MUNDAKA UPANISHAD - 6. Swami Advayananda.

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6 Chapters (64 Mantras)

Chapter-1.

Section-1.

1. THE ORIGINS OF KNOWLEDGE : (Mantras 1-9, 9 no.)

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Thursday, June 09, 2022. 22:00

Mantram-6. Explanation about the higher knowledge.

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 Mantram-6. Explanation about the higher knowledge.

 "Yat tad adreshyam, agrahyam, achakshuh shrotram,  tad apani padam;

 nityam, vibhum, sarvagatam, susukshmam, tad avyayam,  yad bhutayonim  paripashyanti dhirah."

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Translation :

1 yat tad adreshyam, agrahyam,  =  agotram, avarnam, That which is invisible, ungraspable,  un-

originated, and attributeless;

2 achakshuh shrotram,  tad apani padam;  = having neither eyes nor ears,  neither hands nor 

legs;

3 nityam, vibhum, sarvagatam, susukshmam, tad avyayam,  =  eternal, full of manifestations, all-

pervading,  subtlest of the subtle – the Imperishable;

4 yad bhutayonim  paripashyanti dhirah.  =  As the source of all creation  is it perceived by the 

wise.

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Commentary :

This mantram gives one of the most comprehensive definitions of Para Vidya that one is

likely to find. It is very systematic and methodical as we shall see:

1-2a Beyond the Jnanendriyas: The Jnanendriyas (i.e. Jnana Indriyas) are only of use

with reference to the world of objects. They are not needed for Self-knowledge because this

knowing is of a different kind from intellectual knowing. Five adjectives describe how the

Higher knowledge is beyond the organs of knowledge. 

They are:

i) Adreshyam: not visible;

ii) Agrahyam: not graspable;

iii) Agotram: without lineage or birth;

iv) Avarnam: without qualities or attributes;

v) Achakshuh-Shrotram: without eyes or ears. The other three organs are implied.

2b Beyond the Karmendriyas: The five Karmendriyas (Karma Indriyas) are also of no

use in acquiring Self-knowledge.

vi) Apani-Padam: “without hands and feet”. The five organs of action are not

needed because there is nothing to be done for this knowledge.

3 Then What is It? 

The third Pada explains in a positive way what Para Vidya is:

i) Nityam: eternal;

ii) Vibhum: full of manifestations;

iii) Sarvagatam: all-pervading;

iv) Su-Sukshmam: extremely subtle; subtlest of the subtle;

v) Avyayam: that which cannot be split further into parts; partless; Indestructible;

4 What is its relationship to the world? 

There is a Cause and effect relationship.

vi) Bhoota Yonim: Brahman is the source of all creation, but this can only be seen by

the “wise”. From the worldly standpoint, Brahman cannot be perceived and hence it does

not even enter into consideration.

The focus in Para Vidya is not on the words as on the knowledge which it represents.

The words do have their own power, which is not to be denied. The memorizing of the

verses of the Upanishads has its own unique value. It gives one the power to remember the

lofty thoughts anywhere and at any time. The vibrations created by the chanting of Vedic

verses are soothing and uplifting.

In the Higher knowledge, when realization comes, that is it. Illumination is there. 

No actions need to be done. The knowledge is self-sufficient. The very knowing is the getting.

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Next- Mantram-7. Three Similes Explaining “Bhuta Yonim” 

To be continued .....

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