Exploring The Profound Teachings Of The Mundaka Upanishad

ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः ।भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः ।

स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाग्‍ँसस्तनूभिः ।व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः ।

स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः ।स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः ।

स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः ।स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

The Mundaka Upanishad is a significant text in Hindu philosophy, offering profound insights into reality, self-realisation, and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). It is a fundamental Vedantic literature within the Atharvaveda. Its doctrines underscore the comprehension of Brahman, the Supreme Consciousness, and its manifestation in all entities. The Upanishad explores the concepts of duality and non-duality, action, knowledge, and liberation through a series of contemplative mantras.

Exploring The Profound Teachings Of the Mundaka Upanishad

Exploring the Profound Teachings of The Mundaka Upanishad: Dive into its timeless wisdom, spiritual insights, and more profound truths about the self.

The Structure of the Mundaka Upanishad

The Mundaka Upanishad is structured into three distinct parts, each further segmented into sections. Each section delineates various facets of the spiritual journey, guiding the seeker from understanding the individual soul (jiva) to ultimate union with the Supreme Being, Brahman. This video will focus on the third section, Mundaka, which includes multiple verses detailing the relationship between the jiva and Brahman and the path to self-realisation.

First Section of the Third Mundaka

This section describes the Atma and Paramatma as two birds residing on the same tree in a state of companionship. One of these birds tastes the fruit of the tree, while the other does not. The individual soul (Jivatma) partakes of the tree's fruits, driven by desires and inclinations. However, the Supreme Self (Paramatma) remains merely a witness to this process, untouched and observant.

Engrossed in attachment and worldly experiences, the Jivatma suffers and finds itself entangled in the cycle of pleasure and pain. When the Jivatma, through the guidance of sages and self-realisation, attains the knowledge of Paramatma, it achieves liberation (moksha). This liberation is realising one's true nature, transcending all dualities and limitations.

When the Jiva recognises the radiant Purusha (Supreme Being), the creator and sustainer of the cosmos, it transcends both good and bad karma. It becomes pure and exalted, attaining equality with the Supreme.

The Paramatma is the life-force that shines in all beings. Those who truly understand this reality give up egoism, realising that the same divine presence exists equally in all beings. Such individuals become immersed in the bliss of the Self, revelling in the infinite joy within.

A person who perceives the Brahman (Supreme Reality) in all beings and understands that Brahman pervades everything becomes supreme among the enlightened. The brilliance of Brahman can be known through truth, austerity, knowledge, and practices like celibacy.

Only those whose hearts are completely pure and free from all faults can perceive the Brahman. This is emphasised in the famous statement from this section: "Satyameva Jayate" – Truth alone triumphs. This phrase, also featured on the Ashoka emblem, signifies the victory of truth and is a cornerstone of the spiritual path that leads to liberation.

Through a desireless state and selfless actions, one can walk the path of light (Devayana), leading to union with Paramatma.

The Brahman is described as infinitely tremendous and beyond the reach of human thought. It transcends the grasp of the senses, mind, and intellect. It is subtler than the subtlest and simultaneously farther than the farthest while being closer than the closest, residing in the hearts of all beings.

The senses or mind cannot perceive Brahman, but can be realised through the grace of knowledge (Jnana) and a purified consciousness. The ultimate form of Brahman is attributeless, yet it manifests as the cosmos. Those who meditate with a pure mind realise this cosmic and formless aspect of Brahman.

Second Section of the Third Mundaka

Here, it is stated that the seeker, through pure and luminous meditation, attains the supreme abode of Brahman. Those who know their true Self (Atman) are depicted as individuals who reach the eternal abode of Brahman, encompassing the entire universe.

Desireless devotion to Paramatma leads to liberation.

The liberated soul transcends the cycles of birth and death by understanding the eternal and non-eternal. A person bound by desires is reborn in accordance with those desires, whereas a desireless soul attains freedom.

This section emphasises that Atman is not attained merely through intellectual learning, lectures, or scholarly knowledge. Instead, it is revealed to those who earnestly and sincerely aspire to know Paramatma, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the path.

The Upanishad explains that self-realisation requires a combination of intellect, faith, and consistent effort. Paramatma reveals itself to seekers who demonstrate unwavering devotion and purity of heart.

It highlights that individuals who lack strength, discipline, or a clear understanding cannot achieve realisation. Similarly, those who merely engage in rituals without inner understanding also remain distant from the truth.

Genuine seekers filled with faith, purity, and resolve find the path to Brahman revealed. These realised individuals transcend desires, remain detached from the world, and rest in the eternal bliss of Brahman.

Nature of Liberation

The Upanishad compares a river merging with the ocean, losing its individual name and form, and the realised soul merging with Brahman. Just as rivers abandon their distinct identities and dissolve into the ocean, enlightened beings renounce their ego and individuality, uniting with the Supreme.

Those who are free from desires and possess pure hearts become one with the omnipresent Brahman. Liberation is achieved by understanding Brahman through the study of Vedantic scriptures, combined with detachment (vairagya) and disciplined practices (yoga).

It concludes by emphasising that Brahman is not attained through mere intellectual pursuit but through dedicated actions (karma), wisdom (jnana), and devotion (bhakti). Together, these three lead to the realisation of the eternal truth.

As we conclude this profound exploration of the third Mundaka's first section, we are reminded of the eternal truth—that the soul's journey is one of awakening and self-realisation. The imagery of the two birds on a single tree beautifully encapsulates the duality of the human experience, where one bird represents the striving, experiencing soul, and the other the serene, witnessing Supreme Self.

We can transcend worldly desires and align ourselves with the infinite Brahman through devotion, wisdom, and detachment. Let this knowledge inspire us to purify our hearts, embrace the path of righteousness, and experience the bliss of divine unity.