PRASHNA UPANISHAD -65: Rishi Pippala.

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#6 Questions, 67 Mantras: “Questions from Disciples Answered.”

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SUKESHAA’S QUESTION: 

Query No 6: The Source of Power

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Sunday 20, October 2024, 06:40.
Mantram - 6.6: Sruti Quotation: Knowledge Liberates
Post-65.

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Mantram - 6.6: Sruti Quotation: Knowledge Liberates

1 

Araa iva ratha-naabhau = “Like spokes in the nave of a chariot wheel, 

kalaa yasmin pratishtitaah; = are the 16 Kalas transfixed; 

2 

tam vedyam purusham veda = thus should you know the Purusha, worthy 

yathaa maa vah mrityuh =  to be known, so that death may not 

3 

parivyathaa iti. = afflict you anywhere.” – Sruti quotation. 

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1

The simile of spokes in a wheel was used earlier (1.11) in this text to represent the march of the seasons through Time. 

Here the same symbol represents how this whole universe, i.e. all the 16 Kalas, are centred on the Supreme Purusha. 

The Appropriateness of the Simile:

 The simile of the spokes and the hub is appropriate for a number of reasons: 

i) The direct reason is the link of every spoke to the wheel, which means every Kala is  linked to the Purusha directly. 

ii) The weight is carried by the hub, not the rim. 

The tension on the spokes above the hub transfer all the weight to the rim. 

So too, the Purusha bears all the responsibility for all creation. 

iii) Visually, the spokes radiate out from the hub like the rays from the sun. 

That, too, represents the Kalas which are like rays from the Purusha. 

iv) In a wheel, if a person clutches the rim he is sure to get crushed once in every turn.

But if he gets hold of the hub he is always safe. 

So also, we should always seek refuge in the Purusha and not in objects of creation. 

v) in a wheel, the rim is moving very fast, but the hub remains still at one point. 

The Purusha is the stable, unmoving part whose position does not change, whilst all creation keeps changing moment to moment, never remaining the same. 

For these reasons, we note that this simile is very appropriate to the application.

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2-3

 Of all knowledge, this knowledge of the Purusha is the most important. 

It is the one thing that is worth knowing. Knowing It, everything else is known due to the link It has to all other things. 

“Death does not harm you” is an important result of knowing the Purusha. 

There is no fear of Death any longer. 

The meaning of this is that one has crossed over the realm of Samsara or endless births and deaths. 

Death will not “trouble you” because such a person will not face death any longer. 

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Guruji gave the beautiful example of the death of Bhakta Dhruva. 

When this great devotee was leaving this earth, Lord Yama himself came to take him. 

He asked Dhruva to climb onto his head and be seated there in honour so that he (Lord Yama) could take him safely to his destination, the North Star, which was reserved for him. 

What a glorious  moment that must have been, and who would weep for a moment like that! 

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Next

Mantram - 6.7: The Rishi Concludes in Humility 

Continued

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