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Spirit of enquiry

CHENNAI: The Upanishads contain esoteric truths about the nature of the Supreme Brahman and employ a suitable methodology to convey this to the eager seeker. There is no dogmatic thrust in the approach, considering the inherent difficulty in trying to grapple with abstract subjects. For instance, in the Taittiriya Upanishad, when Bhrigu undertakes the investigation of the Supreme Brahman and seeks instruction from his father Varuna, the framework of the dialogue gives ample space for the student to explore, analyse, discuss, debate and raise doubts on these profound issues, pointed out Swamini Satyavratananda in a lecture.

It is also shown that the Supreme Brahman is not only the cause of the universe, but is also the sustaining force and the final resort of all of this at the time of dissolution. “That from which beings are born, that from which when born they live, that into which when dying they enter, learn that That is Brahman,” says Varuna.

He also tells Bhrigu to reflect on each of the following principles — matter, life, sight, hearing, mind and speech — to learn about Brahman. The examples drawn from the world around help to reinforce the truth of what is expressed.

The human body is itself used as a teaching point, and it is shown that there are five sheaths or Koshas in which the Self is manifested as the Jivatma. They are food (Anna), life (Prana), mind (Manas), intelligence (Vijnana) and bliss (Ananda). The individual Self is the microcosm representing the different aspects of the universe, the macrocosm. Just as one has to cross many thresholds to perceive the deity in the sanctum sanctorum, the individual has to penetrate through the sheaths in the body to realise the Self within. The pupil gradually understands that each of these is a vital aspect of the universe but not capable of explaining the Brahman satisfactorily.

Similarly, the analogy of objects (mud pot or jewellery) that depend on material causes (mud and gold) as well as intelligent causes (pot maker and goldsmith) is shown to be inadequate to describe the Supreme Brahman who is both the material and the intelligent cause for the entire universe.

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