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Truth that liberates

CHENNAI : The Upanishads that contain eternal truths and revelations throw light on the gaps present in mankind's inquiry about the mysteries of the universe and creation. The Katopanishad exposes the impermanence of all creation and highlights the nature and essence of the Brahman that is the Ultimate Cause of the entire universe, performing the manifold tasks of generating, maintaining, ordaining and destroying each and every aspect of it with accuracy, said Swamini Satyavratananda in a lecture.

The framework of a dialogue between disciple and teacher (young Nachiketa and Yama) facilitates the raising of doubts followed by clarification of important truths. Yama's dispassionate teaching relies on illustrations that are easily recognisable.

This life and the earth, universe, etc., are the effects of the Ultimate Cause that is Brahman. In other words, the cosmic order and the rhythm in the whole creation that one perceives as the eternal laws of Nature has come out of this Brahman and functions according to a certain order. Thus even though this entire creation is a transient one (Maya), all the ever changing elements in it cannot behave haphazardly or at random because Brahman imposes stringent discipline and has a firm control over all the aspects of creation.

If the fire burns as it does or the sun shines with its exclusive properties, it is the fear of the Supreme Brahman's command as much as their commitment to the law of nature. Likewise Indra (water), Vayu (wind) and Yama (death) himself perform their respective functions unerringly and at all times and without fail under the supreme law of Brahman. The invisible force that holds all creation with precision is the principle of God.

Every one needs to understand what lies beyond life on earth. Within the manifest and changing body resides an immortal self that is the essence of the all pervading and all powerful and all knowing Brahman.

Yama reiterates that those who recognise the nature of the individual soul and its connection with the eternal order as more important than the transient connection with the world get liberated. He urges Nachiketa and every human being to realise this truth with all its significance.

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