Read The Mundkopanishad in English

The Mandukya Upanishad: A Brief Introduction

Mandukya Upanishad, written in Sanskrit, is believed to be composed by the sages of the Vedic period. It describes the four states of soul and consciousness – waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and turiya. This Upanishad is part of the Brahmana portion of the Atharvaveda. It has only twelve mantras, but its importance is immense because it presents a concise summary of spiritual knowledge.

the main topic:

1. Om and Brahma:

In this Upanishad, 'Om' has been accepted as Aksharbrahma or God.

While discussing the various stages and quantities of 'Om', the expressed vast world of the unmanifested God has been mentioned.

2. Four states of consciousness:

Waking state: Vaishvanar, who gives realization externally.

Dream state: Taijas, which gives the experience of the inner world.

Sushupti state: Prajna, which gives the feeling of only happiness.

Turiya stage: The fourth stage, which is peaceful, non-dual, and beneficial.

Description:

1. Glory of Om:

'Om' is the symbol of the indestructible Brahman.

This is the form of the entire universe.

Pervades all three periods of time, past, future and present.

2. Soul and God:

Soul is the form of Brahma.

Brahman and Atman are manifested in four stages – gross (Vaishvanar), subtle, causal, and latent.

3. Three quantities: A, U, Ma:

'Aakar' (अ) represents the waking state.

'Ukaar' (उ) represents the dream state.

'Makara' (m) represents the dormant state.

This triune world is a symbol of past, future, and present.

It also symbolizes Sat, Raja, and Tama qualities.

Meditation and Enlightenment:

Mandukya Upanishad tells the method of knowing the conscious and unconscious nature of God through meditation.

It is difficult to express it in words, but it can be felt.

An enlightened seeker, through his self-knowledge, makes the soul enter the Supreme Being and establishes a non-dual relationship.

Conclusion:

Mandukya Upanishad, in its brief form, contains the deepest knowledge of soul and God. In its mantras, the principles of Advaita Vedanta have been presented in a simple and concise manner, which inspires the seekers towards enlightenment and Brahmanubhooti. This Upanishad shows the path to attain the unity of soul and Brahma through meditation and yoga.