TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD – 33. Rishi Yajnavalkya.

 

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Sunday, 30 Jul 2023. 06:10.

“PANKTI” UPASANAS

Part-1.

Chapter-1.

PRANAVA (“OM”) UPASANA

Mantram - 1.9.4: Examples of the Sages

Post-33.

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Mantram - 1.9.4: Examples of the Sages

13 

satyam iti   =  “Truth alone is to be practised,” thus holds 

satyavachaah raatheetarah;  =  Satyavacha, the son of Ratheetara.

14 

tapah iti  =  “Penance alone is to be practised,” thus holds 

taponityah paurushishtih;  =   Taponitya, son of Purushishtha.

15 

swaadhyaaya pravachane eva iti   =  “Study and preaching of Veda alone is to be 

naakah maudgalyah;  =  practised,” thus holds Naaka, son of Mudgala.

16 

tat hi tapah,  =  That verily is Penance; 

tat hi tapah  =   that verily is penance.

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The earlier three verses are summarised in this fourth verse. If we look carefully at 

this mantram, we notice the following:

13 Truth alone: This view expresses the needs of the Brahmacharya Ashrama;

14 Penance alone: This view expresses the needs of the Grihastha Ashrama;

15 Study & Preaching alone: This expresses the needs of the Vanaprastha Ashrama;

16 All three views are aspects of the theme of austerity or penance. This ensures that 

the focus of life does not become a pursuit of pleasure; rather it becomes a responsibility 

that requires our self-sacrifice to ensure a healthy society from generation to generation.

Examples are quoted of great sages who lived exemplarily along the lines suggested 

here. They are held up for our inspiration, admiration, and to look up to as a role model.

The names of the sages in the above examples can also be taken to mean “those 

who are filled with that quality”. For example, Satyavacha means “one whose speech 

consists of truth”, and Taponitya means “one who is ever steeped in austerity”.

The Special Role of the Vanaprasthis

Vanaprasthis have an important part to play in the field of study and propagation. 

Their experience can be brought to bear on the upcoming generations. They are urged to 

become more involved in proper study and teaching. These are sacred duties for those who 

wish to uphold the Dharma. It is their service to plough back to the community what they 

have gained from it.

Acharyaji explained that these two principles, namely study and propagation, were 

the basis of the Chinmaya Mission’s Vanaprastha programme. The Mission is deeply 

commited to practicing all the principles of Hinduism, but particularly these two. In the 

Chinmaya Pledge are the lines: “We know our responsibilities; give us the ability and 

courage to fulfil them.” These lines refer to study and propagation of the Vedic knowledge.

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Next

BRAHMA-JNANA PRAKASHAKA

Chapter - 1.10

The Realisation of Trishanku

THE CULMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE 

To be continued

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