all<s ""ortin%3<here he s$allo$s a little<3$e meditate 7 ickly on the nat re of the s n3<here he s$allo$s the $hole# ;avin% cleansed the vessel made of metal or $ood: he lies do$n !ehind the fire: on a skin or on the !are %ro nd: controllin% his s"eech and self<"ossessed# -f he sees a $oman in a dream: then let him kno$ that his $ork (rite' has !een a s ccess# . 5n this there is the follo$in% verse: 3-f d rin% rites "erformed $ith a vie$ to f lfillin% certain desires: he sees a $oman in his dream: let him kno$ of his s ccess from this vision in a dream: yea: from this vision in a dream#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter --- < The Story of Svetaket and *ravahana 1 Svetaket the %randson of Ar na came to the assem!ly of the *anchalas# *ravahana the son of >i!ala said to him: 32oy: has yo r father instr cted yo @3 3Ees: revered Sir:3 he re"lied# 2 The kin% said: 3Bo yo kno$ to $hat "lace men %o after de"artin% from here@3 3No: revered Sir#3 3Bo yo kno$ ho$ they ret rn a%ain@3 3No: revered Sir#3 3Bo yo kno$ $here the "aths leadin% to the %ods and leadin% to the Manes se"arate@3 3No: revered Sir#3 , 3Bo yo kno$ $hy yonder $orld is not filled "@3 3No: revered Sir#3 3Bo yo kno$ ho$ $ater: in the fifth o!lation: comes to !e called man@3 3No: revered Sir#3 4 3Then $hy did yo say that yo had !een instr cted@ ;o$ co ld he $ho did not kno$ these thin%s say that he had !een instr cted@3 Then Svetaket $ent !ack to his father $ith a sorro$f l mind and said to him: 3Hevered Sir: yo told me that yo had instr cted me: tho %h yo had not instr cted me# / 3That fello$ of a +shatriya asked me five 7 estions and - co ld not ans$er one of them#3 The father said: 3As yo have stated these 7 estions to me: let me ass re yo that - do not kno$ even one of them# -f - had kno$n them: $hy sho ld - not have told them to yo @3

1 Then Fa tama $ent to the kin%Cs "lace# =hen he arrived the kin% sho$ed him "ro"er res"ect# NeDt mornin%: $hen the kin% came to the assem!ly: Fa tama: too: came there# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

The kin% said to him: 3Fa tama: Sir: ask of me a !oon relatin% to h man $ealth#3 ;e re"lied: 3May h man $ealth remain $ith yo # Tell me that s"eech $hich yo addressed to my !oy#3 The kin% !ecame sad# 7 The kin% commanded him: 3Stay $ith me for a lon% time#3 Then he said to him: 3As to $hat yo have told me: 5 Fa tama: this kno$led%e did not reach any !rahmin !efore yo # Th s it $as to the kshatriya alone: amon% all the "eo"le: that the teachin% of this kno$led%e !elon%ed#3 Then he !e%an to teach him: )ha"ter -8 < The ?ive ?ires (-' 1 3Eonder $orld is the sacrificial fire: 5 Fa tama: the s n the f el: the rays the smoke: daytime the flame: the moon the em!ers and the stars the s"arks# 2 3-n this fire the %ods offer faith as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% +in% Moon is !orn#3 )ha"ter 8 < The ?ive ?ires (--' 1 3*ar9anya (the %od of rain': 5 Fa tama: is the fire: the air the f el: the clo d the smoke: li%htnin% the flame: the th nder!olt the em!ers and th nderin%s the s"arks# 2 3-n this fire the %ods offer +in% Moon as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% rain is !orn#3 )ha"ter 8-< The ?ive ?ires (---' 1 3The earth: 5 Fa tama: is the fire: the year the f el: the akasa the smoke: the ni%ht the flame: the 7 arters the em!ers and the

intermediate 7 arters the s"arks# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 3-n this fire the %ods offer rain as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% food is !orn#3 )ha"ter 8--< The ?ive ?ires (-8' 1 5 Fa tama: is the fire: s"eech is the f el: the "rana the smoke: the ton% e the flame: the eye the em!ers and the ear the s"arks# 2 3-n this fire the %ods offer food as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% semen "rod ced#3 )ha"ter 8--- < The ?ive ?ires (8' 1 3=oman: 5 Fa tama: is the fire: her seD al or%an is the f el: $hat invites is the smoke: the v lva is the flame: $hat is done inside is the em!ers: the "leas res are the s"arks# 2 3-n this fire the %ods offer semen as li!ation# 5 t of that offerin% the foet s is formed#3 )ha"ter -M < 2irth and Beath 1 3Th s in the fifth li!ation $ater comes to !e called man# The foet s enclosed in the mem!rane: havin% lain inside for ten or nine months: or more or less: is !orn# 2 3;avin% !een !orn: he lives $hatever the len%th of his life may !e# =hen he is dead: they carry him to the fire of the f neral "yre $hence he came: $hence he arose#3 )ha"ter M < The 8ario s *aths follo$ed after Beath 1<2 3Those $ho kno$ this and those $ho: d$ellin% in the forest: "ractise faith and a sterities %o to li%ht: from li%ht to day: from So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

day to the !ri%ht half of the moon: from the !ri%ht half of the moon to the siD months d rin% $hich the s n %oes to the north: from those months to the year: from the year to the s n: from the s n to the moon: from the moon to li%htnin%# There a "erson $ho is not a h man !ein% meets him and leads him to 2rahman# This is the *ath of the Fods (Bevayana'# , 32 t those $ho: livin% in the villa%e: "erform sacrifices: ndertake $orks of " !lic tility and %ive alms %o to smoke: from smoke to ni%ht: from ni%ht to the dark half of the moon: from the dark half of the moon to the siD months d rin% $hich the s n %oes to the so th# 2 t they do not reach the year# 4 3?rom those months they %o to the =orld of the Manes: from the $orld of the Manes to the akasa: from the akasa to the moon# This is +in% Soma# They are the food of the %ods# Them the %ods eat# /<1 3;avin% d$elt there in the l nar $orld till their %ood $orks are cons med: they ret rn a%ain the same $ay they came# They first reach the akasa and from the akasa the air# ;avin% !ecome air: they !ecome smokeA havin% !ecome smoke: they !ecome mistA 3;avin% !ecome mist: they !ecome clo dA havin% !ecome clo d: they fall as rain<$ater# Then they are !orn as rice and !arley: her!s and trees: sesam m and !eans# Thence the eDit is most diffic ltA for $hoever ca"a!le of !e%ettin% children eats that food and in9ects semen: they !ecome like nto him# 7 3Those $hose cond ct here on earth has !een %ood $ill 7 ickly attain some %ood !irth<!irth as a !rahmin: !irth as a kshatriya: or !irth as a vaisya# 2 t those $hose cond ct here has !een evil $ill 7 ickly attain some evil !irth<!irth as a do%: !irth as a "i%: or !irth as a chandala# . 3Those $ho neither "ractise meditation nor "erform rit als do not follo$ either of these $ays# They !ecome those insi%nificant creat res $hich are contin ally revolvin% and

a!o t $hich it may !e said: S&ive and die#C This is the third "lace# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

3Therefore that $orld never !ecomes f ll# &et a man des"ise this co rse# To this end there is the follo$in% verse: 0 S 3A man $ho steals the %old of a !rahmin: he (i#e# a !rahmin' $ho drinks li7 or: he $ho dishono rs his teacherCs !ed and he $ho kills a !rahmin<these fo r fall: as also a fifth $ho associates $ith them#C 3 10 32 t he $ho kno$s these ?ive ?ires is not stained !y sin even tho %h associatin% $ith them# ;e !ecomes " re and clean and o!tains the $orld of the !lessed<he $ho kno$s this: yea: he $ho kno$s this#3 )ha"ter M- < )oncernin% the (niversal Self 1 *rachinasala the son of ("amany : Satyaya9na the son of * l sha: -ndrady mna the %randson of 2hallavi: >ana the son of Sarkaraksha and 2 dila the son of Asvatarasva<%reat ho seholders and %reat scri"t ral scholars<came to%ether and disc ssed the 7 estion: 3=hat is o r self and $hat is 2rahman@3 2 They solved the "ro!lem $ith the $ords: 3Hevered Sirs: (ddalaka the son of Ar na kno$s: at "resent: a!o t the 8aisvanara Self# &et s %o to him#3 They $ent to him# , ;e ((ddalaka' concl ded: 3These %reat ho seholders and %reat scri"t ral scholars $ill 7 estion me# *erha"s - shall not !e a!le to tell them everythin%# Therefore - shall direct them to another teacher#3 4 ;e said to them: 3Hevered Sirs: +in% Asva"ati the son of +ekaya kno$s: at "resent: a!o t the 8aisvanara Self# &et s all %o to him#3

They $ent to him# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/<7 =hen they arrived: the kin% ordered that "ro"er res"ect sho ld !e "aid to each of them# The neDt mornin%: after leavin% !ed: he said to them: 3-n my kin%dom there is no thief: no miser: no $ine<!i!!er: no man $itho t a sacrificial fire: no i%norant "erson: no ad lterer: m ch less ad lteress# 3Hevered Sirs: - am %oin% to "erform a sacrifice# - shall %ive to yo as m ch $ealth as - %ive to each "riest# *lease: revered Sirs: stay here#3 They said: 3-f a "erson comes to another $ith a " r"ose: he sho ld tell the other only a!o t that# At "resent: yo kno$ a!o t the 8aisvanara Self# *lease tell s a!o t ;im#3 ;e said to them: 3- shall %ive yo a re"ly tomorro$ mornin%#3 NeDt mornin% they a""roached him $ith f el in their hands# =itho t havin% "erformed any initiatory rites: the kin% said to them: )ha"ter M-- < The ;ead of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 35 son of ("amany : $hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3;eaven only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin% 3is the 8aisvanara Self called the Food &i%ht (S te9as'# Therefore one sees in yo r family the S ta li!ation as also the *ras ta li!ation and the As ta li!ation and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the head of the Self# S rely yo r head $o ld have fallen off if yo had not come to me#3 )ha"ter M--- < The Gye of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 Then he said to Satyaya9na the son of * l sha: 35 *rachinayo%ya: $hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3The s n only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin%: 3is the 8aisvanara Self called the (niversal ?orm (8isvar "a'# Therefore one sees in yo r family m ch and manifold $ealth<there are ready the chariot and m les: female servants and %old necklaces<and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates

on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the eye of the Self# S rely yo $o ld have !ecome !lind if yo had not come to me#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M-8 < The *rana of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 Then he said to -ndrady mna the %randson of 2hallavi: 35 8aiya%hra"adya: $hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3The air only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin%: 3is the 8aisvanara Self of varied co rses (*ritha%vartma'# Therefore %ifts come to yo in vario s $ays: ro$s of chariots follo$ yo in vario s $ays and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the "rana of the Self# S rely yo r "rana $o ld have left yo if yo had not come to me#3 )ha"ter M8 < The Tr nk of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 Then he said to >ana the son of Sarkaraksha: 3=hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3The akasa only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin%: 3is the 8aisvanara Self called 2ah la (f ll'# Therefore yo are f ll of offs"rin% and $ealth and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the tr nk of the Self# S rely yo r tr nk $o ld have !een destroyed if yo had not come to me#3 )ha"ter M8- < The 2ladder of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 Then he said to 2 dila the son of Asvatarasva: 35 8aiya%hra"adya: $hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3=ater only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin%: 3is the 8aisvanara Self called Hayi ($ealth'# Therefore yo are $ealthy and flo rishin% and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the !ladder of the Self# S rely yo r !ladder $o ld have ! rst if yo had not come to me#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M8-- < The ?eet of the 8aisvanara Self 1<2 Then he said to (ddalaka the son of Ar na: 35 Fa tama: $hom do yo meditate on as the Self@3 3The earth only: venera!le +in%:3 he re"lied# 3The Self yo meditate on:3 said the kin%: 3is the 8aisvanara Self called *ratishtha (the s ""ort'# Therefore yo are s ""orted !y offs"rin% and cattle and yo eat food and see $hat is "leasin%# =hoever th s meditates on the 8aisvanara Self eats food: sees $hat is "leasin% and has in his family the %lory of 2rahman# That: ho$ever: is only the feet of the Self# S rely yo r feet $o ld have $ithered a$ay if yo had not come to me#3 )ha"ter M8--- < The 8aisvanara Self as the =hole 1 Then he (the kin%' said to them all: 3Eo !ein% endo$ed $ith limited kno$led%e eat yo r food: kno$in% that 8aisvanara Self as if ;e $ere many# 2 t he $ho $orshi"s the 8aisvanara Self as the meas re of the s"an from earth to heaven and as identical $ith the self: eats food in all $orlds: in all !ein%s and in all selves# 2 35f this 8aisvanara Self the head is S te9as (the Food &i%ht': the eye 8isvar "a (the (niversal ?orm': the "rana *ritha%vartma (of vario s co rses': the tr nk 2ah la (f ll': the !ladder Hayi ($ealth': the feet *rithivi (the earth': the chest the 8edi (altar': the hair the k sa %rass on the altar: the heart the Farha"atya ?ire: the mind the Anvaharya ?ire and the mo th the Ahavaniya ?ire#3 )ha"ter M-M < *erformance of the A%nihotra in 5neself (The *rana' 1 Therefore the food that comes first sho ld !e offered as an o!lation# The first o!lation that he (i#e# the eater' offers: he sho ld offer: sayin%: 3Svaha to the "rana63 Then the "rana is satisfied# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 The "rana !ein% satisfied: the eye is satisfied# The eye !ein% satisfied: the s n is satisfied# The s n !ein% satisfied: heaven is satisfied# ;eaven !ein% satisfied: $hatever is nder heaven and nder the s n is satisfied# They !ein% satisfied: he (i#e# the eater or sacrificer' is satisfied $ith offs"rin%: cattle: food: !ri%htness of the !ody and the li%ht of 2rahman# )ha"ter MM < The 8yana 1 The second o!lation that he offers: he sho ld offer: sayin%: 3Svaha to the vyana63 Then the vyana is satisfied# 2 The vyana !ein% satisfied: the ear is satisfied# The ear !ein% satisfied: the moon is satisfied# The moon !ein% satisfied: the 7 arters are satisfied# The 7 arters !ein% satisfied: $hatever is nder the 7 arters and nder the moon is satisfied# They !ein% satisfied: the eater is satisfied $ith offs"rin%: cattle: food: !ri%htness of the !ody and the li%ht of 2rahman# )ha"ter MM < The A"ana 1 The third o!lation that he offers: he sho ld offer: sayin%: 3Svaha to the a"ana63 Then the a"ana is satisfied# 2 The a"ana !ein% satisfied: s"eech (i#e# the ton% e' is satisfied# S"eech !ein% satisfied: fire is satisfied# ?ire !ein% satisfied: the earth is satisfied# The earth !ein% satisfied: $hat is nder the earth and nder fire is satisfied# They !ein% satisfied: the eater is satisfied $ith offs"rin%: cattle: food: !ri%htness of the !ody and the li%ht of 2rahman# )ha"ter MM-- < The Samana 1 The fo rth o!lation that he offers: he sho ld offer: sayin%: 3Svaha to the samana63 Then the samana is satisfied#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 The samana !ein% satisfied: the mind is satisfied# The mind !ein% satisfied: the rain<%od is satisfied# The rain<%od !ein% satisfied: the li%htnin% is satisfied# The li%htnin% !ein% satisfied: $hat is nder the li%htnin% and nder the rain<%od is satisfied# They !ein% satisfied: the eater is satisfied $ith offs"rin%: cattle: food: !ri%htness of the !ody and the li%ht of 2rahman# )ha"ter MM--- < The (dana 1 The fifth o!lation that he offers: he sho ld offer: sayin%: 3Svaha to the dana63 Then the dana is satisfied# 2 The dana !ein% satisfied: the skin is satisfied# The skin !ein% satisfied: the air is satisfied# The air !ein% satisfied: the akasa is satisfied# The akasa !ein% satisfied: $hat is nder the air and nder the akasa is satisfied# They !ein% satisfied: the eater is satisfied $ith offs"rin%: cattle: food: !ri%htness of the !ody and the li%ht of 2rahman# )ha"ter MM-8 < The Flory of the A%nihotra Sacrifice 1 -f: $itho t kno$in% this kno$led%e of the 8aisvanara Self: one offers an A%nihotra o!lation: it is like an o!lation offered in dead ashes after removin% the live coals# 2 2 t ifA kno$in% this: one offers an A%nihotra o!lation: it is like an o!lation offered in all the $orlds: in all !ein%s and in all atmans# , Gven as the soft fi!res of the ishika reed: $hen thro$n into fire: are ! rnt: so also are ! rnt all the sins of one $ho: kno$in% this: offers an A%nihotra o!lation# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 Therefore even if a man $ho kno$s this %ives $hat is left of his food to a chandala: he verily offers it to his 8aisvanara Self# 5n this there is the follo$in% verse: / 3As here on earth h n%ry children %ather aro nd their mother: so do all !ein%s %ather aro nd the A%nihotra sacrifice: yea aro nd the A%nihotra sacrifice#3 *art SiD )ha"ter - < The Non<B ality of the Self 1 5m# There once lived Svetaket the %randson of Ar na# To him his father said: 3Svetaket : lead the life of a !rahmacharinA for there is none !elon%in% to o r family: my dear: $ho: not havin% st died the 8edas: is a !rahmin only !y !irth#3 2<, Svetaket $ent to his teacherCs ho se $hen he $as t$elve years old and st died the 8edas till he $as t$enty<fo r# Then he ret rned to his father: serio s: considerin% himself $ell read and arro%ant# ;is father said to him: 3Svetaket : since yo are no$ so serio s: think yo rself $ell read and are so arro%ant: have yo : my dear: ever asked for that instr ction !y $hich one hears $hat cannot !e heard: !y $hich one "erceives $hat cannot !e "erceived: !y $hich one kno$s $hat cannot !e kno$n@3 Svetaket asked: 3=hat is that instr ction: venera!le Sir@3 4<1 3> st as: my dear: !y one clod of clay all that is made of clay is kno$n: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the tr th is that all is clayA 3> st as: my dear: !y one n %%et of %old all that is made of %old is kno$n: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the tr th is that all is %oldA 3And 9 st as: my dear: !y one "air of nail<scissors all that is made of iron is kno$n: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the tr th is that all is iron<even so: my dear: is that instr ction#3

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

7 3S rely those venera!le men did not kno$ that# ?or if they had kno$n it: $hy sho ld they not have told it to me@ Therefore do yo : venera!le Sir: tell me a!o t it#3 3So !e it: my dear:3 said the father# )ha"ter -- < 2rahman: the )a se of the (niverse 1 3-n the !e%innin%: my dear: this niverse $as 2ein% (Sat' alone: one only $itho t a second# Some say that in the !e%innin% this $as non<!ein% (asat' alone: one only $itho t a secondA and from that non<!ein%: !ein% $as !orn#3 2 Ar ni said: 32 t ho$: indeed: co ld it !e th s: my dear@ ;o$ co ld 2ein% !e !orn from non<!ein%@ No: my dear: it $as 2ein% alone that eDisted in the !e%innin%: one only $itho t a second# , 3-t (2ein%: or 2rahman' tho %ht: SMay - !e manyA may - %ro$ forth#C -t created fire# That fire tho %ht: SMay - !e manyA may %ro$ forth#C -t created $ater# That is $hy: $henever a "erson is hot and "ers"ires: $ater is "rod ced from fire (heat' alone# 4 3That $ater tho %ht: SMay - !e manyA may - %ro$ forth#C -t created food (i#e# earth'# That is $hy: $henever it rains any$here: a! ndant food is "rod ced# ?rom $ater alone is edi!le food "rod ced# )ha"ter --- < The Threefold Bevelo"ment 1 35f all these livin% !ein%s: there are only three ori%ins: those !orn from an e%%: those !orn from a livin% !ein% and those !orn from a s"ro t# 2

3That Beity tho %ht: S&et Me no$ enter into those three deities !y means of this livin% self and let Me then develo" names and forms#C So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, 3That Beity: havin% tho %ht: S&et Me make each of these three tri"artite:C entered into these three deities !y means of the livin% self and develo"ed names and forms# 4 3-t made each of these tri"artiteA and ho$ these three deities !ecame: each of them: tri"artite: that learn from me no$: my dear# )ha"ter -8 < The Threefold Bevelo"ment f rther eD"lained 1 3The red colo r of %ross fire is the colo r of the ori%inal fireA the $hite colo r of %ross fire is the colo r of the ori%inal $aterA the !lack colo r of %ross fire is the colo r of the ori%inal earth# Th s vanishes from fire $hat is commonly called fire: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the three colo rs (forms' alone are tr e# 2 3The red colo r of the s n is the colo r of fire: the $hite the colo r of $ater: the !lack the colo r of earth# Th s vanishes from the s n $hat is commonly called the s n: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the three colo rs alone are tr e# , 3The red colo r of the moon is the colo r of fire: the $hite the colo r of $ater: the !lack the colo r of earth# Th s vanishes from the moon $hat is commonly called the moon: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the three colo rs alone are tr e# 4 3The red colo r of li%htnin% is the colo r of fire: the $hite the colo r of $ater: the !lack the colo r of earth# Th s vanishes from li%htnin% $hat is commonly called li%htin%: the modification !ein% only a name: arisin% from s"eech: $hile the three colo rs alone are tr e#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

/ 3-t $as 9 st thro %h this kno$led%e that the %reat ho seholders and %reat 8edic scholars of olden times declared: SNo one can no$ mention to s anythin% $hich $e have not heard: tho %ht of: or kno$n#C They kne$ all from these three forms# 1<7 3=hatever: a""eared red they kne$ to !e the colo r of fireA $hatever a""eared $hite they kne$ to !e the colo r of $aterA $hatever a""eared !lack they kne$ to !e the colo r of earth# 3=hatever a""eared to !e nkno$n they kne$ to !e the com!ination of these three deities (i#e# colo rs'# No$ learn from me: my dear: ho$ these three deities: $hen they reach man: !ecome each of them tri"artite# )ha"ter 8 < The Threefold Nat re of ?ood 1 3?ood $hen eaten !ecomes threefold# =hat is coarsest in it !ecomes faeces: $hat is medi m !ecomes flesh and $hat is s !tlest !ecomes mind# 2 3=ater $hen dr nk !ecomes threefold# =hat is coarsest in it !ecomes rine: $hat is medi m !ecomes !lood and $hat is s !tlest !ecomes "rana# , 3?ire $hen eaten !ecomes threefold# =hat is coarsest in it !ecomes !one: $hat is medi m !ecomes marro$ and $hat is s !tlest !ecomes s"eech# 4 3The mind: my dear: consists of food: the "rana of $ater and s"eech of heat#3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: instr ct me f rther#3 3So !e it: my dear3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8- < The *hysical Nat re of the Mind: the *rana and S"eech 1 3That: my dear: $hich is the s !tlest "art of c rds rises: $hen they are ch rned and !ecomes ! tter# 2 3-n the same manner: my dear: that $hich is the s !tlest "art of the food that is eaten rises and !ecomes mind# , 3The s !tlest "art of the $ater that is dr nk rises and !ecomes "rana# 4 3The s !tlest "art of the fire that is eaten rises and !ecomes s"eech# / 3Th s: my dear: the mind consists of food: the "rana consists of $ater and s"eech consists of fire#3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: instr ct me f rther#3 3So !e it: my dear3 )ha"ter 8-- < ;o$ the Mind consists of ?ood 1 3A "erson: my dear: consists of siDteen "arts# Bo not eat any food for fifteen days: ! t drink as m ch $ater as yo like# Since the "rana consists of $ater: it $ill not !e c t off if yo drink $ater#3 2 Svetaket did not eat any food for fifteen days# Then he came to his father and said: 3=hat: Sir: shall - recite@3 ;is father said: 3The Hik: Ea% s and Saman verses#3 ;e re"lied: 3They do not occ r to me: Sir#3 ,

;is father said to him: 3> st as: my dear: of a %reat !laIin% fire a sin%le coal: the siIe of a firefly: may !e left: $hich $o ld not So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

! rn m ch more than that: even so: my dear: of yo r siDteen "arts only one "art is leftA and therefore $ith that one "art yo do not remem!er the 8edas# No$ %o and eat and yo $ill nderstand me#3 4 Svetaket ate and a""roached his father# Then $hatever his father asked him: he sho$ed that he kne$ it# /<1 Then his father said to him: 3> st as: my dear: of a %reat li%hted fire a sin%le coal the siIe of a firefly: if left: may !e made to !laIe " a%ain !y addin% %rass to it and $ill th s ! rn m ch more: 3Gven so: my dearA of yo r siDteen "arts only one "art $as left and that: $hen stren%thened !y food: !laIed "# =ith it yo no$ remem!er the 8edas# Therefore: my dear: the mind consists of food: the "rana consists of $ater and s"eech consists of fire#3 After that he nderstood $hat his father said: yea: he nderstood it# )ha"ter 8--- < )oncernin% Slee": ; n%er: Thirst and Beath 1 (ddalaka the son of Ar na said to his son Svetaket : 3&earn from me: my dear: the tr e nat re of slee"# =hen a "erson has entered into dee" slee": as it is called: then: my dear: he !ecomes nited $ith * re 2ein% (Sat': he has %one to his o$n Self# That is $hy they say he is in dee" slee" (sva"iti'A it is !eca se he has %one (a"ita' to his o$n (svam'# 2 3> st as a !ird tied !y a strin% to the hand of the !ird<catcher first flies in every direction and then findin% no rest any$here: settles do$n at the "lace $here it is !o nd: so also the mind (i#e# the individ al so l reflected in the mind': my dear: after flyin% in every direction and findin% no rest any$here: settles do$n in the *rana (i#e# * re 2ein%'A for the mind (the individ al so l' is fastened to the *rana (* re 2ein%'# ,

3&earn from me: my dear: $hat h n%er and thirst are# =hen a man is h n%ry: as they say: it is $ater that has led (i#e# carried So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

a$ay' $hat $as eaten# Therefore: 9 st as they s"eak of a leader of co$s: a leader of horses: a leader of men: so do they s"eak of $ater as the leader of food# So: my dear: kno$ this offshoot (i#e# the !ody' to have s"r n% forth from a ca se: for it cannot !e $itho t a root# 4 3And $here co ld its root !e eDce"t in food (earth'@ And in the same $ay: my dear: as food too is an offshoot: seek for $ater as its root# And as $ater too: my dear: is an offshoot: seek for fire as its root# And as fire too: my dear: is an offshoot: seek for 2ein% (Sat' as its root# Ees: all these creat res: my dear: have their root in 2ein%: they d$ell in 2ein%: they finally rest in 2ein%# / 3=hen a man is said to !e thirsty: it is fire that has led (i#e# carried a$ay' $hat $as dr nk !y him# Therefore as they s"eak of a leader of co$s: a leader of horses: a leader of men: so do they s"eak of fire as the leader of $ater# So: my dear: kno$ this offshoot (the !ody' to have s"r n% forth from a ca se: for it cannot !e $itho t a root# 1 3And $here co ld its root !e eDce"t in $ater@ And in the same $ay: my dear: as $ater is an offshoot: seek for fire as its root# And as fire too: my dear: is an offshoot: seek for 2ein% as its root# Ees: my dear: all these creat res have their root in 2ein%: they d$ell in 2ein%: they finally rest in 2ein%# 3And ho$ these three deities (fire: $ater and earth': on reachin% a h man !ein%: !ecome each of them tri"artite has already !een said# =hen a "erson de"arts hence: his s"eech mer%es in his mind: his mind in his "rana: his "rana in heat (fire' and the heat in the ;i%hest 2ein%# 7 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -M < The A!sence of -ndivid ality in Bee" Slee" 1<2 3As !ees: my dear: make honey !y collectin% the 9 ices of trees located at different "laces and red ce them to one form: 3And as these 9 ices have no discrimination so as to !e a!le to say: S- am the 9 ice of this tree:C or S- am the 9 ice of that treeC<even so: indeed: my dear: all these creat res: tho %h they reach * re 2ein%: do not kno$ that they have reached * re 2ein%# , 3=hatever these creat res are: here in this $orld<a ti%er: a lion: a $olf: a !oar: a $orm: a fly: a %nat: or a mos7 ito<that they !ecome a%ain# 4 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied# )ha"ter M < The A!sence of *artic lariIed )onscio sness in Bee" Slee" 1<2 3These rivers: my dear: flo$<the eastern to$ard the east and the $estern to$ard the $est# They arise from the sea and flo$ into the sea# > st as these rivers: $hile they are in the sea: do not kno$: S- am this riverC or S- am that river:C 3Gven so: my dear: all these creat res: even tho %h they have come from * re 2ein%: do not kno$ that they have come from * re 2ein%# =hatever these creat res are: here in this $orld<a ti%er: a lion: a $olf a !oar: a $orm: a fly: a %nat: or a mos7 ito: that they !ecome a%ain# , 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3

3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M- < The -ndestr cti!ility of the >iva 1 3-f: my dear: someone $ere to strike at the root of this lar%e tree here: it $o ld !leed ! t live# -f he $ere to strike at the middle: it $o ld !leed ! t live# -f he $ere to strike at the to": it $o ld !leed ! t live# *ervaded !y the livin% self: that tree stands firm: drinkin% in a%ain and a%ain its no rishment and re9oicin%# 2 32 t if the life (i#e# livin% self' leaves one of its !ranches: that !ranch $ithersA if it leaves a second: that !ranch $ithersA if it leaves a third: that !ranch $ithers# -f it leaves the $hole tree: the $hole three $ithers# , 3-n eDactly the same manner: my dear:3 said he: 3kno$ this: This !ody dies: !ereft of the livin% selfA ! t the livin% self dies not# 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied# )ha"ter M-- < The 2irth of the Fross from the S !tle 1 32rin% me a fr it of that nya%rodha (!anyan' tree#3 3;ere it isC venera!le Sir#3 32reak it#3 3-t is !roken: venera!le Sir#3 3=hat do yo see there@3 3These seeds: eDceedin%ly small: 32reak one of these: my son#3 3-t is !roken: venera!le Sir#3 3=hat do yo see there@3 3Nothin% at all: venera!le Sir#3 2

The father said: 3That s !tle essence: my dear: $hich yo do not "erceive there<from that very essence this %reat nya%rodha arises# 2elieve me: my dear# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied# )ha"ter M--- < The -nvisi!ility of an GDistent 5!9ect 1 3*lace this salt in $ater and then come to me in the mornin%#3 The son did as he $as told# The father said to him: 3My son: !rin% me the salt $hich yo "laced in the $ater last ni%ht#3 &ookin% for it: the son did not find it: for it $as com"letely dissolved# 2 The father said: 3My son: take a si" of $ater from the s rface# ;o$ is it@3 3-t is salt#3 3Take a si" from the middle# ;o$ is it@3 3-t is salt#3 3Take a si" from the !ottom# ;o$ is it@3 3-t is salt#3 3Thro$ it a$ay and come to me#3 The son did as he $as told: sayin%: 3The salt $as there all the time#3 Then the father said: 3;ere also: my dear: in this !ody yo do not "erceive Sat (2ein%'A ! t -t is indeed there#3 , 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied#

)ha"ter M-8 < The Means of Self<+no$led%e 1 3> st as someone: my dear: mi%ht lead a "erson: $ith his eyes covered: a$ay from the co ntry of the Fandharas and leave So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

him in a "lace $here there $ere no h man !ein%sA and 9 st as that "erson $o ld t rn to$ard the east: or the north: or the so th: or the $est: sho tin%: S- have !een !ro %ht here $ith my eyes covered: - have !een left here $ith my eyes covered6C 2 3And as there "on someone mi%ht loosen the coverin% and say to him: SFandhara is in that directionA %o that $ayCA and as there "on: havin% !een informed and !ein% ca"a!le of 9 d%ement: he $o ld: !y askin% his $ay from one villa%e to another: arrive at last at Fandhara<in eDactly the same manner does a man $ho has fo nd a teacher to instr ct him o!tain the tr e kno$led%e# ?or him there is delay only so lon% as he is not li!erated from the !odyA then he reaches "erfection# , 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son# 3So !e it: my dear:3 the father re"lied# )ha"ter M8 < (ltimate &i!eration 1 3Aro nd a dyin% "erson afflicted $ith illness: my dear: his relatives %ather and ask: SBo yo kno$ me@ Bo yo kno$ me@C ;e kno$s them as lon% as his s"eech is not mer%ed in his mind: his mind in his "rana (!reath': his "rana in heat (fire' and the heat in the ;i%hest Beity# 2 32 t $hen his s"eech is mer%ed in his mind: his mind in his "rana: his "rana in heat and the heat in the ;i%hest Beity: then he does not kno$ them# , 3No$: that $hich is the s !tle essence<in it all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 3*lease: venera!le Sir: %ive me f rther instr ction:3 said the son

3So !e it: my dearA3 the father re"lied# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter M8- < &i!eration for the +no$er of 2rahman 1 3My dear: they (i#e# the "olice' !rin% a man $hom they have seiIed !y the hand and say: S;e has taken somethin%: he has committed a theft#C =hen he denies it: they say: S;eat the aDe for him#C -f he has committed the theft ! t denies it: then he makes himself a liar# 2ein% false<minded: he covers himself $ith falsehood: %ras"s the heated aDe and is ! rnt# Then he is killed# 2 32 t if he did not commit the theft: then he makes himself $hat he really is# 2ein% tr e<minded: he covers himself $ith tr th: %ras"s the heated aDe and is not ! rnt# ;e is released# , 3As that tr thf l man is not ! rnt so also one $ho has kno$n Sat is not !orn a%ain# Th s in That (Sat' all that eDists has its self# That is the Tr e# That is the Self# That tho art: Svetaket #3 *art Seven )ha"ter - < Bialo% e !et$een Narada and Sanatk mara 1 5m# Narada a""roached Sanatk mara as a " "il and said: 38enera!le Sir: "lease teach me#3 Sanatk mara said to him: 3*lease tell me $hat yo already kno$# Then - shall tell yo $hat is !eyond#3 2 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: - kno$ the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharva<8eda as the fo rth 8eda: the e"ics (* ranas' and ancient lore (-tihasa' as the fifth: the 8eda of the 8edas (i#e# %rammar': the r les of the sacrifices !y $hich the Manes are %ratified: the science of n m!ers: the science of "ortents: the science of time: lo%ic: ethics: etymolo%y: 2rahma<vidya (i#e# the science of "ron nciation: ceremonials: "rosody: etc#': the science of

elemental s"irits: the science of $ea"ons: astronomy: the science of ser"ents and the fine arts# All this - kno$: venera!le Sir# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, 32 t: venera!le Sir: $ith all this - kno$ $ords onlyA - do not kno$ the Self# - have heard from men like yo that he $ho kno$s the Self overcomes sorro$# - am one afflicted $ith sorro$# Bo yo : venera!le Sir: hel" me to cross over to the other side of sorro$#3 Sanatk mara said to him: 3=hatever yo have read is only a name# 4 38erily: a name is the Hi%<8edaA so also are the Ea9 r< 8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharva<8eda as the fo rth 8eda: the e"ics and the ancient lore as the fifth: the 8eda of the 8edas: the r les of the sacrifices !y $hich the Manes are %ratified: the science of n m!ers: the science of "ortents: the science of time: lo%ic: ethics: etymolo%y: 2rahma<vidya: the science of elemental s"irits: the science of $ea"ons: astronomy: the science of ser"ents and the fine arts# 3Meditate on the name# / 3;e $ho meditates on a name as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as the name reaches<he $ho meditates on a name as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than a name@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than a name#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter -- < S"eech as 2rahman 1 3S"eech is: verily: %reater than a name# S"eech makes one nderstand the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharva<8eda as the fo rth: the e"ics and the ancient lore as the fifth: the 8eda of the 8edas: the r les of sacrifices !y $hich the Manes are %ratified: the science of n m!ers: the science of "ortents: the science of time: lo%ic: ethics: etymolo%y: 2rahma<vidya: the science of elemental s"irits: the science of $ea"ons: astronomy: the science of ser"ents and the fine arts: as $ell as heaven: earth: air: akasa: $ater: fire: %ods: men: cattle: !irds: her!s: trees: animals: to%ether $ith $orms: flies and ants: as also ri%hteo sness and

nri%hteo sness: the tr e and the false: the %ood and the !ad: the "leasant and the n"leasant# 38erily: if there $ere no s"eech: neither ri%hteo sness nor So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

nri%hteo sness $o ld !e kno$n: neither the tr e nor the false: neither the "leasant nor the n"leasant# 3S"eech: verily: makes s kno$ all this# Meditate "on s"eech# 2 3;e $ho meditates on s"eech as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as s"eech reaches<he $ho meditates on s"eech as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than s"eech@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than s"eech#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter -- < Mind as 2rahman 1 3The mind is: verily: %reater than s"eech# > st as the closed fist holds t$o amalakas: or t$o "l ms: or t$o aksha fr its: so does the mind hold s"eech and a name# ?or $hen a man thinks in his mind that he $o ld read the sacred hymns: then he reads them# =hen he thinks in his mind that he $o ld "erform actions: then he "erforms them# =hen he thinks in his mind that he $o ld have sons and cattle: then he desires them# =hen he thinks in his mind that he $o ld have this $orld and the other: then he desires them# Mind: indeed: is the selfA mind is the $orldA mind is 2rahman# 3Meditate on the mind# 2 3;e $ho meditates on mind as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as mind reaches<he $ho meditates on mind as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than mind@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than mind#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter -8 < =ill as 2rahman 1 3=ill (Samkal"a' is: verily: %reater than mind# ?or $hen a man

$ills: then he thinks in his mind: then he tters s"eech and then he em"loys s"eech in the recital of a name# The sacred hymns are incl ded in a name and all sacrifices are incl ded in the sacred hymns# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 3=ill: indeed: is the %oal of all these !e%innin% $ith mind and endin% in sacrificeA from $ill they arise and in $ill they all a!ide# ;eaven and earth $illed: air and akasa $illed: $ater and fire $illed# Thro %h the $ill of heaven and earth: etc# the rain $illsA thro %h the $ill of the rain: food $illsA thro %h the $ill of food: the "ranas $illA thro %h the $ill of the "ranas: the sacred hymns $illA thro %h the $ill of the sacred hymns: the sacrifices $illA thro %h the $ill of the sacrifices: the $orld $illsA thro %h the $ill of the $orld: everythin% $ills# S ch is $ill# Meditate on $ill# , 3;e $ho meditates on $ill as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as $ill reaches<he $ho meditates on $ill as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than $ill@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than $ill#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter 8 < )onsideration as 2rahman 1 3)onsideration ()hitta' is: verily: %reater than $ill# ?or $hen a man considers: then he $ills: then he thinks in his mind: then he tters s"eech: then he en%a%es s"eech in the recitation of a name# The sacred hymns are incl ded in a name and all sacrifices are incl ded in the sacred hymns# 2 3)onsideration is: indeed: the %oal of all these !e%innin% $ith mind and endin% in sacrificeA from consideration they arise and in consideration they all a!ide# Therefore if a "erson is $itho t consideration: even tho %h he "ossesses m ch kno$led%e: "eo"le say of him that he is nothin% and $hatever he kno$s is selessA for if he $ere really learned: he $o ld not !e so inconsiderate# 2 t if a "erson is considerate: tho %h he kno$s ! t little: to him "eo"le are ea%er to listen# )onsideration: indeed: is the %oal of all theseA consideration is the selfA consideration is the s ""ort# Meditate on consideration#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

, 3;e $ho meditates on consideration as 2rahman: he: !ein% "ermanent: firm and ndistressed: o!tains the $orlds $hich are "ermanent: firm and ndistressedA he can: of his o$n free $in: reach as far as consideration reaches<he $ho meditates on consideration as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than consideration@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than consideration#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter 8- < Meditation as 2rahman 1 3Meditation (Bhyana' is: verily: %reater than consideration# Garth meditates: as it $ere# The mid<re%ion meditates: as it $ere# ;eaven meditates: as it $ere# The $aters meditate: as it $ere# The mo ntains meditate: as it $ere# The %ods meditate: as it $ere# Men meditate: as it $ere# Therefore he $ho: amon% men: attains %reatness here on earth seems to have o!tained a share of meditation# Th s $hile small "eo"le are 7 arrelsome: a! sive and slanderin%: %reat men a""ear to have o!tained a share of meditation# Meditate on meditation# 2 3;e $ho meditates on meditation as 2rahman: can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as meditation reaches<he $ho meditates on meditation as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than meditation@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than meditation#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter 8-- < (nderstandin% as 2rahman 1 3(nderstandin% is: verily: %reater than meditation# (nderstandin% makes one nderstand the Hi%<8eda: the Ea9 r<8eda: the Sama<8eda: the Atharva<8eda as the fo rth: the e"ics and the ancient lore as the fifth: the 8eda of the 8edas: the r les of sacrifices !y $hich the Manes are %ratified: the science of n m!ers: the science of "ortents: the

science of time: lo%ic: ethics: etymolo%y: 2rahma<vidya: the science of elemental s"irits: the science of $ea"ons: astronomy: the science of ser"ents and the fine artsA heaven: earth: air: $ater: fire: %ods: men: cattle: !irds: her!s: treesA animals: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

to%ether $ith $orms: flies and antsA and also ri%hteo sness and nri%hteo sness: the tr e and the false: the %ood and the !ad: the "leasant and the n"leasant: food and taste: this $orld and yonder $orld# Meditate on nderstandin%# 2 3;e $ho meditates on nderstandin% as 2rahman attains the $orlds of nderstandin% and kno$led%e and can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as nderstandin% reaches<he $ho meditates on nderstandin% as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than nderstandin%@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than nderstandin%#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter 8--- < Stren%th as 2rahman 1 3Stren%th is: verily: %reater than nderstandin%# 5ne stron% man ca ses a h ndred men of nderstandin% to trem!le# =hen a man is stron% he can rise# -f he rises he can attend on the teachers# -f he attends on them he can !ecome their intimate com"anion as a " "il# -f he is their intimate com"anion he can $atch their cond ct: listen to their instr ction: reflect on $hat he hears: !ecome convinced of $hat he reflects on: act and en9oy the res lt of action# 2y stren%th the earth stands firm: !y stren%th the mid<re%ion: !y stren%th heaven: !y stren%th the mo ntains: !y stren%th the %ods and men: !y stren%th cattle and !irds: her!s and trees and animals: to%ether $ith $orms: flies and ants: !y stren%th the $orld stands firm# Meditate "on stren%th#3 2 3;e $ho meditates on stren%th as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as stren%th reaches<he $ho meditates on stren%th as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than stren%th@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than stren%th#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter -M < ?ood as 2rahman

1 3?ood is: verily: %reater than stren%th# Therefore if a man a!stains from food for ten days: even tho %h he mi%ht live: yet So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

he $o ld not !e a!le to see: hear: reflect: !ecome convinced: act: or en9oy the res lt# 2 t $hen he o!tains food: he is a!le to see: hear: reflect: !ecome convinced: act and en9oy the res lt# 2 3;e $ho meditates on food as 2rahman o!tains the $orld rich in food and drinkA he can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as food reaches<he $ho meditates on food as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than food@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than food#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M < =ater as 2rahman 1 3=ater is: verily: %reater than food# Therefore if there is not s fficient rain: then livin% creat res are afflicted $ith the tho %ht that there $ill !e less food# 2 t if there is s fficient rain: then livin% creat res re9oice in the tho %ht that there $ill !e m ch food# -t is $ater that ass mes the form of this earth: this mid<re%ion: this heaven: these mo ntains: these %ods and men: cattle and !irds: her!s and trees and animals: to%ether $ith $orms: flies and ants# =ater indeed is all these forms# Meditate on $ater# 2 3;e $ho meditates on $ater as 2rahman o!tains all his desires and !ecomes satisfiedA he can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as $ater reaches<he $ho meditates on $ater as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than $ater@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than $ater#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M- < ?ire as 2rahman 1 3?ire is: verily: %reater than $ater# ?or: havin% seiIed the air: it $arms the akasa# Then "eo"le say: S-t is hot: it ! rnsA it $ill rain#C Th s does fire first manifest itself and then create $ater# ? rthermore: th ndercla"s roll $ith li%htnin% "$ard and

across the sky# Then "eo"le say: SThere is li%htnin%: there is th nderA it $ill rain#C ;ere also does fire first manifest itself and then create $ater# Meditate on fire# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 3;e $ho meditates on fire as 2rahman !ecomes radiant himself and o!tains radiant $orlds: f ll of li%ht and free from darknessA he can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as fire reaches<he $ho meditates on fire as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than fire@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than fire#3 3*lease tell that to me: 8enera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M-- < The Akasa as 2rahman 1 3The akasa is: verily: %reater than fire# ?or in the akasa eDist !oth the s n and the moon: li%htnin%: stars and fire# -t is thro %h the akasa that a "erson calls anotherA it is thro %h the akasa that the other hearsA it is thro %h the akasa that the "erson hears !ack# -n the akasa $e re9oice $hen $e are to%ether and in the akasa $e re9oice not $hen $e are se"arated# -n the akasa everythin% is !orn and to$ard the akasa all thin%s %ro$# Meditate "on the akasa# 2 3;e $ho meditates on the akasa as 2rahman o!tains the $orlds eDtendin% far and $ide: l mino s: free from "ain and s"acio sA he can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as the akasa reaches< he $ho meditates on the akasa as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than the akasa@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than the akasa#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M--- < Memory as 2rahman 1 3Memory is: verily: %reater than the akasa# Therefore even $hen many "eo"le assem!le: if they had no memory they $o ld not hear anyone at all: they $o ld not think: they $o ld not nderstand# 2 t s rely: if they had memory: they $o ld hear: think and nderstand# Thro %h memory one kno$s oneCs sons: thro %h memory oneCs cattle# Meditate on memory#

2 3;e $ho meditates on memory as 2rahman can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as memory reaches<he $ho meditates So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

on memory as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than memory@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than memory#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M-8 < ;o"e as 2rahman 1 3;o"e is: verily: %reater than memory# +indled !y ho"e: a "erson endo$ed $ith memory reads the sacred hymns: "erforms sacrifices: desires sons and cattleA desires this $orld and the other# Meditate on ho"e# 2 3;e $ho meditates on ho"e as 2rahman<all his desires are f lfilled thro %h ho"e: his "rayers are not in vainA he can: of his o$n free $ill: reach as far as ho"e reaches<he $ho meditates on ho"e as 2rahman#3 Narada said: 38enera!le Sir: is there anythin% %reater than ho"e@3 35f co rse there is somethin% %reater than ho"e#3 3*lease tell that to me: venera!le Sir#3 )ha"ter M8 < The *rana as 2rahman 1 3The "rana is: verily: %reater than ho"e# As the s"okes of a $heel are fastened to the nave: so are all these !e%innin% $ith the name and endin% $ith ho"e fastened to the "rana# The "rana moves !y the "rana# The "rana %ives the "rana to the "rana# The "rana is the father: the "rana is the mother: the "rana is the !rother: the "rana is the sister: the "rana is the teacher: the "rana is the !rahmin# 2 3-f one says somethin% n!ecomin% to a father: mother: !rother: sister: teacher: or !rahmin: then "eo"le say: SShame on yo 6 8erily: yo are a slayer of yo r father: a slayer of yo r mother: a slayer of yo r !rother: a slayer of yo r sister: a slayer of yo r teacher: a slayer of a !rahmin#C

, 32 t ifA $hen the "rana has de"arted from them: one shoves them to%ether $ith a "oker and ! rns every !it of them: no one So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

$o ld say: SEo are a slayer of yo r father: a slayer of yo r mother: a slayer of yo r !rother: a slayer of yo r sister: a slayer of yo r teacher: a slayer of a !rahmin#3 4 3The "rana: verily: is all this# ;e (i#e# the kno$er of the "rana' $ho sees this: reflects on this: is convinced of this: !ecomes an ativadi (s "erior s"eaker'# -f "eo"le say to s ch a man: SEo are an ativadi:C he may say: SEes: - am an ativadiCA he need not deny it#3 )ha"ter M8- < The +no$led%e of the Tr th 1 32 t in reality he is an ativadi $ho has !ecome an ativadi !y the kno$led%e of the Tr e#3 3May -: venera!le Sir: !ecome an ativadi !y the kno$led%e of the Tr e#3 32 t one sho ld desire to kno$ the Tr e#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to kno$ the Tr e#3 )ha"ter M8-- < Tr th de"ends "on (nderstandin% 1 Sanatk mara said: 3=hen one nderstands the Tr e: only then does one declare the Tr e# 5ne $ho does not nderstand the Tr e does not declare -t# 5nly one $ho nderstands -t declares the Tr e# 5ne m st desire to nderstand this nderstandin%#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand#3 )ha"ter M8--- < (nderstandin% de"ends "on Heflection 1 3=hen one reflects: only then does one nderstand# 5ne =ho does not reflect does not nderstand# 5nly one $ho reflects nderstands# 5ne m st desire to nderstand this reflection#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand reflection#3 )ha"ter M-M < Heflection de"ends "on ?aith 1 3=hen one has faith: only then does one reflect# 5ne $ho does

not have faith does not reflect# 5nly one $ho has faith reflects# 5ne m st desire to nderstand faith#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand faith#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter MM < ?aith de"ends "on Sin%le<Mindedness 1 3=hen one is sin%le<minded in oneCs devotion to the teacher: only then does one have faith# 5ne $ho does not have sin%le< mindedness does not have faith# 5nly one $ho has sin%le< mindedness has faith# 5ne m st desire to nderstand sin%le< mindedness#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand sin%le<mindedness#3 )ha"ter MM- < Sin%le<Mindedness de"ends "on )oncentration 1 3=hen one "erforms oneCs d ties (i#e# "ractises concentration': only then does one have sin%le<mindedness# 5ne $ho does not "erform his d ties does not have sin%le<mindedness# 5nly one $ho "erforms his d ties has sin%le<mindedness# 5ne m st desire to nderstand the "erformance of d ties#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand the "erformance of d ties#3 )ha"ter MM-- < )oncentration de"ends "on 2liss 1 3=hen one o!tains !liss: only then does one "erform oneCs d ties# 5ne $ho does not o!tain !liss does not "erform his d ties# 5nly one $ho o!tains !liss "erforms his d ties# 5ne m st desire to nderstand !liss#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand !liss#3 )ha"ter MM-8 < The -nfinite is 2liss 1 3The infinite is !liss# There is no !liss in anythin% finite# 5nly the -nfinite is !liss# 5ne m st desire to nderstand the -nfinite#3 38enera!le Sir: - desire to nderstand the -nfinite#3 )ha"ter MM-8 < The -nfinite and the ?inite 1 3=here one sees nothin% else: hears nothin% else: nderstands

nothin% else<that is the -nfinite# =here one sees somethin% else: hears somethin% else: nderstands somethin% else<that is the finite# The -nfinite is immortal: the finite mortal#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

38enera!le Sir: in $hat does the -nfinite find -ts s ""ort@3 3-n -ts o$n %reatness<or not even in %reatness#3 2 3;ere on earth "eo"le descri!e co$s and horses: ele"hants and %old: slaves and $ives: fields and ho ses: as S%reatness#C - do not mean this:3 he said: 3for in s ch cases one thin% finds its s ""ort in another# 2 t $hat - say is: )ha"ter MM8 < -nstr ction a!o t the -nfinite 1 3That infinite: indeed: is !elo$# -t is a!ove# -t is !ehind# -t is !efore# -t is to the so th# -t is to the north# The -nfinite: indeed: is all this# 3NeDt follo$s the instr ction a!o t the -nfinite $ith reference to S-C: -: indeed: am !elo$# - am a!ove# - am !ehind# - am !efore# - am to the so th# - am to the north# - am: indeed: all this# 2 3NeDt follo$s the instr ction a!o t the -nfinite $ith reference to the Self: The Self indeed: is !elo$# -t is a!ove# -t is !ehind# -t is !efore# -t is to the so th# -t is to the north# The Self: indeed: is all this# 38erily: he $ho sees this: reflects on this and nderstands this deli%hts in the Self s"orts $ith the Self: re9oices in the Self revels in the Self# Gven $hile livin% in the !ody he !ecomes a self<r ler# ;e $ields nlimited freedom in all the $orlds# SS2 t those $ho think differently from this have others for their r lers they live in "erisha!le $orlds# They have no freedom in all the $orlds#3 )ha"ter MM8- < Self<kno$led%e 1 3?or him $ho sees this: reflects on this and nderstands this: the "rana s"rin%s from the Self: ho"e s"rin%s from the Self: memory s"rin%s from the Self: the akasa s"rin%s from the Self: fire s"rin%s from the SelfA $ater s"rin%s from the SelfA a""earance and disa""earance s"rin% from the Self: food s"rin%s from the Self: stren%th s"rin%s from the SelfA nderstandin% s"rin%s from the Self: meditation s"rin%s from

the Self: consideration s"rin%s from the Self: $ill s"rin%s from the SelfA mind s"rin%s from the Self s"eech s"rin%s from the Self: the name s"rin%s from the Self the sacred hymns s"rin% So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

from the Self the sacrifices s"rin% from the Self<ay: all this s"rin%s from the Self#3 2 35n this there is the follo$in% verse: 3SThe kno$er of Tr th does not see death or disease or sorro$# The kno$er of Tr th sees everythin% and o!tains everythin% every$here#C 3;e (the kno$er' is one !efore the creation: !ecomes three: !ecomes five: !ecomes seven: !ecomes nineA then a%ain he is called eleven: one h ndred and ten and one tho sand and t$enty# 3No$ is descri!ed the disci"line for inner " rification !y $hich Self<+no$led%e is attained: =hen the food is " re: the mind !ecomes " re# =hen the mind is " re the memory !ecomes firm# =hen the memory is firm all ties are loosened#3 The venera!le Sanatk mara sho$ed Narada: after his !lemishes had !een $i"ed o t: the other side of darkness# They call Sanatk mara Skanda: yea: Skanda they call him# *art Gi%ht )ha"ter - < 2rahman in the ;eart 1 5m# There is in this city of 2rahman an a!ode: the small lot s of the heartA $ithin it is a small akasa# No$ $hat eDists $ithin that small akasa: that is to !e so %ht after: that is $hat one sho ld desire to nderstand# 2<, -f they sho ld say to him: 3No$: $ith re%ard to the a!ode: the small lot s: in this city of 2rahman and the small akasa $ithin it<$hat is there in it that is to !e so %ht after and $hat is there that one sho ld desire to nderstand@3 Then he (the teacher' sho ld say: 3As far as: verily: this %reat akasa eDtends: so far eDtends the akasa $ithin the heart# 2oth heaven and earth are contained $ithin it: !oth fire and air: !oth s n and moon: !oth li%htnin% and starsA and $hatever !elon%s to him (i#e# the em!odied creat re' in this $orld and $hatever does not: all that is contained $ithin it (i#e# the akasa in the heart'#3 4

-f they (the " "ils' sho ld say: 3-f everythin% that eDists<all !ein%s and all desires<is contained in this city of 2rahman: So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

then $hat is left of it $hen old a%e overcomes it or $hen it "erishes@3 / Then he (the teacher' sho ld say: 3=ith the old a%e of the !ody: That (i#e# 2rahman: descri!ed as the akasa in the heart' does not a%eA $ith the death of the !ody: That does not die# That 2rahman and not the !ody is the real city of 2rahman# -n -t all desires are contained# -t is the Self<free from sin: free from old a%e: free from death: free from %rief free from h n%er: free from thirstA -ts desires come tr e: -ts tho %hts come tr e# > st as: here on earth: "eo"le follo$ as they are commanded !y a leader and de"end "on $hatever o!9ects they desire: !e it a co ntry or a "iece of land so also those $ho are i%norant of the Self de"end "on other o!9ects and eD"erience the res lt of their %ood and evil deeds# 1 3And 9 st as: here on earth: $hatever is earned thro %h $ork "erishes: so does the neDt $orld: $on !y virt o s deeds: "erish# Those $ho de"art hence $itho t havin% realiIed the Self and these tr e desires<for them there is no freedom in all the $orlds# 2 t those $ho de"art hence after havin% realiIed the Self and these tr e desires<for them there is freedom in all the $orlds# )ha"ter -- < The ? lfilment of Besires thro %h Self< +no$led%e 1 3-f he desires the =orld of the Manes: !y his mere tho %ht the Manes come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of the Manes he is ha""y# 2 3And if he desires the $orld of the mothers: !y his mere tho %ht the mothers come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of the mothers: he is ha""y# , 3And if he desires the $orld of the !rothers: !y his mere tho %ht the !rothers come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of the !rothers: he is ha""y#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

4 3And if he desires the $orld of the sisters: !y his mere tho %ht the sisters come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of the sisters: he is ha""y# / 3And if he desires the $orld of the friends: !y his mere tho %ht the friends come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of the friends: he is ha""y# 1 3And if he desires the $orld of "erf mes and %arlands: !y his mere tho %ht "erf mes and %arlands come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of "erf mes and %arlands: he is ha""y# 7 3And if he desires the $orld of food and drink: !y his mere tho %ht food and drink come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of food and drink: he is ha""y# . 3And if he desires the $orld of son% and m sic: !y his mere tho %ht son% and m sic come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of son% and m sic: he is ha""y# 0 3And if he desires the $orld of $omen: !y his mere tho %ht $omen come to him# ;avin% o!tained the $orld of $omen: he is ha""y# 10 3=hatever co ntry he lon%s for: $hatever o!9ects he desires: !y his mere tho %ht all these come to him# ;avin% o!tained them: he is ha""y# )ha"ter --- < The Serene Self and Satya 2rahman 1 3These tr e desires are covered !y $hat is false# Tho %h they eDist al$ays: yet they have a coverin% $hich is false# Th s:

$hosoever !elon%in% to the em!odied creat re has de"arted from this life: him he cannot see in this $orld $ith his eyes# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 3Those of his fello$s $ho !elon% to him here and those $ho are dead and $hatever else there is $hich he $ishes for and does not o!tain<he finds all that !y %oin% in there (i#e# into his o$n Self'# ?or there: indeed: lie those tr e desires of his: covered !y $hat is false# 3As "eo"le $ho do not kno$ the s"ot $here a treas re of %old has !een hidden some$here in the earth: $alk over it a%ain and a%ain $itho t findin% it: so all these creat res day after day %o into the =orld of 2rahman and yet do not find it: !eca se they are carried a$ay !y ntr th# , 3That Self a!ides in the heart# The etymolo%ical eD"lanation of heart is this: This one (ayam' is in the heart (hridi'A therefore -t is called the heart (hridayam'# ;e $ho kno$s this %oes every day in dee" slee" to ;eaven (i#e# 2rahman: d$ellin% in the heart'# 4 3No$: this serene !ein%: after risin% from this "hysical !ody and attainin% the ;i%hest &i%ht: reaches his o$n tr e form# This is the Self#3 Th s he (i#e# the teacher: 7 estioned !y his " "ils' s"oke# )ontin in%: he said: 3This is the immortal: the fearless# This is 2rahman# And of this 2rahman the name is Satyam: the Tr e#3 / This name Satyam consists of three sylla!les: Sat: ti and yam# That $hich is Sat si%nifies the -mmortalA and that $hich is ti is the mortalA and yam !inds them !oth# 2eca se this sylla!le !inds !oth: therefore it is called yam# ;e $ho kno$s this %oes every day in dee" slee" to ;eaven (i#e# 2rahman: d$ellin% in the heart'# )ha"ter -8 < 2rahman as a Bam 1 The self is a dam: a se"aratin% !o ndary: for kee"in% these $orlds a"art# This dam is not "assed !y day and ni%ht: !y old a%e: death and %rief: or !y %ood and evil deeds# All evils t rn !ack from -t: for the =orld of 2rahman is free from all evil#

So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

2 Therefore: havin% reached this dam: he $ho is !lind ceases to !e !lind: he $ho is misera!le ceases to !e misera!le: he $ho is afflicted $ith disease ceases to !e afflicted# Therefore: havin% reached this dam: the ni%ht !ecomes dayA for the =orld of 2rahman is li%hted once for all# , That =orld of 2rahman !elon%s to those $ho realiIe -t !y means of continence (!rahmacharya'<for them there is freedom in all the $orlds# )ha"ter 8 < )ontinence 1 No$: $hat "eo"le call ya9na (sacrifice': that is really continence# ?or he $ho kno$s 2rahman o!tains that =orld of 2rahman: $hich others o!tain thro %h sacrifice: !y means of continence# =hat "eo"le call ishta ($orshi"': that is really continence# ?or havin% desired (ishtva' the +no$led%e of the SelfA !y means of continence one realiIes the Self# 2 No$: $hat "eo"le call the Satrayana sacrifice: that is really continence# ?or !y means of continence one o!tains from the Tr e (Sat' the safety (trana' of the self# =hat "eo"le call the vo$ of silence (ma na': that is really continence# ?or after kno$in% the Self from the scri"t res one meditates (man te' on -t# , No$: $hat "eo"le call the vo$ of fastin% (anasakayana': that is really continence# ?or that Self does not "erish (na nasyati' $hich one realiIes !y means of continence# 4 The =orld of 2rahman !elon%s to those $ho o!tain !y means of continence the seas Ara and Nya in the =orld of 2rahman# ?or them there is freedom in all the $orlds# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8- < The )o rse after Beath for the -ll mined 1 No$: those arteries of the heart are filled $ith the essences of !ro$n: $hite: !l e: yello$ and red li7 id s !stances# 8erily: the s n yonder is !ro$n: it is $hite: it is !l e: it is yello$: it is red# 2 As a lon% hi%h$ay r ns !et$een t$o villa%es: this one and that yonder: so do the rays of the s n %o to !oth $orlds: this one and that yonder# They start from yonder s n and enter into these arteriesA they start from these arteries and enter into yonder s n# , =hen a man is aslee": $ith the senses $ithdra$n and serene and sees no dream: then he has entered into these arteries# Then no evil to ches him: for he has o!tained the li%ht of the s n# 4 And $hen he !ecomes $eak: then those sittin% aro nd him say: 3Bo yo kno$ me@ Bo yo kno$ me@3 As lon% as he has not de"arted from this !ody: he kno$s them# / =hen he de"arts from the !ody if he is a mere rit alist and i%norant of 2rahman he then %oes "$ard !y these rays to$ard the $orlds $hich he has %ained !y his meritorio s $ork# 5r if he is a kno$er of the doctrines of the akasa in the lot s of the heart: he then meditates on 5m and th s sec res entrance into 2rahmaloka# 5r if he is i%norant he attains lo$er !odies# The kno$er attains the solar or! as 7 ickly as one directs oneCs mind from one o!9ect to another# This indeed is the door to the =orld of 2rahman for those $ho kno$A for the i%norant it is closed# 1 5n this there is the follo$in% verse: 3There are one h ndred and one arteries of the heart: one of $hich "ierces the cro$n of the head# Foin% "$ard !y it: a man at death attains immortality# 5ther arteries: %oin% in different directions: only serve as channels for his de"artin%

from the !ody: yea: only serve as channels for his de"artin% from the !ody#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8-- < The *erson in the Gye 1 *ra9a"ati said: 3The Self $hich is free from sin: free from old a%e: free from death: free from %rief: free from h n%er: free from thirst: $hose desires come tr e and $hose tho %hts come tr e<That it is $hich sho ld !e searched o t: That it is $hich one sho ld desire to nderstand# ;e $ho has kno$n this Self from the scri"t res and a teacher and nderstood -t o!tains all the $orlds and all desires# 2 The devas (%ods' and as ras (demons' !oth heard these $ords and said: 3=ell: let s search o t this Self !y searchin% o t $hich one o!tains all the $orlds and all desires#3 -ndra: amon% the %ods: $ent forth and 8irochana: amon% the demons# =itho t comm nicatin% $ith each other: the t$o came into the "resence of *ra9a"ati: f el in hand# , They d$elt there for thirty<t$o years: "ractisin% !rahmacharya# Then *ra9a"ati said to them: 3?or $hat " r"ose have yo !oth !een livin% here@3 They said: 3A sayin% of yo rs is !ein% re"eated !y learned "eo"le: SThe Self $hich is free from sin: free from old a%e: free from death: free from %rief: free from h n%er: free from thirst: $hose desires come tr e and $hose tho %hts come tr e<That it is $hich sho ld !e searched o t: That it is $hich one sho ld desire to nderstand# ;e $ho has kno$n this Self and nderstood -t o!tains all the $orlds and all desires#C No$: $e !oth have d$elt here !eca se $e desire that Self#3 4 *ra9a"ati said to them: 3The "erson that is seen in the eye<that is the Self#3 ;e f rther said: 3This is immortal: fearless# This is 2rahman#3 They asked: 38enera!le Sir: he $ho is "erceived in the $ater and he $ho is "erceived in a mirror<$hich of these is he@3 *ra9a"ati re"lied: 3The same one: indeed: is "erceived in all these#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter 8--- < The Boctrine of the Bemons 1 *ra9a"ati said: 3&ook at yo rself in a "an of $ater and then $hat yo do not nderstand of the Self come and tell me#3 They cast their %lance in a "an of $ater# Then *ra9a"ati said to them: 3=hat do yo see@3 They said: 38enera!le Sir: $e see the entire self even to the very hairs and nails: a verita!le "ict re#3 2 *ra9a"ati said to them: 3After yo have $ell adorned yo rselves $ith ornaments: " t on yo r !est clothes and cleansed yo rselves: look into the "an of $ater#3 After havin% adorned themselves $ell: " t on their !est clothes and cleansed themselves: they looked into the "an of $ater# 3=hat do yo see@3 asked *ra9a"ati# , They said: 3> st as $e o rselves are $ell adorned: $ell dressed and clean: so: venera!le Sir: are these t$o reflections $ell adorned: $ell dressed and clean#3 *ra9a"ati said: 3This is the Self: this is immortal: fearless# This is 2rahman#3 They !oth $ent a$ay satisfied in heart# 4 *ra9a"ati sa$ them %oin% and said: 3They are !oth %oin% a$ay $itho t havin% kno$n and $itho t havin% realiIed the Self# And $hoever of these: $hether %ods or demons: follo$ this doctrine shall "erish#3 8irochana: satisfied in heart: $ent to the demons and "reached this doctrine (("anishad' to them: 3The self (i#e# !ody' alone is to !e $orshi""ed here on earth: the self (i#e# !ody' alone is to !e served# -t is only !y $orshi""in% the self here and !y servin% the self that one %ains !oth $orlds<this and the neDt#3 / Therefore even today they say of one $ho does not "ractise

charity: $ho has no faith and $ho does not "erform sacrifices: 3;e is verily a demon3A for s ch is the doctrine of the demons# The demons deck the !odies of the dead $ith %arlands and "erf me: $ith raiment and $ith ornaments: for they think that th s they $ill $in the $orld !eyond# So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

)ha"ter -M < The Shado$ Self is *erisha!le 1 2 t -ndra: even !efore he had reached the %ods: sa$ this diffic lty: 3As this reflection in the $ater is $ell adorned $hen the !ody is $ell adorned: $ell dressed $hen the !ody is $ell dressed: clean $hen the !ody is clean: so this reflection in the $ater $ill !e !lind if the !ody is !lind: one<eyed if the !ody is one<eyed: cri""led if the !ody is cri""led and $ill "erish if the !ody "erishes# 2 3- do not see any %ood in this doctrine#3 ;e ret rned $ith f el in hand# To him *ra9a"ati said: 3=ell: -ndra: yo $ent a$ay $ith 8irochana: satisfied in heartA no$ for $hat " r"ose have yo come !ack@3 ;e (-ndra' said: 38enera!le Sir: as this reflection in the $ater is $ell adorned $hen the !ody is $ell adorned: $ell dressed $hen the !ody is $ell dressed: clean $hen the !ody is clean: so this reflection in the $ater $ill !e !lind if the !ody is !lind: one< eyed if the !ody is one<eyed: cri""led if the !ody is cri""led and $ill "erish if the !ody "erishes# Therefore - do not see any %ood in this doctrine#3 , 3So it is -ndra:3 re"lied *ra9a"ati# 3- shall eD"lain the Self to yo f rther# &ive $ith me another thirty<t$o years#3 ;e lived $ith *ra9a"ati another thirty<t$o years# Then *ra9a"ati said to -ndra: )ha"ter M < The Bream Self 1<2 3;e $ho moves a!o t: eDalted: in dreams<this is the Self: this is immortal: fearless# This is 2rahman#3 Then -ndra $ent a$ay satisfied in heart# 2 t even !efore he had reached the %ods: he sa$ this diffic lty: 3Altho %h this dream self is not !lind even if the !ody is !lind: nor do its eyes and nose r n $hen the eyes and nose of the !ody r nA altho %h this self is not affected !y the defects of the !ody: 3Nor killed $hen it (the !ody' is killed: nor one<eyed $hen it is one<eyed<yet they kill it (the dream self': as it $ereA they chase it: as it $ere# -t !ecomes conscio s of "ain: as it $ereA it

$ee"s: as it $ere# - do not see any %ood in this doctrine#3 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

,<4 ;e ret rned $ith f el in hand# To him *ra9a"ati said: 3=ell: -ndra: yo $ent a$ay satisfied in heartA no$ for $hat " r"ose have yo come !ack@3 ;e (-ndra' said: 38enera!le Sir: altho %h this dream self is not !lind even if the !ody is !lind: nor do its eyes and nose r n $hen the eyes and nose of the !ody r nA altho %h this self is not affected !y the defects of the !ody: 3Nor killed $hen it (the !ody' is killed: nor one<eyed $hen it is one<eyed<yet they kill it (the dream self': as it $ereA they chase it: as it $ere# -t !ecomes conscio s of "ain: as it $ereA it $ee"s: as it $ere# - do not see any %ood in this#3 3So it is: -ndra:3 re"lied *ra9a"ati# 3- shall eD"lain the Self f rther to yo # &ive $ith me another thirty<t$o years#3 ;e lived $ith *ra9a"ati another thirty<t$o years# Then *ra9a"ati said to -ndra: )ha"ter M- < The Self in Breamless Slee" 1 3=hen a man is aslee": $ith senses $ithdra$n and serene and sees no dream<that is the Self# This is immortal: fearless# This is 2rahman#3 Then -ndra $ent a$ay satisfied in heart# 2 t even !efore he had reached the %ods: he sa$ this diffic lty: 3-n tr th it (i#e# the self in dreamless slee"' does not kno$ itself as S- am it:C nor these other creat res# -t has therefore reached in dreamless slee" tter annihilation: as it $ere# - do not see any %ood in this#3 2 ;e ret rned $ith f el in hand# To him *ra9a"ati said: 3=ell: -ndra: yo $ent a$ay satisfied in heartA no$ for $hat " r"ose have yo come !ack@3 ;e (-ndra' said: 38enera!le Sir: in tr th it (i#e# the self in dreamless slee"' does not kno$ itself as S- am it:C nor these other creat res# -t has therefore reached tter annihilation: as it $ere# - do not see any %ood in this#3 , 3So it is: -ndra:3 re"lied *ra9a"ati# 3- shall eD"lain the Self f rther to yo and nothin% else# &ive $ith me another five years#3 -ndra lived $ith *ra9a"ati another five years# This made in all one h ndred and one years# Therefore "eo"le say that -ndra

lived $ith *ra9a"ati as a !rahmacharin one h ndred and one So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

years# Then *ra9a"ati said to him: )ha"ter M-- < The -ncor"oreal Self 1 35 -ndra: this !ody is mortal: al$ays held !y death# -t is the a!ode of the Self $hich is immortal and incor"oreal# The em!odied self is the victim of "leas re and "ain# So lon% as one is identified $ith the !ody: there is no cessation of "leas re and "ain# 2 t neither "leas re nor "ain to ches one $ho is not identified $ith the !ody# 2<, 3The $ind is $itho t !odyA the clo d: li%htnin% and th nder are $itho t !ody# No$: as these: arisin% from yonder akasa and reachin% the hi%hest li%ht: a""ear in their o$n forms: 3So does this serene 2ein%: arisin% from this !ody and reachin% the ;i%hest &i%ht: a""ear in ;is o$n form# -n that state ;e is the ;i%hest *erson# There ;e moves a!o t: la %hin%: "layin%: re9oicin%<!e it $ith $omen: chariots: or relatives: never thinkin% of the !ody into $hich he $as !orn# 3As an animal is attached to a cart: so is the "rana (i#e# the conscio s self' attached to the !ody# 4 3=hen the "erson in the eye resides in the !ody: he resides $here the or%an of si%ht has entered into the akasa (i#e# the " "il of the eye'A the eye is the instr ment of seein%# ;e $ho is a$are of the tho %ht: S&et me smell this:C he is the SelfA the nose is the instr ment of smellin%# ;e $ho is a$are of the tho %ht: S&et me s"eak:C he is the SelfA the ton% e is the instr ment of s"eakin%# ;e $ho is a$are of the tho %ht: S&et me hear:C he is the SelfA the ear is the instr ment of hearin%# / 3;e $ho is a$are of the tho %ht: S&et me think this:C he is the SelfA the mind is his divine eye# ;e: the Self sees all these desires in the =orld of 2rahman thro %h the divine eye: the mind and re9oices# 1

3The %ods meditate on that Self# Therefore all $orlds !elon% to them and all desires# ;e $ho kno$s that Self and nderstands So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

-t o!tains all $orlds and all desires#3 Th s said *ra9a"ati: yea: th s said *ra9a"ati# )ha"ter M--- < A Mantra for Meditation and He"etition 1 ?rom the dark - come to the varie%atedA from the varie%ated come to the Bark# Shakin% off evil as a horse shakes d st from its hair: freein% myself from the !ody as the moon frees itself from the mo th of Hah : - f lfil all ends and o!tain the ncreated =orld of 2rahman# )ha"ter M-8 < The *rayer of a Seeker of Gternal &ife 1 That $hich is called the akasa is the revealer of names and forms# That $ithin $hich these names and forms eDist is: verily: 2rahman# That is the -mmortalA that is the Self# No$ is stated a mantra: 3- come to the assem!ly: the "alace of *ra9a"ati# - am the %lory of the !rahmins: the %lory of the kin%s: the %lory of the vaisyas# - $ish to o!tain that %lory# - am the %lory of %lories# May - never %o to the red and toothless: all< devo rin%: sli""ery "lace: yea: may - never %o to it#3 )ha"ter M8 < The Attainment of 2rahmaloka 1 2rahma told this kno$led%e of the Self to *ra9a"ati (+asya"a': *ra9a"ati to Man : Man to mankind# ;e $ho has st died the 8edas at the ho se of a teacher: accordin% to the "rescri!ed r les: d rin% the time left after the "erformance of his d ties to the teacherA he $ho: after leavin% the teacherCs ho se: has settled do$n into a ho seholderCs life and contin ed the st dy of the 8edas in a sacred s"ot and made others (i#e# his sons and disci"les' virt o sA he $ho has $ithdra$n all the sense< or%ans into the SelfA he $ho has not %iven "ain to any creat re eDce"t as a""roved !y the scri"t res<he $ho cond cts himself th s: all thro %h his life: reaches the =orld of 2rahman after death and does not ret rn: yea: does not ret rn# Gnd of )hhando%ya ("anishad The *eace )hant

5m# May the different lim!s of my !ody: my ton% e: "rana: eyes: ears and my stren%th and also all the other sense<or%ans So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes

!e no rished6 All: indeed: is 2rahman: as is declared in the ("anishads# May - never deny 2rahman6 May 2rahman never deny me6 May there never !e denial on my "art6 May all the virt es descri!ed in the ("anishads !elon% to me: $ho am devoted to Atman6 Eea: may they all !elon% to me6 5m# *eace6 *eace6 *eace6 So rce: 3The ("anishads 4 A Ne$ Translation3 !y S$ami Nikhilananda in fo r vol mes