THE YOGA-UPANISAD-S
TKANSLATED INTO ENGLISH
(ON THE BASIS OF THE COMMENTARY OF
S'RI UPANISAD-BRAHMA-YOGIN)
BY
T. R. S'RlNIVASA AYYAl^IGAR, B.A., L.T.
(Retired Head Master, Kalyaffa-sundaram High School, TaAjore)
AND EDITED BY
PANDIT S. SUBRAHMANYA S'ASTRl, F.T.S.
THE ADYAR LIBRARY
1938
Printed by
c subbarayudu,
At the Vasanta Press,
Apyar, Madras
PREFACE
In issuing this first Volume (The Yoga Upanisad-s) of
the English translation of the One Hundred and Eight
Upanisad-s, foreshadowed by the late Panciit Mahadeva
S'astrl, B.A., Director of The Adyar Library, in his
preface to the first Volume (The Yoga Upanisad-s) in
August 1920, and planned by Prof. C. Kunhan Raja,
M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon.), Honorary Curator of the Oriental
Section of the Adyar Library, in his Introduction to the
second Volume of The Das'opanisad-s in July 1936^ my
first duty is to tender my grateful thanks to Brahmas'rl
Pandit S. Subrahmanya S'astri Avl., F.T.S., who
undertook this work as a labour of love and to whom I
am in continual obligation for the many services he
has been rendering to the Adyar Library ; and to S'rl
T. R. S'rinivasa Ayyangar Avl., B.A , L.T., Retired
Head Master, Kalyana-sundaram High School, Tanjore,
who has collaborated with the Pandit with his wonted
zeal in editing and seeing the work through the press.
It is hoped to publish at an early date the Translations
of the remaining Upanisad-s.
The publication of the Upanisad-s with critical
notes originally planned and started by Dr. Schrader,
a former Director of the Adyar Library, is proposed
VI THE YOGA UPANISADS
to be taken up after the publication of the Translation
is completed.
The Translation closely follows the Commentary
of S'rl Upanisad-brahma-yogin, who is the only one
so far known to have achieved the unique distinc-
tion of having written a commentary on all the One
Hundred and Eight Upanisad-s and has presented,
in an extremely lucid manner, S'ri S'amkaracarya's
commentary on the ten major Upanisad-s, which he
seems to have closely followed. The advantage of
following the interpretation of obscure passages by a
single writer, right through the entire field covered
by the One Hundred and Eight Upanisad-s, cannot
be overestimated. While an attempt has been made
to give a verhatim et hterattm rendering of the
Up^nisad-s, which is indeed no easy task, portions
not bearing on the words of the Text, but which are
necessary to render the meaning clear, are enclosed
within circular brackets, while the introductory notes
to the Upanisad-s and other extraneous matter,
considered necessary for the further elucidation of
the subject-matter, are enclosed within rectangular
brackets
The Adyar Library G Srinivasa Murti
15th September, 1938 Honorary Director
THE YOGA-UPANISAD-S
PAGE
Advaya-tarakopanisad
1—8
Amrta-nadopanisad .
9—16
(\mrta-bindupanisad .
17—21
Ksunkopanisad
22—26
Tejo-bindupanisad
27—87
Tri-s'ikhi-brahmanopanisad
> 88—115
Dars'anopanisad
116-150
Dhyana-bindupanisad
151-J71
Nada-bindupanisad .
172—180
Pas'upata-brahmopanisad
181—197
■^rahma-vidyopanisad
198—216
Mandala-brahmanopanisad
217—245
Maha-vakyopanisad .
246—250
Yoga-kundaly-upanisad
251—278
Yoga-cudamany-upanisad
279—300
^oga-tattvopanisad . . , ,
301—325
Yoga-s'ikhopanisad
326—396
Varahopanisad . . , ,
397^447
S'an^ilyopanisad . . . ,
448—491
-riaipsopanisad . . , ,
492—502
CONTENTS
Advaya-tarakopanisad
Eligibility for Taraka-yoga
The means -and the end of Yoga
The form of Taraka
How to be attained
Description of internal introspection
Description of external introspection
Description of intermediate introspection
The two-fold Taraka
The achievement of Taraka-yoga
The two to be distinguished as corporeal and in
corporeal
The real form of Taraka-yoga .
Mudra pertaining to S'ambhu
Forms of internal introspection
The description of Acarya
Fruit borne by a study of this Upanisad
Amrta-nadopanisad
Expedients such as study
Worship of the Pra^iava
Description of Pratyahara
The six-fold Yoga
The fruits of Praijayama, etc.
The three-fold Praijayima
Description of Praijayama
PAGE
1-8
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
4
' 5
5
6
7
7
7
8
9-16
9
9
10
10
10
11
U
THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
the attainment of the
Description of Recaka .
Description of Puraka .
Description of Kumbhaka
Description of Dharaija
Description of Tarka
Description of Samadhi
The expedient to be employed for the achievement
of Samadhi .
The constant practice of Yoga
The seven doors leading to
Atman
The giving up of fear, etc.
The fruit of the practice of Yoga
The thing to be meditated on through Yoga
The manner of meditation
The limit of breathing ,
The seats of the Prana, etc
Their different colours
The final fruit .
Amrta-bindOpanisad
The mind alone, the cause of bondage and liberation .
Mental control, the expedient for liberation
The attainment of Brah manhood by the knowledge of
the Brahman ......
Attainment of the non-qualified Brahman through
pondering over the qualified Brahman
The oneness of the Atman
Freedom from birth and death of the Atman .
Realization of the Absolute Brahman .
The attainment of the transcendent Brahman by medi
tating on the S'abda- brah man
Oneness of the Atman inhering in all bemgs
Meditation, the cause of realizing the Atman •
PAGE
11
11
12
12
12
12
13
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
17-21
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
21
CONTENTS
Xi
PAGE
K§URIKOPANISAD ...... 22-26
Yogadhikara ...... 22
Asana and PrSijayama ..... 22
PratyahSra ...... 23
The practice of Yoga and the person eligible therefor . 25
The fruit of Samadhi ..... 26
Tejo-bindupanisad ..... 27-87
Expedients to be employed for the attainment of the
undifferentiated Brahman .... 28
Looking upon the transcendent entity itself as subject
to relative attributes . ... 28
The fifteen-fold Yoga, as aid to the knowledge of the
transcendent Brahman .... 30
Description of the fifteen Anga-s ... 30
Becoming the Brahman by the practice of Yoga . 33
Mitigation of the obstacles to Samadhi ... 34
The attainment of pure Brahmanhood, through Samadhi 34-
The indivisible oneness in essence of all . . 36
Conceiving all things as the state of utter consciousness. 39
Fruit borne by knowledge of the Brahman . . 41
Realizing the state of the Atman as that of the ever-
existing, conscious and blissful Brahmanhood . 42
Realizing the Atman as not possessed of all the diverse
forms ....... 46
The realization of the non-existence of all things other
than the Atman • • • . . 47
The practice of the Atma-mantra " I am the
Brahman " . . . . . « 48
Jivan-mukti — the attainment of the state of the
Brahman ...... 50
Videha-mukti — taking one's stand on the Absolute
Brahman, which is the absolute Atman, with nothing
corresponding to it . . . . .54
Xll THE YOGA UPANI^DS
PAGE
Rule for the concentration on one's own Atman . 60
The nature of one's own Atman . . . 61
The falsehood of all Anatman .... 63
The Absolute Brahtnanhood of the ' I '-entity . . 68
The non-existence of antithetical forms in the case of
the phenomenal world of ignorance and its results . 70
The mind alone, actuated by volition and the like, is
the cause of all trouble . . .72
The state of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. . 74
The Brahraanhood of all . . . 74
The non-relative Atmanhood of the Brahman . . 79
The non-existence of the phenomenal world lying
outside the Atman . . 82
Rule for the attainment of the conception, " I am the
Brahman " . . 86
Rule about traditional usage in accord with the
S'astra . . ... 86
Tri-s'ikhi brahmanopanisad . . .88-115
Questions relating to the Atman, the Brahman and
the like ... . . 88
Everything is of S'lva .... 88
The coming into being of all the world out of the
Brahman ..... 89
The division of the one mass into the many . . 89
The variants of ether and other elements . . 90
Their diverse ranges of functioning ... 90
The functions of the subtile elements ... 91
Division into Adhyatmic and the like . . . 91
What is expounded by the functioning of the knower . 92
TKe creation, from the Brahman ending with Paficl-
karaija ...... 92
The creatioif of the world consisting of the animate
and the manimate ..... 93
CONTENTS
xili
The four states ......
The northern and southern courses
Gnosis, which brings about immediate release .
Yoga, the means to be adopted for the acquisition of
Gnosis ......
Karma -yoga and J Sana -yoga . . . .
Astariga-yoga, the expedient to be employed for the
acquisition of the knowledge of the non-qualified
Brahman ....
The ten-fold Yama-s and Niyama-s
The Asana-s according to the Hatha-yoga method
Rule relating to the control of breath after going
through the preliminary purification of the Nadi-s .
The real form of the region of fire
The position of the navel . . . .
The Jiva moving m the cluster of Nadi-s
The position of the Kupdalini and its function
The real form of the cluster of Nadi-s in the middle
of the body
The vital airs circulating in the Nddi-s
Knowledge of the Nadi-s antecedent to the purification
of the Nadi-s
The place for the practice of Yoga and the rule relat
mg to It .
Mere Kumbhaka with the Cin mudra
Praqayama .....
Praijayama for purifying the Nadi-s
The fruit of PraqSyama ...
Destruction of disease through control of breath
Conquest of the mind by the Saii-mukhi-mudra
The course taken by the Prapa
The attainment of Yoga through knowledge of the
course of Pra^a .....
The withdrawal of the Praqa from the seats of Mannan
PAGE
94
95
95
96
96
97
97
98
100
100
101
101
101
102
103
104
105
105
105
106
107
107
108
109
109
110
wv
THE YOGA UPANI^DS
PAGE
The manner of Dhara^a . . . .111
The holding of the five elements in the limbs of the
body Ill
The meditation of Aniruddha and others in the seats
of Prthivi and others and the fruit thereof . . 112
Meditation on the Parmatman and the fruit thereof . 112
Consciousness of Vasu-deva transcending the Turiya . 113
Meditation on the qualified Brahman . . .114
Meditation on the non-difTerentiated Brahman . . 114
Even the knowledge of the qualified Brahman is pro-
ductive of liberation . . . . .114
is'anopanisad .
116-150
Astangayoga, the means for the attainment of Jivan-
mukti .....
116
The enunciation of the eight subdivisions
117
Yama of ten kinds
117
Non-violence . ...
117
Truthfulness
117
Abstinence from stealth
118
Celibacy
118
Compassion
118
Rectitude
119
Forbearance ...
119
Firmness ......
119
Temperance in food .....
119
Cleanliness ......
120
Rule relating to the Brahman, that is the Atman
120
The ten Niyama-s
121
Penance ....
121
Contentment .....
121
Belief in the existence of the Supreme truth
122
Munificence* . . . .
122
Worship of Is'vara .....
122
CONTENTS XV
PAGE
122
123
123
123
124
124
Study of the established truth .
Modesty
Faith .
Prayer ....
The nine postures
Svastika
Go-mukha 124
Padma . . . 124
Virasana ... . . 125
Simhasana . . 125
Bhadrasana . 125
Muktasana . 126
Mayurasana . 126
Sukhasana . 126
The fruit of the mastery of posture 127
Dimension of the body 127
The enumeration of the Nadi-s 128
The position and form of the Kugdalt 128
The position of the Nadi-s 129
The flow of the vital air through the Nadi-s 130
The functions of the vital airs . 131
The deities presiding over the Nadi-s 131
The transit of the Sun and the Moon in the Nadi-s 132
The course of the Sun of Praqa through the Nadi-s . 132
The praiseworthiness of the internal Tirtha-s 133
Seeing S'lva in the Atman . 134
Becoming the Brahman by the sight of the Brahman 134
Purification of the Nadl-s . 135
Symptoms of the successful accomphshment of purifi-
cation of the Na^i-s . 136
Purification of one's own Atman '137
Description of Praijayama 137
Description of Puraka and others . .139
What are accomplished from Praqayama . . 139
XVI
THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Varieties of Praijayama having curative virtues
Conquest of Vayu by practice of the Sag-mukhi-
mudra . . . .
Symptoms of the conquest of vital air .
Attainment of Gnosis, through the destruction of
diseases and sm and the cultivation of detachment,
as a result of the conquest of vital airs
Description of Pratyahara and its diverse forms
Fruit of Pratyahara . , . .
Pratyahara characterized by the retention of breath
Pratyahara with the sanction of the Vedanta .
Dharana m the five elements
Dharana in the Atman .
Meditation on the qualified Brahman
Meditation on the unqualified Brahman
The fruit of meditation
The real form of Samadhi
The Brahman alone, the residuum
Summing up . . .
Dhyana-bindOpanisad
The greatness of deep meditation on the Brahman
The subtlety and the ali-pervadmg nature of the
Brahman
The form of the Pranava
Rule for meditation on the Praqava
Praijava-dhyana with Pranay&ma
Praijava-dhyana by a different method .
Meditation on the qualified Brahman .
Meditation on the trinity of gods
Meditation in the heart and its fruit
The merging of Praija m the resting place of the
Brahman* ....
The six-fold Yoga
PAGE
140
141
143
143
144
145
145
146
146
147
148
148
148
149
149
150
151-171
151
152
153
154
155
155
156
156
157
158
158
CONTENtS m
AGE
The four postures . . . ,158
The seat of the Yoni . . . . .158
The real form of the four plexuses Muladhara and
others. ...... 159
The group of Na^i-s ... . 160
The ten vital airs, Pra^a and others . . . 160
The dependence of the Jiva on the Prana and the
Apana ...... 161
The working m unison of the Prana and the Apana
during Yoga ...... 161
Ajapa-hamsa-vidya . . . . .161
By awakening the Kuijdahni is accomplished the
breaking open of the doors of liberation . . 162
The awakening of the Kutjdalini by celibacy and other
observances 163
The three kinds of Bandha-s . 163
Practice of the Khe-cati-mudra . . . 164
The accomplishment of Vajroli, by the practice of
Khe-cari . . 164
Becoming a Jivan-mukta by knowledge of the union
of the two kinds of Bindu . 165
The practice of the Maha-mudra • • 166
The direct manifestation of the Atman m the heart 166
Seeing the Paramatman, by the application of the Nada 169
NADA-BINDOPANISAD . . . .172-180
The real form of the Vairaja-praijava . 172
The fruit of the Vairaja-vidya 173
The real form of the Praijava composed of four chief
Matra-s . 173
The details of the twelve diflferetit M&tra-s of the *
Praijava taken individually and collectively . 174
Benefits derived by votaries on their dying during
particular Matr&-s . . . . 174
ivili THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
PAGE
The real form of the unquahfied Brahman and the fruit
of knowing It ... 175
Inquiry into the existence or non-existence of the
previous Xarma of a man of Gnosis . .175
Application of the mind to the Nada, the means of
attaining the knowledge of the Turlya-turlya . 177
The power of sound to captivate the mind 178
The real form of the Nada of the final resort . . 179
The attainment of Videha-mukti by the Yogin-s who
are perched on the Nada 180
Pas'upata-brahmopanisad . lSl-197
Seven queries relating to the Supreme Ruler of the
world . . 181
Answers to the seven queries 182
Definition of the performer and others officiating in
the sacrifice of the creation 182
The sacrifice of application of the mind to the Nada 183
The exposition of the Paramatman being of the state
of the Hatnsa . . . .183
Similarity between the YajBa-sutra and the Brahma-
sutra . ... 184
The Brahmaija alone qualified to perform Brahma-
yajSa . . . 185
Of the Hamsa, that is the Praijava, is the sacrifice,
that IS the Brahman . . . . 185
Mental sacrifice of the form of the union with the
Brahman . . . . 186
The application of the mind to the Haipsa and Pratjava
without differentiation — the internal sacrifice . 1 86
The ninety-six Hamsaf threads . . .187
Hamsatma-vidya alone, the liberation . . . 187
The superiority of the internal over the external
sacrifice •-.... 188
CONTENTS xix
PAGE
The A^va-medba of the form of J&ana-yajna . 189
The radiance of the Taraka-hatnsa . . 189
The attainment of the Brahman through the concep-
tion of its form per se . .189
The manifestation of the world in the Brahman is
Maya . .... 190
Rule regarding meditation on the Haipsarka-pranava . 191
The rousing into activity of the organs of sense is the
work of iVvara, the supreme consciousness . . 191
Whatever is other than the Atman is the outcome of
Maya .... . . 192
The non-occurrence of the Maya in the Atman, m
reality ...... 193
The attainment of the Paramatman by the knower of
the Atman . . . .193
Truth and other means of attainmg the Para-vidya . 195
There is resort tq nothing else for the knower of the
Atman ...... 195
To the knower of the Brahman there is nothing what-
ever as prohibited food . . . .196
The seeing by the man of Gnosis of the state of the
Atman of all . . . . , . 197
Brahma-vidyopanisad . . 198-216
The indication of the Brahman by the Pranava, which
contains the esoteric significance of the Brahma-
vidya ....... 198
The amplification of the four Matra-s of the Pranava . 199
Breaking through the Nadi-s and the Sun by bnngmg
Su^umga to bear on them .... 200
Attainment of Liberation by the syipphoqy of the sound •
of the Pranava ..... 200
Exposition of the fcal for^n of the Jiva . . 200
Exposition of the cause of bondage and liberation . 201
XX THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
PAGE
The attainment of the Parames'vara possible only
through Hamsa-vidya .... 202
Rule for devotion to the Guru of Haipsa-vidya . 203
The attainability of the Paramatman solely through
the Veda-s and the Guru . . . .204
Discriminating between the finite and the infinite forms
of the Atman ..... 204
The Yoga, having to be kept a profound secret from
the uninitiated, could be bestowed only on those best
qualified for it . . . . . 206
Even for one possessed of the mere knowledge of that
science there is not the possibility of being smeared
with vice and virtue ..... 207
The three kinds of preceptors . . . .207
The performance of Sacrifice m the immediate presence
of the supreme Being, by applying one's self to the
Pranava-hatpsa ..... 208
The attainment of becoming one with the Brahman
through the knowledge obtained from Haipsa-yoga 209
Whence could the Hamsa be got ? . . . 209
The practice of Samadhi preceded by the memorizing
of the Hamsa-mantra . . . .210
Exposition of the posture assumed by the Hamsa . 210
The mode of practising the Hamsayoga . .211
The real form of the Atman to be ruminated upon by
the Hamsa-yogin , . . . .213
Mandala-brahmanopanisad . 217-245
The desire to know the truth of the Atman . . 217
The announcement regarding the subtle Yoga of the
•eight Afiga-8 ... . . . .217
The four-fold Yama-s . , . . .218
The ninefold Niyama-s .... 218
Petailed enunciation of the sijc Ai5ga-s, Asana and others 219
CONTENTS XXI
PAGE
The fruit of the knowledge of the subtle eight Anga-s
of Yoga ...... 220
Getting rid of the five inherent defects of the body . 220
Looking at the Taraka and the fruit borne by it 220
The attainment of the Taraka, through seeing by means
of the three kinds of introspection . 221
Seemg through internal introspection . 221
Seeing through external introspection . . , 222
Seeing through intermediate introspection . . 222
Yoga of two kinds, being divided into Taraka and
Amanaska .... . 223
Rule as to the application of the mind to Yoga 224
The first Taraka .... 224
The second Taraka ..... 224
The end of the second Taraka is S'ambhavi-mudra . 224
Definition of internal introspection . . 225
The controversy regarding the ultimate object of inter-
nal introspection among the adherents of diverse
faiths . . . . . 225
Rule relating to the seeing of the Atman which is
closely interwoven with the ultimate objects of
internal introspection spoken of by the followers of
diverse faiths 226
The attainment of Brahmanhood of one who is firmly
planted in the Atman .... 226
The Jyotir-atman, the radiant Atman, which is the
basic support of all, is the object of internal intros-
pection . . . 227
The fruit of the knowledge of the Jyotir-atman 228
Its attainment through the Satpbhavi 228
Rule relating to the full-moon-look • . . ° 228
S'ambhavl, "the end of the Purnima look . . 229
The accomplishment of the S'ambhavl-mudra and its
indications ...... 229
XXii THE YOGA UPA^IgADS
PAGE
Experiencing the inner light which is the real form of
the Pranava and, its indications . . 230
The attainment of the Pranava through the Satj-muki-
mudra . . . 230
The knower of the Pranava not bound by obligation to
perform religious rite of any kind 230
Accomplishment of non-mindedness through the Un-
mani state . 231
Procedure laid down for worshipping the Amanaska state 23 1
The attainment of Kaivalya by the contemplation of
the Brahman . 232
The real form of the knower of the Brahman 233
Difference between Susupti and Samadhi 233
The knower of the Brahman becoming the Brahman 234
The attainment of liberation through meditation of the
Brahman, preceded by the giving up of all volition 234
The five states, Jagrat and others . . 235
Desire, the basis of proclivity to worldly activities 235
Desire leading to inactivity 235
Mode of crossing the ocean of worldly existence . 236
Demonstrating that the mind is the cause of bondage
and liberation .... 237
Becoming a knower of the Brahman of a higher order
by the practice of Nir-vikalpa-samadhi . 238
The attainment of the state of the Brahman of the
form of ceaseless Bhss .... 238
The non mindedness associated with the Saipbhavl-
mudra ....... 239
Attainment of non mindedness on seeing the indica-
tions of the Paramatman .... 239
Then, the turning away from worldly existence . 240
The destruction of the mind through the dissolution
of the inner senses, by having recourse to the
Taraka-path . . . . . .241
CONTENTS
XXllI
By the attainment of the Unmani state, the Yogin
himself becoming the Brahman
The knowledge of the five-iold ether and its fruit
Summary of all the requisite equipments for Raja-yoga
Rule relating to the practice of the mind finally resting
in and being lost in the Paramatman
By the practice of Amanaska is accomplished the state
of being reduced to the Brahman
The greatness of the accomplished Yogin in the Aman-
aska state ......
PAGE
241
242
243
243
244
245
Maha-vAkyopanisad . . 246-250
Those eligible for being imparted instruction regardmg
the non- vicarious experience of the Bliss of the Atman 246
The real form and functions of Vidya and Avidya . 246
The manifestation of the Paramatman through the
practice of the Hamsa-vidya . . . 247
The real form of the state known as the knowledge of
the truth . . . . 249
Meditation on the radiant Praijava-haipsa . 250
The fruit of the Vidya of the radiance of the Hamsa , 250
YOGA-KUNDALY-UPANISAD . . 251-278
The three expedients to be resorted to for the conquest
of the \ ital air ..... 251
Temperance m food ..... 252
The Padma and VajrSsana postures . . 252
The rousing of the power and the two ways of practi-
sing It ...... 252
The rousing of the Sarasvati .... 253
The varieties of Praijayama .... 254
The Surya-kumbhadta . . . . 254
The Ujjayi-kumbhaka ..... 255
The S'itali-kumbhaka ..... 255
XXIV
THE YOGA OPANISADS
PAGE
The Bhastra-kumbhaka. .... 256
Rule relating to the three kinds of Bandha-s 256
The Mula-bandha . . . . .257
The Uddiyana-bandha . . . . .257
The Jalamdhara-bandha .... 258
Prescription regarding the number of times of Kum-
bhaka practice ..... 258
The obstacles to the practice of Yoga and overcoming
them ...... 259
The rousing of the KuQdalim by the practice of Yoga . 260
The Kuijdalini, reaching the thousand-spoked lotus by
bursting through the three knots . . . 260
The dissolution of Praqa and others and the spreading
outwards of dissolved ones . . . .261
Experiencing everything as Consciousness alone during
Samadhi ...... 262
Samadhi-yoga . . . ,> . . 263
The Khe-cari Vidya ..... 264
The extraction of the king of Mantra-s, the Khe-carl
Mantra . . . . 266
By muttering the Mantra, the Khe-can-yoga is success-
fully accomplished ..... 267
The method to be adopted for the practice of the Khe-
cari . . . . . . . 268
Difference in seeing due to difference m the phases of
the lunar fortnight, such as Ama-vasya, Pratipad
and Purijima ...... 271
Rule regarding the PHrijima vision . . . 272
By the practice of the control of the vital breath is
attained the Viraj-form .... 273
Without the practice of Yoga, there will be no mani-
festation of one's own Atman . . 274
The knowledge of the Brahman to be derived from the
Guru's precept ..... 274
CONTENTS
XXV
PAGE
The bearing of the Brahman on the proper functioning
of the sense-organ of speech 275
The bearing of the Brahman on the universe and other
phenomena . ... 275
The Brahman has no counterpart . . 276
Meditation which is employed as the means of attaining
the Brahman . . . 276
Liberation while yet living and liberation after dis-
embodiment . . . 277
YOGA-COpS-MANY-UPANISAD 279-300
The six-fold stages of Yoga 279
Knowledge of the truth about the body essential for
the successful accomplishment of Yoga . . 279
The Cakra-s, Muladhara and others . . . 280
Sight of the great radiance at the seat of the genitals . 280
Description of the Svadhisthana and other Cakra-s . 281
The great Cakra of Nadi-s . 281
The places of the Nadi-s . . .282
The vital airs that move in the Nadi-s and their
functions . . • 282
The pulsating of the Nadi-s with the Praija or other-
wise, IS an index of the pulsating of the Jiva or
otherwise . . • • 283
The meditation on the Ajapa Gayattri . . . 283
Breaking open the doors of liberation through the
Kutjdalinl ... . . 284
The three Bandha-s ..... 285
The Khe-cari Mudra . . . . 286
Description of a Yogin endowed with Vajroli and other
powers . . • • • • . 287
The Mahi-mudra ... 288
The Praijava-prayer . ... 289
The Brahman, of the form of the import of the Pra^ava . 289
D
XXVI THE YOGA UPANISADS
PAGE
The meaning of the several limbs of the Pra^ava . 291
The Brahman radiant at the top of the Turiyomkara . 292
The fourth Hamsa, the import of the Prapava . 293
The muttering of the Pranava, making the absolute
Atman manifest ..... 294
The necessity for the control of vital air even in the
votary of the Pranava .... 294
The accomplishment of Praqayama from the purifica-
tion of the Nadi-s ..... 295
Description of Pranayama . . . 295
The purification of the Nadi-s . . . . 296
The PraJjayama with the preliminary regulation of
Matra-s . . . . 296
The fruit of each of the subdivisions of Yoga severally
and their relative importance . . . 298
By the practice of the Sag-mukhi Mudra is Nada dis-
tinctly manifest ... . 299
The practice of Praijayama is the dispeller of all
diseases ...... 299
In the practice of Pranayama, the withdrawal of the
organs of sense is necessary . . . 300
4
YOGA-TATTVOPAN1SAI5 . . 301-325
The desire to know the eight-fold Yoga . 301
The truth concerning the Yoga, difficult of attainment 301
What IS apparently the state of the Jiva is only the
Paramatman . 302
The Jiva, divested of the chciracter of material exist-
ence, attains the state of the Paramatman 303
The practice simultaneously (of the methods of acquisi-
. tion) of knowledge and Yoga . . . 304
The real form of knowledge . . 304
Yoga of four kinds, Mantra-yoga and others , 305
Arambha and other stages of Yoga . . 305
CONTENTS XXVU
PAGE
Description of Mantra-yoga .... 305
Description of Laya-yoga .... 306
The stages of Ha{ha-yoga .... 306
The important parts of Yama, Niyama and Asana . 306
Overcoming the obstacles to the practice of Yoga . 307
The right sort of Matha and Asana, fit for PraQayama 307
The mode of commencement of Praqayama . . 308
PrSqayama with due antecedent measurement in
Matra-s ...... 308
Purification of the Nadi-s, the benefit derived during
the interval and its symptoms •. . 309
Observance regarding diet and the hke during the
practice of Yoga t . . . 309
The successful attainment of Kevala-kumbhaka . 310
Pras\eda and other Siddhi-s . . 310
Prana\a japa, the preliminary step for the destruction
of obstacles to Yoga . . 311
Ghata the state of eflfort . . . 312
Description of Pratyahara . . . .312
The form of Dharaqa . . . .312
The Siddhi-s attainable through Dharana and the rule
relating to their being preserved as secrets . . 313
The Paricaya stage .... 314
Dharaija-s of the five Brahman-s in the regions of the
five elements . . . . 315
Meditation of the qualified kind . . . 317
Accomplishment of Samadhi, out of meditation of the
unqualified kind . . . . • .317
The renunciation and assumption of the body at
pleasure by one who has successfully accomplished
the Yoga ,318
Description of Maha-bandha . . • .319
Description of Mah&-vedha . . . .319
The real form of the Khe-cari . . . .319
XXviii THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
PAGE
The real form of the three Bandha-s and their fruits . 320
Description of Viparlta-karatji and its results . . 320
The real form of Vajroli . . . .321
The real form of Amaroli ... 321
The completion of Raja-yoga . 321
Exposition of the cause of detachment . 322
Worship of the Pranava m the lotus of the heart 322
The cessation of the functioning of all organs is the
expedient for attaining the Atman . . . 324
YOGA-S'lKHOPANISAD . ... 326-396
Seeking the path to liberation . . 326
The path to liberation difficult of access . 326
The Brahman not attainable by mere proficiency in
S'astra-lore .... 327
The Jivahood of the Brahman .... 327
S'lvatva of the Jiva devoid of the defects of lust and
the like ... .328
Absolution from defects through jHana and Yoga 329
The real form of Gnosis and its fruits . . 330
There is little difference between the man of spurious
knowledge and the ignorant man . 331
To the man of Gnosis of the spurious variety there is no
accomplishment of liberation without the aid of Yoga 332
Endless misery of men of Gnosis of the spurious
variety .... . 333
The development of individuality is by itself at the
root of all ruin ..... 334
For one who has accomplished Yoga, there ensues the
power of doing, undoing and otherwise doing, as
, well as liberation while yet living . . , 335
Imposture by men of Gnosis of the spurious variety . 336
The emancipation of such men attainable only through
association with Siddha-s .... 337
CONTENTS XXIX
PAGE
The mutual relationship of JSana and Yoga as effect
and cause ...... 337
Yoga alone, the highway to liberation . . 338
Knowledge of the Atman dawns only in a mind
purified by Yoga . . . . 339
The practice of Yoga is the first duty . . 339
The impartmg of Yoga-s'ikha .... 340
By the practice of Yc^a, there is the direct manifesta-
tion of Parama-pada, the highest state . . 341
Attainment of Punya-loka by one who cannot conform
to the prescribed form of meditation to the full extent 342
The recognition of his own Atman by the accomplished
Yogin ... • . 342
Sitting at the feet of a Guru who has conquered bis
breath, for the practice of Yoga . 343
Rousing into activity of the Sarasvati Na^ . . 343
Piercing through the three Granthi-s by rousing the
Kun^ali ..... 343
Rule relating to the practice of the four kinds of
Kumbhaka-s . . . 344
Description of the Surya-bheda-kumbhaka . . 345
Description of the Ujjayi-kumbhaka 345
Description of the S'itali-kumbhaka . 346
Description of the Bhastnka-kumbhaka . 346
Rule relating to the three Bandha-s . 345
The Miila-bandha . . 347
The Ud^iyana-bandha . . . . 347
The J&laqidhara-bandha . . . 34g
Attainment of the NirviWalpa state by breaking through
the three knots by means of the Kun^ali power . 348
The SusumijS forming the path to liberation and the
final resort for all time . . . 349
The acquisition of the knowledge of the Brahman
through Susumi)&-yoga .... 350
XXX THE YOGA UPANI^DS
PAGE
The successful attainment m due course of the form
of the Brahman by the practice of Yoga . . 351
Maha-yoga of the character of the four-fold Yoga of
Mantra and the like . . • 352
Mantra-yoga . . . 352
Hatha-yoga . . • 352
Laya-yoga . . . .353
Raja-yoga . . 353
The common feature of the various kinds of Yoga and
the attainment of liberation by means of Yoga . 353
The manner in which success is achieved in a sub-
sequent incarnation by the practitioner who dies
before successful accomplishment of Yoga . 354
Only by Yogic practice there is liberation . 354
Benefits accruing to the Yogin, such as overlordship
over all, liberation while yet living and the like 355
Rule relating to the safeguarding of natural and arti-
ficial psychic powers . 356
The index of a Yoga-siddha and a Jivan-mukta 357
Attainment of Videha-mukti by the Jnanin even when
his body remains . . 358
Description of the Microcosm as a S'lvalaya . 358
Description in detail of the six centres Muladhara
and others and the four Pitha-s . . . 359
He who is competent to impart the knowledge of Yoga 361
The greatness of the Mlila-mantra known as the
Pranava ... . 361
Explanation as to why it is of the quality of a Mula-
mantra ...... 362
Explanation as to why it is of the nature of being the
. Nada-hnga .... 362
Explanation as to why it is of the quality of a thread . 363
The Prapava being of the nature of the Pljha and
the Bmdu ...... 363
CONTENTS
XXXI
Expedient to be adopted for the attainment of the
Praqava-brahman ....
The Brahman, being of the form of the gross, the
subtle and the seed-hke, is of a three-fold character
The knowability of the S'uddha-tattva only through
the practice of the Atma-mantra
Signs of manifestation of the Para-tattva
The greatness of the investigahon of the Nada
The occurrence of the knowledge of the Para>tattva,
only through devotion to the Guru and Is^vara
The four forms, Para, Pas'yanti, etc., of the Nada
brahman
Enunciation of the form of the Vaikhari
By the intuitive perception of Vaikhari is attained
remarkable power of speech .
The real form of the Paramaksara
The attainment of the Para-brahman through thedevo
tion to and the meditation on the Sabda-brahman
Falsity of the nature of the J iva
The Brahmanhood of the entire phenomenal world
Seeing things as apart from the Brahman, the cause
of ruin ....
Falsity of the phenomenal world, wherein we function
The extreme impossibility of the phenomenal world
apart from the Brahman
Attribution of the body and the like to the Atman
through Ignorance
The body possessed of the characteristics of a temple
of Visiju
Detailed description of the six plexuses and the four
Pifha-s . . . ^ . .
The real form of the Na^i-cakra
The body of the Brahman, of the three-fold character
of Bmdu, Agni and Soma ....
PAGE
363
364
364
365
365
366
366
368
368
369
370
371
371
372
372
373
374
375
375
376
378
XXXll THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
PAGE
Fancying the five fires and the fruit thereof . 378
Rousing the Kuijdalini ' . 379
Practice of the Khe-cari Mudra and its fruit 379
Attainment of at oneness by the conception of
Narayana in the Sahasrara . 380
Expedients for the attainment of the respective Siddhi-s
by the Yogm having recourse to the methods prescribed. 380
Rule regarding the service of the preceptor 382
Greatness of the Yoga-s'ikha . , 382
Rule regarding the attitude of indifference towards
psychic powers . 383
Rule regarding the mode of cultivating the Kutjdahni
S'akti. 383
Real form of the Susumna 384
The Susumna, the main prop of all . 384
The awakening of the Para S'akti 385
Meditation on the Paramatman . < . 386
Attainment of liberation by the dissolution of the
PrSna and others in the Adhara-brahman . 387
By meditating on the forms of the deities, Brahman
and others m the plexuses, is eflTected the entrance
into the Brahma-randhra . . 388
Liberation of one whose inner senses are dissolved in
the Brahma-randhra .... 389
The greatness of Susumija-yoga . . 390
Clarification of the respective positions assumed by the
power of supreme consciousness and the Jlva 390
The manner of Harnsa-prayer by the Jiva, when under
the control of the vital airs .... 391
Liberation and bondage due to difference in the
• position of the KuijdalinJ .... 392
The Praijava, the support of all ... 392
Bondagfe and liberation, the results of the mobility and
immobility of the mind .... 392
CONTENTS JOtxiii
PAGE
By constantly dwelling on the thought that the mind
does not exist apart from one's own Atman, the
direct perception of the Brahman could be at-
tained ...... 393
The inseparable connection between the Praqa and
the mind ...... 394
Close application to the Nada is the cause of the
dissolution of the mind .... 395
Rule regarding the practice of breath -control along
with the mind ..... 395
Without practice in accordance with the instructions
of the Guru there is no dawning of knowledge . 396
VarAhopanisad .... 397-447
Various views regarding the number of the Tattva-s 397
The twenty-four Tattva-s .... 398
The thirty-six Tatt\a-s ..... 398
The ntnety-six Tattva-s .... 399
Liberation only through devotion to the Lord that
transcends the Tattva-s . . 400
P'ruit of the knowledge of the Tattva-s . . 400
The knower of the Brahman and the Atman alone is
the really blessed soul .... 402
The form of the Bliss of the Atman . . 402
The self-manifest nature of the Atman . . . 403
The incompatibility of the Atman with Maya and its
progeny ...... 403
Becoming the Brahman of the knower of the Atman
that is the Brahman ..... 403
For the knower of the Atman, there is no bondage
resulting from Karma . ^ . . . . 404
Divergence between the wise man and the ignorant
man in the matter of the view-points and positions
wherein they take their stand . . . 404
CXXIV THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
PAGE
Th^ absence of bondage and liberation, forsooth, in
the Atman .... . 405
Concentration on the Brahman and the Atman for the
removal of bondage . . . . 406
Announcement regarding Upavasa which forms the
means to the attainment of the Brahman . . 407
Non-vicanous knowledge, the means to Jivan-mukti . 408
Rule relatmg to the giving up of the internal anxiety
about the Brahman ..... 408
Contemplation of the great Lord, the sole expedient to
ward off all anxiety . . . 409
The Brahman alone lying beyond the range of all
creative imagination should be thought of . . 409
The Brahman nondiflferentiated within, transcending
all states ...... 411
Becoming the Brahman through knowledge of the non-
determinate Brahman . , . .411
Reflecting on the oneness of the Brahman, preceded
by the dissolution of worldly existence . . 412
Experience of the knower relating to the Brahman,
non-diiferentiated from the innermost Atman . 413
Meditating on the Nada, the means of Samadhi . 416
Realization of the peerless Paramatman . . 417
Rule relating to silence, the means of the attainment of
the state of remaining as consciousness alone . 418
The state of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss of the
Lord . . . ... . . 419
Devotion to the Lord, the means of liberation . . 419
Equality of all in the eyes of God . . . 420
The mind alone, the cause of the cycle of birth sand deaths. 421
Experiencing passion and the like in the non-atman,
the characteristic of a knower . . . 422
Of the seven stages (of knowledge), those of Jivan-
mukti are of a four-fold character . . . 423
CONTENTS XXXV
PAGE
The four-fold nature of " A " and others evolved out
of the Praijava . . , . , 424
The controlling agencies of the gross and other varieties
of " A " and others ..... 424
The various stages considered in relation to the limbs
of the Pranava ..... 425
The four kinds of Jivan-mukta-s . . . 425
Pointing out the seven stages of knowledge . . 426
Detailed description of the seven stages . . 426
Demonstration of the distinction in the state of the
intellect in the seven stages .... 427
Rule relating to the conception of the Brahman as
Atman alone ... ... 428
Description of a Jivan-mukta . . 429
Rule relating to the resting on the all-comprehensive
Brahman ...... 430
The exposition of the course adopted by birds and ants. 43i
The hallowed nature of the eye-glance of a knower of
the Brahman ...... 432
Knowledge of the body essential for the aspirant after
Yoga ....... 433
Number of breaths per day .... 433
Rule relating to the sustenance of the constituent ele-
ments for the avoidance of bodily wastage . . 433
For the sustenance of the elements, should be practised
the U^diyana-bandha .... 434
The three kinds of Yoga known as Laya, Mantra and
Hajha ...... 434
The eight subdivisions of Yoga . . 435
Varieties of Yama and Niyaraa . 435
The eleven postures . . . . . . 435
Description of the Cakra posture . . 436
Pra^^Sylma ...... 436
Measurements of the body and its limbs . . 435
XXXVi THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
PAGE
The plexus of Nadi-s ..... 437
Rule relating to the practice of seeing the Turlya . 438
The Yoga which forms the expedient to be employed
for beguiling the duration of one's life . 438
The Yoga-s which are employed as means to acquire
bodily robustness and strength . . 439
Rule relating to the acquisition of the knowledge of
the aura of the body ..... 440
The expedient of the Catus-patha-bandha, is Sarnputa-
yoga m a nut-shell ... . 440
The attainment of the knowledge of the Brahman step
by step, by the practice of Samputa . . .441
Ascertaining the position of S'lva and S'akti . 442
Pranayama along with the meditation of the Brahman . 442
The mode of practising the Yoga of piercing (through
the three knots) .... 443
The Pranava prayer for the overcoming of obstacles 445
The four-fold stages of Yoga,- Arambha and others 446
Fruit of the practice of this Vidya and of the profici-
ency attained therein ..... 447
S'andilyopanisad ..... 448-491
Enunciation of the eight stages of Yoga . 443
Exposition of the ten kinds of Yama-s . . 449
Exposition of the ten kinds of Niyama-s . . 450
Exposition of the eight kinds of postures . . 451
Fruit of the successful acquisition of posture . . 453
Investigation into the number of Nadi-s . . 453
The measure of the Prana m the body . . 454
Rule relating to Kumbhaka . . . 454
Xhe place of fire in the case of human beings and
others •..-.. 454
Description of the middle of the body, in the case of
human and other beings .... 454
CONTENTS
XXXVtl
PAGE
The swirling of the Jiva in the plexus of the navel . 455
The form and functioning of the Kuq^hnl . . 455
The fourteen Nadi-s . ... 456
The Susmuija Nadi ..... 456
The places of the other Nadi-s around the Susum^a . 456
The ten vital airs, Praqa and others, their places and
functions . . . . . .457
Rule relating to the purification of the Nadi-s . . 459
Description of the person eligible for the [>erformance
of Yoga and the monastery suitable for the practice
of Yoga ..... 460
The manner of commencing the Pranayama . . 460
Rule relating to the practice of Pranayama for purify-
ing the Nadi-s ..... 461
Symptoms noticed at the time of purification of the
Nadi-s ...... 461
Pratiayama of the character of Pranava . . 462
The mode of meditating on the letters of the Pranava . 462
The mode of practising the Praijava . 463
The PrSijayama performed with the sole purpose of
purifying the Susumija NadT .... 463
The number of Praijayama-s to be performed every day . 464
Difference in the result m accordance with the practice 464
Observance of diet during the period of practice . 464
Rule relating to the Yogin's remaining intently de-
voted to the practice . . . . 465
From the pure state of the Nadi-s is attainable the
ecstatic state of the mind . . . 465
The necessity for the performance of the three Ban-
dha-s ....... 466
Fruit of the intermingling of the P^aQa and the Ajmna •
vital airs ...... 466
The expedient to be adopted for the purification of the
■cranium . . . * , . . 466
XXXVill THE YOGA UPANI9ADS
PAGE
467
467
467
468
468
468
The Ujjayi Priflayama.
The Sitkara Pranayama
The S'itala Pranayama ....
The two-fold Kumbhaka, accessory and essential
The fruit from the practice of Kumbhaka
Attainment of the Vaisijavi Mudra
Direct vision of the Brahman through the attainment
of the Khe-cari ..... 469
Attainment of the ecstatic state through the-Khe carl . 470
Means of attaining the Brahman non-differentiated by
duration ...... 470
Attainment of aloneness by the dissolution of the
mmd ...... 471
Dissolution of the mmd through Yoga and J nana . 472
Suspension of the throbbing of the Praija out of the
dissolution of the mmd .... 472
Suspension of the throbbing of the mind with the sus-
pension of the throbbing of the vital air . . 473
The various means employed for bringing about the
suspension of the throbbing of the Pra^a vital air . 473
Reaching the highest state, through the bursting open
of the Susum^a Nadi, by means of Kumbhaka 475
Rule relating to the entrance of the Prana along with
the mmd into the Susumna . 475
Attainment of the Khe-cari-mudra . . 476
Means of attaming the external Khe-cari Siddhi 476
Means to be employed for the conquest of the Praija
vital air during practice .... 477
Means to be employed for the non-vicarious attain-
ment of one's own Atman . . . 478
knmunity from all disease, attainable through a special
kind of Dharaga ..... 478
Acquisition of various psychic powers by Saipyama
over the tip of the%iose and the hke . . . 478
CONTENTS
xxxix
Pratyahara of five kinds
The five kinds of Dharaqa-s
Dhyana of two kinds ....
The, real form of Samadhi
The real form of the non-qualified Brahman
The non-demonstrabihty of the Brahman
The Brahman beyond the range of speech and the mind
The. Paramatmanhood of all things
From the instruction imparted by the Guru is the
attainment of the knowledge of the Atman of all
The state of being the Atman alone without a counter
part, of the Brahman
The three forms of the Brahman
The indivisible Brahman
The divisible Brahman .
The partly divisible and partly indivisible Brahman
Definition of absolute Existence as the state of the
Para Brahman
Definition of absolute Existence as the state of the
Atman
Definition of absolute Existence as the state of
Mahes'vara
Definition of absolute Existence as the state of Datta
treya ... . .
Fruit flowing from the knowledge of the derivation of
these names .....
PAGE
482
482
483
483
484
484
485
485
486
486
487
487
487
488
489
489
489
490
490
Hamsopanisad . . 492-502
The esoteric nature of the Hamsa-vidya leading unto
the Brahma-vidya ..... 492
Determination of the form of a person eligible for initia- .
tion into the Hamsa-vidya .... 493
The form of the Haipsa and the fruit of the knowledge
thereof ...... 494
THE YOGA UPANIJADS
PAGE
Yoga, the means to attain the knowledge of the Haipsa. 494
By conceiving of the Haipsa in the lotus of the heart,
IS seen the Turyatman .... 496
The mode of prayer with the Ajapa-hamsa-mantra . 497
Seeing the Paramatman through meditation on the
qualified Hamsa ..... 499
Experiencing the ten kinds of Nada-s through the A}apa
prayer ...... 499
Rule relating to the practice of the tenth sound alone . 500
Fruit flowing from experiencing the respective sounds . 500
The manifestation of the state of the Breihman and the
Atman through the dissolution of the mind . . 501
LIST OF CORRECTIONS
Page
Line
Correction
41
21
S'astra
44
5
S'astra
50
3
Mantra
54
22
Atman
87
7
bindupanisad
125
9
Virasana
128
8
Vis'vodara
141
28
eyes
158
24
Svadhisthana
207
5
celibate
207
18
prompter
213
1
meditate
224
17
S'ambhavl-mudra
234
17
Volition
254
7
Pranayama
282
4
Gamdharl
288
17
Nadl-s
296
17
Nada
309
4
Na4i-s
315
9
Siva
328
27
Tn-pad
329
1
Tn-pad
339
1
Atman
xlii THE YOGA UPANI^DS
Page
Line
Correction
341
13
Mnladhara
347
16
U44iyana
394
5
upon
409
2
ward off
410
19
Trtpuctk(et)a
440
12
Maha-meru
FOREWORD
The Sanltana-dharma, comprising the religious tradi>
tion and conduct in life of the Indo-Sryans, is based
on the four Vedas, ^c, Yajus, SSman and Atharvan,
the treasure-mines of knowledge, handed down to
posterity from time immemorial by the ancient Ftsis.
The Yajur-veda is made up of two parts, S'ukla-jrajus
and Kfsija-yajus. To these Vedas are ascribed several
branches (S'Ikhas) and their number is as follows:
?g-veda~21 ; Yajur-veda — 109 ; SSma-veda — 1000 ;
and Atharva-veda — 50. These S^kh3s are said to
contam one Upanisad each. The aggregate number
of the Upanisads thus comes to 1180, of which only 108
are extant at the present day. We propose, in the first
instance, to deal with those Upanisads which have a
bearing on Yoga and give a rendering of them in
English, arranging them in the Alphabetical order of
their names.
According to ancient orthodox usage, certain
Mantras, known as SSnti -mantras, are recited both-
before the commencement and after completion of th«|
chanting of the Upanisads, such Mantras varying
according as the Upanisad chant^ belongs to one
IV
or other of the five different classes mentioned
above. The five such Mantras with the respective
classes of the Vedas to which the Upanisads be-
long are given here-under, along with their English
rendering :
1. The S'anti-mantra for the Upanisads of the
Rg-veda :
^ 5nf<T: 5nf^: 5nf^: II
My Speech has its rest on my Mind (along with the
other senses). My Mind has its rest on my Speech
(along with the other senses). O Radiant (Brahman) !
Manifest Thyself in my (Mind). (O Speech and
Mind) of mine ! Do Ye have the power of bringing
(unto me) the (knowledge of the) Veda, on my behalf.
(O Mind') Do not carry away (from my memory
what I have learnt by) listening (to my preceptor),
(O Brahman !) By this knowledge gathered by me, I
meditate on Thee days and nights. I shall ever
speak Rta (the truth). I shall ever speak Satya (in
praise of the Truth). May that (Brahman) protect
«
me. May that (Bfahman) protect him that taught
(me) : Protect me ; protect him that taught (me).
Om ! Peace ! Peace ! ! Peace ! ! !
2. The S^ti-mantra for the Upani$ads of the
S'ukla-yajur-veda :
^ 5rTP?f*. 9rrP?f: 5n^: ii
That (which hes beyond) is full. This (which lies
within) IS full. Than the (latter) full one, the (former)
full one IS greater. Out of the full one, after reahzing
the full one, the full one alone remains. Om ! Peace !
Peace ! ! Peace ' ! !
3. The S^nti-mantra for the Upanisads of the
Krsna-yajur-veda ;
JTR^ft^W^ I *?T f^fl^ I V* 5n1^: 5rrf^- 5n15rl: ||
May (the Brahman of the Upanisads) protect us
both, (the pupil and the teacher) together. May (It)
sustain (the fiuit of learning) of us both together. Let
us both together acquire the capacity (for learning).
Effective may our study prove. May we not hate (each
other). Om ! Peace ! Peace ' ! Peace ' ! !
4. The S'anti-mantra for the Upanisads of the
Sania-veda '-
VI
5n^5r: II
May (the unseen Powers, Viraj, etc.,) nourish my
(the seeker's) hmbs, (so as to conserve them in their
proper posture, etc.). (May my power of) speech, vital
airs, eyes, ears and all other organs of sense (be useful),
as far as it lies in their power, (in S'ravana — study,
Manana — reflection, etc.). All is but the Brahman
expounded by the Upanisads. May I never renounce
(that) Brahman. May (that) Brahman (also) not re-
nounce me. May there be non-renunciation. May
non-renunciation be mine. May such Dharmas (lines
of conduct) as are propounded in the Upanisads be m
me, who am absorbed in that Atman. Om ' Peace !
Peace ! ! Peace ! ! !
5, The S'anti-mantra for the Upanisads of the
Atharva-veda :
f^sf^^WTta^^: I 5«Rt?T ^^ «l^: | ^^ ^ ^
%^^v. I ^^ ^•. "^ f^^^: I ^f^ ^nsn^ ^R k^Pi: I
'sf^ ^ n^Tfc!^^ II ^ ^nf^'. 5nf^: 5nf^: ii
O Gods ! May we (the seekers) hear with (our) ears
the auspicious (sayings of the VedSnta). May we, the
performers of the (Dhyana-) yajfia, (sacrifice of the form
of meditation), see with our (internal) senses the
Vll
auspicious (forms of the Powers of their quests). May
we, who are possessed of (internal) organs (drawn away
from their ordmary functions and) concentrated on the
subtle ones, attain an existence (free from disease, etc.,)
of a duration prescribed by the Deva (Praja-pati).
May Indra, who is heard of by the ancients (m their
sacred books) (contribute towards) our welfare. May
the omniscient Pusan (contribute towards) our welfare.
May Tarksya, unhampered in his flight (contribute
towards) our welfare. May Brhas-pati contribute
towards our welfare. Om ! Peace ! Peace ! ! Peace ! ! 1
Note The numbering of the sections m the translation agrees
with the Adyar Library Edition of the Text with the commentary
of Upanishad Brahmayogin.
ADVAYA-TARAKOPANISAD
[This Upanisad, which is the Fifty-third among
the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the S'uJda-yajur-
veda, fixes its goal in the Brahman and the Brahman
only and seeks to expound the essentials of Raja-yoga.]
Eligibility for Taraka-yoga
Then and for that reason, we presently expound,
for the sake of the Yati (ascetic), who has controlled
his senses and is full of the six qualities" of S'ama and
others, the Advaya-tarakopanisad, (the Upanisad with
which to attain the Brahman by crossinj^ ovei Samsara
by Taraka-yoga). (1)
The Means and the End of Yoga
Always conceiving " I am of the form of Cit
(Consciousness) ", with his eyes well-shut, or with his
This Upanisad contains prose and verse mixed. The tran<%la-
tion of verses is printed slightly removed from the margin.
' The SIX qualities are • 1. S'ama, quietude , self-control as to
the mind. 2. Dama, subjugation , self-control in action. 3," Upa-
rati, cessation, tolerance 4. Titikaa, endurance; cheerfulness.
5. Sam&dhana, intentness ; one-pointedness. 6, S'raddha, faith ;
ccmfidence. - —
2 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
eyes slightly open, seeing through introspection the
transcendent Brahman, above the middle of the eye-
brows, as having the form of the effulgence of Sat, Cit
and Snanda (Being, Consciousness and Bliss), he
becomes of that (Taraka) form. (2)
The Form of TXraka
That which enables (one) to cross the great fear of
undergoing the cycle of prenata l existence, birth, dotage
and deathjjind is hence styled as Taraka ; having reaT"
ized that the two (entities), Jiva and Is'vara, are but
the results of Illusion, and given up all demonstrable
things as " not this, not this ", what remains, that, is
the non-dual Brahman. (3)
How TO BE Attained
For its attainment resort should be had to the
three kinds of Laksya (Introspection). (4)
Description of Internal Introspection
Jhere exists, in the middle of the body, Susumna,
the Nadi of the Brahman, of the form of the Sun and
the effulgence of the Moon. That, taking its rise from
(the plexus) MuladhSra (Root-support), goes in the
direction of (the plexus) Brahma-randhra (the crevice
of the Brahman), Midway between the two is the cele-
brated Kundahnl, with a radiance, such as of myriads
of lightning-flashes and a delicate form, such as of the
advaya-tXrakopani^ad 3
fine thread of the lotus-stalk. Having seen it through
the Mind alone, man is released (from all bondage),
through the destruction of all sinf^ Should he inces-
santly see, on account of the effulgence of Taraka-yoga,
a radiance in the specific facial region in front of the
forehead, (he) becomes a Siddha (accomplished). A
sound resembling ' Phoo ' is generated m (his) two ear-
holes stoppered with the tips of (his) fore-fingers. When
(his) Mmd is attuned to that stage, seeing a blue
radiant space mid-way between (his) eyes, he attains,
through Introsp>ection, Bliss oi an exquisite quality.
Even so does he in his heart. Thus should the seeker-
after-hberation practise Internal Introspection. (5)
Description of External Introspection
Then the description of External Introspection
(follows) • Should he see ethenal space of a blue colour
slightly bordering on the colour of indigo, then appar-
ently shining like a wave of blood-red colour, but
really orange, in front of his nose, at a distance of four,
six, eight, ten and twelve digit-lengths, such he becomes
a Yogin (Adept). There are radiant beams foremost
in the range of vision of a person, who casts his eyes
in the direction of the ethenal sky. By seeing such
beams (he) becomes a Yogin. He sees radiant beams,
sparkling like molten gold, either at the end of his side--
glances or on Earth. Such a sight gets fixed. By him-
who sees to a distance of twelve digit-lengths over his
crest, IS attained Amrtatva (Immortality). Whereevwr
4 THE YOGA UPANI^DS
he may be, should the radiance of the ethenal sky
be seen over his crest, such he becomes a Yogin. (6)
Description of Intermediate Introspection
Then, the description of Intermediate Intro-
spection : He sees, at daybreak, like the vast disc of
the Sun resplendent with variegated and other colours,
like a huge conflagration of Fire and like the mid-
ethenal regions devoid of these. He stands with a
form identical with theirs. By seeing them over and
over again, there ensues Ether devoid of qualities ;
there ensues transcendent Ether resembling palpable
darkness brought into relief by the splendour of the
radiant Taraka form ; there ensues the great Ether
shining like the fire of the deluge ; there ensues the
Tattvakas'a (Ether of Verity) effulgent with transcen-
dent lustre excelling all ; and there ensues the Ether of
the Sun dazzling with the splendour of a hundred thous-
and Suns. Thus the five Ethers, external and internal,
become visible to the Introspection of a Taraka-yogin.
He who sees it, released from fruits, becomes like such
Ether. Hence the Introspection of Taraka alone be-
comes the bestower of the fruit of non-mindedness. (7)
Two- FOLD TSkaka
•That Taraka is of two kinds : the first half,
Taraka and the second half, the non-minded (variety).
Here is the S'loka answering to that purpose :
advaya-tXrakopani§ad 5
Know then that Yoga is two-fold, in the relationship
of pnonty and posteriority ; the former should be
known as Taraka and the latter, Amanaska (non-
minded variety). (8)
The Achievement of TXraka-Yoga
On the pupils, in the interior of the eyes, there is
the reflection of the Moon and the Sun. The seeing,
by the pupils of the eye, of the solar and the lunar
discs, consists m the seeing (by the Yogin) of them,
after concluding that, as in the Macrocosm (Brah-
m3nda), there exists a (corresponding) pair of the
solar and lunar discs m the Ether of the middle of the
head (of the Yogin) in the Microcosm (PindSnda).
Here also he should contemplate with a mind looking
upon the two as essentially one, as without such a
mind, there is no scope for the play of the senses.
Hence, Ta^raka should be construed as possible only
with Introspection. (9)
Thl Two to be Distinguished as Corporeal
AND InCORPOREVL
That TSraka is two-fold : Murti-taraka (corjxjreal)
and Amurti-taraka (incorporeal). That which culmi-
nates with the senses is corporeal ; that which tran-
scends the eyebrows is incorporeal. In all cases, in
making out the inner import, the practice along with
the Mind is desirable. As with the TSrakas could be
6 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
found what exists above them, the Sat-Cit-Snanda
form, which is the result of Introspection with the help
of tlw Mind, is the Brahman alone. Hence it is
manifest that the Brahman is of white lustre. That
Brahman becomes knowable by means of liitrospection
with the eye aided by the Mind. So also is the
Amurti-taraka (incorporeal). It is only by seeing with
the aid of the Mind, that Dahara and the other kindred
forms of Ether become knowable. Perception of form
being dependent on the Mind and the eye, externally
as well as inwardly, it is only by the conjunction of
the Stman, the Mind and the eyes, that the perception
of form IS achieved. Hence Introspection in con-
junction with the Mind is essential for the manifestation
of Taraka. (10)
The Real Form of Takaka-yoga
By casting the eyes intently on the crevice between
the two eyebrows, what manifests through that, that
radiance standing above is the Taraka-yoga. After
bnngmg about a thorough union of the Taraka conjoint
with the Mind along with it, with cautious effort, he
should lift his eyebrows slightly aloft. This is the
former (variety of) Taraka-yoga. The latter, which
is incorporeal is said to be Amanaska (non-mmded).
There is a great beam of radiance above the root of
the palate. That is worthy of being meditated upon
by Yogms. Thence flows supernatural power, such as
Anim3 (attenuation) and the like. (11)
advaya-tXrakopanisad 7
MudrS pertaining to S'ambhu
In the case of both internal and external Introspec-
tions, when both the eyes are devoid of the power of
shutting and opening, there occurs what is known as
the Mudra pertaining to S'arpbhu. By the residence
therein of sages who have assumed that Mudr5, the
Earth is rendered holy. At their look all the worlds
are sanctified. Whoever is afforded the opportunity
of worshipping such great Yogins, also becomes
liberated. (12)
Forms of Internal Introspection
The lustre radiated by Internal Introspection is of
one's own form. Under the instruction imparted by
the great preceptor. Internal Introspection assumes
(the form oQ the radiance emanating from the thou-
sand-petalled lotus, or the lustre of Cit (Consciousness)
hidden in the cavern of Buddhi (Intelligence), or the
Turiya-Caitan>a (the fourth Consciousness) abiding m«
the §odas1inta.' Seeing those (forms) depends on the.
grace of the good preceptor^ (13)
The Description of Acarva
He is the Scarya, who is well-versed in the Vedas, who
IS a true devotee of Visiju, \vho is devoid of ^ite,
' §o^as'anta, wherein the Turlya-Caitanya is said to abide, is
evidently a spot sixteen dijfit-lengths over the crest.
8 THE YOGA UPANI$ADS
who knows Yoga, who takes his stand on Yoga, who
always has his being in Yoga and is cleanly ; who is
full of devotion to his preceptor, who especially
knows the Purusa ; he who is possessed of these
qualities is known as Guru. (14, 15)
The syllable ' Gu ' indicates darkness, the syllable * Ru '
means its dispeller. Because of the quality of dis-
pelling darkness, the Guru is so termed. (16)
The Guru alone is the transcendent Brahman ; the
Guru alone is the supreme goal ; the Guru alone is
the transcendent wisdom and the Guru alone is the
last resort. (17)
The Guru alone is the ultimate limit ; the Guru alone
is the highest wealth. For the reason that he
teaches That, therefore is the Guru greater than
all else. (18)
Fruit Borne by a Study of this Upanisad
He who causes (this) to be read even once, his
becomes the release from the cycle of births and deaths
At that very moment perishes all sin, committed through
all previous births. He attains all the desires of his
heart. To him there is the acheivement of all the ends
and aims of human existence. He who knows this —
Thus the Upanisad. (19)
AMFtTA-NSDOPAN I$AD '
[This Upanisad, which is the Twenty-^»Sf among
the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the Krena-yajur-
veda, demonstrates that the pure-mmded attam the end
and aim of existence, by adopting the expedients of
S'ra\an.i — study, Manana — reflection, etc., while those
with an impure mind attain their enfranchisement from
worldly existence by having recourse to the meditation
of the Brahman and the practice of Sa^-aAga-yoga
(Yoga with SIX stages).]
Expedients such as Study
The wise man, having studied the S'astras, medi-
tated again and again on their import and realized the
transcendent Brahman, should then give them up, as
(he would) a fire-brand. (1)
Worship of the Praiiiava
Mounting on the chariot of ' Om ', then making
Visaju the charioteer, one seeking a.place in the Brahma-
ioka, absorbed in the worship of Rudra, should drive in
' This Upanifftd is in the form of verses.
U 2
10 THE YOGA UPANI9ADS
the chariot as long as he is on the track of the chariot
and halting at (the end) of the track, he proceeds on-
ward, giving up the chariot. (2, 3)
(Then) abandoning the stages of syllajjles and signs,
devoid of vowels and consonants, he reaches the subtle
stage (of the Brahman) by means of the letter ' M '
devoid of vowel. (4)
Description of PratyShXra
That IS known as Pratyahara (wherein) one thinks
of the five objects of the senses, such as sound and the
like, as also the very unsteady mind, as the reins of his
Stman. (5)
The Six-fold Yoga
That is known as Yoga, which has six components,
Pratyahara, Dhyana, Prapayama, Dharam, Tarka and
Samadhi. (6)
The Fruits of PrSnSySma, etc.
Even as the impurities of the mountain-ores are
burnt away by the blower, so also, the results of
misdeeds committed by the oi^ans of sense are
consumed by the holding of the breath (vital airs). (7)
One should burn misdeeds by PrS^SySmas (draw-
ing the breath) and sm by DhSra^iSs (holding the
breath). Having brought about the destruction of sin,
one should think only of Rucira (KumbhaJia). (8)
am^ta-nXdopani^ad It
The Three-fold PrXnXyXma
Cessation (Rucira), Expiration (Recaka) and
Inspiration of air, (these) three are termed as
PrSoIyamas, the acts of Recaka, Puraka and
Kumbhaka (Expiration, Inspiration and Cessation of
breath). (9)
Description of PranXyama
That IS called Prariayama, should one with
elongated breath, thrice recite the Gayattri with the
Vyahrtis and with the Pranava (prefixed), along with
the S'lras' (thereafter). (10)
Description of RecakJ?
Sending up (gently) the breath (outward), empty-
ing the space (m the region of the heart) of the
Nir-atmaka (air not forming part of one's own body)
and keeping to a state of void, such is the description
of Recaka. (11)
Description of Puraka
Even as a man sucks in water through the stalk
of a lotus, even so should breath be drawn m : such is
the description of Puraka. (12)
' The S^iras here denotes ' Paro-rajase savadom ', the crest of the
Gftyattrl.
12 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Description of Kumbhaka
Neither should one breathe out nor breathe in,
nor by any means shake his hmbs ; he should
keep to the same state : such is the description of
Kumbhaka. (13)
See forms like a blind man. Hear sound like a
deaf man. Look upon (thy) body as on a piece of
wood. Such IS the description of a Pras^nta (Yogin
with his senses tranquillized). (14)
Description of DhXranS
Regarding his mind as full of Saipkalpa (desires),
when a wise man merges (it) into his Straan (own
Self) and is absorbed m the contemplation of the
Supreme Self, that is known as Dharao^. (15)
Description of Tarka
Inference in conformity with the Scripture is called
Tarka.
Description of SamXdhi
After having attained it (the Supreme Self), when
one looks upon himself as the same (as that), that state
is known as Samldhi. (16)
amuta-nXdopani^ad 15
The expedient to be employed for
THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SAMXDHI
Seated on the ground, on a mat made of Darbha-
grass, comfortable and free from al] flaws, havmg
provided (agamst all evil influences) mentally, mutter-
ing the Ratha and Mandala (the syllables of Om and
the Vyahrtis), rightly assuming the Yoga posture of
Padmaka, the Svastika or the Bhadra, facing towards
the north, closing the nasal chamber with one finger
(of the hand), he should, by drawing in the breath,
maintain the Agni (m the triangle of the plexus of
Muladhara) and think only of the sound (Om). (17-19)
Om is the Brahman in one syllable. This, viz.,
(the meditation oQ Om, one should not discontinue.
With this divine Mantra (Om) one should meditate
many times for ridding one's own impurities. (20)
Then should the wise man who knows (the efficacy
of) the Mantras meditate as explained previously, first
through the gross state, traversing the gross and subtle
states, beginning from the navel upward. (21)
The man of great intellect, giving up seeing cross-
wise, up or down, with a firm foot-hold and without
tremor, should always practise Yoga. (22)
The duration of DhSrana is (eight or seven) MatrSs
without tremor, while Yoga is reckoned as of twelve
Matras in point of time. (23)
That is the Aksara (Om), wwhich by no means
decays ; which has neither soft consonant, nor
consonant, nor vowel, nor palatal, nor guttural, nor
14 THE YOGA UPAN1§ADS
labial, nor nasal, nor the semi-vowels, nor the
sibilants. (24)
The constant practice of Yoga
In which (Yoga) this (Yogin) sees his path to lie ;
along the same do the vital airs follow. Hence should
he ever practice \t with a view to traverse it as his
path. (25)
The seven doors leading to the attainment
OF the Atman
(The enhghtened) know the door of the heart (lead-
ing to Viraj), the door of Vayu (leading to Sotra), the
door of the head (leading to Bija) and the door of
Moksa (leading to the non-differentiated Brahman), Bila
(leading to Turya-viraj), Susira (leading to Turya-
siitra) and Mandala (leading to Turya-bija). (26)
The giving up of fear, etc.
The Yogin should always avoid fear, anger, sloth,
too much slumber, too much vigil, too much food and
fasting. (27)
The Fruit of the Practice of Yoga
Should he gradually and well adopt this rule in
daily practice, undoubtedly shall Wisdom dawn (on him),
am^ta-nXdopani^d 15
of its own accord, in the course of three months. In
the course of four months he sees the Devas ; in the
course of five months he sees (the Viraj, etc.)
in their order ; m the sixth month he attains the
Kaivalya of his desire. (There is) no doubt about
this. (28, 29)
The Thing to be Meditated on through Yoga
What IS Earthy is of five MStras. What is of
Water is of four Matras ; what is Fiery is of three
Matras , what is Aerial is of two Matras ; while Ether
is oi one Matr5 ; what is of no Matra should be
meditated upon by the Yogin. (30)
The Manner of Meditation
Having made the conjunction with the mind, one
should meditate on the Atman, through his own Atman.
PrS^ia IS Thirty and a half digit-lengths in its range
(m the ethenal space of the heart), where it is merged
with the PrSpa-s. This, which is within the range of
the external PrSpa, is known as the Prapa. (31, 32)
The limit of Breathing
The breaths as reckoned fo^ a day and night are
eighty and a hundred and thirteen thousands and one
lakh. (33)
16 the yoga upani§ads
The Seats of the PrXna, etc.
The first Prana dwells m the region of the heart ;
Apana again in the anus ; Samana, in the region of
the navel ; Udana in the throat ; Vyana always stands
pervading all parts of the body. (34)
Their Different Colours
Then the colours of the five Pranas in order :
Prana-vayu is reputed to be of the colour of a blood-
red gem ; Apana, which is in the middle of it (the
body), IS of the colour of the Indra-kopa insect ;
Samana, midway between the (former) two, is of a
milk-white colour and shining , Udana is pale-white
and Vyana is bright like flame (of fire). (35-37)
The Final Frl'it
Having broken through the regions (of the heart,
etc.), of whichever Yogin the Pranas reach the head,
such person, wheresoever he may die, is not born again,
he IS not born again — Thus the Upanisad. (38)
AMRTA-B1NDUPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Twentieth among
the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-
veda, expatiates on the mind as the cause of bondage
as well as liberation of man and shows how, by the
knowledge of the Brahman only, the final goal is
attainable.]
The Mind alone, the Cause of Bondage
\ND Liberation
The Mind has indeed been described as two-fold,
the pure and the impure ; the impure (variety), as
affected with desire and the pure, as devoid of desire.
The mmd alone is the cause of the bondage and libera-
tion of human beings ; when attached to the objects of
desire (it) is characterized as leading to bondage ; when
not influenced by the objects of desire, as leading to
hberation. (1, 2)
Mental Control, the Expedient for Liberation
By the seeker after liberation, the Mind should be
constantly freed from the influence of the objects of
u 3
18 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
desire, for the reason that the hberation of the Mind
when freed from the infliuence of the objects of desire,
is sought. The moment when the Mind, freed from the
influence of the objects of desire and entirely inhibit gd
in the heart, reaches the state of non-existence of its
own self (Atman), that moment it reaches its tran-
scendent state. So long only should (it) be inhibited,
as long as (it) meets with its destruction in the heart ;
this IS Wisdom as well as Meditation , the rest is
logomachy pure and simple. (3-5)
The Attainment of Brahmanhood by
THE Knowledge of the Brahman
(This) should not at all be pondered over (as beyond
one's self) , nor should it be not pondered over (as one's
self) ; nor pondered over (as qualified) ; but should be
pondered over (as itself) ; when one views it free
from all partiality, then indeed will one become the
Brahman. (6)
Attainment of the Non-Qualified Brahman
THROUGH Pondering over the Qualified Brahman
One should combine the Yoga (relating to the
qualified Brahman, at first) with the mystic syllable
(,Oxtv) •, ^VvovAd experience the lYoga relating to) the tran*
scendent (non-quahfVed Brahman) beyond the syllable
(Om), by the experience (of Yoga) without the syllable ;
(Asvara which is a form of) existence should not be
am^ta-bindCpani^ad 19
reckoned as non-existence. That alone is the Brahman
which is non-fragile, non-differentiated and untinged.
One surely attains the Brahman, (simultaneously with
his) realizing " I am that Brahman ", On realizing
which (Brahman) non-differentiated, infinite, having
neither cause, nor example, immeasurably extensive
and without beginning, the wise man (Yogin) (simulta-
neously) stands liberated. There is no dissolution, nor
creation, neither one bound, nor the novice, neither
the seeker after freedom (from ignorance and its con-
comitants), nor the liberated one. This is the ultimate
Truth. (7-10)
The Oneness of the Atman
The Atman should be considered as only one,
during the waking, dreaming and sleeping states. To
one who has transcended the three states (and reached
the Turiya state) t here is no rebirth. The Bhutatman,
severally found in being after being, is (after all) only
one, seen singly and in many ways, even as the (reflec-
tion of the) Moon in water. (11, 12)
Freedom from Birth and Death, of the Atman
Even as the Ether, occv]ip\ed \yj a. pot, (\s not vn
reality earned from place to place), when the pot is
carried and the pot may disintegrate, while the Ether
thereof does not, so also is the Jiva (Stman) resembling
the Ether. Like the pot (it) assumes various forms
20 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
and (is) capable of varying again and again. On the
destruction (of the pot) one will not know (it, as the
destruction of the Ether) but would comprehend it as
the ever expansive Ether. (13, 14)
Realization of the Absolute Brahman
One, who is surrounded by the illusory world of
name (and form), does not at all reach the very sacred
Atman, as (one surrounded) by darkness (would not).
When once the darkness is dispelled (and he is disillu-
sioned, the wise man) sees only the oneness (of the
Brahman). (15)
The Attainment of the Transcendent Brahman
BY Meditating on the S'abda-Brahman
The S'abdaksara (the mystic syllable, ' Om ') is (to be
construed as) the transcendental Brahman ; when that
(Om) has decayed, there underlies it Aksara, (what
knows no decay) ; if the knower of the Atman should
desire the Peace of the Atman, he should meditate on
that Aksara The two Vidyas that ought to be known
are the S'abda-Brahman and that Brahman which
transcends (it). He, who is well-versed in the S'abda-
Brahman, attams the transcendent Brahman. The
wise man, having studied the works (bearing on
the "knowledge of die Brahman, e.g., the Sadhana-
catustaya, etc.), intent on the sound acquisition of the
knowledge (of the Brahman), should abandon the books
am?ta-bindOpanisad 21
m their entirety, even as a seeker after grain
would, the husk. (16-18)
Oneness of the Stman Inhering in all Beings
One-coloured-ness (whiteness is the quality) of
milk, of cows of various colours ; (the wise man) looks
upon the knowledge (of the Brahman) as on milk ; and
on the people with various garbs as on the cows.
Vijfiana (knowledge) abides (hidden) in being after
being, even as butter does in milk. (Hence) should
churning be constantly made in the mind by every
being with the churning-stick of the mind. (19, 20)
Meditation, the Cause of Realising the Atman
By making a proper use of the eye of knowledge,
should (one) extract, as (he would) sacrificial fire (by
churning S'ami wood), the transcendental Brahman,
that Brahman, non-fragile, motionless and tranquil,
considered as " I (one's own Self)." That which,
though dwelling in all beings, is the dwelling of all
beings, with a view to bless all beings, that Vasu-deva
I am, that Vasu-deva I am — Thus the Upamsad. (21,22)
K$URIKOPANISAD
This Upamsad, which is the Thirty-fip^t among
the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-
veda, deals with Yoga as the instrument wherewith the
obstructions to the knowledge of the Brahman are cut
asunder.]
YogSdhikSra
I shall presently relate the Ksurika (knife) of
Dharana (absorption), for the proper attainment of
Yoga, (by cutting asunder one's ignorance, the knot of
the heart, etc.) , on attaining which there will be no
rebirth for one, who has accomplished Yoga and which
has been recognized as the true import of the Veda, as
told by Svayam-bhu. (1)
AsANA (Posture) and PrInIyama
(Control of Breath)
Having taken up his abode m a (secluded and)
silent spot and there assumed a (suitable) posture,
withdrawing (his organs of sense), even as a tortoise
does' its hmbs, inhibiting the Mind in his heart,
, (rendering it free from the effects of the breathing
exercise, sensual desires, etc.), one should fill his entire
K$URlKOPANI§AD 23
Atman (body), by degrees, with the Yoga of twelve
Matras (in point of length and time) and the Pranava
(Om) (of four Matras) (with Forty-eight Matras of
Vayu in all), after blocking up all the doors (exits) of
the body ; slightly lifting his chest, face, hip and neck,
as also his heart ; he should hold therein the vital airs
passing through the nostrils, having thereby become
possessed of lengthened Prana and then gradually
breathe out the air rising up. (2-5)
Pratyahara
leaving brought (his sense-organs) under control,
and made his A.tman, (Mind and Prana) firm and strong
(in the heart), with his thumb (aided by the little finger
and the ring-finger), he should perform (Dharana of the
toes), the two ankles and the two shanks, (by fixing)
the three (viz., the eyes, the mind and the vital airs
respectively thereon and withdrawing them thence).
In the two knees, similarly in the two thighs and the
(two made up of the) anus and the male-organ (Mula-
dhara and Svadhisthana) (the fixing and withdrawal of)
the three (mentioned above, should be made). Then
in that which holds the anus, etc., vtz., the navel region
(Mapi-pura), he should fix the three (mentioned above)
till mastery. There is the Nadi, Susumna by name,
surrounded by ten Na^ls, which are red, yellow, black,
copper-coloured, brown and so »n, very subtle' and
fine. The fixing (of the three above, till mastery)
should be made on the white (Susum ^) Nad l. There,
24 THE YOGA UPAN1§ADS
even as the spider moves along with its web, should
one make (the three mentioned above) move along
with the Susum^ia. Thence he should withdraw them
(to be fixed on) the great support of the heart shmmg
like a blood-red lotus, known as Dahara-pundarlka
(Anahata) in Vedanta Scriptures. Having broken
through that (lotus), (the triad) reaches the throat
(Vis'uddhi). (Thence the triad should be fixed on the
i!6gion in the middle of the brows, Ajfla and then on
'''^the SahasrSra in the head, by similar processes). (6-10)
He should meditate on that form identical with
that of the Marman (vital region), which is in the (big
toe of the) foot, transcending the Mind, latent, very
keen and discerned only with a clear intellect. By
constantly resorting to (such) Yoga with keen Dharana
of the Mind (of the form " there is nothing beyond the
Brahman ", he should cut asunder his ignorance,
the knot of the heart, etc). (The Yoga tor) the
'cutting asunder of the Marman of the shanks is
j known as Indr^vajra (Indra's bolt). By resorting to
such Yoga, intensified by meditation, he should cut
off that (Marman) by Dharanas. Projecting (the
eyes, the Mind and the Prai^as) in the middle
of the thighs, doing away with Marman, Prana
and the four-fold Sthula and others, by resorting to
Yoga, he should, without compunction, cut asunder
(the obstacle to Yoga). Then should the Yogin purify
the "group of Nadl&, situated in the interior of the
throat, the one hundred and one Nadls and the
transcendent and fixed (Susumra) amidst them. The
K§URlKOPANI?AD 25
gu|umjgJ§^laAeiitapJJi£j
possessed of the properties of Rajas (and Tamas) and
IS of the form of the Brahman. Ida stands to the left
and Pingala to the right (of S usumna)>i Between the
two is that superb spot, on knowing which, one becomes
the knower of the Veda (the Brahman). There are
Seventy-two thousand (other) Nadls j the pr ojecting
of _the_eyes, the mind and the vital airs on every one of
them I S to be cut oflf by Dhyana-yoga. Only one (the
Kaivalya in) the Susumna is not cut off. With the
knife of the brightness of fire, having a sharp edge
rendered clean by the practice of Yoga, should the
stout-hearted Yogin cut off, even in this birth, one
hundred (out of the hundred and one) Nadis, (with the
firm conviction that there is nothing transcending the
Brahman) The moment the Yogin sees (the eyes, the
Mind and the Pranas projected on the one remaining
Nadj) as firm as (the fragrance) of the Jati flower, (he,
becomes liberated without form ) In this manner the
projecting of the eye, the Mind and the Prana through
the other Nadls should be considered as possessed of
good and bad qualities. People who have realized
(the thorough identity of the Brahman with the
Susumna) reach (the Brahman), nd of rebirth. (11-20)
The Practice of the Yoga and the Person
Eligible Therefor
With his Citta (Mind) conquered by the penance
(of the practice of Yoga), remaining in a silent and
U 4
26 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
secluded spot, without attachment and without desire,
(he) will gradually become an adept in Astaiiga-Yoga
(and attain Nir-vikalpa-samadhi). (21)
The Fruit of Samadhi
Even as the Swan, breaking asunder the lotus-stalks
(of the Manasa-saras), would, without hesitation, rise
sky-ward, even so, with his bonds cut asunder (by the
knife of Yogic practice), the Yogin will always cross
the (stream) of births and deaths. Even as, at the hour
of extinction, the lamp, having burnt (itself) out, would
', meet with its dissolution, even so, the Yogin, having
J burnt his Karmas in their entirety, will meet with his
final rest. The knower of Yoga (adept), having cut the
thread (of his knowledge) with the knife of the syllable
(Om), sharpened by the practice of the control of breath
and whetted on the stone of stern discipline, does not
bind it again. Thus the Upanisad. (22-24)
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD
CHAPTER I
[This Upanisad, which is the Thirty-seventh of the
^08 Upanisads and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-
veda, deals with the reahzation of Videha-muk ti. the
state of existence of the form of absolute, all-pervading
Bliss and Consciousness and the illusoriness of
qualified, material existence, which is not of the
Atman.]
(I shall presently relate about the profound) medi-
tation of the Tejo-bindu (Speck of Radiance), which is
firmly seated in the heart of the Vis'vatman (the Viraj,
illumining the myriads of transformations of His mind),
which embraces (within its vastness, the illusion), that
is minute, which has a bearing on S'ambhu (the inmost
Bliss), which is sedate, which lies beyond the gross and
subtle_jtates_^ncluding the Turlya), — meditation on
that, which is unattainable even by painful effort, hard
to propitiate and difficult to reflect upon (by the
Ignorant) and which is emancipated, imperishable and
unattainable, — for the benefit ®f sages and "wise
men (desirous of acquiring the knowledge of the
Brahman. (1, 2)
28 THE YOGA UPANlgADS
Expedients to be Employed for the Attainment
OF the Undifferentiated Brahman
(O seeker ' Be thou) one, who is temperate in
food, who has lyiglled anger (generated by the non-
attainment of the objects of desire), has given up all
attachment (to worldly ties), has subjugated (passions
kindled by) the senses, has overcome the pairs of
opposites, (such as heat and cold, etc.), has curbed his
egoism, has no worldly desire to gratify, nor any grasp-
ing tendency (save for mere self-preservation). Those,
who, by their actions, do not proceed in the direction
of the subtle, which lies beyond the reach of the
Ignorant, and whose mind is not directed towards what
lies within the reach of the ignorant, see three (different)
forms in the face (of the waking state). That, which
embraces these three stages, is known as the Hamsa
(Parames'vara). Meditate on that Hamsa (as * He
I am '), giving up .aloth and depending upon no support
(other than thine own Self). (If thou doest so, thou
shalt) know that transcendent height of mystery (the
Brahman). That parcel of the form of pure conscious-
ness is the subtle one. The same is the supreme seat
of Visnu (the Omnipresent). (3-5)
Looking upon the Transcendent Entity Itself
AS Subject to relative Attributes
That worthy seat, which has the three faces
(Vis'va, Taijasa and Prajfia), the three qualities (Viraj,
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 29
Hiranya-garbha and Antar-yamin), the three humours
(Brahman, Visnu and Rudra) and has yet (really) no
form ; which is motionless, distinctionless, dimension-
less and propless ; which is subject to no conditions
(such as of time, space, etc.), — that worthy seat, which
lies beyond the range of speech and the mmd, (but is
yet) within the range (of the Atman as Turlya) ; which
exists of its own accord and is capable of being grasped,
(because of its existence) ; which has no organs con-
stituting It ; which is unswerving from its position and
yet IS beyond (the witness of) the Jiva, which has
various kinds of delight ; which is difficult to reflect
upon, IS emancipated and is imperishable and worthy
of being ruminate d upon (as such) , which transcends
description ; which is permanent, constant and un-
swerving , that IS of the Brahman. That pertains
(inwardly) to the Atman (Viraj) That is also of the
form of Visnu, the final goal, not capable of being
conceived and is of the essence of Consciousness.
That IS the transcendent ether, that confirmed existence
and (as such) voidless, devoid of other existence and
stretches beyond the void ; that which is enthroned in '
the heart, which is neither contemplation, nor the onei
who contemplates, nor that which is contemplatedA
upon, but IS yet contemplated upon (as alone remain-s
ing) ; that, other than which there is not all, but, should'
there be such other, it is the void and hence, not
anything beyond ; which is not beyond what is beyond ;
which is inconceivable ; which is unknowable ; which
is not the truth, nor what is beyond that, they (wise
30 THE YOGA UPANISADS
men) know. What was grasped by the sages, the gods
did not ; nor did they (the gods) know what lies
beyond. (In it) there is neither greed, nor delusion, nor
fear, nor pride, nor desire, nor anger, nor sin, nor (the
opposites) cold and heat, nor hunger, nor thirst, nor
determination, nor hesitation ; neither the caste-pride of
the Biahmana, nor the gathering together of the knot of
(bondage, nor of) liberation , neither fear, nor pleasure,
nor pain ; so also, nor repute, nor disrepute. What is
removed completely away from these states, is the Brah-
man and what lies beyond that, is the Brahman. (6-14)
The Fifteen-fold Yoga, as Aid to the Know-
ledge OF THE Transcendent Brahman
Yama (Self-control), Niyama (Right Observance),
Tyaga (Renunciation), Mauna (Quiescence), Des'a
(Right Place), Kala (Proper Duration), Asana (Correct
Posture), Mula-bandha (Fundamental Check), Deha-
samya (Equilibrium of the Body), Drk-sthiti (Stability
of Introspection), Prana-samyama (Control of Breath),
Pratyahara (Withholding of Breath), Dharana (Sus-
pension of Breath), Atma-dhyana (Meditation on the
Atman) and Samadhi (Concentration on the Brahman),
these, in order, are the Angas (Stages of Yoga), (15, 16)
Description of the Fifteen AJ^gas
The bringing under control of the manifold senses
(of perception and action), in and through the
T£JO-BINDUPANI§AD 31
knowledge that all is the Brahman, this is said to be
Yama and should be practised (by the Yogin) often
and often. (17)
Niyama is the continuous application (of Con-
sciousness m its entirety) to intrinsic categories and the
rejection (by it) of extrinsic categories. Exquisite plea-
sure IS attained by the wise man, through Niyama. (18)
Tyaga is the renouncing of the form of the pheno-
menal world, as the result of the introspection of the
ever-existing essence of consciousness, the Atman, and
should, indeed, be highly adored by the great, as it is
capable of giving (them) instantaneous liberation (from
bondage). (19)
Whence speech returns foiled along with the mind,
that quiescence, which is worthy of being attained
by Yogins, will always be attained by the in-
animate (organs of sound, etc.). Whence speech
returns (foiled), by whom will it be possible to
express That ' If the world is to be told (of it), even
that (world) is devoid of (suitable articulate) sounds
(for conveying the idea). In either case, there is
quiescence, as all nomenclature is based on the
inherent qualities (of the things to be named). Quies-
cence (of the kind) in relation to word of mouth is
for simple folk and is inapplicable to those that
descant on the Brahman. (20-22)
In which there is no person either at the begin-
ning, or at the end, or in the middle, by which this
(phenomenal world) is always embraced, that Des'a is
known as secluded. (23)
32 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
By the word Kala is pointed out the convention
of reckoning, obtaining among all beings commencing
from Brahman (downwards), with the twinkling of the
eye (as the unit), of what is the peerless immeasurable
expanse of Bliss. (24)
The non-dual prop of the universe, wherein all
beings have their origin, is (meant) for final attainment.
Wherein the accomplished ones have reached their
final attainment (the Brahman), that is known as the
Siddhasana (25, 26)
That which is the root of all the worlds, at the
root of which is the restraining of the mind, is Mula-
bandha, which should always be practised ; this is
worthy of adoption by Raja-Yogins (27)
There should be such perfect equilibrium among
the (gross, subtle and causal) bodies, as would enable
their dissolution in the well-poised Brahman ; one
should know this. If not, there will, by no means, be
equilibrium, as rectitude, such as is met with among
dried trees, is no equilibrium at all. (28)
Filling his introspection with Wisdom, (the Yogin)
should look upon the world as filled with the Brahman.
That IS the highly exalted introspection and not the
seeing through the tip of the nose. Where the seer,
the seeing and that which is seen, have their cessation,
introspection in the direction of that (Brahman) alone
should be made and not the seeing through the tip of
the'nose. ^ (29, 30)
By reason of the fact that all aspects (of exis-
tence), such as the mind, etc., have to be looked upon
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 33
as only the Brahman, the suppres sion of all vital
function is known as Prana^vania. A^QiHanrt^ of (contact
with) the phenomenal world is termM Recaka. That
£evolvin gjji. thp min rl (of -t h e attitu de)^ _'i I. am only. the
Brahman," is known as the Pu ral | g^_a.ir-|rnritrn1^.
Then, fhe' "steadiness' of ' such attitude is the steady
breath-control of Kumbhaka. This is, however, meant
for the awakened, while, m the case of the ignorant,
it will merely result m causmg nose-ache. (31-33;
That pleasant experience of the mind, when it
finds the Atman (the Brahman) in the objects of desire,
should be known as Pratyahara and practised (by the
Yogin) often and often. (34)
The state of abstraction attained by the mind,
when it sees the Brahman whithersoever it might
traverse, is known as the Supreme Dharana. (35)
By the term Dhyana is known that state, which
rests on no support, but the real devotion to the
attitude, " I am only the Brahman " and which yields
exquisite pleasure. (36)
The complete forbearance, once again, of all
functioning by that never-alterable condition of the
mind, which is of the form of the Brahman, is known
as Samadhi. (37)
Becoming the Brahman by the Practice of Yoga
(The seeker) should --praxJasf ^aaght™tliiainaEti&:;.
cially "" Blissful _ (fifteen-fold Yoga), until there 'wHl
Be the manifestation (in his own Self) of the inmost
u 5
34 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
Brahman, of its own accord, all at once, through
Introspection. (38)
Then the (accomplished) Siddha, freed from the
means employed, becomes the kmg of Yogms. That
(radiant) form (of the Brahman) will be beyond the
range of his mind and speech. (39)
Mitigation of the Obstacles to Samadhi
When Samadhi is being practised, obstacles
torcibly make their appearance. The want of appli-
cation, apathy, the longing for enjoyment, inertness,
stupor, perplexity, false dignity (not brooking delay),
sweating (profusely) and absent-mindedness ; the mani-
fold obstacles, such as these, should be avoided by
those conversant with the (Science of the) Brahman.
The state of existence is what results from the re-
currence of volition. The state of non-existence is
what results from the recurrence of vacant-mindedness.
The state of fulness is what results from the re-
currence of the ideation of the Brahman. Through
that ideatio n, one should practise fulness. (40-42)
The Attainment of Pure Brahman-hood,
THROUGH SamSDHI
Those who (live), having given up this hallowed
and supreme functioning (of the Atman), known as the
Brahman, live in vain, as (so many) animals in human
form. (43)
tejo-bindOpani§ad 35
Those that know well that functioning and,
having known it, f urther improve upon I trTHejTarfe
indeed good and true men, who have discharged
theif duties" 'ar lgBt and are worthy of being adored
in the t hree worlds. Those, whose functioliing is even
(thereafter) improved upon and again (further) ripened,
verily they attain the highly valued Brahman-hood
and not others who indulge in mere verbal dis-
quisitions. Those, well posted in the lore a b""^
the Brahman, but bereft of the right kind of
functioning, though possessed of benevolent passions,
on account of their ignorance, will surely come and go
(into and out oi worldly existence), again and again»
Without functioning with knowledge, they cannot
stand (in the Brahman), even for half a minute, as
Brahman and other (Devas), Sanaka and other (Sages),
and S'uka and other (Knowers of the Brahman)
stand. (44-47)
He, who looks upon the cause (the practice of
Yoga) as (bringing about) the effect (of the ideation of
unlimited existence, which is no other than the
Brahman), merely attains the cause (practice,) without
the effect, {vtz., the ideation of the Brahman). On
enquiry, in the absence of the effect (as the ideation of
the Brahman has no cause at all), (the necessity for)
the cause ceases to exist. (48)
That entity, which lies beyond the range of des-
cription, will turn out to be pure. .The right knowkdge
of functioning rises in the pure-minded only after that
(functioning). (49)
36 THE YOGA OPANISADS
That entity, which is conceived thiough intense
Yoga, proves to be a certainty. Having caused the
phenomenal to merge into the Noumenal (Brahman),
the wise man should conceive of (it) m the aspect of the
Brahman and should ever stand in Bliss, with an
intellect filled with the essence of consciousness. (50, 51)
CHAPTER II
The Indivisible Oneness in Essence of All
Thereupon, Kumara asked of S'lva, " Pray, relate
(to me) about the Indivisible One Essence, of the form
of utter Consciousness " That Parama-s'iva replied
(unto him as follows)
The Indivisible One Essence is that which is seen.
The Indivisible One Essence is the world. The Indi-
visible One Essence is existence. The Indivisible One
Essence is the Atman. The Indivisible One Essence
is Mantra. The Indivisible One Essence is action^
The Indivisible One Essence is knowledge. The
Indivisible One Essence is water. The Indivisible One
Essence is the Earth. The Indivisible One Essence is
the Ether. The Indivisible One Essence is Science.
The* Indivisible Onp Essence is the triple Veda. The
Indivisible One Essence is the Brahman, The Indivi-
sible One Essence is the austere vow. The Indivisible
TEJ0-BINDUPANI§AD 37
One Essence is the Jlvatman. The Indivisible One
Essence is that which has no origin. The Indivisible
One Essence is Brahman. The Indivisible One
Essence is Han. The Indivisible One Essence is
Rudra. The Indivisible One Essence am I The
Indivisible One Essence is the Atman. The Indivisible
One Essence is the preceptor The Indivisible One
Essence is Introspection. The Indivisible One Essence
IS the Mahas (radiance). The Indivisible One Essence
is the body The Indivisible One Essence is the mind.
The Indivisible One Essence is the Citta (the thinking
mind). The Indivisible One Essence is comfort. The
Indivisible One Essence is learning. The Indivisible
One Essence is the imperishable. The Indivisible One
Essence is the eternal. The Indivisible One Essence
IS the transcendent The Indivisible One Essence is
the little. The Indivisible One Essence is what is
preferable. O Sad-anana ' Other than the Indivisible
One Essence, there is nothing else, nothing else. Out
of the Indivisible One Essence, there is nothing. Out
of the Indivisible One Essence, there is nothing at all.
Out of the Indivisible One Essence there is little. Out
of the Indivisible One Essence am I. The Indivisible
One Essence is gross, subtle and vast m form. The
Indivisible One Essence is what ought to be known.
The Indivisible One Essence art thou The Indivisible
One Essence is a mystery. The Indivisible One
Essence is the prime one. The In4;ivisible One Essence
IS the knower. The Indivisible One Essence is perma-
nence. The Indivisible One Essence is the mother.
38 THE YOGA UPANISADS
The Indivisible One Essence is the father. The Indi-
visible One Essence is the brother. The Indivisible
One Essence is the husband. The Indivisible One
Essence is Sutra The Indivisible One Essence is
Viraj, The Indivisible One Essence is the body. The
Indivisible One Essence is the head. The Indivisible
One Essence is what is within. The Indivisible One
Essence is what is without. The Indivisible One
Essence is fulness. The Indivisible One Essence is
nectar. The Indivisible One Essence is the clan. The
Indivisible One Essence is the home. The Indivisible
One Essence is what is to be kept secret. The Indi-
visible One Essence is the Moon. The Indivisible
One Essence is the stellar region. The Indivisible One
Essence is the Sun. The Indivisible One Essence is
the corn-field. The Indivisible One Essence is patience.
The Indivisible One Essence is the tranquil one. The
Indivisible One Essence is good quality. The In-
divisible One Essence is the witness The Indivisible
One Essence is the friend. The Indivisible One
Essence is the relation. The Indivisible One Essence
is the comrade. The Indivisible One Essence is the
king. The Indivisible One Essence is the city. The
Indivisible One Essence is the kingdom. The In-
divisible One Essence is the subject. The Indivisible
One Essence is the syllable, " Om ". The Indivisible
One Essence is the muttering (Pranava). The In-
divisible One Essence is meditation. The Indivisible
One Essence is the seat. The Indivisible One Essence
is what is worthy of being understood. The Indivisible
tejo-bindCpanisad 39
One Essence is what is great. The Indivisible One
Essence is Radiance. The Indivisible One Essence is
wealth. The Indivisible One Essence is what is worthy
of being enjoyed. The Indivisible One Essence is the
oblation. The Indivisible One Essence is the offering
to the Fire. The Indivisible One Essence is victory.
The Indivisible One Essence is Heaven. The Indivisible
One Essence is the Atman. (1-23)
Conceiving All Things as the State of
Utter Consciousness
One should conceive the Indivisible One Essence
as utter consciousness, only utter consciousness, as
utter consciousness of the Indivisible One Essence,
as Essence. All utter consciousness devoid of birth,
is utter consciousness. All this (near) is utter con-
sciousness. That (Yonder) is, indeed, utter conscious-
ness. Being the Atman, they know, as utter con-
sciousness and Indivisible One Essence. All the
world is utter consciousness. " Thy-hood " and "my-
hood " is utter consciousness. Ether, the Earth,
Water, Air, Fire, Brahman, Han, S'lva, what is little
and what is not-little, all (these) are indeed only utter
consciousness. Whatever is only utter consciousness,
all that is the Indivisible One Essence. The past, the
present and the future, all is verily utter consciousness.
Matter and time are utter consciowsness. Knowledge
and the object of knowledge are utter consciousness.
The knower is of the form of utter consciousness.
40* THE YOGA UPANipADS
Everything is utter consciousness. Conversation is
utter consciousness. Whatever is, is utter conscious-
ness. What exists and what does not exist, are utter
consciousness. From the beginning to the end, is
always utter consciousness. The beginning and the
end are utter consciousness. The preceptbr and the
pupil and such like, are utter consciousness. The
seeing and the object seen, if they are utter conscious-
ness, are always of consciousness. The all-wonderful
IS utter consciousness The gross body is only utter
consciousness. The subtle body, as well as the causal
body, does not exist apart from utter consciousness.
I and thou, are utter consciousness The corporeal,
the incorporeal and such-like are of consciousness.
Religious merit and sin are utter consciousness. The
Jiva is embodied consciousness. Apart from utter
consciousness, there is no desire. Apart from utter
consciousness, there is no knowing. Apart from utter
consciousness, there is no Mantra and the like Apart
from utter consciousness, there is no deity Apart
from utter consciousness, there are no guardians of the
cardinal points (of the compass). Apart from utter
consciousness, there is no jurisprudence. Transcend-
ing utter consciousness is the Brahman. There is
indeed nothing apart from utter consciousness. Apart
from utter consciousness, there is no illusion. Apart
from utter consciousness, there is no adoration. Apart
froih utter consciousneSB, there is nothing to be
reflected upon. Apart '€rom utter consciousness, there
is no truth. Apart from utter consciousness, there is
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD . 41
no treasure or such-like. Apart from utter conscious-
ness, there is no wealth. Apart from utter conscious-
ness, there is no quiescence. Apart from utter con-
ciousness, there is no non-quiescence. Apart from
utter consciousness, there is no detachment. All is
only utter consciousness, whatever and to whatever
extent it may be, is utter consciousness. Whatever is
seen and to whatever extent, is utter consciousness.
Whatever is situated at a distance and howsoever
distant it may be, all is utter consciousness. What-
ever and to whatever extent thel elements and such-
like, whatever and to whatever extent, things cognized,
whatever and to whatever extent, the Vedantas (the
■ends of all knowledge), all is verily utter consciousness.
From utter consciousness there is no going away ; from
utter consciousness there is no liberation. Apart from
utter consciousness, there is nothing cognizable. All is
only utter consciousness. Apart from utter conscious-
ness there is no Brahman, the Indivisible One Essence.
Thou art the Indivisible One Essence, according to the
S'astra, in me, in thee, in the all-powerful. (24-41)
Fruit Borne by Knowledge of the Brahman
He who knows thus : "I am identical in form
(with the Brahman)," by the dawning of such know-
ledge even once, there will be liberation. In the event
of thorough knowledge, one- will, af himself, becoihe a
thoroughly confirmed adept (Knower of the Brahman).
V 6
42 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
CHAPTER III
Realizing (the State) of the Atman as that
OF the Ever-existing, Conscious and
Blissful Brahmanhood
Kumara asked his father thus : " Pray relate (to
me) about the reahzation of the Atman." He, the
venerable Parames'vara, replied (unto him as follows) :
I am of the form of the transcendent Brahman.
I am exquisite Bliss. I am of the form of absolute
knowledge. I am the absolute transcendent being. I
am of the form of the absolute tranquillized being. I
am absolutely of consciousness. I am of the form of
the absolute eternal being. I am the absolute ever-
lasting being. I am of the form of absolute goodness.
Having renounced the " 1 ", 1 am the " I ". I am of
the form of what is devoid of all. I am of the Ether
of consciousness. I am of the form of the absolute
Turya. I am what is absolutely beyond the Turya.
I am always of the form of consciousness. I am made
of consciousness and Bliss. I am of the form of exter-
nal aspect. I am always pure m form. I am of the
form of absolute knowledge. I am absolute love. I
am of the form of changelessness. I am void of desire
aaid without distemper. I am always of the form of
detachment. I am unalterable and imperishable. I
am -always of the form of the One Essence. I am
always the embodiment of utter consciousness. I am
of the form of unlimitedness. I am of the form of
TEJO-BINDOPANI§AD 43
boundless Bliss. I am of the form of existence and
transcendent Bliss. I am of the form of consciousness
and transcendent Bliss. I am of the form of what lies
in the core of the core. I am beyond the reach of
speech and mind. I am of the form of the Bliss of the
Atman and am always true Bliss. I am of the form of
the Atman, that revels in himself. I am the Atman,
that IS Sada-s'iva (ever-auspicious). I am of the form
of the luminosity of the Atman. I am the essence of
the radiance of the Atman. I have neither the begin-
ning, nor the middle nor the end. I am resembling
the Ether. I am that imperishable, ever pure, absolu-
tely conscious and blissful existence. I am the ever
wakeful, pure, one Existence, Consciousness and Bliss.
I am of the form of the residuum, that ever remains.
I am always what transcends all. 1 am of the form,
that transcends all forms and the embodiment of
transcendent Ether. I am of the form of the totality
of Bliss. 1 am always devoid of speech. I am of the
form of the prop of all. I am always palpable con-
sciousness. I am devoid of body and feeling. I am
always devoid of anxiety. I am devoid of mental
functions. I am the one essence of the Atman of
absolute consciousness. I am devoid of all objects of
perception. I alone am of the form of Introspection.
I am always full in form. I am ever thoroughly
satisfied. Everything is " I am the Brahman only ".
I am only consciousness. Only i, only I, am thfe all-
pervading form. Only I am the great Atman. Only I
am what is beyond the transcendent. I alone appear
44 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
like everything else. I alone am the embodied one. I
alone resemble the pupil (seeker). I am the support of
the three worlds. I transcend the three durations, I
am served by the Vedas, I have been demonstrated
by the S'astra. I am firmly planted in the Citta
(mind). Nothmg, nor the Earth has been rehnquished
by me. Be sure that whatsoever is beyond me is
nothing. I am the Brahman. I am the accomplished
one. I am always absolutely pure. I am rid of quali-
ties. I am the absolute Atman. I am always devoid
of outward aspect. I am absolutely the utter Brahman.
I have neither dotage nor death. I manifest myself
only of my own accord. Of my own accord I am ever
the Atman. Of my own accord I am firmly planted
in the Atman. Of my own accord I am the transcend-
ent final resort. Of my own accord I feed on myself.
Of my own accord I revel m myself. Of my own
accord I am self-luminous. Of my own accord I am
Mahas (light) myself. I shall revel m my Stman my-
self. I shall look upon only myself. I have a com-
fortable seat on my own self. I have my own Self as
the residuum. I shall take my stand of my own
accord, on my own consciousness. I shall revel in the
delightful kingdom of my own self. Taking my seat
on the throne of my self, I shall conceive of nothing
but my own self. I am the Brahman alone, of the
form of consciousness alone. I am the non-dual
Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. I am palpable
Bliss alone. I am the absolute Brahman. I am
always void of all. I am the blissful all-Atman. I am
tejo-bindOpanisad 45
of the form of eternal Bliss. I am always the Ether of
the Xtman. I alone am of the form of the Sun of
Consciousness, in the Etherial sky of the heart. I am
satisfied m the Stman, by the Atman. I have no form
and am imperishable. I am liberated from being
counted as "one". I am of the form of one eternally
liberated. I am subtler than Ether. I have neither
beginning nor end. I am of the form of all brightness.
I am possessed of delights far and near. I am of the
form of absolute existence. I am of the form of pure
Liberation. I am of the form of true Bliss. I am
palpable Knowledge and Bliss. I am of the form of
absolute Wisdom. I am possessed of the qualities of
Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. All this is utter
Brahman. There is no other thing apart from the
Brahman. I am that ever-blissful That alone. I am
the eternal Brahman alone. What is known as " thou "
and what is known as " that ", there is nothing else
apart from me. I am of the form of the mind and
consciousness. I am the transcendent S'lva. I am of
the form of extreme emotion. I am the delightful
Atman. There is always no scope for my being a
witness in the absence of any subtle object to
testify to. Owing to (my) being absolutely utter
Brahman, I am the eternal Atman. I and I alone
am the Adi-s'esa (the prime residuum). I and I
alone am the S'esa (the final residuum). I am
released from name and form. I' am Bliss incarnate.
I am of the form of one devoid of the senses. I am of
the form of all emotions, I am devoid of bondage and
46 THE YOGA OPANISADS
liberation. I am perpetual Bliss incarnate. I am of
the form of the prime consciousness. I am the In-
divisible One Essence. I am beyond the range of
speech and mind. I am everywhere the enjoyer of
pleasure. I am everywhere of the form of fulness.
I am possessed of the totality of Bliss. I am every-
where of the form of satiety. I am the essence of
exquisite nectar. That which exists is only one, with-
out a second. I am the Brahman alone. There is no
doubt (about it). I am of the form of all-void ; acces-
sible through all scriptural precepts. I am the liberated.
I am of the form of Moksa (Release). I am of the form
of the pleasure of disembodiment. I am the absolute
true Wisdom. I am the Blissful Absolute Existence.
I am of the form of what transcends the Turiya (state).
I am non-determinate in form. I am always of the form
of the ongin-less one. I have neither passion, nor
impurity. I am pure. I am wise. I am eternal. I am
powerful. I am of the form of the import of the
Pranava. I am devoid of taint. (1-43)
Realizing the Atman as not Possessed of All
THE Diverse Forms
I am of the form of consciousness. I am neither
I, nor am I He. I am not of any form. I am of the
form of the functionless. I am impartible. I am un-
manifest. I am neither the mind, nor the senses, nor
the intellect, nor the lingering doubt. Nor am I the
triad beginning with the body. I am neither of the
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 47
form of wakefulness, nor of a dream. I am not of the
form of sleep. I am not of the form of the three kmds
of miseries (caused by the Atman, the Deva-s and the'
Bhuta-s). Nor am I subject to the three kmds of,
desire (for wealth, son and wife). There is no study'
for me, nor reflection, as I am firmly planted in the|
Atman of consciousness. There is nothing cognate^
with me, nor is there anywhere anything of a different'
class. To me there is nothing in my own mind, nor
is there the threefold distinction (of space, time and
substance) anywhere for me. (43-47)
The Realization of the Non-existence of all
Things other than the Atman
The form of the mind is false. The form of the
intellect is false. Egoism is false. As such, I am
eternal, perpetual, and originless. Know that the triad
of bodies IS false. The triad of durations is always
false. Know ^hat the triad of Guna-s is false. I am
the pure, true Atman. Know that all scripture is false.
All the Veda is always false. Know that all S'astra is
false. I, the Atman of consciousness, am true. Know
that the triad of Murti-s is false. All beings are always
false. Know that all truth is false I am Sada-s'iva, \
the all-pervading of all existing things. Know the'
preceptor and pupil to be false, also the Mantra of the'
preceptor to be false. Whatever is seen, know thstt to
be false. Do not know me (the Atman) as of that kind.
What is conceivable, know that to be false. What does
48 THE YOGA UPANI$ADS
not swerve from the path of rectitude is always false.
What is wholesome, know that to be false. Do not so
know me (the Atman). Know all living creatures to be
false ; all enjoyments to be false. What is seen and
what IS heard, know those to be false ; the warp and
the woof, as of falsehood. Know that right and wrong
action is false ; what is lost and what is obtained, as of
falsehood. Know that grief and delight are false ; all
and not all, to be of falsehood. Know that fulness and
want are false. Good and bad conduct is of falsehood.
Know that gain and loss are false. Victory and defeat
is of falsehood. Know all sound to be false, all contact
to be false always. Know all form to be false ; all taste
to be false always. Know all smell to be false ; all
cognition to be false always. All is always falsehood
alone ; every result of human existence, is falsehood
alone. All the Gunas are only falsehood. I alone am
the absolute Truth. (48-59)
The Practice of the Atma-mantra :
" I AM THE Brahman "
One should always see the Mantra of one's own
Stman. One should always practise the Mantra of
one's own Atman : This Mantra, vtz., " I am the
Brahman," destroys the sin of what is seen. This
Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," destroys every
other Mantra. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman,"
destroys the sin of the body. This Mantra, vtz., " I
am the Brahman," destroys the sin of incarnation.
tejo-bindOpani$ad 49
This Mantra, viz., " I am the Brahman," destroys
the bond of death. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the
Brahman," destroys the misery of the kpoysrledge
of duality. This "Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman,"
destroys the diflferentiating intellect. This Mantra,
vtz., " I am the Brahman," destroys the misery of cares.
This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," destroys the
disease of the intellect. This Mantra, viz., " I am the
Brahman,'* destroys the bond of the mind. This
Mantra, vtz., " 1 am the Brahman," destroys all
diseases. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman,"
destroys all grief. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the
Brahman," destroys, m a trice, lust and such like.
This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," destroys the
recurrence of anger. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the
Brahman," destroys the recurrence of mental processes.
This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," destroys
volitions and such like. This Mantra, viz., " I am the
Brahman," -destroys crores of blemishes. This Mantra,
VIZ., " I am the Brahman," destroys abject dependence
on all. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman,"
destroys the knowledge of the Atman. This Mantra,
vtz., " I am the Brahman," bestows the conquest of
Atma-loka. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman,"
bestows delight of a kind which cannot be thought of.
This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," bestows un-
inertness. This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," is the
destroyer of the Asuras of Anatmans. This thunderbolt,
"Oiz., " I am the Brahman," will cleave through the
mountains called Anatmans, This discus, viz., " I
u 7
50 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
am the Brahman," will kill the Asura of Anatmanhood.
This Mantra, vtz., " I am the Brahman," will surely
liberate all those. This Manta, viz., " I am the
Brahman," bestows the Bliss of knowledge. The
seven crores of Mah2-Mantras bestow (on one) a
hundred crores of rebirths. (So), giving up all Mantras,
one should practise this Mantra alone. (On doing
so), he would forthwith attain release from bondage ;
there is not even an atom of doubt (about this).
CHAPTER IV
JiVAN-MUKTI — THE ATTAINMENT OF THE StATE
OF THE Brahman
Kumara asked Parames'vara thus : " Pray relate
(to me) about the condition of a Jivan-mukta and a
Videha-mukta." He, the Supreme S'lva, replied as
follows :
He is known as a Jivan-mukta, who stands alone
in the Atman (realizing), " I am the Atman of con-
sciousness ; I am the transcendent Atman ; I am non-
qualified ; I am beyond the transcendent (Stman)."
He "is known as a Jivan-mukta, who inwardly realizes,
I "I stand superior to the three Dehas (bodies) ; I am
pure consciousness; I am the Brahman," He is
tejo-bindOpani§ad 51
known as the Jivan-mukta, for whom there is no bo<!^!
and such like, and there is the conviction (that there
is) the Brahman ; who is full of exquisite Bliss {on
realizing), " I am of the form of galjjabie Bliss ; I
am palpable exquisite Bliss " ; for whom there is no
ego ; who remains planted in consciousness alone ;
whose interior is absolute consciousness ; who is of the
one form of absolute consciousness ; who is everywhere
of the form of fulness ; has everywhere consciousness
alone as the residuum ; who revels in Bliss ; who is
unmanifest, full and possessed of the Atman of con-
sciousness ; whose Stman is of the form of pure
consciousness ; who is devoid of all contact ; who
enjoys perpetual Bliss ; whose mind is clear ; who is
devoid of care about everything else ; who is devoid of
the least existence ; such a one is known as a Jlvan-
mukta. (1-7)
" Not mine is the mind ; not mine the intellect ;
not egoism ; nor the senses ; not mine the body at any
time ; not mine the vital airs anywhere ; not mm^
Illusion ; not mine lust ; not mine anger ; I am the
transcendent Brahman ; not mine is whatever of this
world ; not mine is whatever and wherever of the
world ; not mine is blemish ; not mine is any symbol ;
not mine the eye ; not mine is the mind ; not mine the
ear ; not mine the nose ; not mine the tongue ; not
mine the hand ; not mine the waking ; not mine the
dream ; not mine even an atom of the Karapa (causal
body) ; not mine the Turiya " : — He who realizes this)
is the Jivan-mukta. , (7^11)
32 TAB YOGA UPAKI$ADS
" Not mine even a little of all this ; not mine
wheresoever, all that is yonder ; not mme is duration ;
not mine space ; not mine the substance ; not mine the
intellect ; not mine the ablution ; not mine the twilight-
austerities ; not mine Destiny ; not mme the firm
ground ; not mine the sacred water ; not mine service ;
not mine "Wisdom ; not mme the (high) status ; not mine
bondage ; not mine incarnation ; not mine the precept ;
not mine the Sun ; not mine religious merit ; not mine
sin , not mine action ; not mine the auspicious ; not
mine the Jiva, known as my own Atman ; not mine a
little of the three worlds ; not mine liberation ; not
mine dualism ; not mine the Veda ; not mine the Rule
of Conduct ; not mine nearness ; not mine distance ;
not mine the awakening ; not mine secrecy , not mine
the preceptor ; not mine the pupil , not mine what is
wanting ; not mine what is more ; not mine Brahman ;
not mine Visnu , not mine Rudra ; not mine the Moon ;
not mine the Earth ;. not mine the Water ; not mine
the Air ; not mine the Ether ; not mme the Fire ; not
mine high pedigree ; not mine the high ideal ; not mine
IS existence ; not mine the meditator ; not mine the
meditated upon ; not mine meditation ; not mine
Manu (the Mantra) ; not mine the cold ; not mine the
heart ; not mine the thirst ; not mine the hunger ; not
jnine the friend , not mine the enemy ; not mine the
infatuation ; not mine the victory ; not mine the prior ;
not* mine the posterior ; not mine what is aloft ; not
mine the cardinal points ; not mine the little that is to
Jt)e expressed in words ; not mine even the atom of
tejo-bindOpani§:ad 53
what has to be studied ; not mine the httle that has
to be reflected upon ; not mine even an atom of what
has to be meditated upon ; not mine the httle that has
yet to be enjoyed ; not mine even an atom of what has
to be remembered ; not mine the enjoyment ; not mine
the passion ; not mine the concentration ; not mine the
final dissolution ; not mine the stupidity ; not mine the
tranquillity ; not mine the bondage ; not mine the
affection ; not mine the joy, nor the height of joy ; not
mine the corpulence ; not mine the shmness ; not
mine the length ; not mine the shortness ; not mine
the growth ; not mine the wasting ; things that have
been wrongly attributed to me and their denial are
not one and are not many ; not mine blindness ; not
mine dullness , not mine an atom of quick understand-
ing ; not mine the flesh ; not mine the blood ; not mine
the fat ; not mine the lymph , not mine the marrow,
nor mine the bone, nor mine the integument, nor the
seven primary fluids of the body , not mine whiteness ;
not mine the crimson , not mine the blue ; not mine
the severalty ; not mine the heat ; not mine the avarice ;
not mine the essential or the accessory, anywhere ; not
mine the confusion ; not mine the firmness ; not mine
the secret ; not mine the pedigree ; not mine what
ought to be discarded ; not mine what ought to be
grasped ; not mine the ludicrous ; not mine the refine-
ment ; not mine the vow ; not mine the languor ; not
mine the desiccated ; not mine sound health ; not mine
the knower ; not mine the knowledge ; not mine what
ha^ to be known ; not mine my own Atman ; not mkiej
54 THE YOGA OPANI5ADS
what appertains to thee ; not mine what appertains to
me ; not mine thou ; not mine also I ; not mine dotage ;
not mine childhood ; not mme even an atom of adoles-
cence ; I am the Brahman ; I am the Brahman ; that
I am the Brahman is (my) conviction ; Consciousness
am I ; Consciousness am I." — Who realizes thus is
known as the Jivan-mukta. (11-30)
" I am only the Brahman ; I am only conscious-
ness ; I am only the transcendent (Brahman) ; there
is no doubt (about it)." (He who realizes thus) of his
own accord, he is the pure Haipsa (Atman) ; he is
firmly planted in the Atman of his own accord ; of his
own accord he shall see the Stman ; in the kingdom
of his own Atman, he shall live comfortably. He who
thus enjoys the Bliss of his own Atman, of his own
accord, is known as the Jivan-mukta. The unique
warrior, (who stands) foremost of his own accord, one
who is the reputed Lord of his own Atman, who will
sleep taking the form of his own Atman, of his own
accord ; he is known as the Jivan-mukta. (31-32)
ViDEHA-MUKTI : TAKING ONE'S StAND ON THE ABSO-
LUTE Brahman, which Is the Absolute Atman,
WITH NOTHING CORRESPONDING TO IT
One who has become the Brahman ; who has
tranquillized his own Atman ; who is full of the Bliss
of the Brahman ; who is happy ; who is crystal-like in
form ; who is profoundly silent ; he alone is the
Videha-mukta. (33)
tejo-bindOpanisad 55
" (I am one) whose Atman is all ; who, alike every-
where, is the Atman ; whose Atman is pure ; whose
" I " has been fully roused ; who is excepted by the one
(Brahman) ; whose Atman is the one (Brahman) ; one •
who sees all m his own Atman ; who is only his own \
Atman ; I am the Atman that has no origin ; whose]
Atman is immortal, who am myself the Atman, who
knows no decay ; whose Atman is seen through intros-
pection ; whose Atman is lovely ; I am possessed of the
characteristics of the silent Atman ; the Atman of
Bliss ; the loving Atman ; the Atman of liberation ;
devoid of bondage ; I am the Brahman alone ; I am
consciousness alone ; (whatever of) this is not con-
ceived " ; — he who stands (thus) in utter consciousness,
alone is the Videha-mukta. (34-37)
Having abandoned the conviction, viz., that I (am)
the Brahman, with his own interior filled with Bliss,
he alone is the Videha-mukta. He stands having given
up the conviction that all is and (all) is not, that " I am
the Brahman and am not the Brahman ", (himself)
being only Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. This
(person) does not touch the Atman whatever, wherever
and whenever ; remaining only silent, silently, m silence,
(does not touch) whatever is the truth , who is the
transcendent Brahman ; who has surpassed the Gugas ;
who IS the all-Atman ; the prime cause of the worlds.
Difference in time, difference in substance, difference of
place, difference in one's own self, whatever differehce,
he has not ; there is no (such difference) whatever, (for
him) as of " I ", " thou ", " it ", " this ", " He ", " what
56 THE YOGA UPANISADS
is yonder " ; who is the Stman of Time, (yet) has no
time ; is the Atman that is void ; is the Stman that is
subtle in form ; is the Atman of the Universe ; has no
universe ; is the Atman of the Devas, is the Stman
devoid of the Devas ; is the Atman capable of measure-
ment ; IS devoid of measurement ; is the Atman devoid
of sluggishness everywhere ; is the inner Atman of all ;
is the Atman devoid of all volition ; (who realizes) '* I
am always consciousness alone ; I am the absolute,
transcendent Atman, who is embodied Knowledge
alone ; is existence alone ; is Atman in form. There
is no fear of the other world. Where is the Jiva, the
Is^vara, Speech, the Veda, the S'astra, where am I ? "
He IS known as the Videha-mukta who is devoid of the
conviction, " This is only consciousness , I am con-
sciousness also." (38-47)
He, who IS thoroughly accomplished in conscious-
ness alone, who plays with his own Atman, has a com-
fortable posture, has Atman of a boundless form, is
devoid of attenuation, prodigiousness and such like ;
is in the Turya of the Turya state ; is exquisitely
blissful, he alone is the Videha-mukta. He who is
devoid of name and form , who is exquisite Knowledge
land Bliss ; who is the Atman of happiness ; who is the
Atman of the form of Turlyatita ; who is devoid of
weal and woe ; who is the Atman of Yoga ; who is the
Atman, who has attained Yoga; who is devoid of
bondage and liberation ; whose Atman is devoid of the
Gunas and the absence of the Gunas ; who is devoid
©f space, time and the like ; whose Atman is devoid of
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 57
the thing to be witnessed and the witness thereof ; who
is something and (yet) nothing ; whose is not the
manifold manifestation ; nor even the aspect of the
Brahman here ; who is self-luminous in his own form ;
who IS attached, of his own accord, to his own form ;
who is the Bliss that transcends vocal expression ; who,
by himself, transcends speech and mind ; whose exis-
tence transcends the transcendent ; he alone is the
Videha-mukta. . (47-53)
He, who IS beyond the functioning of the mind ;
who manifests himself through the functioning of the
mind ; whose Atman is devoid of all functioning ; is
alone the Jivan-mukta. At the time (of attaining the
state) he is devoid of remembrance of the body, (so as
to cognize) that he is a Videhin. Should there be
slight remembrance, he is endowed with everything.
He whose outward Atman is not seen by others ;
who IS palpably the exquisite blissful conscious-
ness ; whose outward Atman is not seen by others ;
who IS the goal of all the Vedantas ; who swal-
lows the sweet essence of the nectar of the Brah-
man ; whose ehxir of life i% the nectar of the Brah-
man ; who is fond of the essence of the nectar of
the Brahman ; who is of himself the essence of the
nectar of the Brahman ; who is immersed in the essence
of the nectar of the Brahman ; whose S'lvarcana is the
Bliss of the Brahman ; who is satiated in the essence
of the nectar of the Brahman ; who experiences, the
Bliss of the Brahman ; whose Bliss in S'lva is the Bliss
of the Brahman ; who shines as the essence of the Bliss
V 8
58 THE YOGA UPANI$ADS
of the Brahman ; whose radiance is superb, as of the
Bhss of the Brahman , who enjoys the Bliss of the
Brahman uninterruptedly , who subsists on the food of
the essence of the Bhss of the Brahman ; who is a
member of the family of the Bliss of the Brahman;
who is perched on the essence of the Bliss of the
Brahman , who is palpably the one consciousness of the
Bhss of the Brahman ; who is the flood of the essence
of the Bliss of the Brahman , who is nourished with the
Bliss of the Brahman , who is associated with people
enjoying the Bliss of the Brahman ; who is firmly
planted in the Atman of the Bliss of the Brahman.
He who realizes, " all this is of the form of the Atman;
there is nothing else whatever, save the Atman , all is
the Atman ; I am the Atman, the transcendent Atman,
possessed of the transcendent Atman, the Atman that
is ever in the form of Bliss," — he alone is the Videha-
mukta. (53-62)
One who is full in form, the great Atman, the
satiated Atman, the perpetual Atman , the Atman of
the form of what penetrates the interior of all , the
spotless Atman , the Atman-less one , the Atman which
has a changeless form , the pure Atman ; the tranquil of
form ; the Atman of the form of the tranquillized and
the non-tranquillized , devoid of the state of manifold
Atman-hood , who is rid of the totality of cares (brought
on' by the differentiation of) the Jivatman and the
Paramatman ; the Atman of the form of the liberated
and the non-liberated ; who is devoid of the (state of
being) liberated and non-hberated ; who is the Atman
TEfO-BINDUPANIJAD 59
of the form of bondage and liberation ; who is devoid of
bondage and liberation ; who is of the form of dualism
and non-dualism ; who is devoid of dualism and non-
dualism ; who IS of the form of the all and the not-all ;
who is devoid of the all and the not-all ; who is of the
form of joy and exquisite joy , who is devoid utterly
of joy and such like ; who is devoid of all volition ; he
IS alone the Videha-mukta. (63-68)
He IS the partless Atman ; the flawless Atman ;
the Atman of Wisdom ; the Atman of the Supreme
(Purusa) ; the Atman devoid of Bliss and such like ;
the Atman that is immortal ; is of the immortal Atman ;
the Atman of the form of the triad of durations ; who
IS devoid of the triad of durations , the Atman of \ast
expanse , the Atman immeasurable ; the Atman of
measure ; who is devoid of measure , the Atman who
is ever manifest , who is determined by his perpetual
manifestation , the Atman that is characterized by the
abandonment of every other thing , that is self-lumi-
nous, bereft of every other thing , the Atman that could
be known by learning, ignorance and such like ; that is
devoid ol learning, ignorance and such like ; the Atman
that IS devoid of perpetuity and transience , that is
devoid of " here " and " m that place " , the Atman
devoid of the six (qualities of) tranquillity and such
like , that IS devoid of seeking after libeiation and such
like ; the Atman that is devoid of the gross body ; that
is devoid of the subtle body , the Atman that is deyoid
of the causal body and such like ; that is devoid of the
Turiya and such like (bodies) , the Atman that is
GO THE YOGA UPANISADS
devoid of the sheath of Anna (food) ; that is devoid of
the sheath of Prana (vital air) ; the Atman that is
devoid of the Manas (the mental) sheath ; that is devoid
of the Vijfiana-(Wisdom) sheath ; the Atman that is
devoid of the Ananda- (Bliss) sheath ; that is devoid of
the five sheaths ; the Atman of indeterminate form ;
that is devoid of distinctive form ; the Atman not
affected by the object seen ; that is in no way affected
by the sound heard ; the Atman that is always void of
concentration ; that is devoid of beginning, middle and
end ; the Atman that is devoid of the Prajnana-vakya
(" Wisdom IS the Brahman ") , that is devoid of (the
realization) " I am the Brahman " ; the Atman that
has no such (realization) as " Thou art That " ; that
cannot conceive " This Atman (is the Brahman) " ; the
Atman that is devoid of what is to be expressed by
" Om " , that is devoid of what is to be expressed by
the word " All " , the Atman that is devoid of the triad
df conditions (waking, dreaming and sleeping) , the
Atman that never decays , the Atman of consciousness ;
the Atman that is devoid of what ought to be known by
the Atman ; that has for its Atman " the little what-
ever of this " ; the Atman that is devoid of light and
non-light , he alone is the Videha-mukta. (68-79)
Rule for the Concentkation on One's
Own Atman
Cast thine eyes on the Atman alone. Instruct
thine own Atman. Enjoy thine own Atman thyself.
tejo-bindCpani?ad 61
Take thy stand on thyself, O $ad-anana ! Thyself
satisfied in thine own Atman, direct thy Stman thyself.
Please the Atman alone. Become a Videha-mukta. —
Thus the Upanisad. (80, 81)
CHAPTER V
The Nature of One's Own Atman
The Mum named Nidagha asked the worshipful
Sage Rbhu, thus : " Pray tell me the distinction
between the Atman and the Anatman." He, the
worshipful Sage Rbhu, replied as follows :
The furthest limit of all speech is the Brahman ;
the furthest limit of all thought is the preceptor. He
who IS the cause of effects m general and who is devoid
of causes and effects ; who is volition of any kind ; who
is made entirely of Nada (a nasal sound represented by
a semi-circle) , is auspicious ; who is absolute conscious-
ness, bereft of everything else ; who is full of all Bliss
and IS transcendent ; who is possessed of the brightness
of all luminosity ; who is full of the Bliss of Nada ;
who is released from all experience , who is without
contemplation of anything ; who is beyond the reach
of the Nada and the Kala, this is the Atman, the I, the
imperishable. (He) who is bereft of the difference and
62 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
non difference arising out of the distinction between the
Atman and the Anatman ; who is without the tran-
quilhzed, the nontranquilhzed and other states ; who
IS of the form of the internal radiance of the NSda ;
who IS far away from the import of the Maha-vakyas ;
who is still further away from the realization, " I am
the Brahman " ; who is not implied by the word
" That " ; who is not connoted by the word " Thou " ;
who is not externalized by the import of the Vakya
(" That thou art ") ; who is devoid of decay and
nondecay ; he is alone the internal radiance of the
Nada. He, who is neither the Indivisible One
Essence, nor (the experience), "lam Bliss;" whose
characteristics transcend all, is alone the internal
radiance of the Nada. He, who is devoid of the word
" Atman," who is bereft of the import of (the word)
" Atman ", who is devoid of Existence, Consciousness
and Bliss , such a one alone is the Sanatana (eternal)
'Atman. He is incapable of being demonstrated, who
is illicitly approachable by means of the Veda-vakyas
] (Scriptural texts) ; of whom there is nothing by way of
^external manifestation , nor of inward being, in point
I of (quality or) extent , who has neither sex, nor mani-
/ festation ; the Atman is the Brahman alone ; there is
'no doubt about it, for whom there is no body nor
Jiva, made up of the elements or their composites ;
there is no name, form or such other thing ; there is
noticing worthy of enjoyment ; nor is the enjoyer of the
enjoyment ; for whom there is neither the state of exist-
ence nor nonexistence ; neither decay nor non-decay ;
tejo-bindOpanisad 63
neither Guna nor the absence of Guna. He is
the Atman, no doubt, for whom (there ts no) sentiment
or expression ; study or reflection , distinction between
the preceptor and the pupi] and such hke ; the worlds
of the Devas and Asuras ; where there is not even an;
atom of upright or wicked conduct , purity or impurity ;'
where there is no proper or improper time ; no con-
viction or doubt ; where there is no Mantra or the
absence of it ; no learning or ignorance ; no seer,
seeing or the thing seen , not even a slight division
of an atom ; (it is impossible to demonstrate the
Brahman) (1-15)
The Falsehood of all Anatman
There is not (any topic of) discourse known as
Anatman ; nor (any function of) the mind known as
Anatman ; nor any universe known as Anatman
Have the conviction (therefore), that th ere is no such
thing as Anatman, Have the conviction that there is
no Anatman, by reason of the absence of all volition,
by reason of being devoid of any effect ; and (every-
thing) being the Biahman alone absolutely ; on account
of the absence of the three bodies, the nonexistence
of the three durations, on account of the absence of the
characteristics of the three Jivas and the absence of the
three kinds of miseries (Atmic, Daivic, and Bhautic),
the non-existence of the three worlds ; and the Vedic
injunction " All is the Atman ". There is nothing that
could be conceived in the absence of the mind ; th^Fe,
64 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
is no dotage in the absence of the body ; there is no
goal to be reached in the absence of the feet ; there is
no work in the absence of the hands ; there is no death
in the absence of birth ; there is no happiness and
such hke in the absence of the intellect ; there is
neither upright conduct, nor cleanliness, nor truth, nor
fear ; there is no utterance of the sacred mystic symbol,
no pupil and preceptor or such like ; there is no Second
in the absence of Unity and there is no Unity in the
absence of the Second. (15-21)
Should there be truthfulness, there is no possibility
for an>""Talsehood. Should there be falsehood, there
wiiPBe~no "scbpe^ for truthfulness. Should you know
what IS auspicious as inauspicious, the auspicious will
be caused to flow out of the inauspicious. Should you
know fear to be the absence of fear, from the absence
of fear will befall fear If bondage should be libe-
ration, where will be liberation in the absence of
bondage -* If death should be incarnation, there can
be no death with cessation oi incarnation. If " I "
should become " thou ", then, if " thou " art not, " I "
will cease to be. If " this " should only be " that," in
the absence of " that," " this " also is not If " there
is not " becomes " there is," then, if " there is not "
is, there is no " there is ". If cause should however
be effect, in the absence of the effect, there is no
cause. If dualism is ever non-dualism, then in the
absence of the dual state, there is no non-dual one. If
seeing is ever the object seen, in the absence of the
object seen, there is no seeing. If the internal should
tejo-bindOpani?ad 65
ever be the external, verily in the absence of the
internal, there is no external. If fullness should ever
become a little, then follows the non-full state. For
this reason, this (fullness) is nowhere, neither " thou,"
nor " I," nor " these," nor " this " ; (then) there is no
example of what exists ; there is no example of what is
ongin-less ; there will be no mmd for the remembrance
of (the realization), " I am the transcendent Brahman "
Have the conviction that " this world is the utter
Brahman ; " thou " and " I " are the utter Brahman ,
1 am the absolute utter Brahman ; there is no
Anatman." (22-31)
This phenomenal world does not verily exist, was
not„cjealed and does not stand anywhere. It is the
mind, they say, that is the phenomenal world It (the
phenomenal world) does not exist ; does not at any time
exist , there is aQ 4)ii£aQinanaI-woi:id.^~ -there-is no miQCJ
and the like , nor egoism , nor the Jiva ; the work of
illusion and such like does not exist Illusion there is
not ; fear there is not ; the worker there is not , work
there is not ; neither study nor reflection ; the two-fold
Samadhi there is not , the measurer and the measure
and such like is not ; Ignorance also is not , indiscrimi-
nation IS not, at any time ; neither the four requisites
(learner, subject, object and the interrelation of the
subject and the object and such like) , nor the triad of
relationships (intimate, conjoint and inherent) ; there
is not the Ganges, nor the Gaya, nor the SetUf nor
what is of the elements, nor anything else ; neither the
earth, nor water, nor fire, nor air, nor ether, anywhere ;
U 9
66 THE YOGA UPANISADS
neither the gods, nor the guardians of the cardinal
points, nor the Veda-s, nor the preceptor ; neither far
off, nor near ; nor between the two, nor the middle, nor
situated anywhere ; neither non-dual, nor dual ; nor
truth, nor non-truth is this ; bondage, release and such
• like there is not , neither existence, nor non-existence,
nor happiness and such like ; caste there is not ; goal
there is not ; class (by birth) there is not ; nor worldly
custom ; (the creed) that " All is the Brahman," there
is not ; even what is the Brahman, there is not ; what
is consciousness, there is not ; nor is the talk of
consciousness and " I " ; " I am the Brahman," there
IS not at all ; nor " I am the ever pure " anywhere ;
there is not whatever is uttered by speech, what is
conceived by the mind wherever, what is determined
by the Intellect, nor what is known by the Citta
(mind). The Yogin, the Yoga and the like, there is
not ; all always is not always. Day and night and
the like there is not , ablution, meditation and the like
IS not. Delusion and clear vision, there is not. Be
thou convinced that there is no Anatman. (31-42)
The Veda, the S'astra, the Purana, the effect, the
cause, the Is'vara, the Loka, the elements, the
people, and unity, all this is falsehood, without doubt.
Bondage, Liberation, happiness, misery, meditation,
the mind, the gods and the demons, the accessory, the
chief, the transcendent and all else, is falsehood with-
out, doubt. Whatever is uttered by speech, what is
created by volitions, whatever is conceived by the
mind, all is falsehood without doubt. Whatever is
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 67
determined by the intellect ; whatever is thoroughly
cognized by the mind anywhere ; whatever is prdpa-
gated by the S'astra-s ; whatever is seen by the eyes
alone ; whatever is heard by the ears and every other
happening ; the eye, the ear and the body is falsehood —
that is the sure conclusion. Whatever is declared to
be only " this," turns out to be what is " yonder " ;
" thou ", " I ", " that ", " this ", " He ", and " I ", turn
out to be only other entities. So also, whatever is
considered as possible in the world, all the confusion
among volitions, the various errors in attributing
properties, all that has to be kept hidden, all the
diverse enjoyments, all separation of faults, (prove
to be other entities) , hence, conclude there is no
Anatman. (42-50)
" What is mine " and " what is thine," " my " and'
" thy ", " on my behalf ", " on thy behalf ", " by me " j
and such like, all that will prove futile. " Visnu is the ;
protector ", and the like , " Brahman is the cause of the ,
creation " , " Rudra (is the cause) of destruction " ; and
such like, be convinced, that all this is falsehood.
Ablution, silent prayer, penance, offering oblation,
the study of the Veda, the worship of the tutelary deity,
Mantra, the mystic formula, association with people of
moral excellence, the manifestation of merit and
dement, the existence of the inner sense, the occurrence
of Ignorance, the myriads upon myriads of Brahman-
das, be convinced that all this is falsehood. AU the
sayings and the utterances of the spiritual guides have
been declarations of somebody or other. Whatever
68 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
aspect the world puts on, and whatever is seen in the
world ; whatever is in the world ; be convinced that all
that IS falsehood. What is said by some (mystic)
symbol or other ; what is prescribed by one or other ;
what is enumerated by some one or other ; what is
rejoiced in by some one or other ; what is given by
some one or other , what is done by some one or other ;
wherever there is benevolent action ; wherever there is
vice ; whatever you do, verily conclude that all that is
falsehood. (50-58)
The Absolute Brahmanhood of the " I "-Entity
Thou alone art the transcendent Atman. Thou
alone art the highest preceptor Thou alone art of the
form of Ether Thou art always de\oid of Witness.
Thou alone art all-existence , Thou art the Brahman
»
no doubt Thou art without duration. Thou art the
duration Thou art always the Brahman, palpable
consciousness Thou art, in all places, of the form of
thyself Thou art in possession of palpable conscious-
ness. Thou art the truthful Thou art the accompli-
shed. Thou art the eternal. Thou art the liberated.
Thou art the liberation Thou art immortal on account
of joy. Thou art the Deva Thou art the tranquillized.
Thou art the non-aihng. Thou art the Brahman, Thou
art the full Thou art the transcendent, of the tran-
scendent. Thou art the even. Thou art the good.
Thou art the everlasting. Thou art demonstrated by
the Scriptural Texts, such as " Satyaip (Jfianam, etc.),"
tejo-bindDpanisad 69
Thou art devoid of all limbs. Thou art always firmly
established. Thou art extolled by Brahman, Indra,
Rudra and other gods. Thou art devoid of the delusion
of the manifested world. Thou art also reflected m all
beings. Thou art free from volition everywhere. Thou
art extolled by the import of all the Upanisads Thou
art everywhere with the posture of joy and happiness
Thou art devoid of movement and the like, anywhere.
Thou art everywhere devoid of introspection and the
like. Thou art always meditated upon by Visnu and
the other gods. Thou art of the form of the aspect of
consciousness. Thou art absolute consciousness without
control. Thou art firmly planted in the Atman alone.
Thou art devoid of all (conditions). Thou art not
qualified (by any Guna). Thou art Bliss. Thou art
transcendent Thou, bemg one alone, hast no second.
Thou art of the form of palpable consciousness and
Bliss. Thou art of the form of complete fullness.
Thou art existence. Thou art thou. Thou art the
knower. Thou art He. Thou knowest. Thou seest.
Thou art of the form of Existence, Consciousness and
Bliss. Thou art the Lord Vasu-deva. Thou art im-
mortal. Thou art the Supreme Ruler. Thou art fickle
and firm. Thou art all and void of all. Thou art
devoid of tranquillity and the cessation of tranquillity.
Thou art luminous with the radiance of absolute
existence. Thou art existence in general. Thou art
eternally of the form of accomplishment. Thou art
devoid of all accomplishment. Thou art void of only a
little. Thou art void of only an atom. Thou art devoid
70 THE YOGA 0PANI?ADS
of the state of being. Thou art without non-being and
the hke. Thou art devoid of what is defined and its
definition. (Thou art) changeless. Thou art non-aihng.
Thou art the core of all Nada. Thou art devoid of
parts and the ultimate limit. Thou art devoid of
Brahman, Visnu and Ts'a. Thou seest thine own form.
Thou hast thine own as the residuum. Thou immersest
in the ocean of thy Bliss. Thou art thyself in the
kingdom of thine Atman. (Thou art) without thine own
state. Thou art of the form of thy fullness remainmg.
Thou seest not apart from thyself. Thou dost not
move from thine own form. Thou bloomest forth with
thine own form. Thou art nothmg other than thine
own form. Thou art I alone ; (of that) be con-
vinced. (58-74)
The Non-Existence of Antithetical Forms in
THE Case of the Phenomenal World of
Ignorance and Its Results
Whatever there is of this world of phenomena ;
whatever there is in the world ; what is of the form of
the seen , what is of the form of the seer; all is like
the horn of the hare (non-existent). The earth, water,
fire, air, ether, the mind, the intellect, the ego, radiance,
the world, the system of worlds, decay, birth, truth,
religious merit, sin, victory and others ; passion, desire,
anger, greed, meditation, the thing meditated upon,
the transcendent quality, the preceptor, the pupil, the
precept and the like, the beginning, the end, peace,
tejo-bindCpanisad 71
auspiciousness, the past, the present, the future, the
thing defined, definition, non-duahsm, tranquilhty, en-
quiry, joy, what is of the form of the enjoyer, what is
enjoyed and the hke, the eight-/old Yoga of (Self-)
control and others ; what is of the nature of going and
coming, the parts (of anything) known as beginning,
middle and end ; what is acceptable and what is worthy
of being abandoned ; Visnu, S'lva, the senses, the mind,
the triad of states also ; the Twenty-four Tattvas ^
(first principles), the four Sadhanas,^ the cognate, the
extraneous ; the worlds, Bhur and others in their order ;
all the Varnas, As'ramas and Acaras, the mastery of the
Mantras and the Tantras , what is of the form of
knowledge, ignorance and the like, all the Vedas, the
non-sentient and the sentient, the division of bondage
and liberation, what is of the form of knowledge and
superior wisdom , what is of the form of wakening and
non-wakening , talk of Dualism and non-duahsm ; the
final conclusions of all the systems of Vedanta ; the
determination of the import of all the S'astras ; the
existence of many entities of the Jiva, the determining
of the one Jiva and the like ; whatever one contem-
plates by the mind, whatever is wished for, wherever ;
whatever is reasoned by the intellect ; whatever is heard
from the preceptor ; whatever is expounded by speech ;
' The Avyakta (the indistinct), Buddhi (the Intellect), Ahatp-
kara (individuality), the five Tan-matras (subtle elements), the five
Maha-bhutas (gross elements), the eleven organs of sense including
the mind.
* The four Sadhanas (qualifications) are 1. Discrimination,
2. Desirelessness, 3. Good Conduct, and 4. Love.
72 THE YOGA UPANI$ADS
whatever is the discourse of the AcSrya ; whatever may
be perceived from the voice and by the senses ; whatever
IS investigated upon separately ; whatever has been
adjudicated upon fairly by great men who are versed
in the Vedas , whatever there is in the Puranas ; in-
cidents such as, S'lva destroys the worlds, Vispu
sustains the three worlds. Brahman creates the worlds ;
whatever is described in the Vedas ; the significance of
all the Upani^ads, all is like the horn of a hare (non-
existent). (75-89)
The Mind alone, actuated by Volition and
THE Like, Is the Cause of all Trouble
')
The hxed idea, that I am the body, is known as the
inner sense. The fixed idea, that I am the body, is
said to be the great wordly illusion. The fixed idea,
that I am the body, is said to be its bondage. The
fixed idea, that I am the body, is said to be its misery.
The knowledge, that 1 am the body, is alone known as
hell. The fixed idea, that I am the body, is said to be
the entire universe. The fixed idea, that I am the
body, is__vvhat denotes jthe_knot of^jhe heart. The
knowledge, that I am the body, is only what is known
as Ignorance The knowledge, that I am the body, is
only what does not exist. The thought, that I am the
body, that is what is termed as Illusion. The know-
ledge, that I am the body, that alone is called duality.
The fixed idea, that I am the body, that alone is the
real Jiva (the individual soul). The knowledge, that I
tejo-bindOpanisad 73
am the body, is what is known as the hmited one. The
fixed idea, that I am the body, is what is patently a
great sm. The thought, that I am the body, is un-
doubtedly heinous greed. Even a little of volition
denotes the triad of miseries. Desire, anger and
bondage is all misery. The world is sin, assuming
various forms at various times. Whatever of this
cluster of all volitions, know, O handsome one ! that to
be of the mind. (89-97)
The mind alone is the whole universe. The mind
alone is the great foe. The mind alone is worldly exis-
tence. The mind alone is the three worlds The mmd
alone is the great misery. The mind alone is dotage
and other (miseries) The mind alone is duration of
time. The mind alone is impurity. The mind alone
is desire The mind alone is the Jiva. The mind
alone is Citta (thought). The mind alone is in-
dividuality The mind alone is the great bondage.
The mind alone is the inner sense The mind alone
IS the Earth. The mmd alone is Water. The
mind alone is Fire. The mind alone is the vast
Atmosphere The mind alone is Ether. The mind
alone is sound, touch, form, taste and smell. These
five sheaths are the products of the mind. The waking,
dreaming, sleeping and other conditions are, it is said,
the products of the mind. The guardians of the
cardinal points, the Vasus, the Rudras and the Adityas,
are products of the mmd. What is seen, the non-
sentient, the cluster of pairs (of opposites) and igno-
rance are said to be the products of the mind.
U 10
74 THE YOGA UPANISADS
Whatever is an idea (of the mind), be convinced,
that does not exist. The universe, there is not. The
preceptor, the pupil and the hke, there is not. (98-105)
CHAPTER VI
The State of Existence, Consciousness
AND Bliss
(Says) Rbhu : Know that everything is of existence
and consciousness , that everything is of existence and
consciousness and is diffused , what is of existence,
consciousness and bhss is non-dual , what is of
existence, consciousness and bhss is imperishable ;
what is of existence, consciousness and bhss alone is
what IS unique existence, consciousness and bhss , I
am of the form of existence, consciousness and bliss ,
the Ether is existence, consciousness and bliss ; thou
art existence, consciousness and bhss ; I am existence,
consciousness and bliss. (1-3)
The Brahmanhood of All
These multitudinous (functions) of the mind, the
intellect, individuality and thought, are naught. There
is no " thou ", nor " I ", nor " other ". All is absolute
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 75
Brahman. There is no (scriptural) text ; nor the
word, nor the Veda ; nor the letter, nor non-sentience
anywhere ; nor middle, nor beginning, nor end,
nor truth, nor fetter , nor misery, nor happiness ; nor
feeling, nor illusion, nor the prime source ; neither
the body, nor the mouth, nor smell, nor the tongue,
nor the palates, nor the teeth and lips, nor forehead ,
nor inspiration, nor expiration ; nor sweat, nor bone,
nor flesh, nor blood, nor urme ; nor distance, nor
nearness , nor limb, nor belly, nor crest, nor the
movement of the hands and feet , nor the S'astra,
nor the mandate, nor the knower, knowing and the
thing to be known , nor waking, dreaming and sleep-
ing, nor the TuryatTta (state) are for me, whatever.
All IS existence, consciousness and what is diffused.
There is no such thing, as arising out of the gods,
evil spirits and the (five) elements , nor out of illusion ;
nor the Vis'va, nor the Taijasa, nor the Prajfia , nor
the Viraj, nor the Sutra, nor the Is'vara ; nor the act
of going and coming , nor what is lost, nor what is
purpose ; nor what is worthy of avoidance, acceptance
or condemnation , nor what is pure or foul , nor corpu-
lence, nor thinness ; nor fatigue , nor time, nor place ;
nor talk, nor all ; nor fear, nor duplicity ; nor trees,
nor grasses, nor mountains , nor meditation, nor the
attainment of absolute concentration , nor the Brah-
mana, Ksattnya and Vais'ya (classification) ; nor bird,
nor animal, nor (other) organism ; nor greed, 'nor
infatuation, nor haughtiness, nor grudge, nor lust,
nor anger and the like nor women, nor S'udras, nor
76 THE YOGA UPANISADS
cats ; nor eatables, nor (other) fare and the hke,
whatever ; nor the mature, nor the immature ; nor
behef m the existence (of the other world) ; nor trade,
nor opportunity ; neither worldhness, nor the world, nor
occupation, nor dullwittedness , neither the eater, the
act of eating and the food , nor the measurer, the
measuring and the thing to be measured ; nor foe, nor
friend, nor son and the hke , nor mother, nor father,
nor sister ; nor birth, nor death, nor growth, nor the
delusion — " I am the body " ; neither void, nor non-
void ; nor the inner sense running its course , nor the
night, nor daytime, nor darkness ; nor Brahman,
nor Visnu, nor S'lva ; nor the week, fortnight, month
and the like, nor the year ; nor fickleness ; nor
the Brahma-loka, Vaikuntha, Kailasa or any other
(seat) ; nor the celestial abode, nor Devendra (the king
of the gods) ; nor Agni-loka, nor Agni , nor Yama, nor
Yama-loka ; nor the worlds, nor the guardians of the
worlds ; nor the three Lokas of Bhur, Bhuvar and Svar,
nor the infernal abyss, nor the terrestrial world ; nor
ignorance, nor learning , nor Illusion, nor non-sentient
nature , nor permanence, nor transience, nor destruction ,
nor walking, nor running ; nor what is worthy of
meditation, nor ablution for me ; nor incantation,
nor silent prayer anywhere, nor the substance, nor
what is adorable, nor the bathing, nor the worship,
nor the flower, nor the fruit, nor the leaf, nor the
sandal paste, flower and the like, nor incense, nor
glorification, nor salutation, nor the circum-ambulation
to the slightest extent , nor prayer, nor seclusion ; nor
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 77
oblation, nor worship of the fire, nor fire-offenng, nor
pious acts, nor unparhamentary language, nor the
language of courtesy, nor the Gayat-tri, nor the twilight-
worship, nor mental worship ; nor misdemeanour, nor
rapacity, nor wickedness, nor the outcast, nor the low-
born bastard, nor what is unbearable, nor wicked
conversation, nor the hunter, nor dissimulation ; nor
partiality, nor kindness, nor jewels, nor the thief, nor
vain display, nor the gallant, nor the impecunious,
nor the opulent ; nor single, nor the double, nor the
treble, nor the quadruple ; nor greatness, nor small-
ness ; nor fullness, nor fragment, nor Kas'T ; nor vow, nor
penance ; nor pedigree, nor lineage ; nor the rules
of the sacrifice, nor overlordship, nor penury, nor
woman, nor damsel, nor old matron, nor virgin, nor
widowhood ; neither origin, nor birth, nor inward
fascination, nor the monism of the Great Texts, nor
the mystic powers of attenuation and the like. As
all IS of Consciousness alone, the multitude of
sins does not exist always. As all is of the form
of existence. Existence, Consciousness and Bliss
alone (exists). (3-30)
All is the Brahman alone ; nothing else is , that
am I ; that am I ; that alone am I ; that alone am I.
The eternal Brahman alone am I. The Brahman
alone am I, and not one of worldly existence. The
Braman alone am I and not for me the mind. The
Brahman alone am I and not for me the inteflect.
The Brahman alone am I and not the senses. The
Brahman alone am I, the body am I not. The
78 THE YOGA UPANl^ADS
Brahman alone am I, not what is withm the range
(of the Brahman). The Brahman alone am I, the
Jiva am I not. The Brahman alone am I, not the
product of differentiation. The Brahman alone am I,
non-sentient am I not. I am the Brahman, not for
me IS death. I am the Brahman alone, not the vital
air. I am the Brahman, the transcendent of the
transcendent. This is the Brahman ; the transcendent
IS the Brahman ; the truth is the Brahman ; he is
verily the supreme Lord. Time is the Brahman. Art
is the Brahman Happiness is the Brahman Self-
luminous is That. The one is the Brahman. The
two-fold IS the Brahman Fascination is the Brahman.
Tranquillity and the like is the Brahman The fault
is the Brahman The merit is the Brahman. Self-
control, tranquillity, the supreme, the mighty, the
world IS the Brahman. The preceptor is the Brahman.
The pupil IS the Brahman The ever auspicious is
the Brahman. The anterior is the Brahman. The
posterior is the Brahman The pure is the Brahman.
The auspicious and the inauspicious is the Brahman.
The Jjva alone is always the Brahman. Existence,
Consciousness and Bliss am I. All is said to be of
the Brahman All the world is of the Brahman. The
Self is, no doubt, the Brahman. There is nothing
else apart from the Self. All is only the Atman, the
pure Atman. All is absolute consciousness and non-
dual The Atman is of the form of what is eternal
and pure There is nothing else apart from the
Atman, (31-40)
tejo-bindupanisad 79
The Non-Relative Stmanhood of the Brahman
This world which manifests its form to an infinitely
small extent, is infinitely small. The body is infinitely
small. The non-truth is infinitely small What is in-
conceivable IS infinitely small. What is conceivable
is likewise infinitely small. The Brahman alone is
all-absolute consciousness. The Brahman alone is the
three worlds. It is Bliss, exquisite Bliss. There is
nothing whatever, other than that The mystic symbol
" Om " IS pure consciousness The Brahman alone is
all by itself. The whole world is I alone. The highest
seat IS I alone I alone have surpassed qualities. I
alone am the transcendent, being beyond the transcen-
dent. I alone am the transcendent Brahman. I alone
am the preceptor of the preceptor I alone am the
prop of all. I alone am the happiness beyond happi-
ness. There is no world other than that of the Atman.
There is no happiness beyond that of the Atman.
There is no other course than that of the Atman
All the world is that of the Atman. There is nowhere
anything other than the Atman There is not even a
straw other than the Atman. There is not even a
husk other than the Atman. All the world is of the
Atman (40-47)
All this is the Brahman alone. The Brahman alone
is not non-existent. All the Vedas are the Brahman
alone. The Brahman alone is absolutely of it'self.
All religious vows are the Brahman alone. The essence
(of everything) and happiness are the Brahman alone.
80 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
The Ether of Consciousness is the Brahman alone.
What IS Existence, Consciousness and Bliss, the
secondless is the Brahman alone. There is no other
thing than the Brahman. There is no other world than
the Brahman. There is no " I ", other than the Brah-
man. There is no fruit other than the Brahman.
There is not even a straw, other than the Brahman.
There is no seat, other than the Brahman. There is
no preceptor, other than the Brahman. There is no-
thing of the form of non-existence, other than the
Brahman, There is no " I-hood ", nor " thou-hood ",
nor " this-hood ", anywhere, other than the Brahman.
Know thyself, as of the form of the Brahman. There is
nothing whatever, apart from thyself. (47-52)
Whatever is seen in the world, whatever is spoken
of by the people, whatever is enjoyed wherever, all
that, IS only non-existent Difference in the doer,
difference m the act done, difference in qualities,
(difference in) tastes and the like, difference in sex, all
this is non-existent only, but is always happiness.
Difference of time, difference of space, difference of
subtance, victory and defeat, and whatever difference
there is, all that, is only non-existent absolutely. The
inner faculties are non-existent. The organs of sense
are non-existent. The vital airs, Prana and others, are
non-existent. All these together are of the nature of
non-existence. What is known as the five-fold sheath
is false. The five deities (presiding over creation,
sustenance, destruction, concealment and favour) are
false. The six kinds of change, (being, birth, growth,
TEJO-BINDUPANISAD 81
ripening, decline and dissolution) are false. The group
of (six) enemies (desire, anger, greed, fascination, pride
and jealousy) is non-existent. The six seasons are
false. The six kinds of taste are false. I am the only
Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. This world has
not come into being. I am the transcendent and true
Atman alone ; not those other views pertaining to world-
ly existence. I am of the form of Truth and Bliss ; the
embodiment of palpable Consciousness and Bliss. I
alone (am) the transcendent Bliss. I alone (am) the
transcendent being beyond the transcendent. All this
is of the aspect of knowledge. I am the non-dual
knowledge and Bliss. I am of the form of the all-
radiant. I am of the form of all that does not exist. " I
alone shine always " — how can the being of such form
be non-existent ? The transcendent Brahman, of the
form of " thou," has the form of the Bliss of conscious-
ness. I am only the Atman, of the aspect of con-
sciousness, that is the Ether of consciousness, the
absolute consciousness, the trancendent happiness. I
am not non-existent. The ever immobile I am. I am
the supreme preceptor. I am only Existence, Con-
sciousness and Bliss. This world has not come into
being. Time is non-existent. The world is non-exis-
tent. The illusory, unreal universe is non-existent.
I alone am the actual Han. I alone am the Sada-
s'lva (the ever auspicous). I am of the nature of pure
consciousness. I experience pure existence. I am
the non-dual Bliss alone. I am the one essence of
palpable consciousness. All is the Brahman alone
U a
82 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
always. All is the Brahman alone absolutely. All is
the Brahman alone always. All consciousness is the
Brahman alone. I am of the form of the all-penetratmg
One. I have the characteristic of the Witness of all.
(I am) the transcendent Atman, the transcendent
radiance, the highest abode and the supreme goal.
I am the essence of all the systems of Vedanta. I am
the conclusion arrived at by all the S'astras. I am of
the form of the Bliss of Yoga, the great dawning of the
foremost Bliss. I am the all-knowing radiance, the
embodiment of the foremost wisdom. I am the
radiance of the Turya-turya, though devoid of the
Turya-turya and the like. I am the undecaying con-
sciousness. I am the truth, the Vasu-deva, devoid
of dotage and death. I am the Brahman, the Ether
of consciousness, the perpetual Brahman, devoid of
impurity, the pure, the cognized, the always-liberated,
the nameless and the formless 1 am of the form
of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss, This world
has not come into being. There is no world of truth
and untruth, that could be grasped by the imagmation
and the like. The Brahman is ever full of Bliss,
always the Atman by itself, endless, undecaying,
tranquillized, of only one form and non-ailing. (52-72)
The Non-Existence of the Phenomenal
World lying outside the Atman
Should there be any other existence apart from
me, it is false, even as a mirage over a desert. Should
one exist, it is tantamount to the fear engendered by
tejo-bindOpanisad 83
the words of a sterile woman's son. Should the king
of elephants be killed by the horn of a hare, that
world exists. Should one be quenched (of his thirst)
by drinking water from a mirage, let such a world
exist. Should one perish by the onset of human horns,
such a world exists. Should the city of the Gandharva
(castle in the air) be a reality, that world always
exists. Should the blue of the sky be real, that world
will truly exist. Should the silver of the pearl-oyster
be a true ornament, that world exists. Should man
be bitten by a rope-serpent, worldly existence let there
be Should the flame of a conflagration be extinguish-
ed by an arrow made of gold, (there is) the world.
Should rice boiled with milk be obtainable in the
forest of the Vindhyas, that world is borne into
existence. Should food be readily cooked with the
fuel of plantain trunks, then will that world be. Should
food be at once cooked by damsels in pictures, then
will that world be. Should darkness be dispelled by
lamps painted (in pictures), then let that world be.
Should a mortal, dead a month since, return (to life)
again, that world will be. Should buttermilk turn
into milk anywhere, that world will be eternal. Should
the milk drawn from the udder of a cow go back
(to its original place) again, that world is. Should
earthy dust be raised in the mid-ocean, then, by all
means, let that world be. Should an elephant be
bound by the hair of a tortoise, let the world be at
Its zenith. Should Mount Meru be moved from its
position with the thread of a lotus-stalk, that world
84 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
will be. Should the ocean be tied up with the series
of Its billows, let that world always be. Should fire
blaze forth downward, let that world always be.
Should the flaming fire be cold (to the touch), then
that world will persist. Should lotuses thrive in a
cess-pool of fire, then, let the world be. Should there
be a mountain of emerald, that world is. Should the
Meru move and take its stand on a lotus-seed, let
that world be. Should a young wasp become a border-
mountain, let it be, like the Meru in motion. Should
a lion be killed by a mosquito, let the world verily
exist always for thee. Should the triple world occupy
the space of a pin-hole cavern, that world will be.
Should the momentary grass-flame burn for ever, will
that world exist. Should the thing seen in a dream
persist even after waking, (you may grant) the
existence of the world Should the torrent of a
river, by some means, remain stagnant, will that world
be. Should fire prove wholesome fare for a hungry
man, that moment, there will be opportunity for the
world. Should the testing of gems be mastered by
men born blind, that world exists always. Should the
son of a eunuch take delight in intercourse with a
woman, that world will be. Should a chariot be fabri-
cated, out of the horns of hares, then the world is.
Should a just-born virgin be fit for intercourse, then,
that world will exist. Should a sterile woman come
to know of the pleasure brought on by pregnancy, this
world IS, Should a crow have the gait of the swan,
let that world become a fixture. Should a great donkey
TEJO-BlNDOPANIgAD 85
engage a lion in fight, then the world has a standing
of its Qwn. Should a great donkey attain the gait of an
elephant, then, let that world be. Should the full-moon
become the Sun, then, let the non-sentient world
manifest itself. Should Rahu be seen apart from the
Sun and the Moon, the world is seen. Should fried
grains give rise to a vigorous growth, let that world be
existent. Should the penurious enjoy the opulence of
the rich, then (exists) the world. Should the lion be
vanquished by the valour of dogs, then (exists) the
world. Should the heart of the wise men be divined
aright by fools, then is a pretext for the world to exist.
Should the ocean be licked outright by a dog, then
(there is scope for) the mind to exist. Should the
clear sky fall over (the heads of) men, also should the
sky fall over the earth, or should the flower of the sky
(which is non-existent) smell fragrant, there is the world _
Should a forest grow on the clear sky and begin to toss,
then, (exists) the world. Should there be no reflected
image in a mere mirror, then (is) the world (73-98)
In the womb of the unborn, there is not the world.
In the womb of the Atman, there is not the world.
By all means, there is not a speck of difference. There
is no dualism and non-duahsm. This difference is the
work of Illusion, should the cognition of the Brahman
arise. The conviction, " I am the Brahman," will
arise, only if the thought, " I am the body," becomes
painful. In the event of the knot of the heart remain-
ing, the Brahman is the discus for cutting it asunder.
Should doubt arise, the Brahman will arrive at the
86 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
final decision. Should there be the thief in the form
of the Anatman, the guard for the gem of the Atman
IS the absolute Brahman, which is of eternal Bliss and
is even its own Self. (99-102)
Rule for the Attainment of the Conception,
" I AM THE Brahman "
By these fine illustrations the Brahman alone is
established. The Brahman alone is the abode of all.
As for the world, renounce it altogether. Having firmly
resolved " I am the Brahman," give up egoism.
Everything will fade away, as the flower m the hands
of a sleeper. There is neither the body nor actions.
Everything is absolutely the Brahman. What has been,
there is not What is to be done, there is not. The
four-fold stage of life (childhood, boyhood, manhood
and old-age), there is not. All knowledge with the
three distmctive significances (exclusive, inclusive, and
both exclusive and inclusive) is the absolute Brahman.
Giving up all kinds of functioning, conceive in this
manner . " I am the Brahman , I am the Brahman,
there is no doubt ; I am the Brahman of the nature of
Consciousness , I am only Existence, Consciousness and
Bliss." So resolving, renounce (even) that. (103-107)
Rule about Traditional Usage in Accord with
THE S'Sstra
This great S'5stra, expounded by S'am-kara, should
not be given to any one, who has no faith in the Veda,
tejo-bindOpani^ad 87
who is ungrateful, whose conduct is wicked and who
is tainted. (It) should be given to that high-souled
person, whose internal organs have been purified by
devotion to the Guru, after a thorough test for a month,
a half-year, nay, a full year. Giving up the study of
all Upanisads, (keeping himself) aloof , should one study
the Tejo-bmd-upanisad eagerly, always with pleasure.
By studying it even once, of his own accord, one
becomes the Brahman alone. Of his own accord, one
becomes the Brahman alone — Thus the Upanisad.
TRI-S'IKHI-BRAHMANOPANISAD
[This Upanisad, which forms part of the S'ukla-
yajur-veda and is the Forty-fourth of the 108 Upani-
sads, deals entirely with the attainment of the non-
Irelative Brahman and expounds, as aids thereto, the
Yoga and its eight Angas ]
THE BRAhMANA
Questions Relating to the Atman, the
Brahman and the Like
The Brahmana with three tufts (once) went to the
Aditya-loka (the Solar World). Approaching him
(the Sun) he said " O Lord ' What is the body ?
What IS life ' What is the Prime Cause '' What is
the Atman ? " (1)
Everything Is of S'iva
He said in reply ; " Know that all this is only
S'lva. But, the eternal, the pure, the emotionless, the
Lord, the non-dual Bliss, S'lva, the absolute One,
having created all this in his own splendour, appears,
tri-s'ikhi-brXhmanoI'anisad 89
like a molten mass of iron, the one Being, as though
divided. Should it be asked, " What is it that causes that
appearance ? " the reply is : " The Brahman, tinged with
Illusion and indicated by the term, Existence ". (2)
The Coming into Being of all the World
OUT of the Brahman
Out of the Brahman (there came into being) the
Avyakta (the Indistinct). Out of the Avyakta, the
Mahat (the Vast) Out of the Mahat, the Aharn-kara
(Self-consciousness). Out of the Aham-kara, the five
Tan-matra-s (the subtile Elements). Out of the five Tan-
matra-s, the five Maha-bhuta-s fthe gross Elements).
Out of the five gross Elements, all the World. (3)
The Division of the One Mass
INTO THE Many
(If the question arises), " What is meant by ' All '
(in ' all the world ' ? ") — (the answer is) " On account of
the division of what is evolved out of the Elements ".
(If the question arises,) " When the mass is one, how
can there be the division of what is evolved out of the
Elements ? " — (the answer is), " On account of the
forms of difference, due to the inter-relationship of
cause and effect, existing among the Elements, there
are divisions such as, those due to the difference
between the variant and its first principle ; between the
significant word and what is predicated of it ; in the
00 THE VOGA UPANI^ADS
spheres to which they belong ; as also in the range of
their functionings ; and in their presiding deities and
their sheaths. (4)
The Variants of Ether and (other Elements)
Then the Ether (as the first principle) : Antah-
karana (the inner senses), Manas (the mind that wills),
Buddhi (the Intellect that ratiocinates), Citta (the mind
that inquires) and Aharn-kara (the Self-conscious mind)
(are the variants). The Air (as the first principle) :
Samana (vital air essential to digestion), Udana (vital
air rising up at the throat), Vyana (vital air diflfused
throughout the body) ; Apana (vital air moving down-
wards and having its exit at the anus) and Prana (vital
air having its seat in the region of the heart) (are the
variants). The Fire (as the first principle) : the ears,
the integument, the eyes, the tongue and the nose (are
the variants). Water (as the first principle) : sound,
touch, form, taste and smell (are the variants). The
Earth (as the first principle) • speech, the two hands, the
two feet, the anus and the genitals (are the variants). (5)
Their Diverse Ranges of Functioning
Knowledge, Volition, Decision, Application and
Self-assertion are the functions of the inner senses,
which are the variants of Akas'a. Assimilation, Lifting,
Seizing, Digesting and Breathing are the functions of
Praija and other variants of Air. (Perceptions of)
TRI-S'IKHI-BRAHMANOPANISAD 91
Sound, Touch, Form, Taste and Smell are the
functions of the senses helping perception, which are the
variants of Fire and are dependant on Water. Speech,
Seizing, Loco-motion, Evacuation and Pleasure are the
functions of the motor organs which are the variants of
the Earth. Within the ranges of functioning of the
sensory and motor organs are included the ranges of
functioning of the vital airs and the Tan-matra-s.
In Manas and Buddhi are included Citta and
Aharn-kara. (6)
The Functions of the Subtile Elements
Interval, Tremour, Vision, Pressing into a mass,
and Retention are the very subtle functions of the Tan-
matra-s of the Elements, in conjunction with the Jiva. (7)
Division into Adhyatmic and the Like
Thus there are twelve divisions in relation to the
body, in relation to the Elements and in relation to the
presiding^_deities (under each of the three heads).
Here, the Moon, the Four-faced One, Dis' (guardians
of the cardinal points), Vata, Arka, Varuna, the
As'vm-s, Agni, Indra, Upendra, Praja-pati and Yama
are the vital airs, that have entered the twelve Nadl-s
in the form of the presiding deities of the Senses and
those are the Anga-s (divisions). He, who identifies
himself with (the Antah-karana) the knowledge of all
these divisions, is the knower (the Jlva). (8)
92 the yoga upani^ads
What Is Expounded by the Functioning
OF THE KnOWER
Then the Panci-karapa of Ether, Air, Fire, Water
and Food {i.e., causing each of them to contain all the
five Elements). Jnatrtva (the condition of the knower)
in conjunction with Samana, through the ear, possessed
of the quality of sound and dependant on speech,
stands in Ether, stands as Ether. The Mind, in
conjunction with Vyana, through the integument,
possessed of the quality of touch and dependant on
the hands, stands in the Air, stands as the Air
Buddhi, in conjunction with Udana, through the eyes,
possessed of the quality of form and dependant on the
feet, stands in Agni, stands as Agni. Citta, in con-
junction with Apana, through the tongue, possessed of
the quality of taste and dependant on the genitals,
stands in Water, stands as Water Aham-kara, in
conjunction with Piana, through the nose, possessed of
the quality of smell and dependant on the anus, stands
on the Earth, stands as the Earth. He who
knows thus. (9)
THE MANTRA
The Creation, from the Brahman Ending
WITH PaScNkarana
In the Brahman, which exists apart from every
other thing, there are sixteen parts, (vtz., life, faith,
TRI-S^IKHI-BRAHMANOPANI?AD 93
ether, air, light, water, earth, organs (sensory and
motor), the mind, food, vigour, austerity, Mantra-s,
action, the worlds and name). Placing Antah-karana
(Ether), Vyana (Air), Aksi (Fire), Rasa (Water), and
Payu (the Earth) in the order of Ether, etc., dividing
these first principles into two halves, in the same order,
and subdividing each of the second halves into four
parts and placing each of these subdivided parts along
with each part of the other four Elements, in such a
manner that, what was once the subdivided part of
Ether occurs in each of the Earth and other three
Elements and so on, the first halves alone are to be
understood as essential ones ; those who know, under-
stand the parts of the subdivided halves as subordinate
ones. Thus came into being the part. Similarly, for
the same reason, the subordinate subdivision came into
being from the part. For that very reason, in their
order of importance (the essential parts and the
subordinate subdvided ones) are mterdependant as the
warp and the woof. (1-4)
The Creation of the World Consisting of the
Animate and the Inanimate
The world is evolved out of the five Elements.
It includes animate beings. Thence herbs and food ;
thence Pinda-s (bodies) of four kinds (generated out of
an egg, out of sweat, seeds and the womb) and the
primary fluids of the body {vtz., lymph, blood,
flesh, fat, bone, marrow and semen). Some say that
94 THE YOGA UPANISADS
by the mingling together of those (fluids, e.g., the
sperm and the ovum) Pinda-s are produced from the
Elements. In this (medley) of Elements, the Pinda
made of Anna is situated in the region of the navel.
In the middle of this is the heart, resembling a lotus-
bud with a stalk, as also (are) the organs of sense in the
interior of the organism, which are capable of action,
self-assertion and sentience. The seed of this (the
heart) is the mass of darkness in the form of delusion,
motionless and ignorant, dependant on (Manas seated
m) the throat. This world is mixed up (with such
mind spotted with ignorance). The inmost Atman of
the form of exclusive Bhss stands m the head, the
transcendent seat and shines in the form of the world,
endowed with endless power (4-9)
The Four States
The waking state is present everywhere The
dreaming state is present in the waking one. The
sleeping and the Turiya states are no-where present in
any other state , while the entity of S'lva with its
four-fold forms is closely fastened to all these condi-
tions. Even as, in a big fruit, all its sweet contents
derive their origin from the whole fruit, so also, in the
sheath made of food are other sheaths situated in the
interior. Even as the sheath is, so is the Jlva (which
abides therein). Even as the Jiva is, so also is S'lva.
When subject to change it is Jiva ; when subject to no
changejtiS-S^a. The transformations of the Jiva are
TRI-S^IKHI-BRAHMANOPANISAD 95
the bases for its sheaths and it is they that originate
the states. Even as foam is produced in a vessel con-
taining a hquid, only by churning, so also, it is only from
churning the mind that various doubts arise. (10-14)
The Northern and Southern Courses
The doer (th e Ji va) is bound by his Karma. By
renouncing it he attains peace At the advent of the
I southern course, turned m the direction of the mani-
fested world of existence, even Sada-s'iva will become
a Jiva, due to the misconceptions flowing from Self-
consciousness He also gets deluded by contact with
the indiscrmimate-natured one. By dint of the im-
pression (left on his mind by his past deeds), reaching
various wombs he lies , and wanders away from
emancipation, as fish between either banks of a river.
Then, only when the proper time comes for it, by right
discernment resulting from the knowledge of the
Atman, turning towards the north, gradually proceeding
from stage to stage and concentrating his vital airs on
his crest, he stands firm practising Yoga. (15-19)
Gnos is, which Brings about
immediate release
From, (the practice of) Yoga is brought gnosis;
from gnosis is Yoga further developed. That Yogin,
who IS ever intent on Yoga and gnosis alike, does not
perish. He should see S'iva, as taking his stand on
% THE VOGA UPANISADS
the several changing phenomena (of his experience),
but should not see any such change in S'lva. Having
no other object in view, he should, by the practice
of the several stages constituting Yoga, contemplate on
what IS revealed by Yoga. (19-21)
Yoga, the Means to be Adopted for the
Acquisition of Gnosis
Should Yoga and Jfiana (Concentration and Know-
ledge) be absent (in one), for him gnosis becomes
impossible. Hence should the Yogm restrain his
mind and vital airs and cut off, with the sharp-edged
knife of the practice of Yoga, (his ignorance, which
obstructs the attamment of the Brahman). By adopt-
ing the eight means of Yama and others is produced
that functioning of the vital air leading to the crest
(Yoga). (21-23)
Karma-yoga and JSj5na-yoga
Yoga is understood to be of two kinds Jfiana-
yoga and Karma-yoga. O best among Brahmana-s !
Now hear what Kriya-yoga, which is of a two-fold
character, is. The confinement of the tranquil mind
(Citta) to a particular range, O best of Dvi-ja-s, is
that Samyoga. The confining of the mind at all times
to observances alone enjoined (by the Scriptures),
(with the resolve) that such observances alone ought to
be followed, is what is said to be Karma-yoga. That
TRI-S'IKHI-BRAHMANOPANISAD 97
should be known as Jfiana-yoga, which brings about all
accomplishments and is auspicious, wherein there is
the confinement, at all times, of the mind to the
supreme end of existence {viz., Moksa). He, whose
mind, notwithstanding the two-fold character of Yoga
described above, remains subject to no change, reaches
straight on, the supreme end of existence of the
character of Liberation. (23-28)
AsTlNGA-YOGA, THE EXPEDIENT TO BE EMPLOYED
FOR THE Acquisition of the Knowledge of
THE Non-qualified Brahman
Detachment m relation to the body and the organs
of sense, is known by wise men as Yama. Attachment
towards the ultimate Truth continuously is known as
Niyama. The state of passivity to all things is the
best Posture The faith in the falsehood of all this
world is the control of the \ital airs O best among
men ' The facing inward of the Citta (mind) is Pratya-
hara. The stagnant state of the Citta, they know, as
the holding of Dharana, *' That I am absolute con-
sciousness alone," reflection (of that kind) is known as
Dhyana. The perfect obliteration of the sense of
Dhyana is known as Samadhi. (28-32)
The Ten-fold Yama-s and Nivama-s
Non-violence, truth, abstinence from stealing,
celibacy, compassion, rectitude, forbearance, fortitude,
98 THE YOGA UPANISADS
temperance in food, and cleanliness are the ten Yama-s.
Penance, contentment, belief in the existence (of the
Supreme Being), munificence, the adoration of the (all-
pervading) Visnu, the study of the Vedanta (systems of
Philosophy), modesty, determination, silent prayer, and
austerity, (these are the Niyama-s). (32, 33)
The Asana-s According to the Hatha-
YOGA Method
O Dvi-ja ' The Asana-s (Postures), Svastika, etc.,
the constituents of that (Yoga) are described (here-
under) : The Svastika posture is said to be that of the
doubling up of the soles of the feet over the right and
left shanks (each to each). One should place the right
ankle over the left flank of the buttock and similarly
the left ankle over the right flank of the buttock, so as
to resemble the forepart of the cow's face this is the
Go-mukha posture. Should one stand motionless, after
mounting one leg on to the thigh of the other, this is
known as the sin-destroying Virasana posture After
having pressed the anus with his ankles folded cross-
wise and got composure in the posture assumed, what
IS attained by one is Yogasana • thus know it the
adepts in Yoga When the two soles of the feet are
placed on the two thighs (each on each), this becomes
\the Padmasana, the panacea for all ills and the antidote
for all poisons. Having well established the Padmasana
posture, (should one hold) the two big toes with
(his) two hands stretched crosswise, it becomes the
TRI-S'IKHI-BRAHMANOPANISAD ,^
Baddha-padmasana (the bound- lotus-posti
well established the Padmasana, he, whc
grounded on the earth (with his body) suspended in
mid-air, his two hands inserted in the inter-space bet-
ween the knees and the thighs, assumes the Kukkutasana
(cock-posture). Remaining bound up in the Kukkuta-
posture and firmly pressing the neck with the two
shoulders, should one stretch his body in a supine
posture, with his face upward like a tortoise, this is the
Uttana-kurmaka posture. Grasping the big toes with
the hands and drawing them up to the ear, even as a
bow IS drawn, is said to be the Dhanur-asana (drawn-
bow-posture) Pressing the frenum of the prepuce m
the reverse order with the ankles, and outstretching the
hands placed on the knees, is the posture of the form of
the lion (Simha-rupakasana) Placing the ankles below
the scrotum and on either side of the frenum of the
prepuce and remaining attached to the ground with
both hands is Bhadrasana Pressing the two sides of
the frenum of the prepuce with the ankles, is the
posture known as Muktasana. Resting well on the
ground with the palms of the hands, causing the elbows
to support firmly the sides of the navel and keeping the
head and the legs erect, like a pea-cock, the Mayur-
asana (the pea-cock-posture) is assumed. Placing the
right foot at the root of the left thigh, with the two hands
embracing the knees and the left hand grasping the
left big toe, IS the Matsya-pithaka posture. Pressing
the secret parts with the left (foot), placing the right
(foot) over the secret parts and sitting with the body
100 THE YOGA UPANISADS
erect, (this) is said to be the Siddhasana. Stretching
the leg on the ground, touching the big toes with the
fore-arms and placing the face on the knees, is said to be
the Pas'cima-tana posture. That, wherein comfort and
steadiness are attained somehow or other, is known as
the Sukhasana. He, who is not strong enough (for the
other postures), should adopt this. By whom posture is
mastered, the three worlds are conquered by him. (34-52)
Rule Relating to the Control of Breath
AFTER Going through the preliminary
Purification of the NadI-s
Having, at first, gained perfect control by means
of the Yama-s, Niyama-s and postures and effected the
purification of the Nadi-s, one should practise control
of breath (Pranayama) The height of the human
body is Ninety-six digit- lengths, (when measured) by
one's own fingers. The vital breath is longer than the
body by twelve digit-lengths By having recourse to
Yoga, he who normalizes or shortens the air in the
body with the fire generated in the body is considered
to be the knower of the Brahman. (53-55)
The Real Form of the Region of Fire
In the middle of the body is the seat of fire,
lustrous like molten gold ; triangular in shape in the
case of (human) bipeds, quadrangular in the case of
quadrupeds, circular in the case of birds, hexagonal in
the case of snakes (and such-like crawlmg creatures),
tri-s'ikhi-brIhmanopanisad 101
octagonal in the case of insects and bright hke a lamp!
therein. (56, S?)'
The Position of the Navel
In the case of human beings, the middle of the
body IS nine digit-lengths (from the anus), with a height
of four digit-lengths and a lateral width of four digit-
lengths, (wherein) is the region of the umbilical knot,
which is oval-shaped In the case of the lower orders
of creation, birds and quadrupeds, it is known as the
middle of the belly. The middle of that (knot) is
known as the navel. (58, 59)
The JivA moving in the Cluster of Nadi-s
Therein is a twelve-spoked Cakra (plexus). In
those (spokes) are \'isnu and other gods. I, {viz , the
Is'vara), takmg my stand there, cause the plexus to
whirl with my own power of Maya, O best of Dvi-ja-s '
The Ji\a v\hirls among the spokes, one after the other.
E\en as the spider remaming in the middle of its
cage of cob-webs, the jT\a moves perched on the vital air.
Without (the vital air, the Jiva) does not (exist). (60-62)
The Position of the Kundalini an^
Its Function
y\bove it, (the cluster of Nadi-s), is the place of
the Kundalini, in a line horizontal with and thence
above the navel. It is composed of eight different
constituents and is a spiral of eight coils ; ever having
102 THE YOGA UPANISADS
its place around and by the side of the knot of the
navel, always regulating properly the perflation of the
vital airs (Prana and Apana) and the onward passage
of water, food and the like, completely investing, with
its orifice, the orifice leading to the crevice of the
Brahman and gleaming in the ether of the heart, m the
form of a serpent intensely effulgent, when roused b>'f:he
vital air mingled with fire at the time of Yoga. (62-65)
The Real Form of the Cluster of Nadi'-s
IN THE Middle of the Body
Two digit-lengths above the (seat of) Apana and
two digit-lengths below the genitals is the middle of
the body in the case of men, the middle of the heart
in the case of quadrupeds and the middle of the belly
in the case others, surrounded by several Nadl-s. In
the middle of the body with the four-times-twenty-
thousand Nadi-s, there is the firmly established
Susumna-nadl resting in a state of stupor in the
middle of the umbilical knot, resembling the fine fibre
of the lotus-stalk, straight, proceeding upwards up to
the crevice of the Brahman and with a tube as bright
as a streak of lightning, a Nadi with Visnu as its
presiding deity, leading to Brahma-loka, and (at the
same time) the path leading to dissolution. Ida and
Pingala stand to its right and left. Takinj; its origin
from the knot of the navel, Ida has its terminus at the
left nostril. Taking its origin from the same (knot),
Pingala terminates at the right nostril. Two other
Na3l-s, Gaip-dhari and Hasti-jihva, also are there, at
TRI-S'IKHI-BRAHMAINIOPANISAD 103
the front and rear of the Susumna, proceeding towards
the~IeTt~"and the right eyes. The Pusa and Yas'asvinT
Nadl-s, taking their origin only from the same (knot),
reach the left and right ears. The Alambusa, going
downwards, reaches the root of the anus. The S'ubha-
nadi stretches up to-the tip of the genitals. From the
knot, proceeding downwards and stretching as far as the
big toes is the Kaus'ikl. They (the Nadi-s) that originate
from the knot are thus said to be of ten diflferent ways.
Originating from the same source there are various
(other) Nadl-s and Nadika-s, big and small. The big
and small Nad7-s are Seventy-two thousand in number.
Those branching out of the big ones, each having its
own several course, cannot at all be counted, even as
the big and small Nadi-s spreading out in the leaf of
the Ab'vattha (sacred fig tree) (66-76)
The Vital Airs Circulating in the Nadi-s
The ten Vital airs, Prana and others which
circulate in the ten Nadl-s are • Prana, Apana, Samana,
Udana, Vyana, Naga, Kurma, Krkara, Deva-datta, and
Dhanarp-jaya. Of these, the five beginning from Pra^ia
are important and of these again, the first two. (Of
these), to put it otherwise, the Prana alone is the most
important, as it bears the Jlvatman. The middle of
the mouth and the nose, the heart, the navel region,
the big-toes of the feet, these are, O best of Brahmana-s !
the abodes of the Prana. The Apana circulates, 0|
Brahmana ! in the anus, the genitals, the thighs and the
104 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
knees. The Samana has its habitat in the entire body,
pervading it all. The Udana is located in all the joints
of the legs and hands. The Vyana is in the two ears,
the thighs, the hip and the ankles, the shoulders and the
throat. The Naga and other Vital airs, the (remaining)
five, are placed in the skin, bones, etc. The water,
food and other liquids in the belly are assimilated.
The Prana that has reached the middle of the belly
should separate them (into the several constituents
of the body). These and other actions does the Prana
do remaining separately. The Apana air does the
evacuation of urine and others. The actions of the
Prana and Apana and such like are done by the Vyana.
By the Udana air anything remaining in the body is
raised upward. The Samana always does the work of
nourishing the body and the like. The Naga does the
work of belching and the like. The Kurma has as its
work the closing of the eyes and the like The Krkara
has the work of the twinkling of the eyelids. The
Datta attends to the work of sleep. The swelling and
the like of the dead body may be cited as the work of
Dhanam-jaya (77-87)
Knowledge of the Nadi-s Antecedent to the
Purification of the Nadi-s
O best of Brahmana-s ! Having thus known the
differences among the (various) Nadl-s and vital airs,
also the position of the vital airs and their various
functions, fortified with the above-mentioned knowledge
TRI-fflKHI-BRXHMAljOPANlSAD 105
should one make an endeavour at the purification
of the Nadi-s. (88, 89)
The Place for the Practice of Yoga and the
Rule Relating to It
Having reached a secluded spot which is full of
things (that would be useful) for the practice of the
several stages of Yoga, after giving up all attachments,
there, on a wooden seat twic e as broad as it is high
and covered with Darbha, Kus'a, skin of the black ante-
lope and the like, assuming at pleasure any of the
postures, such as the Svastika, in the prop>er manner,
(one should take his seat). (89-91)
Mere Kumbhaka with the Cin-mudra
Assuming the posture at hrst, O Brahman !
keeping his body erect, (his njmd) alert, with his eyes
fixed on the tip of the nose, (one row of) teeth not
touchmg the (other row oQ teeth, the tongue fixed on to
the palate, his mind at ease, showing no distemper,
with his head slightly inclined, with his hands bound m
the (characteristic) Yoga-posture (of Cin-mudra), (the
Yogin) should practice Pranayama according to the
prescribed rules. (92-94)
Prai^Syama
Expiration (of foul air from the body), then
Inspiration (of pure air), then purifying the air (with
U 14
106 THE YOGA UPANISADS
the Kumbhaka), similarly Expiration (once again
Completely) ; the exhaustion of air, by (repeating)
the (above) four (processes), is said to be Prana-
yama. (94, 95)
Pranayama for Purifying the Nadi-s
He should press the nasal chamber with his right
hand only and should (then) gradually expel the
Pxngala breath. Filling the air through the Ida of
sixteen measures, he should hold the filled-in air (by
Kumbhaka) of sixty-four measures and expel the
Pingala breath well to the extent of thirty-two
measures. In this manner should the (breathing)
operation be repeated again and again, in the inverse
and direct order. He should, by the holding of breath,
make the body resemble a filled-up pot ; by (such)
filling, all the Nadl-s are filled with the Vital air.
Should this be done, Ihe ten kinds of air are set in
motion, O Brahmana ! and the lotus of the heart blooms
and becomes full-blown. There, he shall see the
transcendent Atman, the flawless Vasu-deva. He
should gradually practise, up to eighty Kumbhaka-s (at
a time), four times, early in the morning, at mid-day^
in the evemng and at midnight. One, who does so for
a day, is nd of all sins. After a period of three years
IS over, the man becomes ever intent on Pranayama.
Thef^ogin, who has conquered his Vital air and
vanquished his senses, becomes an accomplished adept.
He will become temperate in food, with a little sleep,
tri-8'ikhi-brShmanopani§ad 107
lustrous and lusty and will attain longevity, having
overcome unnatural death. (95-104)
The Fruit of PrSnSyama
He, in whom there is profuse perspiration generat-
ed during Pran5yama, is of inferior type. He, in whom
there is tremour of the body during Pranayama, is of
the middle type. He, whose body rises up, is known
as of superior type. In one of the inferior type, there i
will be destruction of ailment and sin ; while, in the
case of one of the middle type, there will be «the
destruction of sin, ailment and incurable disease ; and
in the case of one of the superior type, he will become
one, passing small urine, evacuating small faecal,
matter, having a light body, subsisting on moderate
food, having ever-alert sense-organs, commanding a
quick intellect, possessed of a clear vision penetrating
the three durations, (the past, the present and the
future), and (venjy) the master of his own self. He
who, having given up Recaka and Puraka, performs
Kumbhaka alone, during all the three Samdhya-s, (will
find) there is nothing at all beyond his reach. (104-108)
Destruction of Disease through
Control of Breath
The Yogin should project and hold his Vital airs
along with his mind in the knot.,of_thejiayel, the tip of
the nose and the big-toe of the foot, with great effort/
108 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
during the morning and evening twilights or always.
(Shoulc) he do so), the Yogin would live freed from the
clutches of all disease and rid of fatigue. By (such)
.Dharana (as is described above) in the knots of the
J navel, diseases of the belly will be cured. By Dhara^iS
/ m the tip of the nose, longevity and lightness of the
- body will be attained. For him who, for three months,
drinks the air, after drawing it with his tongue, when-
ever the Muhurta presided over by Brahman arrives,
there will be great accomplishment in (the power of)
speech. For him who practises (thus) for six months,
there will be the destruction of great maladies. By the
holding of the vital air m whichever limb that is afflict-
ed with disease, that (limb) is cured of the affliction,
by Dharana alone of the vital air. (109-113)
Conquest of the Mind by the
$AN-MUKHi-MUDRA
Only by holding the mind can the air be held.
The means to be adopted for firmly establishing the
mind, O finest of Brahmana-s ! is (here) narrated.
By curtailing the antecedent causes from the func-
tioning of the sense-organs and tranquillizing the mind,
then drawing upwards the Apana, (the Yogin) should
hold it over the belly. Having bound the ears and the
other organs with his hands, according to the circum-
stances of the case, by him who brings his mind under
his own control by adopting the prescribed methods,
the Pra^ia will, in virtue of the control over the
TRI-S^IKHI-BRAHMANOPANI§AD 109
mind, become firmly established under his control, by
all means. (114-117)
The Course Taken by the Prana
The Prana courses through the two nostrils by
turns. There are three Nadl-s (Ida, Pingala and
Susumna). Of these, (the course, through the Susumna-
nadi, of the Prana is possible only) in the case of
Yogin-s. In the case of (other) living beings, this
Prana courses always through the Yamya (right nostril)
of the S'ankhinl (nasal) orifice, for as much duration as
it does through the Saumya (left) nostril. (117-119)
The Attainment of Yoga through Knowledge
OF the Course of Prana
In this manner, the man who controls the vital air
(after causing the mind to function along with the vital
air) flowing in a well-regulated manner, for a day and
night, a fortnight, a month, a half year and so on,
should turn inwards with a well-controlled mind, and
know the variations in duration, revealed by the cessa-
tion of throbbing of his own limbs, such as the big-toes
and others, as also (the vibrations in the duration)
of his life-time ; knowing (t^e time of) his own death
through portents, the best among the knowers of
Yoga should endeavour to attain alone-ness (Kaiyal^^.
In whom the throbbing at the toes of the foot and
the thumbs of the hand ceases, for him there will be
no THE YOGA UPAN19ADS
loss of life in the course of over a year. Similarly
in whom there will be cessation of throbbing in the
wrist and the ankle, his life will last only for a
period of six months. In whom (there is cessation) of
throbbing in the elbow, his stay (in the world) is of
three months. In the case of cessation of throbbing at
the armpits and the lateral part of the genitals, the
duration of life will be a month ; one half of it, in case
the Sattva is seen. If (the cessation) should overtake
the region of the belly, life will be of ten days' duration ;
for one half of the period will the life be of one, who
sees a radiance such as of the fire-fly. Should the tip
of the tongue be not seen, life will be of three days'
duration. At the sight of a flame, death will surely
occur in two days. After seeing such portents as the
above, which shorten his life, he should apply himself
to the attainment of final beatitude, resort to silent
prayer and meditation and attain the form of the
transcendent Atman by meditating upon it with his
mind. (119-129)
The Withdrawal of the PrXna from ihe Seats
OF Marman
Should there be the holding (of the vital air) in the
eighteen different seats of Marman, the withdrawal of
it from one seat to another, is what is known as
Pratyahara. The big toes of the feet, the ankles, the
middle of the shanks, the middle of tlie thighs, as also
their root, the anus, the heart, the genitals, the middle
TRI-S'lKHI-BRlHMA^IOPANISAD 111
of the body, the navel, the throat, the elbows, the root
of the palate, the root of the nose, the regions of the
eyes, the middle of the eyebrows, the forehead with its
root and its upper part, the root of the knees, the root of
the two hands, these, O Dvi-ja ! are the reputed (seats
of Marman). (129-133)
The Manner of DhXranX
The steady abstraction of the mind assisted by
Yama and other YogaAga-s, in the five elements and in
the body made of the five elements, is Dharana,
which is the cause of the crossing of fhe ocean of
worldly existence. (133-134)
The Holding of the Five Elements in the
Limbs of the Body
From the knee down to the (sole of the) foot is the
seat of the Earth. The Earth-goddess, yellow, quadran-
gular in shape, and with the bolt of Indra as her
emblem, should be ruminated upon, for five Ghatika-s
(two hours), after having filled the (concerned) seat
with vital air. From the knee up to the hip is said to
be the seat of Water. Water of the shape of the crescent,
white and with silver as her emblem, should be
ruminated upon, for ten Nadika-s (four hours), having
filled the (concerned) seat with vital air. From the
middle of the body down to the hip is said to be the
seat of f^ire. There should be ruminated upon, a red
flaming fire, for^fteen Ghatika-s (six hours), after
holdmg the vital air m Kumbhaka, so it is said. From
112 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
the navel upward to the nose is the seat of the Air.
The strong elemental Air, of the colour of smoke and
the shape of a sacrificial altar, should be ruminated
upon there, for twenty Ghatika-s (eight hours), holding
the vital air in Kumbhaka therein. From the nose up to
the cavern of the Brahman is the seat of Ether. There
IS the Ether of the colour and brightness of well-pound-
ed collynum One should hold the vital air m Kumbhaka
m the seat of Ether with great effort. (135-142)
The Meditation of A-niruddha and others in
THE Seats of P^thivi and others and the
Fruit thereof
In that part of the body belonging to the Earth,
the Yogin should endeavour to meditate upon A-ni-
ruddha, who is Han with four arms and wearing a
crown. The Yogm, with his intellect pointed upwards,
should fill in vital air and always meditate on Narayana,
in the part belonging to water ; on Pradyumna, in the
part belonging to Agni ; on Saipkarsana, in the part
belonging to Air, and the Paramatman, Vasu-deva, in
the part belonging to Ether. There is no doubt that,
for him who applies himself (in that direction), there
will be the attainment thereof in no time. (142-145)
Meditation on the ParamStman and
the Fruit thereof
Having assumed the Yogic posture beforehand,
and clasped the hands in the region of the heart, in the
TRI-S'lKHI-BRlHMAyOPANI§AD 113
Hfdayafijali posture, with his eyes fixed on the tip of
tfie nose, his tongue pressed on the palate, his (one row
of) teeth not touching the other, with his body erect
and his mind well-subjugated, with his pure intellect,
he should restrain the group of organs of sense and
action. Conceiving of Vasu-deva, the supreme, the
transcendent Stman, the meditation of him whose
form has pervaded the form of one's own self, has
the power of bestowing the accomplishment of
alone-ness (Kaivalya). He who conceives of Vasu-
deva, with Kumbhaka (holding the breath) for
one Yama (three hours), sins accumulated through
seven previous births of that Yogin meet with
destruction. (145-149)
Consciousness of Vasu-deva Transcending
THE TURiVA
(The Yogin) should comprehend the functioning of
the waking state, commencing from the knot of the
navel till the heart is reached, the functioning of the
dreaming state remaining in the throat, the functioning
of sleep in the palate, and the fourth (Turlya) well-
fixed in the middle of the brow ; he should see what is
beyond the Turya, the transcendent Brahman, in the
crevice of the Brahman, c^ommencing from the func-
tioning of the state till the interior of the cavern of the
Brahman (is reached). There will this Stman, the
Turiya, be. At the end of the Turya is said to be
Vispu. (149-152)
U 13
114 the yoga upani^ads
Meditation on the Qualified Brahman
All functioning of the mind of that meditating
Yogin perishes, — of (the Yogin) who is engaged only m
meditation, in the extremely clear Ether, on the Vis^iu,
resplendent with the radiance of myriads of Suns, ever
exalted, seated on the lotus of the heart, or should
meditate on the Deva of the form of the Universe, who
is all diverse shapes blended into one, who has several
faces, who has various shoulders, who is adorned with
various weapons, who is of various colours, mild, yet
fierce with weapons uplifted, with several eyes scattered
over (his frame), and resplendent with a radiance such
as of myriads of Suns (152-156)
Meditation on the Non-differentiated
Brahman
The liberation of that Yogin is on the palm of his
hand, — (of him) who meditates on the imperishable
lustre of consciousness seated in the middle of the
lotus of the heart, of the shape of a cluster of Kadamba
flowers, lying beyond the Turya, beyond the transcen-
dent, the endless, full of Bliss, full of consciousness, the
resplendent, the beatific, resembling a lamp m a windless
spot and dazzling like an inartificial gem. (156-158)
Even the Knowledge of the Qualified
(Brahman) is Productive of Liberation
To the Yogin who, on seeing, in the lotus of the
heart, a larger, or else even a small (portion) whatever,
tri-s^ikhi-brXhmanopanisad 115
of the form of the Deva, of the form of the Universe,
meditates (on it), He shines before his very eyes.
Fruit, such as attenuation and other (mystic powers),
IS easily brought about (for him). " I alone am the
transcendent Brahman ", " I am the Brahman " —
should this attitude be firmly established with reference
to the Jivatman as also the Paramatman and to both,
that should be known as Samadhi, which is devoid of
all functioning. The Brahman is attained and the
Yogin will no more go back to the state of worldly
existence. After having well purified the (underlying)
truths, the Yogm, with a mmd devoid of greed, will get
calm of his own accord, like fire with exhausted fuel.
In the absence of anything to grasp, the Jiva, which is
the Prana (life) of the mind, endowed with certain
knowledge, will get dissolved in the transcendent pure
existence, as a lump of salt (in water) and will see the
Universe, which is an aggregate of illusions and magic
(snares), as m a dream. The Yogin who treats (it) as
in sleep, firm in the knowledge of the existence of the
Atman, on attaining the state of Nirvaria {t.e., the
remaining as the Brahman alone, which is peerless and
which IS firmly established, on the realization that there
IS no universe beyond one's own Atman, which again is
no other than the Brahman) (simultaneously) attains
Alone-ness. — Thus the Upapisad.
THE DARS'ANOPANI$AD
[This Upanisad which forms part of the S5ma-
veda and is the ninetieth of the 108 Upanisads, deals
with the detailed exposition of the eight-fold Yoga,
along with the acquisition of the knowledge of the
supreme Brahman and ends with the description of the
non-relative absolute Brahman.]
SECTION I
AstSnga-yoga, the Means for the Attainment
OF JiVAN-MUKTI
Dattatreya, the great Yogm, the high-souled
progenitor of the welfare (of all beings), the four-armed
Maha-visnu (holds sway) over the dominion of Yoga, as
(its) crowned (king). His devoted disciple, the great
Sage, Samkrti by name, (once) asked his Guru, when
he was alone, as follows, with hands folded in saluta-
tion and attended with great modesty : " O Lord ! Pray
relate unto me that Yoga, with the eight AAga-s (stages)
and with full explanation, by deriving the knowledge
whereof I shall become a Jivan-mukta." (The Guru
responded as follows :) " Listen, O SSipkrti ! I shall
THE DARS'ANOPANI^AD 117
relate presently the system of knowledge (known as)
Yoga, with the eight sub-divisions." (1-4)
The Enunciation of the Eight Sub-divisions
Yama and Niyama, so also Asana, also Pranayama,
O Brahman ! thereafter Pratyahara and Dharana, also
Dhyana and Samadhi, the eighth, O sage ! (4, 5)
Yama of ten Kinds
Non-violence, Truthfulness, Abstmence from
stealth, Celibacy, Compassion, Rectitude, "Forbearance, ^(
Firmness, Temperance in food and Cleanliness : these
are the ten Yama-s. (6)
Non-violence
(O sage), that art rich in penance ! Verily, the non-
indulgence in violence by body, mind or word of
mouth, in accord with Vedic injunctions is Non-
violence : not otherwise. O sage ! the firm belief that
the Atman pervades all, is impartible, and cannot be
grasped, that is said to be the best (form of) Non-
violence by those well -versed m the Vedanta (-system
of Philosophy). (7, 8)
Truthfulness
O great sage ! Whatever is seen, heard or smelt, by
the eye and the other organs, what is expressed by that
118 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
alone is true, O Brahman ! that will not be otherwise.
" All that exists (whatever) is the supreme Brahman
and not anything else " : the firm belief to this effect is
said to be the best (form of) Truth, by those who have
reached the other shore of the (ocean of the) knowledge
of the Vedanta. (9, 10)
Abstinence from Stealth
The total abstinence of the mmd from the straw,
gem, gold and even the pearl belonging to others,
wise men know that to be Abstmence from stealth.
Abstinence from deahng with the Atman as being
the An-atman, is said to be Abstinence from stealth,
O great sage ! by those who know the Atman. (11, 12)
Celibacy
The complete abstinence from contact with women,
by means of the body, word of mouth and the mind, as
also with one's own wife, save immediately after the men-
strual period, that is known as Celibacy. The staunch
application of the mind to the state of becoming
the Brahman, O sage of severe penance ! js Celi-
bacy. (13, 14)
Compassion
That indulgence towards all beings, as towards
one's own self, by body, mind and word of mouth,
THE DRAS'ANOPANI^D 119
that alone is known as Compassion, by knowers of the
Vedanta. (14, 15)
Rectitude
Uniformity (m behaviour) towards (one's) son,
friend, wife, enemy as well as one's own self, under
all circumstances, O sage ! is termed Rectitude by
me. (15, 16)
Forbearance
Abstinence from losmg temper, when provoked by
enemies, by body, mind and speech, that, O foremost
among sages ' is Forbearance. (16, 17)
Firmness
The dawning of Wisdom to the effect, that com-
plete liberation from the (woes of) worldly existence is
possibJe only through the Veda (the perfect system of
knowledge) and not otherwise, is said to be Firmness
by the believers in the Veda. (Also), the unswerving
belief to the effect " I (am) the Atman and am nothing
else." (17, 18)
Temperance in Food
Leaving off a fourth of the food (served), which is
moderate and pure, eating, so as to conduce to (the
attainment of) Yoga, is Temperance in food. (19)
120 the yoga upani^ads
Cleanliness
O great Sage ! Cleansing (getting rid of) one's own
bodily impurities by means of clay and water, that,
they know, is Cleanliness of the exterior ; while contem-
plation (on the Supreme Being) is mental Cleanliness.
Wise men say that Cleanliness constitutes the know-
ledge (dawning on one, when he realizes :) " I am pure."
The body is extremely impure, the embodied (Atman)
is extremely pure. Knowing the difference between the
two, of which (of the two) should purity be prescribed ?
That man, who, giving up the purity by internal
awareness, revels in external purity, that fool, O right-
vowed (sage) ! grasps a clod of earth, leaving off
gold. (20-23)
Rule Relating to the Brahman,
THAT IS THE StMAN
For the Yogin who is satiated with the nectar of
knowledge and has discharged his duties (aright), there
remains nothing whatever to be done. Should there
be any such, he is verily no knower of the Truth. For
those who have realized the Atman, (the Brahman),
there remains nothing whatever, in even the three
worlds, yet to be done (by them). Hence, O Sage ! by
all endeavour, having recourse to non-violence and
other means, know by the knowledge that is thus
acquired, that the Atman is (no other than) the
imperishable Brahman. (23-25)
THE DARS'ANOPANI^AD 121
SECTION II
The Ten Niyama-s
Penance, Contentment, Belief in the existence of
the supreme Truth, Munificence, Worship of Is'vara,
Study of the established Truth, Modesty, Faith,
Prayer and Austere vow these are known as the
Niyama-s. I shall presently describe them in order ,
listen. (1, 2)
Penance
Emaciating the body by Krcchra (religious
penance, known as Praja-patya) and Candrayana
(expiatory penance, regulated by the age of the Moon)
and the like, in the manner prescribed by the V'eda, is
said to be Tapas by the wise. " What is release from
bondage ■* " " How ' " " Wherefore does one attain the
wheel of births and deaths ? " — Enquiries such as these,
men of learning, that know the inner significance of
things, know as Tapas (2-4)
Contentment
The pleasure derived by people m their every-day
life by the accidental acquisition of any gain, that,
wise men bent on the acquisition of thorough know-
ledge know as Contentment. What agreeable thing,
one devoid of all attachment gets out of detachment,
U 16
122 THE YOGA UPAKI§ADS
till the moment he realizes the Brahman, that, they
know as supreme Contentment. (4-6)
Belief in the Existence of the
Supreme Truth
Faith m what is in the S'ruti and the Smrti is
Belief m the existence of the Supreme Truth. (6)
Munificence
The giving away of wealth earned by righteous
means, in all sincerity, to a needy Vaidika (follower of
the Veda) or whatever else they bestow ; that is des-
cribed as Munificence by me. (7)
Worship of Is'vara
A heart free from passions, speech not rendered
foul by falsehood and the like, action devoid of
violence ; that is the worship of Is'vara. (8)
Study of the Established Truth
The real existence. Knowledge which is endless,
the transcendent Bliss, the supreme certainty touching
what IS exclusively innermost : this should be under-
stood by wise men, as the Study of the established
Truth expounded in the Upanisads. (9)
the daks' anopani^ad 123
Modesty
Whatever act is mean, according to the precepts of
the Veda and in the eyes of the world, the shyness
felt in (doing) such act, that alone is said to be
Modesty. (10)
Faith
Confirmed belief in all things enjoined by the
Veda IS what is known as Faith. One should be devoid
of all connection with anything (counter to that), even
though instructed by the Guru in that direction. (11)
Prayer
Practice of the Mantra according to the method
laid down by the Veda is known as silent prayer. That
IS known as Silent prayer by me, vtz., the adoption of
the State laid down therefor in the Veda, Kalpa-sutra-s,
Dharma-s^stra-s, Purana-s and Itihasa-s. Prayer is
said to be of two kinds, that by word of mouth and the
mental one. Prayer by word of mouth is again of two
kinds, muttered and uttered aloud. Mental prayer is
two-fold, assuming the forms of rum inating ( Manana)
and meditat ion (Dhy ana). Muttered prayer is a
thousand times more efficacious than uttered prayer.
Loud prayer would bestow fruits on all, as prescribed
(in the Scripture). If the Mantra is heard by the ears
124 THE YOGA UPANipADS
of the low-born classes, it becomes devoid of efficacy
in bearing fruit. (12-16)
SECTION III
The Nine Postures
Svastika, Go-mukha, Padma, Vira, Siiphasana,
Bhadra, Muktasana, Mayurasana and Sukhasana, so
named, the nmth, O foremost among sages ! these are
the nme Asana-s (Postures) (1, 2)
Svastika
Placing the two soles of the feet well between the
knees and the thighs (crosswise), keeping the head, the
neck and the body erect (in a straight line), the Yogin
should always practise the Svastika (posture) (2, 3)
Go-MUKHA
Placing the right ankle by the side of the left
buttock and the left ankle by the side of the right
buttock, IS known as the Go-mukha (posture). (3, 4)
Padma
After placing the two soles of the feet over the two
thighs, (crosswise), (the right over the left and vtce
THE DARS^ANOPANI^AD 125
versa), O chief among the Biahmana-s ! one should
hold the tips of the big toes with his two hands in the
reverse order (the right with the left and vtce versa).
This will form the Padmasana, O wise one ' (a posture)
which will remove all fear from any disease. (4, 5)
VirSsana
One should place the left foot over the right thigh,
with his body erect and his posture even : this is said
to be Virasana. (6)
Simhasana
One should place the two ankles below the
scrotum, by the sides of the frenum of the prepuce, to
the right side the left ankle, and to the other side the
right ankle , placing the two hands over the knees and
spreading out one's own hngers, with his mind well
under control, showing his face distinctly, he should
cast his glances on the tip of the nose. This will
be the Sirnhasana posture adored always by the
Yogin-s.' (6-1—6-3)
Bhadrasana
One should place the two ankles below the scrotum
and by the sides of the frenum of the prepuce and
' The above description of SiiphlUana is not to be found m Mss of the
DaiB'anopani^d and has been extracted from some other Grantha •
126 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
firmly bind with his hands the sides of the feet, so
as to be motionless. This will be Bhadrasana, which
will destroy all poison and disease. (7, 8)
MUKTASANA
Pressing the right side of the frenum of the
prepuce with the left ankle and the left side of the
frenum with the right ankle, this becomes the MuktS-
sana ; placing the left ankle over the genitals and the
right ankle over that, this, O sage ' is the Mukta-
sana. (8-10)
MayOrasana
O best of sages ' One should place the tip of the
elbows by the sides of the navel, and placing on the
ground his two palms, with an one-pointed mind and
with his head and legs lifted upwards, floating in space
like a stick, this is the Mayurasana, which destroys
all sins. (10-12)
SukhXsana
In whichever manner comfort and courage are
produced, that is known as Sukhasana : a weak man
shoAild adopt such (posture). (12, 13)
the dars'anopani^ad 127
The Fruit of Mastery of Posture
By whom posture is mastered, by him the three
worlds are conquered. After followmg this Rule,
always practise Pranayama. (13)
section iv
Dimension of the Body
The body will be only ninety-six digit-lengths (in
height). In the middle of the body is the seat of
fire, shining like molten gold. In the case of men,
O Saipkrti ! should truth be told, it is triangular in
shaf>e and (is situated) two digit-Jengths above the
anus and two digit-lengths below the genitals. Know
the middle of the body of men, O Samkrti ! The seat
of the knot (of the navel), O foremost among sages, is
nine digit-lengths from the MuJadhara (the root-
support) and stretches over an expanse of four digit-
lengths in diameter, O best of sages ! It is of the shape
of a hen's egg and is decked with a sheath and the like.
In the middle of it is what is termed the navel by
adepts in Yoga, O foremost among sages ! (1-5)
128 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
The Enumeration of the NSpi-s
The Nadi situated m the middle of the knot of the
navel is known as the Susumna. There stand around
it, O foremost among sages ! Seventy-two Thousand
Nadl-s. The chief among them are fourteen (in
number). Susumna, Piiigala, likewise Ida and Saras-
vatl also ; Pusa, Varuna and Hasti-jihva ; Yas'asvini,
Alambusa and also Kuhu , Vis'vodara, Payasvinl and
also S'ankhini ; and Gam-dhara • thus there are the
fourteen chief ones. Of these, three are more impor-
tant (than the rest) and of the three, one is the most
important. That is known as the Brahma-na^t by
those well-versed in Vedanta-lore. O thou of austere
vow ' the Susumna is firmly attached to the
vertebral column, made up of bones and known as
Vina-danda (the neck of the Indian harp), up to the
skull. (5-10)
The Positiom and Form of the Kundali
Two digit-lengths below the knot of the navel, O
Sage ! IS the seat of the Kundali. She, the Kundali, is of
the form of eight constituents, O best among sages ! She
stands always regulating, as is her allotted function
(in the economy of the human body) the work of the
vital air (of the region) and the passage of food and
drink around and by the sides of the knot of the navel
and encircling with her own mouth, O sage ! the mouth
of the aperture of the Brahman. (11-13)
THE dars'anopani^ad 129
The Position of the NXpi-s
To the left of the Susumna stands the Ida and
to the right stands the Pingala. The Sarasvati and
the Kuhu stand by the sides of the Susumna. The
Gaip-dhara and the Hasti-jihva stand at the rear
and front of the Ida, and the Pusa and the Yas'asvini
stand at the rear and front of the Pingala. Be-
tween the Kuhu and the Hasti-jihva stands the
Vis'vodara ; between the Yas'asvini and the Kuhu
IS situated the Varuna ; between the Pusa and the
Sarasvati is said to be the Yas'asvini ; between the
Garp-dhara and the Sarasvati is said to be the S'an-
khini. The Alambusa stands stretching up to the anus
and reaching the middle of the knot of the navel. To
the front of the Full-moon-like Susumna is situated
the Kuhu. The Nadi that is situated below and
above, stretches as far as the end of the right
nostril, while the Ida is situated (stretching) as far as
the end of the left nostril, O foremost of sages ! The
Yas'asvini stretches as far as the tip of the big-toe of
the left foot. The Pusa stretches as far as the left
eye, having its course behind the Pingala. The
Payasvini is said, by wise men, to stretch as far as the
right ear. So also the Sarasvati has its course upward,
as far as the tip of the tongue, O sage ' Similarly the
Hasti-jihva stretches as far as the tip of the big-toe of
the right foot. The Nacjl named S'ankhinl stretches
as far as the end of the right ear. The Gaip-dhara
has its end in the right eye, as stated by those
U 17
130 THE YOGA OPANI^ADS
well-versed in Vedanta-lore. The N5di known as
Vis'vodara is situated in the middle of the knot of
the navel. (13-23)
The Flow of the Viial Air through
THE Nadi-s
Prana, Apana, likewise Vyana, Samana and also
Udana ; Naga and Kurma, Krkara, Deva-datta and
Dhanam-jaya : these ten vital airs flow through all
the Nadl-s. Of these, the five beginning from
Pr5na are the chief ones ; of the five, that which is
named Prana as well as Apana, O thou of the
austere vow ! is worthy of preference and of the two,
O sage ! Prana is preferable In the middle of the
neck and the nose, in the middle of the navel and
the heart, the vital air known as Prana, O best of
sages ! is always present. Apana is present always in
the middle of the anus, in the thighs and knees, in
the entire belly, the hip, the navel and the shanks,
O thou of austere vow ! O best of sages ! Vyana is
present m the middle of the ears and eyes, at the
junction of the shoulders with the neck, in the two
wrists and in the throat, which is the seat of Prarja.
The vital air called Udana should be known as
present in the legs and hands. Samana stands pervad-
ing all parts of the body without doubt. The five
vital airs beginning from Naga stand in the skin,
bones and the like. (23-30)
the dars'anopanigad 131
The Functions of the Vital Airs
O Satpkrti ! Inspiration, expiration and coughing
are the work of the Prana. Evacuation of faeces and
urine is the work of the vital air known as Apana.
Samana brings everything to proximity, O foremost of
sages ! Udana does the work of going up, there is no
doubt about it Vyana, O sage ' is said by those well-
versed in Vedanta to cause dispute. The function of
the vital air known as Naga is said to be belching
and the like, O great sage ! The work of swelling is
said to be of Dhanam-jaya, O Sairikrti ' Shutting the
eyelids and the like is of Kurma and hunger is of
Krkara. Bringing on sleep, O chief among the Brah-
mana-s ! is said to be the work of Deva-datta. (30-34)
The Deities Presiding over the Nadi-s
S'lva is the deity of Susumna ; Han is the deity
of I^a , Brahman of Pingala , Viraj is of SarasvatT,
O sage ! of Pusa is Pusan the deity ; of Varuna is
Vayu the deity ; of the vital air known as Hasti-
jihva, Varuna is the deity , similarly O best of sages!
of Yas'asvini the Sun is the lord ; of Alambusa,
Varuna, the lord of waters is said to be (the deity) ;
of Kuhu, hunger is the deity ; Gam-dhari has the
Moon as the deity. In the same manner the Moon
is the deity of S'afikhinl ; Praja-pati is of Payasvini ;
of the vital air of the name of Vis'vodara, the lord
Pavaka is the deity. (35-^9)
132 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
The Transit of the Sun and the Moon in
THE NXpi-s
The Moon moves only in the Ida always, O great
sage ! Similarly the Sun (moves) in the Pifigala, O sage,
the best among the knowers of the Veda ! (39, 40)
The Course of the Sun of Prana through
THE NSpi-s
The passage of the vital air from the Pingala into the
Ida is what is known as the Northerly course (Uttara-
yana), O sage ' by those versed m the Vedanta ; the
passage of the vital air from the Ida into the Pingala, O
sage ! is known as the Southerly course (the Daksinayana)
in the Pifigala : so says the S'ruti. When the vital air
Prana reaches the junction between the Ida and the
PiAgala, O thou, best among the embodied mortals '
then there is said to be Ama-vasya (junction of the Sun
and the Moon) in the body. When the Prana enters
the Muladhara (the root-support), O best among the
enlightened ! then there is said to be the first equinox
by the devout performers of penance, O best among
the devout performers of penance ! When the vital air
called Pra^a enters the cranium, that is said to be the
last equinox by the devout performers of penance, who
are intent on investigating the truth. All inspiration
and expiration is the passage (of the Sun of Prana
through the Zodiacal signs) of the months. When the
Ft^Tf3i air reaches through the Ida, the seat of Ku^^^ll,
THE DARSTANOPANI^AD 133
then there is said to be the lunar eclipse, O best among
the knowers of the Truth ! When the PrSga air reaches
the Kui>4all through the Pingala, then there occurs the
solar eclipse, O best among sages ! (40-47)
The Praiseworthiness of the Internal
TiRTHA-s (Places of Pilgrimage)
There is S'rl-parvata at the crest ; Kedara in the
forehead ; O wise one ! Benares at the junction of the
brows and the nose ; Kuru-ksetra m the region of the
breasts ; the Prayaga (the confluence of the Ganges,
the Jamna and the Sarasvatl) in the lotus of the heart ,
Cid-ambaram (the Ether of consciousness) in the
middle of the heart ; Kamalalaya (the abode of the
lotuses) in the Muladhara. Having abandoned one's
own (internal) Tirtha-s, should one resort to the external
Tirtha-s (places of pilgrimage known for their sacred
waters), he goes after pieces of glass abandoning the
precious gems m his hands. The Tirtha (pilgrim-resort)
of abstract meditation is the supreme resort and is the
proper sanction for all actions. With one object a
wife may be caressed ; with quite a different object a
daughter may be caressed. The Yogm-s, in virtue of
the confirmed faith in their own Atman, do not resort
to Tirtha-s filled with water, nor gods made of wood
and the like ; O great sage ! the internal Tirtha is the
Tirtha by far superior to external Tirtha ; the Tirtha
of the Stman is the greatest Tirtha ; every other Tirtha
carries no significance. The internal Tirtha of Ihe
134 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Citta (mind), if contaminated, cannot be purified by
ablutions eind remains impure, even as the liquor-pot,
washed hundreds of times with water, (is impure). A
man becomes pure by bathing at (holy) places like
Varanasi, at the solstices and the equinoxes, during
eclipses and also at the intervening periods, always.
The water flowing from the washed feet of great men
intent on the acquisition of the (right) knowledge (of
the Brahman) and the attainment of (real) Yoga, O
foremost of the sages ' that is the Tirtha for the puri-
fication of the (contaminated) mind of the ignorant.
(48-56)
Seeing S'iva in the Atman
While there is S'lva firmly established m the body,
the fool looks for S'lva in the sacred stream, gift,
muttering prayers, sacrifice, wood and stone (images)
always. He who serves what is without, giving up me
who stand in his interior, will lick his own elbow,
throwing off the ball (of food) in his hands. The
Yogm-s look for S'lva within themselves and not in
images. Images have been created for helping ignorant
people to conceive of (the Supreme Being). (57-59)
Becoming the Brahman by the Sight of the
Brahman
He alone sees, who sees that the beginningless and
the endless Brahman, the real, the non-dual, the palpable
THE DARS'ANOPANI^AD 135
Wisdom and Bliss in his own Stman. O great sage !
giving up, of your own accord, this always-useless cluster
of Nl^l-s, the human state, by all means, realize with
the aid of your mind, " I am the Atman ". The man of
fortitude does not experience grief, seeing directly the (
incorporeal, the greatest, the supreme, the Almighty,!
the blissful and the undecaying Entity (the Brahman)*
in (all) bodies. When, by the strength of one's wis- 1
dom, the ignorance which produces the difference (be- *>
tween the Atman, %.e., one's own self, and the Brahman)
IS lost altogether, O sage ! what will the difference 1
between the Atman and the Brahman, which does not \
really exist, do ? (60-63)
SECTION V
Purification of the Nadi-s
Pray, relate to me briefly, O Brahman ' the
mode of purification of the Nadl-s, by which purifi-
cation I may become a Jivan-mukta, meditating con-
stantly. (1)
Listen, O Sarpkrti ' I shall presently relate briefly
the mode of purification of the Nadl-s. With action
and conduct properly regulated m accordance with the
rules prescribed (in the Scripture), devoid of desire
and volition, endowed with the eight Anga-s (of Yoga),
such as Yama and the like, tranquillized, having the
truth alone as the final resort, well-confirmed in one's
136 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
own Self, properly instructed by knowers (of the Brah-
man), resorting to a Matha (resting place) either on
the summit of a mountain, or the banks of a river,
under a Bilva-tree or a forest, m a pleasant and clean
place, assuming a posture thereafter, either facing the
east or the north, with his neck, head and body kept
erect and his mouth closed, utterly motionless, he
should (commence the practice of Yoga and) see, at
the tip of the nose, the disc of the Moon in the middle
of the Hindu, the Turlyaka, trickling down nectar, with
his eyes. (2-6)
Drawing the Prana vital air through the Ida,
augmenting (the vital air) standing in the belly, then
meditating upon the fire flaming all round in the mid-
dle of the body, he should conceive of (" Raip ") the
seed of fire with Hindu and Nada ; then should the wise
man expel the Prana well through the Pingal3. Again,
filling up through the Pingala, he should call to mem-
ory the seed of fire. Again should the man of intellect
gradually expel the air through the I(jla alone. For
three or four days, or for three or four times every day,
practising thus, in seclusion, six times during each of
the three Sarpdhi-s (junctions) constantly should he
move about. (7-10)
Symptoms of (the Successful Accomplishment
of) Purification of the NadI-s
On the following being distinctly seen, he attains
the purification of the Nacjil-s : Lightness of the body,
THE DARS'ANOPANISAD 137
glowing of the fire situated in the belly and the clear
manifestation of the sound ; these symptoms indicate
the successful accomplishment thereof. He should
continue in this effort, till he distinctly sees these
(symptoms). (11, 12)
Purification of One's Own Atman
Then, after giving this up, he should betake
himself to the purification of his own Atman. The
Atman, that is always pure and eternal, that is of the
form of happmess, and is self-luminous, shows itself
as impure on account of the impact of Ignorance and
the same reveals itself in all purity with the impact
of true knowledge. He who washes away with the
water of true knowledge the mud of the impurity of
Ignorance, he alone is ever pure and not any other,
as the latter revels in Karma (13, 14)
section vi
Description of PrSnayama
I shall presently describe the method of Prana-
yama, O Saipkrti ' Listen to it reverently. Prana-
yama is said to be (made up) of Recaka, Psraka and
Kumbhaka. (1)
U 18
138 THE YOGA UPANipADS
Recaka, Puraka and Kumbhaka are said to be of
the form of the triad of Varna-s (letters). Of such
(form) IS said to be the Pranava. The Pranayama is
made up of that (Pranava). (2)
Drawing the vital air through the Ida and filling up
(the air) standing in the belly (with it), slowly should
one remember the letter " A " there, for the duration
of sixteen Matra-s. The filled up (air) should be held
thereafter for the duration of sixty-four Matra-s. Here
also should he remember the form of the letter " U "
and mutter the Pranava (mentally). Intent on prayer
he should hold (the air) as long as it is possible (for
him to do so). Thereafter the wise man should expel
the filled-in air with (the remembrance of) the letter
" M," through the Pingala, for a duration of thirty-two
Matra-s therein, slowly again. This will be Prana-
yama Thus should he practise even thereafter. (3-6)
Again, filling up through the Pingala, similarly,
for a duration of sixteen Matra-s, should he here also
remember the form of the letter " A," with the one-
pointed mind. The knowing one should hold the filled-
in air, muttering the Pranava, with full control (over
himself), meditating on the form of the letter " U " for
a duration of sixty-four Matra-s ; he should then expel
the air through the Ida, remembering the letter " M ".
The knowing one should repeat again in this manner,
filhng-m through the 1^ and in this manner practise
Prapayama daily, O mighty sage ! (7-10)
By daily practising in this manner for six months
he^ will become a man of knowledge; from a year's
THE DARS'ANOPANISAD 139
practice, he will gain knowledge of the Brahman ; hence
should he daily practise it. He who takes delight in
the practice of Yoga always and is intent on the
discharge of his duties, becomes released from bondage
by the control of the breath alone and from knowledge
(gained therefrom). (10-12)
Description of Puraka and Others
That is known as Puraka, wherein there is the
filling up, in the belly, of the air from outside (the
body) , the holding of the air, as in a filled-up pot, is
Kumbhaka , the expulsion freely of the air is known
as Recaka (12, 13)
What Are Accomplished from Pranayama
That which produces profuse prespiration is the
lowest type among Pranayama-s , "(what produces)
tremor is of the middle type and (what produces) buo-
yancy upward is of the highest type. It should be
practised with increasing vigour from one stage to the
next higher, till upward buoyancy is attained. When
the highest type of Pranayama is attained, (the practi-
tioner) becomes an adept and derives happiness. (14, 15)
O thou of the austere vow ! The mind is purified by
Pranayama and when the mind becomes pure, the pure
inward lustre becomes defined before one's own eyes.
The Prana, in conjunction with the Citta (mind), stands
firmly established in the transcendent Atman. Even
140 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
the body of this high-souled person, who is intent
on the Pranayama, will rise up. From the slight
knowledge derived therefrom (comes) release from bond-
age. Giving up Recaka and Puraka, one should daily
practise Kumbhaka. He will (thereupon) be nd of all
sins and attain the highest knowledge. He will attain the
.fleetness of the mind, and grey hairs and the like will
'perish. For one, who stands by Pranayama alone as
his chief prop, there is nothing which is unattainable.
Hence, by all endeavour, one should practise Pranaya-
ma-s thoroughly. (16-20)
Varieties of Pranayama Having Curative Virtues
O thou of austere vow ' I shall presently describe
the uses of Pranayama • Drawing in the Prana air
outside and filling up with (that in) the belly, in the
morning and evening twilights, in the hour before the
dawn (Brahma)f at noon or at all times, and holding it
at the tip of the nose, in the middle navel and at the
big toes of the feet, the man will live for a hundred
years, nd of all diseases By one holding it at the tip
,of the nose, O thou of austere vow! will (the Prana
"air) be brought under complete control , by holding it
/in the middle of the navel there will be avoidance of
all diseases ; by confining it to the big toes of the feet,
O Brahman ' there will be lightness of the body. He who
^ always drinks air by inhaling it through the tongue, that
, Yogin will attain immunity from disease, nd of fatigue
, and thirst ; he who should confine the air at the root of
THE DARS'ANOPANISAD 141
the tongue, after inhaling it by means of the tongue, will
coolly drink the nectar of immortality and enjoy all
happiness ; he who, after inhaling the air through the
I^a, confines it at the middle of the eyebrows, will
drink pure nectar and will surely be released from all
diseases ; O thou, the knower of the truth of the Veda !
he who confines (the air inhaled), through the Ida as
well as the Pingala, in the navel, that man is released
from all diseases. If, during the three Samdhya-s
(twilights) for one full month, one should, after inhaling
the air by means of the tongue, and drinking that nectar
little by little, confine it in the navel, (for him) all ail-
ments arising from a preponderance of Vata (wind) and
Pitta (bile) will undoubtedly perish. Should he confine
the air in the pair of eyes, after inhaling it through the
nostrils, all eye-diseases vanish ; so also, by confine-
ment (of air) in the two ears (all ear-diseases) ; similarly
after inhaling the air, should he hold it in the head, all
diseases of the head vanish The truth has been told,
O Samkrti ! (21-32)
Conquest of VKwj (the Air) bv Practice of
THE SaN-MUKHI-MUDRA (pOSTURE)
Having assumed the Svastika posture and brought
the mind well under control, forcing upwards the
Apana little by little, (all the while) muttering the
Praijava, (the Yogin) should hold the ear and other
Karaija-s (senses) with his hands, O sage ' closing the
senses of the two ears with his thumbs, the two «ye
142 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
With the fore-fingers, and the two nostrils with the
other fingers, and retain (the forced up Apana) in the
head, till the manifestation of Bliss ; by this act also,
O great sage ! Prana (air) enters the crevice of the
Brahman (Brahma-randhra). (32-35J
O sinless one ! When air enters the Brahma-
randhra, Nada (sound) is also produced (there), resemb-
ling at first the sound of a conch-blast and like the
thunder-clasp in the middle ; and, when the air has
reached the middle of the head, like the roaring of a
mountain-cataract. Thereafter, O great wise one !
the Atman, mightily pleased, will actually appear in
front of thee. Then there will be the ripeness of the
knowledge of the Atman from Yoga and the disowning
(by the Yogm) of worldly existence. (36-38)
The man of intellect should press the stationary
fr enu m of the prepuce with his right and left ankles ;
he should press with the right and left ankles the joints
under the knees, having recalled to mind the three-eyed
S'lva and also remembered Vinayaka and then again
the goddess of speech (Sarasvati) Having drawn up
air with the stalk of the Penis, through its tip, along
with (the muttering of) the Pranava with the Bindu
(dot), the man of intellect should, O Brahman ' confine
it m the middle of the Muladhara. On such confine-
ment, the fire kindled by the air will be borne aloft
to the Kundall Again, air through the Susum^iS
effects a junction with the fire. By one who practises
in this manner, will the vital air be conquered in no
time, (34-43)
the dars'anopanisad 143
Symptoms of the Conquest of Vital Air
Profuse perspiration first, then tremor, O foremost
among sages ' and buoyancy upward of the body,
these are the symptoms, when the vital air is
conquered. (43, 44)
Attainment of Gnosis, through the Destruction
OF Diseases and Sin and the Clltivation of
Detachment, as a Result of the
Conquest of Vital Airs
For him who practises thus, the disease (known '
as) Piles will vanish and anal fistula will disappear,'
and all diseases, O Samkrti ! sins, both small and/
great, perish. With the disappearance of sin, that
most wonderful mirror of Citta (the thinking mind)
will become perfectly clear. Further by the enjoy-
ment of the Brahman and the like, detachment springs
in the heart For a man of detachment, knowledge
gained from worldly experience proves to be an aid
to the attainment of alone-ness. Thence will flow the
riddance from bondage, after knowing the ever-
auspicious God (44-47)
He, by whom the elixir of the nectar of knowledge
has been swallowed even once, will, at that very place
(and time), run away, giving up all action. (48)
Those who are in the know of things, say that the
world IS only of the form of knowledge. But others
144 THE YOGA UPANISADS
With a distorted vision, view it, out of ignorance, as
of the form of wealth. (49)
By the knowledge of the form of the Atman, there
is the annihilation of all ignorance. When ignorance
dies out, O extremely wise one ! there is the annihi-
lation of passions and the like. (50)
In the absence of passions and the like, O wise
one ! there is the extinction of virtue and vice. On
their disappearance, dependance on the body altogether
vanishes. (51)
SECTION VII
Description of Praiyahara and Its Diverse
Forms
Thereafter I shall presently describe Pratyahara,
O great sage ' The forcible bringing back of the senses,
which, in virtue of their very nature, roam about among
the objects of sensual pleasure, is what is known as
Pratyahara. (1, 2)
Whatever one sees, seeing in all that the Brahman,
with perfect control of the mind, this is Pratyahara,
sjxiken of by the knowers of the Brahman from days of
yore. Whatever one does, whether pure or impure,
till the moment of his death, all that, he should do unto
the Brahman. That is Pratyahara. Or, one should
perform his daily ceremonial observances and other
THE DARS'ANOPANISAD 145
rites intended for the accomplishment of his duties^
with the mental attitude that they are for the propitia^
tion of the Brahman. That is known as Pratyahara*
Otherwise, after drawing m the air, he should confine
It in place after place ; from the root of the teeth
thence at the throat should he confine the air ; from
the throat thence at the chest , drawing it in from the
chest he should confine it at the navel region ; drawing
it in from the navel region he should confine it at the
Kundall ; the knowing man should, from the region of
the Kundiali, confine it at the Muladhara ; then out of
the Apana (vital air) he should confine at the two hips ;
thence similarly at the middle of the thighs ; thence at
the two knees, at the shanks and the big toes of the
feet should he confine it , this has been said to be
Pratyahara by knowers of Pratyahara of yore. (2-9)
Fruit of Pratyahara
O thou of austere vow ' All the sins as well as the
disease of worldly existence, of that high-souled person
who has practice of this kind, perish altogether. (9, 10)
PratyahIra Characterized by the Retention
OF Breath
Motionless and in the Svastika posture, drawing
in the breath through the nostrils, the knowing Yogin
should fill in the air from the sole of the feet to the
crest. Then, in the pair of feet likewise, in -the
U 19
146 THE YOGA UPANISADS
Muladhara similarly, in the knot of the navel, in the
middle of the heart, at the root of the throat, at the
palate, between the eyebrows, in the forehead and in
the head should he retain it. (10-12)
Pratyahara with the Sanction of the Vedanta
Having mentally abstracted the idea of the Atman
m the body, with his mind well under control, the
knowmg Yogin should confine his Atman in the non-
dual, indeterminate Atman (the Brahman). This is
known as the actual Pratyahara by those well-versed
in the Vedanta. To one who practises thus, nothing
IS unattainable. (13, 14)
SECTION VIII
Dharana in the Five Elements
Thereafter I shall presently detail (to thee), O
(thou) of austere vow ' the five (kinds of) Dharana.
In the ethereal space in the middle of the body, outside
Ether should be retained. Similarly outside Air in
(the vital air) Prana, and Fire in the fire of the belly ;
Water in the variants of water (belonging to the body)
and Earth in the earthy portion, O great sage ! (1, 2)
One should pronounce the Mantra known as Ha-
Ya-Ra-Va-La in its order. This kind of Dharaija is
sa*d to be supceme and expiatory of all sins. (3)
THE DARS'ANOPANI^AD 147
Up to the knees (from the sole of the foot) is
said to be the portion (of the body) belonging to
Prthvl (Earth) ; up to the end of the anus (thence),
IS said to be the portion of Water ; up to the heart
IS said to be the portion of Fire likewise ; up to the
middle of the brows is the portion of Air ; similarly
up to the head is said to be, O wise one ' the portion
of Ether. (4, 5)
One should retain Brahman in the Earthy portion,
V^isnu similarly in the portion of Water, Mahes'ana
in the portion of Fire, Ts'vara in the portion of Air,
and Sadas'iva in the portion of Ether, O great knower
of the Truth ' (5, 6)
Dharana in the Atm\n
Or else, I shall tell you of (another kind of) Dha-
rana, O foremost among sages ! The man of intellect
should always retain, for the purification of all sins,
S'lva, the great Ruler, who is full of awakening and
Bhss, in the Purusa (the highest first principle, the
Paramatman). Getting rid of the respective causes
that bring about the effects of the form of the Brahman
and the like, one's mind should retain, the indistinct,
the indefinable, the non-sentient entity, the prime cause
of all, in the Pranava, which becomes actually 'full in
the Atman and withdrawing the senses along with the
mmd one should unite with the Atman. (7-9)
I4g THE YOGA UPANISADS
SECTION IX
Meditation on the Qualified Brahman
Thereafter I shall presently describe (unto thee)
Dhyana (meditation) which destroys worldly existence :
One should, with due respect, O master Yogin ' medi-
tate on the Is'vara, the Truth, the Existence, the trans-
cendent Brahman, the panacea for all the ills of
worldly existence, which has its Retas (semen virile)
turned upwards, having monstrous (multiform) eyes
and an all-pervadmg form, the great Is'vara with the
conception, " He am I." (1, 2)
Meditation on the Unqualified Brahman
Or else, O (thou) of austere vow ' one should
meditate upon the Truth, Is'ana, the nondual Wisdom
and Bliss, the exquisitely pure, the eternal, that has
neither the beginning, nor the middle, nor the end ;
the not-gross, the non-ethereal, the intangible, the
imperceptible, that is neither taste, nor what is
called smell, the immeasurable, the peerless, the
Atman, that is Existence, Consciousness and Bliss,
the endless, as " The Brahman I am," for the attain-
ment of Videha-mukti (disembodied Liberation). (3-5)
The Fruit of Meditation
For that high-souled person who has practice
of - this kind, there will be the knowledge of the
THE DARS'ANOPANISAD 14Q
Vedanta, produced gradually ; there is no doubt
about it. (6)
section x
The Real Form of Samadhi
Thereafter, I shall describe (to thee) Samadhi,
which roots out worldly existence. Samadhi is the
generation of consciousness relating to the oneness of
the Jivatman and the Paramatman. The Atman is
verily the eternal, the all-embracing, the perpetually
identical, supreme Brahman, devoid of flaws. The
one Being is divided out of delusion, on account of
Illusion and not in its real form. Hence there is only
non-dualism , there is no phenomenal world , there
IS no cycle of births and deaths Even as (infinite)
Ether is said to be the Ether of the pot, the Ether of
the Matha (the ascetic's resting place), even so the
Atman is said to be of the form of the Jlva and the
Is'vara by deluded people. " I am not the body, nor
the vital air, nor the senses, nor the mind ; being
always of the form of the witness, I am only S'lva
alone," — such knowledge it is, O foremost of sages !
that IS known as Samadhi in this world. _ (1-5)
The BRAHNfAN ALONE, THE RESIDUUM
" I am such Brahman, not one of worldly existence.
There is no one else besides me. Even as the foam; the
150 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
waves and the like, that, taking their rise from the ocean,
get dissolved in the ocean again, so also the world is
dissolved in me. Therefore there is no separate entity
as the mmd ; nor is the illusion of the world." He, to
whom this inmost Paramatman is directly manifested,
actually reaches of his own accord the Supreme state
of Immortality, the state of being the Purusa. When
consciousness, which prevades everywhere, shines always
in the mind, the attainment of the Brahman, of its
own accord, will be accomplished by the Yogin, noth-
ing intervening. When one sees in his own Atman
all beings and in all beings his own Atman, then he
becomes the Brahman, When one does not see all
the beings, remaining as he does m Samadhi, such a
person, having become one with the transcendent
(Brahman), then becomes the Brahman alone. When
one looks upon his Atman in the light of the trans-
cendent Brahman alone, then all the world is Illusion
alone and there is attained final Bliss. (6-12)
Summing up
The great sage, the Lord Dattatreya, having said
thus, Sarnkrti remained at ease in the form of his own
Atman and without any fear at all. (13)
Thus (ends the Upanisad)
DHYSNA-BINDUPANISAD
[This Upanisad, which is a part of the Krsna-
yajur-veda and forms the Thirty-ninth of the 108
Upanisad-s, deals with the exposition of the Absolute
Brahman and the import of the Pranava, the
Ajapa Hatnsa-vidya and the six-fold Yoga as the means
of attaining it.]
The Greatness of Deep Meditation on
THE Brahman
Should sin (aqcumulated through thousands of
previous births) assume a mountain-like form, extend-
ing over <in area of several leagues, it can be cloven
through (and shattered to pieces) only by Dhyana-
yoga, (concentration aided by meditation on the
Brahman). No other means of breaking through it,
js there at any time whatever. (1)
(The Pranava, " Aum*" is) the superb see<r-letter,
(with) the Bindu (dot) and the Nada (nasal sound
mdicated by the Ardha-matra, the semi-circle). What is
above that, {viz., the soundless Brahman), stands (en-
during for ever). What is endowed with sound* (is
152 THE YOGA U PAN ISADS
the Pranava, typical of all sound-phenomena) ; when
the chief ingredient (the differentiating substratum) is
lost, the soundless residuum is the highest seat (the
Brahman). That sound (arising from the heart, " Oip-
kara " of the Pranava) is eternal (as borne testimony
to by the Scriptural text, " Eternal indeed is the Oip-
kara ") ; what transcends that sound, the Yogm who
discovers that transcendent One, stands clear of all
doubt. (2, 3)
The Subtlety and the All-pervading Nature
OF the Brahman
Taking the division into One-hundred-thousand
parts as the standard of division, one part (obtained
by such division) of the awn of a grain of wild paddy,
(denotes the subtle Jiva-caitanya). By further division
of that part into one-hundred-thousand parts, one
part as obtained (denotes the subtler Is'vara-caitanya).
By further division (of the Is'vara part), by adopting
one half of the standard of subdivision, {i.e., by divid-
ing such part into fifty thousand parts), one part so
obtained (denotes the still subtler Saksi-caitanya).
By the loss (of the Saksin part) m the further attempt
at subdivision, what is obtained is the traceless, un-
manifested Brahman. (4)
As fragrance amidst the flower, as ghee amidst the
milk, as oil amidst the sesamum seed, as gold amidst
quartz, so are all beings in the Stman, as beads m the
strmg of a rosary. The knower of the Brahman is he
dhyana-bindOpanisad 153
who takes his stand in the Brahman, with a firm mind
undeterred by delusion. (5, 6)
Even as by the oil in the sesamum seeds, and the
fragrance abiding in the flower, (by the Atman) is the
stand taken in the body, external and internal, (both
inclusive), of the Purusa, (the Brahman, the Prime-
cause of all). (7)
The tree (of Ignorance), one may know, as having
branches. The shadow (of Illusion) cast by it has no
branches. The Atman stands pervading everywhere,
alike in existence (of either kind), with parts and
without parts (8)
The Form or the Pkaxava
The monosyllable " Om," uhich is the Brahman,
should always be meditated upon by those who desire
release from bondage In " A," the first part of the
Prana%a, the Earth, Fire, the Rg-\eda, the world Bhur,
and Pita-maha (Brahman) have found their repose.'
In " U," the second part of the Pranava, the inter-
mediate region, Yajur-veda, the Air, the world Bhuvar,
Visnu and Janardana have found their repose. In
" M," the third part of the Pranava, the celestial region,
the Sun, the Sama-veda, the world Svar and Mahes'vara
find their repose. " A " is of yellow colour mid un-
rhythmic in quality, " U " is rhythmic in quality and of
white colour, and " M " is of black colour and inert
quality. He who does not know the Praijava of eight
Anga-s (A, U, M,*, ^, Kala, Kalatlta and Tat-psyra),
U 20
154 THE YOGA UPANISADS
having four feet (Vis'va, Taijasa, Prajfia and Turlya in
Vyasti ; Viraj, Sutra, Bija and Turya in Samasti ; Otr,
Anu3natr, Anujna and Eka-rasa, common to both) ;
three seats (Jagrat, Svapna and Susupti — states ; Sthula,
Suksma and Karana — bodies , Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
— qualities ; Knya-s'akti, Iccha-s'akti and Jnana-s'akti —
powers , Past, Present and Future — durations) ; and
five deities (Brahman, Visnu, Rudra, Is'vara and Sada-
s'lva) ; he cannot be a Brahmana (9-14)
Rule for Meditation on the Pr\n\va
Pranava is the bov\, the Atman (Manas) is the
arrow and the Brahman i? the tartlet If aim be taken
with due care, as is the case with the arrow (the Atm in
vtz., the Manas), will become mer^'ed in the taiget (of
the Brahman and become one with it) When that
which is far and near is hue seen, all actions recede
All the gods take their origin from the Omkar.i All
the vowels take their origin from the Omkara All the
three worlds, with e\er} thing, animate and inanimate
therein, take their origin from the Omkara The short
one burns awaj' all sin The long one bestows, pros-
perity The imperishable Pranava with the Ardha-
matra (half a short syllable) bestows release from
bondage. The fine end of the Pranava cannot be ex-
pressed, as of an unbroken stream of oil or the long
(continuous) chiming of a bell He who knows Him is
the real knower of the Veda {i.e., becomes a Jlvan-
mukta). (14-18)
dhyana-bindOpanisad 155
Pranava-dhySna with Pranayama
One should meditate on the Is'vara of Omkara,
stationed in the middle of the pericarp of the lotus of
the heart, who has the appearance resembling that of
the steady flame of a lamp, who is of the size of the
thumb, and motionless. Drawing in the vifal air through
Ida, filling up that of the belly therewith, one should
meditate on the Omkara stationed in the middle o( the
body and surrounded by a halo of lustre Brahman is^
said to be the Piiraka, Visnu is said to be the Kumbhaka^
and Kudra is said to be the Kecaka (these are) the J^
deities of Prana\aina. (19-21)
PrANA\ \-DHYANA BV \ Dll-FERENT METHOD
Making the Atman (the Antah-karana) the (nether)
Aram (wood used for churning hre) and the Omkara,
the upper Aram and practising the churning of medi-
tation, in this manner should one look upon himself as
the (lamp) hidden (under a poO One should apply
himself to the best of his strength to the resonance of\
the sound of Omkara, till his breath is restrained and ';
the Ndda is dissolved Those ^\ ho see in the Omkara '
depending upon the m-going and out-coming (breath,
for Its utterance), the one entity characterized as the
Harnsa, devoid of going and the like, radiant ^ith the
lustre of myriads of Suns and stationed in the inmost
hearts of all persons, — they are rendered free from the
quality of Kajas (and attain the summiim bonum of
existence). (22-24)
156 the yoga upanisads
Meditation on the Qualified Brahman
That mind, which is the doer of the act of creating,
sustaining and dissolving the three worlds, that mind
attains dissolution. That is the supreme seat of Visnu.
The lotus of the heart has eight petals and is endowed
with thirty-two filaments In the middle of it is the
Sun and in the middle of the Sun is the Moon ; in the
middle of the Moon is Fire ; in the middle of the Fire
is lustre ; in the middle of the lustre is the seat sur-
rounded with various gems. One should meditate with
modesty upon the Maha-visnu, who is in the middle of
that (seat), the god Vasu-deva, who is devoid of im-
purity, who wears the S'ri-vatsa (mark) and the Kaus-
tubha (jewel) on his breast, who is ornamented with
pearl -necklaces, who is clear as the clearest crystal, and
resplendant like myriads of moons, in this manner and
so on. (25-29)
Meditation on the Trinit\ of Gods
One addicted to the worship of the qualified god-
head should conceive of Maha-vi§nu, who is of the
colour of the flax Hower, who is firmly established in
the region of the navel and who has four arms, along
with the Puraka ; of Brahman, who is the Kamalasana
(seated on the lotus) in the region of the heart, who
IS of the colour of the reddish gem, having four
faces, the Pitamaha, along with the Kumbhaka ; of
the. three-eyed (Rudra), seated in the fore-head.
DHYANA-BINDUPANI^AD 157
resembling the clearest crystal, who has really
no parts and who destroys sins, along with the
Recaka. (30-32)
Meditation in the Heart and its Fruit
There is the lotus (of the heart), with the flower
down below and the stalk up above, facing downward
like the plantain flower, replete with all the Veda, aus-
picious, enduring for a century, rich with a hundred
petals, and (graceful like) the full-blown lotus flower.
There should he conceive of the regions of the Sun, the
Moon and Fire, one over the other. By causing the
lotus shining with the lustre of the Sun, the Moon and
Fire to burst open upwards (with the Pranava), one
should conceive of the Sun, the Moon and Fire therein.
By taking hold of the seed of the lotus (the letter " A "),
and conceiving of the (changeless) Atman (of that
form), there then moves Visnu (signified by the letter),
possessed of the three states (waking, dreaming and
sleeping), the three paths (Dhunia, Arcis and Agati)
the three Brahman-s (V'ls'va, \'iraj and Otr), the three
letters (A, U and M), the three Matra-varieties (Hrasva,
Dirgha and Pluta) and the half-Matra He who knows
him IS the real knower of the Veda [t.e., becomes the
Jivan-mukta). The fine end of the Pranava'cannot
be expressed, as of an unbroken stream of oil or the
long (continuous) chiming of a bell. He who knows
Him is the real knower of the Veda {t.e., becomes a
Jivan-mukta). (33^7)
158 THE YOGA UPANipADS
The Merging of Prana in the Resting Place
OF THE Brahman
Even as a man sucks m water through a lotus-
stalk, even so the Yogin, standing in the right path of
Yoga, should draw in the vital air. Having turned the
lotus in the form of a bud into an Ardha-matra (hemis-
pherical in shape), he should draw in the air through
the stalk alone and make it rest in the middle of the
eyebrows. He should know that at the middle of the
[eyebrows, in the forehead and at the root of the two
^nostrils IS the seat of immortality. That is the great
■• resting place of the Brahman. (38-40)
The Six-fold Yoga
Posture, control of breath, withdrawal of breath,
steadiness of breath, meditation and concentration :
these six are the stages of Yoga. (41)
The Four Postures
There are as many postures as there are classes
of living beings. The great Is'vara knows the distinc-
tive diflferences among these. The four (chief) postures
are : Suidha, Bhadra, Sirpha and Padma. (42, 43)
The Seat of the Yoni
The (Mula-) adhara (Root-support) is the first
plexns, the Svadhsthana is the second ; between the
dhySna-bindOpanisad 159
two IS the seat of the Yoni (genitals), styled Kama-
rupa. In the seat of the anus, known as (Mula-) adhara,
IS a lotus which has four petals. In the middle of it
IS said to be the Yoni, known as Kama, adored by the
accomplished (Yogin-s). The Linga (sex-mark) is
situated in the middle of the Yoni, opening inwards
and luminous like a gem in the crest. He who knows
that is the right knower of the Yoga. (43-46)
The Real Form of the Four Plexus/s,
Ml'ladhara and Others
(The Muladhara) which is of the appearance of
molten gold, which throbs like a streak of lightning,
and has four petals, is established at a spot with the
Fire above and the root of the genitals below. The
Prana (\ital air) will be therewith its own sound. The
S\adhi^thana is dependent on that Then the ple.xus
of the Svadhisthana (with six petals at the loot of the
genitals) is said to be the genital-organ itself. The
plexus of the region of the navel, wherein the body is
hlled with air, even as a gem is strung with a thread,
IS said to be the Mani-pura (with ten petals). [Beyond
that is the twehe-pctalled An-ahata plexus, in the
region of the heart, thereafter the six-petalled Vi&'ud-
dhi-cakra at the throat, thence the two-petalled Ajna
plexus m the middle of the eyebrows, thence the Lunar
and Solar region, and at the top of all, the thousand-
petalled plexus in the Brahma-randhra.] In the great
plexus of the twelve (petals) spokes (v»s., the An-ahata),
160 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
placed by his -religious merit and sin, the Jiva whirls
round and round, as long as he does not discover the
Truth. (46-50)
The Group of Nadi-s
There is a knot resembling the egg of a bird,
above the (root of the) genitals and b^low the navel.
Thence originate Seventy-two thousand Nadi-s. Of
these thousands of Nadi-s, seventy-two are spoken of
(in the Scriptures). Of these again, ten are said to be
the chief ones, adapted to the passage of vital air
through them • Ida, Pingala, Susumna the third, Gam-
dharl, Hasti-]ihva, Pusa, Yas'asvinT, Alambusa, Kuhu
and S'ankhinl thought to be the tenth of them. In this
manner should always be known the plexus made up
of the Nadl-s of the Yogm-s. Ida, Pingala and Susum-
na, these three Nadi-s, are said to be always carrymg
the vital air and havmg the Moon, the Sun and Fire
(respectively) as their deities Ida, the Nadi standing
to the left, Pingala standing to the right, and Susumna
standing in the middle, these three are thought of
as the paths of the vital air, (50-56)
THE Ten Vital Airs, Prana and Others
Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana ; and
so also, Naga, Kurma, Krkara, Deva-datta and
Dhanarp-jaya (are the ten vital airs). The five beginning
from Prana are the reputed ones ; the five beginning
dhyana-bindOpanisad 161
from Naga are (other) vital airs. These exist m
thousands of Na4l-s in the form of the Jiva. (56-58)
The Dependence of the Jiva on the Prana
AND the Apana
The Jiva, which is dependent on the Prana and the
Apana, leaps downwards and upwards and is not seen
as moving either towards the right or the left. Even
as a ball thrown by the fore-arm moves onwards, even
so the Jiva propelled by the Prana and the Apana would
not rest. (58-60)
The Working in Unison of the Prana and the
Apaw during Yoga
The Prana (vital air) drags the Apana and the
Apana drags the Prana, even as a bird (bound
by a string) and the string act and react on each
other. He who knows thus is the real knower of
Yoga. (60, 61)
A-JAFA-HAMSA-VIDYA
The vital air goes out with the sound of " Ha "
and again enters with the sound of " Sa." "The Jiva
always mutters this Mantra, vtz., " Hamsa", " Haipsa ".
Twenty-one thousand six hundred times in the course
of a day and night does the Jiva (silently) mutter the
Mantra always. (This) G^yat-tri known as A;japa
U 21
162 THE YOGA UPANISADS
bestows liberation always on Yogin-s. By the very
resolve taken tor doing this, a man is nd of his sins.
The like of this lore, the like of this prayer, the like of
this virtuous act, there has not been and there never
shall be. (61-65)
By ^wakening the Kundalini is Accomplished
THE Breaking Open of the Doors of
Liberation
Closing with her face the hole that forms the path-
way, whereby the safe and sound seat of the Brahman
has to be reached, the great Goddess sleeps. When
roused (from her sleep) by the conjunction of fire,
with the mind and the vital air, even as a needle carry-
ing a thread, she goes upwards (carrying her body with
her). The Yogin should burst open the door leading
to liberation by means of the Kundalini, even as a
person would forcibly burst open a door with' the help
of a master-key Having folded both hands (in the
attitude of prayer), having assumed more firmly (than
usual) the Padma-posture, pressing fast his chin over
his chest, profoundly meditating upon that with a full
mind, pushing up by turns the filled-in Apana (vital
air) antf giving out his Prana vital air, the practitioner
of Yoga, by virtue of his (Yogic) power, finally
attains that unequalled awakening (in the know-
ledge, " The Brahman am I ", " I alone am the
Brahman "). (65-69)
dhySna-bindupanisad 163
The Awakening of the Kundalini" by Celibacy-
AND Other Observances
That Yogin is the hberated one, who, after
assuming the Padma-postare, fills m vjtal air in the
hojes of the Nadl-s and retains it by Kumbhaka ;
there is no doubt about it. (70)
After massaging the hmbs of the body with the
perspiration produced by exertion, renouncing what is
pungent, sour and saltish, delighting in drinking milk,
living in comfort, abstaining from sexual intercourse,
temperate m food, having Yoga as his final resort,
the Yogm will become an accomplished adept after the
lapse of a year ; no further doubt need there be in the
matter. The Yogm, who has developed the power of
the KundalinT above the knot of the navel, is a fit
receptacle for the accomplishment of Yoga (70-73)
The Three Kinds of Ba\dha-s
By the diminution of urine and fences is attained
the union of the Prana and the Apana vital airs. By
performing Mula-bandha always, even an old man
becomes young. By pressing the genitals with the
heels, (the Yogin) should contract the anus, by drawing
the Apana upwards : This is known as Mula~bandha,
By what means a great bird soars up without rest,
that alone is the U44>yana ^nd a Bandha is prescribed
therefor. One - should assume the Pas'cima-tSna
(constricting the belly) posture in the belly above the
164 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
navel. This will be the U^diyana-bandha, the lion
which will quell the elephant of "Seath, and which
binds (the disease-generating) phlegm which is the
water of Ether having its origin at the (thousand-
petalled lotus of the) head, flowing downwards. Then
the Jalam-dhara-bandha, which destroys the flood of
ailments in the throat, when the Jalarp-dhara-bandha,
which is characterized by the constriction of the throat,
is made (73-78)
Practice of the Khe-cari-mudra
Neither does the nectar flow into the fire, nor does
the vital air leap forwards, when the tongue enters the
cavern of the cranium, moving contrariwise (backward).
The eye-glance penetrating between the eyebrows is
the (posture) Khe-cari-mudra. He who has mastered
the Khe-cari-mudra, for him there is no disease, nor
death, no sleep, nor hunger, nor thirst, nor fainting ;
he who has the Khe-cari-mudra is neither troubled
with disease, nor defiled by Karma, nor bound by
durations. As, during this (Mudra), the mind moves
in Ether, the tongue has moved into Ether, this Mudra
which is adored by the adepts, is known by the name
of Khe-cari (79-83)
The Accomplishment of Vajroli, by the
Practice of Khe-cari
For him (whose tongue enters) the hole (of the
cranium), moving upwards beyond the uvula, whose
dhyXna-bindOpani^ad 165
semen does not waste away, even when he is in the
embrace of a beautiful woman, as long as the semen
remams firmly held in the body, so long, where is the
fear of death for him ? As long as the Khe-cari-mudra
IS firmly adhered to, so long the semen does not flow out.
Even if it should flow and reach the region of the genitals,
it goes upwards, being forcibly held up by the power of
the Yoni-mudra (sanctified by the V^ajroli).
Becoming a Jivan-mukta by Knowledge of the
Union of the Two Kinds of Bindu
The selfsame Bindu is of two varieties • the white
and the reddish. The white they call S'ukla (semen) ;
the name of the reddish variety is Maha-rajas ; the
Rajas which resembles the coral tree (in colour)
stands in the seat of the genitals. The semen abides
in the seat of the Moon (midway between the Ajfla-
cakra and the Thousand-petalled lotus). The union of
the two (the S'lva and the S'akti) is very rarely
attained. The semen is S'lva, the Rajas is the S'akti ;
the semen is the Moon and the Rajas is the Sun ; it is
only by the union of the two (the S'lva and the S'akti)
that this exquisite body is attained. When the Rajas,
induced by the vital air moved by the S'akti, towards
Ether, becomes one with the Sun, the bo3y will
become divine. The semen is united with the Moon
and the Rajas with the Sun. He who knows the
harmonious mingling of the two (the Jivatman and the
Paramatman) is the real knower of Yoga. (86-01)
166 the yoga upani^ads
The Practice of the MahS-mudra
The cleansing (with the Pranayama) of the heaps
of impurities (in the Nadi-s), the bringing about of the
union between the Moon and the Sun, the complete
drying up of the Rasa-s (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), is
known as the Maha-mudra. With the chin laid on the
chest, pressing the abyss of the genitals with thejgft
foet, holding with the two hands the outstretched right
leg, filling with breath the pair of bellies and holding
it up, one should slowly expel it. This indeed is said
to be the sin-destroying Maha-mudra for men. [Thus
far, the Pranayama has been dwelt upon. The with-
drawal of the " 1 "-ness from the body and other non-
.Atmic things into the innermost Atman would be the
fPratyahara. The conviction that the innermost Atman
'is itself the Brajiman is Dharana. " 1 am the Brah-
man," " The Brahman alone am I " — the firm faith to
this effect is the Dhyana. The dissolution of the triad
of ideas relating to contemplation, the contemplator
and what is contemplated upon is the Nir-vikalpa-
samadhi. These six would constitute the Yoga of six
Anga-s.] (91-93)
The Direct Manifestation of the Atman
IN the Heart
Now then, I shall presently expound the way of
discovering the Atman. In the seat of the heart there is
th« eight-petalled lotus, " In the middle of it, making a
DHVANA-BINDUPANISAD 167
Circle, there is the form of the Jivatman, in the form
of radiance of the size of a speck. Therein is estab-
lished all. That knows all ; that does all ; all is the per-
formance of This ; " I am the doer ; I am the enjoyer ;
the experiencer of pleasure ; the experiencer of pain ;
the one-eyed ; the lame ; the deaf ; the dumb ; the
lean ; the corpulent," — in this manner it exists giving
expression to its dependence on itself. (93—1). When,
in the Eastern petal, it {viz., I) reposes, the Eastern
petal is of a white colour ; then, with devotion moving
m front, there is the inclination on its part towards
Dharma (right conduct). (93 — 2). When, in the
South-eastern petal, it reposes, the South-eastern petal
IS of a blood-red colour ; then there is proneness on its
part to slumber and sloth. (93 — 3). When, in the
Southern petal, it reposes, the Southern petal is of a black
colour; then there is leaning on its part towards spite
and anger. (93 — 4). When, in the South-western petal,
it reposes, the South-western petal is of a blue colour ;
then there is the tendency on its part towards sinful
action and violence. (93 — 5). When, in the Western
petal, It reposes, the Western petal is of the colour of
crystal ; then there is the inducement on its part
towards play and amusement. (93 — 6). When, in the
North-western petal, it reposes, the North-western petal
IS of the colour of emerald ; then there is the inclina-
tion on its part towards going, moving and detachment.
(93 — 7). When, in the Northern petal, it reposes, the
Northern petal is of a yellow colour ; then there is
proneness on its part towards the enjoyment of pleasurre
168 THE YOGA UPANISADS
and sex- attraction. (93 — 8). When, in the North-eastern
petal, It reposes, the North-eastern petal is of the colour
of laptz lazult ; then there is the tendency on its part
towards munificence, compassion and the like. (93 — 9).
When, there is leaning towards the joints (of the petals)
on its part, then there is the rousing of Vata (vital
air), Pitta (bile), S'lesman (phlegm) and the great
maladies. (93 — 10). When it stands at the centre, then
it knows all, sings, dances, reads and creates Bliss.
(93 — 11). When ocular strain results, it makes the first
circle around it for the alleviation of the strain and
immerses itself in the middle of the circle. The first
circle is of the colour of the Bandhuka flower. Then
IS the state of sleep. In the middle of the state of
sleep there occurs the state of dreaming. In the
middle of the state of dreaming, it indulges in
fancies, such as occupying itself with studying, re-
flecting, inference and what results flow from their
application, and experiences fatigue on that account.
(93 — 12). For assuaging such fatigue, it makes a
second circle and immerses itself in the middle
(of the circle). The second circle is of the colour
of the Indra-kopa insect. Then follows the state
of slumber and in the slumber is produced the
thought entirely relating to Parames'vara. It actually
assumes the form of ever-wakefulness. Then follows
the attainment (of one-ness) with the form of Para-
mes'vara. (93 — 13). Making a third circle it immerses
itself in the middle. The third circle is of the colour
of the ruby. Then corfies on the fourth (the Turiya)
DHVANA-BINDUPANISAD 169
State. In the Tunya state, there arises the idea ex-
clusively relating to the Paramatman (the Brahman) ;
then it becomes of the form of eternal consciousness.
Little by little should it take rest, making the mind
firmly implanted in the Atman , with the dawning
of wisdom resulting out of fortitude, it should not
think of any thing else. (93 — 14). Then, effecting the
unification of the Prana and the Apana in its intros-
pection. It invests the entire universe with the form of the
Atman. When this TurTyatTta state |comes on, then
It actually becomes of the form of Bliss to all , it
reaches beyond the dualistic state ; and lasts as long
as the body endures. Thereafter is the attainment of
oneness with the form of the Paramatman. Thus, in
this manner, there is liberation. This alone is the
expedient to be adoped for seeing the Atman. (93 — 15)
By the vital air reaching the great door (the
Susumna-randhra) after having recourse to the junction
of the four roads (the Jalam-dhara-bandha), after passing
upwards from the triangle (of the Muladhara plexus)
wherein it stood, is seen the Acyuta (the Paramatman,
the never-swerving Brahman) (in other words, it is only
by the entry of the inward vision, the vital air, the
fire, the mind and the Kundalini into the Susumna-nadi
in the Muladhara can the Paramatman be seen) (94)
Seeing the ParamStman, by the Application
OF the Nada
The live colours of the elements beginning from
Prthivi should be meditated "upon above the seat of
170 THE YOGA UPANISADS
the Triangle mentioned previously. Also the five vital
airs, Prana and others, their seed, colour and seat. The
letter " Ya ", of the colour of a blue cloud, and with
the heart as its seat, should be known as the seed of
Prana ; the letter " Ra ", which is of the colour of the
Sun, and is Apana with the anus as its seat, should
be known as the seed of fire ; the letter " La " which is
Vyana with the entire body as its seat and of the colour
of the Bandhuka flower, should be known as of the
form of Earth ; the letter " Va ", which is Udana and
of the colour of the conch, should be known as the
seed of the Jlva ; the letter " Ha " which is of the form
of Ether, and of the colour of crystal which is
Samana and has its seat in the heart, the navel,
the nose, the throat, the big-toes of the foot and
the like, is present in the courses of the Seventy-two
thousand Nadl-s, and is well placed in the twenty-
eight crores of the capillary follicles. The Samana
and Praiia are one ; he, the Jlva is one only. With
a firm control over the mind and resolute, the Yogin
should perform Pranayama composed of the three
operations beginning with Recaka. Having by degrees
withdrawn all functionings into the cavern of the lotus
of the heart and bound Prana and Apana therein,
he should move the vital air upwards with the Praijava,
m the direction of the Ajfta and Mani-pura plex-
uses (alone), contracting the throat and contracting
the genitals likewise. Then will be seen the auspicious
Susum^a-nadi resembling the fibre of the lotus-stalk,
taking its origin from the Mul5dhara (and ending in
dhySna-bindupanisad 171
the Kaivalya-nadl). There is the Nada (sound) having
no distinct form, produced out of the (middle of the)
Vnja-dan^a (vertebral column) (attached to the Susumna),
resembhng the middle resonance out of the sound
of the conch and the like. When this sound reaches
the orifice of Ether (in the cavern of the heart) it
(assumes the form of) the note of the peacock. In the
middle of the crevice of the cranium, in the middle of
the four openings, that illustrious Paramatman shines,
even as the Sun m the sky, (and abides) in the crevices
of the Brahman as supreme energy, between the two
Kodanda-s (eyebrows). The mind, that has found its
final rest there, will see its own Atman, the Purusa, the
(twenty-one) gems (born out of the Vraja-danda) and
in their radiance the Nada (sound), the seed (of the
Turyaturya) of the Mahes'vara state. He who knows
thus, that Purusa (simultaneously with such know-
ledge) attains the state of alone-ness — Thus the
Upanisad. (94-106).
THE NADA-BINDUPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Thirty-eighth among
the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the Rg-Veda, deals
with the attainment of Videha-mukti, as a result of
the annihilation of the three kinds of Karma, by those
that are equipped with the expedient of Nada, through
the exposition of the real nature of the Absolute
Brahman, after dealing with the means of attaining
the Brahman in its qualified aspect, by those that
are possessed of the knowledge of the qualified
Brahman indicated by the Pranava in its Vairaja
■ aspect.]
The Real Form of the Vaikaja-pranava
The letter " A " is the right wing (of that king of
birds, the VairSj a -pranava). The letter " U " is con-
sidered to be the other wing. The letter " M " is its
^il, they say. The Ardha-matra is its head. Its legs
and the tike are the Gunas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas).
Its body is said to be the Truth. Dharma (right
conduct) IS its right eye, and A-dharma (unrighteous
conduct) IS said to be the other (eye). In its feet is
the.Bhur-loka and in its knees the Bhuvar-loka. In
THE n5da-bind0panisad 173
Its hip-region is the Suvar-loka and in its navel region
the Mahar-loka. The Jano-loka is in the region of its
heart and the Tapo-loka in its throat. The Satya-
loka is estabhshed in the middle of its brows and
forehead. (1-4)
The Fruit of the Vairaja-vidya
In this (V'^airaja-pranava) is indeed revealed the
(Omkara) Mantra (containing the " A ") with the
thousand limbs, (according to the Vedic Text which
says : " The letter " A " is composed of a thousand
limbs "). The Adept in Harnsa-yoga (concentration in
the conception, " I am that Viraj "), who has mastered
this Vairaja-vidya, is not at all affected by the
hundreds of myriads of sins due to his Karma. (5, 6)
The Real Form of the Pranava Composed of
Four chief Matra-s
The first Matra (known as Akara) relates to Agni
(the Viraj). The second (the symbol " U ") relates to
the Air (the Sutratman). The next Matra (" M ", the
Bijatman) shines like the disc of the Sun. The last,
VIZ., the Ardha-matra, wise men know it to be of the
form of Varuna (the Turya). This is known as the
OrpkSra, wherein these (four) Matras have verily been
established for all the three durations (the past, the
present and the future). Know ye (all ignorant men !
these Matras) by Dh5rana-s. (6-8)
174 THE YOGA UPANl^ADS
The Details of the Twelve different MXtrSs
OF THE PRAIiJAVA TaKEN INDIVIDUALLY AND
Collectively
The first Matra is (known as) the Ghosinl, the next
as the Vidyut ; the third is the PataAgini, the fourth the
Vayu-vegini ; the fifth is the Nama-dheya and the
sixth is called the Aindri ; the seventh is known as the
Vaisnavl and the eighth as the S'arpkarl ; the ninth is
named the Mahati and the tenth is said to be the
Dhrti ; the eleventh will be the Nan and the twelfth
the Brahmi. (9-11)
Benefits Derived by Votaries on Their Dying
during PARTICULAR MaTRS-S
Should the devotee part with his life m the first
Matra, he will be born as the king of the Bharata-varsa,
and Emperor. He who dies during the second will
become a high-souled Yaksa ; during the third (will be
reborn) as a Vidya-dhara, and during the fourth as a
Gandharva, Should one part with his life during the
fifth Matra, born as a Deva he will be held in esteem m
the Soma-loka (lunar world). During the sixth (is
attained) oneness with Indra and during the seventh
(there is) the attainment of the seat of Vispu ; during
the eighth that of Rudra, the lord of the Pas'u-s ;
during the ninth the Mahar-loka, and during the tenth
the Jano-loka ; during the eleventh the Tapo-loka and
duwng the twelfth eternal Brahmanhood. (12-16)
THE NADA-BINDCPANI$AD 175
The Real Form of the Unqualified Brahman
AND THE Fruit of knowing It
Then, he who is accomphshed in Yoga should
always have recourse to what is superior (to the qualified
Maha-vairaja-pranava), the pure, the all-pervading,
the unalloyed, the auspicious, the ever-rising, the
transcendent Brahman, whence all the heavenly bodies
take their origin, who is beyond the senses, who is
beyond the Gunas, the fearless, the auspicious, the
tranquillized, in such a manner that the mind may find
repose therein. That person accomplished (in Yoga)
entirely composed of it, should give up gradually
Ignorance and misconception, (the work of A-vidya)
inherent in the human order, and become consciousness
alone. Firmly implanted m the Yoga and devoid of
all attachment, then this Yogin, with his internal
impurities cleansed and his bond sundered, becomes
the lord of Kamala (of Videha-mukti) and by means
of being the Brahman alone attams the highest
Bliss. (17-20)
iNyuiRY into the Existence or Non-existence of
the Previous Karma of a Man of Gnosis
O man of great intellect ! having (with the grace
of thy Guru) understood the Atman, always spend
thy time. Having experienced the result of every
action already begun, it is not proper for thee to get
vexed over it. "When the knowledge of the Stman has
176 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
just begun, the result of actions already begun does not
quit thee. After the dawning of the knowledge of the
Truth, there is no such thing at all as the result of
actions begun, on account of the non-existence of the
body and the like (which are unreal), even as there is
no dream (for one) after being awakened. As for what
IS stated to be the result of action begun during
previous incarnations, (be convinced) that becomes
non-existent at any time, on account of the non-exist-
ence of incarnations for men , (for,) even as the body,
in a dream (only) hypothetically exists, even so this
body. Where is birth for something hypothetical ?
In the absence of birth, how can there be existence ?
When one sees Ignorance to be the prime cause of the
phenomenal world, as earth (is the prime cause) in the
case of the pot made of it, in accordance with all the
systems of Vedanta, when that ignorance ceases to
exist, where is the existence of the universe ' The
intelligence of a deluded fool sees the world, not
knowing the (nature of) real existence, even as one,
out of delusion, leaving off the rope, sees (in it) the
serpent. When the piece of rope is distinguished, the
form of the serpent disappears ; when the real cause is
likewise known, the phenomenal world becomes void.
As the body is also (part) of the phenomenal world,
where then is the persistence of past actions ? It is
only for the sake of the enlightenment of the ignorant,
that reference is made to the result of past actions.
Hence, when, at the approach of the proper time, past
actions recede into the oblivion, the Nada (sound)
THE n5da-bind0pani§ad 177
of the union of the Brahman and the Pranava, the
full effulgence, the blissful, the Atman will shine of his
own accord, even as the Sun would, when clouds
disperse, (21-30)
Application of the Mind to the Nada,
THE Means of Attaining the Knowledge of the
TURiYA-TURiYA
Assuming the Siddhasana posture, maintaining,
the Vafsnavl Mudra (keeping the eyes wide open •
without twihkling and all the while introspecting), the '
Yogin should always listen to the sound in the interior
of his right ear. This sound, when (constantly) prac-
tised, will drown every sound from outside. After
overcoming from one side (by means of what is inside)
all whatever of the opposite side (what exists outside),
It reaches the seat of the Turya (fourth state). In the
practice for the first time, there will be heard many
a great sound of various kinds. By persisting in the
practice in the same manner (further and further),
the sound will be heard subtler and subtler. At first,
(it will be like) what is produced by the ocean, the
cloud, the kettle-drum and the water-fall. In the
middle («.«,, a little later) (it will be like) the sound
produced by the tabor, the big bell and the* military
drum ; and finally like the sound of the tinkling bell,
the bamboo-flute, the harp and the wasp. In this
manner will various kinds of sounds be heard, growing
subtler and subtler. Even when loud sounds, such
U 23
178 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
as of the kettle-drum and the hke, are heard therein, (the
Yogm) should take into consideration only the subtle,
and the subtler ones. He should not shift elsewhere
his mind, which is diverting itself in the subtle,
leaving off the loud, or in the loud, leaving off the
subtle, or fully engrossed in (any of them). In which-
ever sound the mind halts at first, there and there
alone getting confirmed, it seeks repose therein. The
mind, lost in that sound forgetting everything outside,
, becomes one with it, like water and milk and forthwith
' merges with the Ether of consciousness. The Yogin
with mental control, by constant practice, becomes
indifferent to everything else and is attracted by such
sound alone as would transport him beyond his mind.
Leaving off all thoughts and devoid of all action, he
should meditate upon sound alone. This mind will
(then) merge completely in the sound (31-41)
The Power of Sound to Captivate the Mind
Even as the bee drinks the honey and does not
like the sweet scent of (the flower), the mind, captivated
by sweet sound for ever, has no relish for any other
functioning ; bound by (the rope of) a little sweet sound,
it gives up Its fickle nature in a trice. The mind, the
snake alJiding in the hole of the interior of the body,
caught by (the snake-charmer of) sweet sound, com-
pletely forgetting the world, does not run anywise,
becoming one-pointed. For the infatuated lord of ele-
phapts of the mmd, roaming about the pleasure garden
THE nSda-bindCpani§ad 179
of the objects of desire, this sharp goad of sweet
sound commands the ability to bring under control.
Sound plays the part of the net, which ensnares the
deer m the intenor of the body (v»a., the mind). It
likewise plays the part of the dyke in stemming the tide
in the interior of the body {viz., the mind). (42-46^
The Real Form of the Nada of the
FINAL Resort
The Nada (the Pratyag-atman) of the Pranava,
wherein is manifest the Brahman, is self-luminous.
The mind finds its repose therein That is the supreme
seat of N'lsnu (Videha-mukti). As long as the sound
{persists, so long does the conception of Ether persist.
The transcendent Atman devoid of sound is termed the
Paramatman. As long as there is the sound, so long
docs the mind j^ersist. When the sound ceases, the
mind is out of element. (The Pranava) is endowed
with sound ; when its principal letter vanishes, there
comes on the quiescent state, the transcendent state
(of the Brahman). From constant application to the
Nada (sound) of the Pranava, the impression left by
the past will be obliterated. Then the mind and the
vital air will merge m the detached (Atman) ; there is
no doubt. The myriads of thousands of means to the
attainment of (the all-witness) the Nada (the sound),
the myriads of hundreds of devices adopted for the
attainment of (the Is'vara) the Bindu, (the speck) of
the Prariava, all of them find their last resting place in
180 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
the Nada of the Pranava, wherein is manifest the
Brahman (which is no other than the innermost
Stman). (46—51)
The Attainment of Videha-Mukti by the Yogin-s
WHO ARE PERCHED ON THE NXDA
Released from all states and devoid of all cares,
the Yogin will stand hke a dead man. He is liberated ;
there is no doubt about it. He does not anymore hear
the sound of the conch and the large kettle-drum. He
will surely know his embodied state as a piece of wood,
he having transcended the state of his mind. He has
cognisance of neither cold nor heat, nor pain nor
pleasure, nor honour nor dishonour and giving up by
means of concentration, the mind of the Yogin would
not have recourse to the three states (of waking, dream-
ing and sleeping). Released from waking and sleepmg
he would reach his own real state. He who has
^profound vision without the things to be seen, whose
vital air is motionless without effort, whose mind is
constant, without anything to rest on, he is of the form
1 of the Nada known as Brahma-tarantara {t.e., the
Turya-turya) (and becomes a Videha-mukta). — Thus
the Upanisad.
THE PSS'UPATA-BRAHMOPANI§AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Seventy-seventh
among the 108 Upanisads and forms part of the
Atharva-veda, specially deals with the real forms of
Haipsa and Sutratman and has as its ultimate aim the
attamment of the non-relative Absolute Brahman.]
THE PORVA-KSNDA
Seven Queries Relating to the Supreme
KuLEK OF the World
Then, Brahman, the Svayarp-bhu (who originated
from himself) came to be filled with the desire, " Let
me bring forth progeny." (Thence came into being)
Kames'vara (the Rudra) and Vals'ra^ana. VaisTavana,
the son of Brahman, the Valakhilya (of the class of
Rsi-s of the size of the thumb) asks the Svayaip-bhu
thus : " What is the Vidya (lore) of the worlds ? What
is the deity ? Who is the Deva (God) of this — the
JSgrat (wakmg) and TurTya (fourth) states ? Under
whose control are these ? Of what lengths are the
durations of Time ? Under whose orders do the Sun,
the Moon, the planetary bodies and the like shine ?
Whose greatness takes the form of the expanse of the
Sky ? This I want to hear. None other knows (it).
Pray, relate thou, O Brahman ! " (1, 2)
182 the yoga upani^ads
Answers to the Seven Queries
The Svayarp-bhu says : " The Vidya of all the
worlds is the Alphabet, (the basis of all articulate
speech). (The word) composed of two or three letters,
the two-lettered one (viz., " O " made up of " A " and
" U "), the three-lettered one, (when " M " is added),
the Oipkara of four measures, is the deity which is my
very life. I alone am the monarch of the three worlds.
All the Yuga-s (cycles of time) also are under my
control, (as also) all durations, evolved out of (human)
conception, such as Day, Night and the like. The
radiance of the Sun, the brightness of the Moon, the
stars, and the planets, are forms of mine. The expanse
of the sky is of the form of my three illusory powers,
(doing, knowing and desire), (which characterize my
greatness). Nothing else is mine. Rudra has the
illusory characteristic of Inertia Visnu has the illusory
characteristic of Rhythm and Brahman has the illusory
characteristic of Mobility. Indra and others are of the
characteristics of Inertia and Mobility. As no one (other
than Visnu) possesses the characteristic of Rhythm,
there is none (like Visnu) who is either quiescent or
shared in common (by all devotees). (3-10)
Definition of the Performer and Others
Officiating in the Sacrifice of the Creation
Rudra is the performer of the animal-sacifice,
in* all sacrifices (from the Agnistoma up to the
THE pX^upata-brahmopani^ad 183
Vaji-medha). Vis^u is the God of the principal offering of
the sacrifice and the Adhvaryu (its protector, avoiding
excesses and defects). Indra is the Hotr (conductor of
the rituals). The deity (Pas'u-pati) is the Yajfla-bhuj.
(Know) Brahman as the silent witness. (Know)
Brahman as the Mahes'vara (the witness of all). (11)
The Sacrifice of Application of the Mind
TO the Nada
(The mental attitude), " I am He, He am 1, I am
He," the constant application (of the mind) to the
sound ol (the word) Haipsa, is the mental sacrifice.
The Jiva (by constant resort to such application of the
mind and the requisite mspiration and expiration of
vital an) becomes transformed into it (Hamsa) (12)
The e.xposition of the Paramatman beihs
of the State of the Hamsa
The real form of the Paramatman is of the Hamsa
(that kills the delusion foreign to the Atman, with the
knowledge of the truth of the Atman). The Haipsa
moves inward and outward, (related as it is to the
Piciija and Apana or pervading all things by moving
into and out of them, in accordance with the Upani-
sadic text : " The Narayana takes his stand, pervading
all, inside and outside ")• The Haipsa is of the form of
the Su-pan>a, who, having gone into the interior (of
the body), finds ht\le space for him in the interior (amd
184 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
has, therefore, to kill the serpents of the six foes, lust,
anger, greed, delusion, infatuation and hatred, as well
as the objects of desire, of the form of sound, touch,
form, taste and smell, strongly entrenched there). (13)
Similarity between the YajRa-sOtra and
THE BrAHMA-SUTRA
[The Yajfia-sutra (sacrificial thread) is distinct,
being made up of ninety-six units of thread of four
digit-lengths.] The Brahma-sutra is the thread of the
ninety-six Tattvas (first principles). (The Yajfia-sutra
is indicated by three threads twisted into one). The
Brahma-sutra is indicated by the three threads of
consciousness, of the Turya, Turya-turya and A-vikalpa
twisted into the one skein of consciousness. (The
'Yajfia-sutra contains nine threads made of three coils
of three threads each). The Brahma-sutra contains
the nine great truths (Turya, Vis'va, Viraj, Otr, etc.,)
m the three coils (of Turya-prajfia, BijanujHa and
Eka-rasa) of three each, made of the three-fold fires
(Daksina, Garha-patya and Ahavaniya) of the trinity,
(Brahman, Visnu and Mahes'vara), with three KalS-s
each, fastened by the knot of consciousness, with the
^non-dual_(Brahman)_as the knot, (even as the sacrificial
thread lias the knot of the Brahman). The common
feature of the sacrifices (of the two kinds, external and
internal) is shining, external (with the Yajfia-sutra) in
the case of the external sacrifice, and inteinal (with the
Bmhrna-sutra) in the case of the internal sacrifice
THE pXs'upata-brahmopani^ad 185
(Brahma-yajfia). The Haipsa is of the form of the
Brahma(-sutra) which is the index of the (internal)
sacrifice. (14, 15)
The BrShmana alone Qualified to Perform
Brahma-yajRa
External sacrifices bear on the Brahmana wearing
the thread which forms the index of the U pa vita (one
invested with the thread of sacrifice). He, who has
the qualifications indicated in the Vedanga-s, wears
the sacrificial thread. It is only he, that is qualified
for the Brahma-sUtra also. The Brahma-yajfia (taking
one's stand on the Brahman), which is related to the
Brahmana wearing the Yajfia-sutra, becomes of that
form (i. e., of the Brahman). (16)
Of the Hamsa, that is the Pranava, is the
Sacrifice, that is the Brahman
The parts of the sacrifice are the Matra-s. Of
the mental (internal) sacrifice, the sacrificial thread
IS the Haipsa. The Pranava is the Brahma-^tra
which is out and oat the Brahma-yajfia as well.
The Haipsa that is inherent in the Pranava is the
Brahma-sGtra. That alone is full of Brahma-yajfia
(».«., the knowledge of the unqualified Brahman).
That alone is the right means to be employed for
liberation* H7)
186 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Mental Sacrifice of the Form of the Union
WITH THE Brahman
That act of bringing about the union of the direct
and the transcendent Atman-s (by the reahzation " That
thou art ", " I am the Brahman "), is the mental sacri-
fice. The act of bringing about the union is the index
of the mental sacrifice. (18)
The Application of the Mind to the Hamsa
AND PraNAVA without DIFFERENTIATION —
THE Internal Sacrifice
The sacrificial thread is the Pra^iava. One who
betakes himself to the observance of the Brahma-
yajna is the Brahmana. Those that engage them-
selves in dwellmg on the Brahman are the gods.
(Internal) sacrifices are observances meant for indicat-
ing the Hamsa. There is no diflference between the
Hamsa and the Pranava There are three ways of
approach for soliciting the Haipsa, (S'ravapa, Manana
land Nididhyasana). The three durations (past, pre-
'sent and future) are the three letters (A, U, M). The
.maintenance of the three_fires (Vis'va, Viraj and Otf)
IS the (internal) sacrifice. The application of the mind
to the Haipsa implied by the Praijava, whose charac-
teristics, appearance and constituent parts and colours
are of the three fires, is the internal sacrifice. Like
the form of consciousness (made of Vis^va, Vir5j, Otf,
etc.), the form of the Tunya is made up of that alone.
THE PSsrUPATA-BRAHMOPANISAD 187
The Harpsa (the ParamStman) is of the form of the
radiance of the internal Sun. The (internal) sacrifice
IS the expedient for the attainment of the Brahman.
(Hence) those (in quest of it) meditate on the Brahman
manifested (within), only through the Pranava and the
knowledge that there exists only the Brahman (which
it reveals). (19-22)
The Ninety-six Hamsa-tmreads
The sage Valakhilya, the son of Brahman again
asked Brahman thus : '* Thou knowest (all things) O
Lord ! How many are the Haipsa-threads in number
and what is the extent ? " (The Lord replied :) " The
number of forms of the beams of the Sun (of con-
sciousness shining) in the heart, is ninety-six. The
expirations issuing through the nostrils, out of the Cit-
sutra-s (of the heart), supported by the Pranava, are
SIX digit-lengths and ten and eighty {i.e., ninety-six
kinds corresponding to the ninety-six first principles).
(23, 24)
HamsStma-vidyS alone, the Liberation
The ParamStman that is the Haipsa moves be-
tween the left arm and the right hip over tne entire
region of that portion of the body externally as well as
internally, even as the sacrificial thread ; this esoteric
secret of the Brahman is not known anywhere else.
Those that know (the Haipsa to be none other than
188 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
the Paramatman), they reap the fruit of itnmortahty.
(Know) that the Haipsa does not manifest itself always.
Liberation is not (withm the reach of any) but the
person, who has developed the faculty of meditating on
the Pranava-haipsa and th^- Haqisa within as
identical. (25, 26)
The Superiority of the Internal over the
External Sacrifice
(Those who look upon) the nine threads selected
after close investigation (as the Atman), even they attain
the Brahman (of their quest). The form of the internal
Aditya (Sun) (of consciousness) is not known to
men. Knowing that the Sun of the phenomenal world
shines, those men and the gods, with prayers addressed
to the Sun (of consciousness) are in quest of the import
underlying the Supreme Truth. Vaja-peya (the sacri-
fice of the knowledge of the unqualified Brahman,
which IS attained by such knowledge consuming the
.essence of everything olse) is the killer of the sacrificial
animal, (the false knowledge of the Atman as the body).
Indra, (Parames'vara) the deity, is the conductor of the
, sacrifice. The Dharma-y5ga leading to liberation is
Non-violence. The Parama-haipsa is the conductor,
Pas'u-pati, the Paramatman, is alone the deity. The
treatises dealing with the Brahman constitute the
Brahman. Brahmapa-s well equipped with the know-
ledge of the Veda and VedSnta take part in the
sacrifice. (27-30)
THE pXs'upata-brahmopani^ad 189
The As'va-medha of the Form of JSana-yajRa
The As'va-medha, (the sacrifice, wherein the
phenomenal world is to be sacrificed, whose perfor-
mance cannot be said to take place to-morrow or the
day after — as the goal to be attained is simultaneous
with the knowledge thereof) is reputed to be the great
sacrifice. Those that have won the favour of the king
of that sacnhce, (the unqualified Atman), take part in
the Brahma-carya (of the attainment of the Brahman).
Know that the path to liberation m the case of all
lies in the path to the Brahma-yajfia prescribed
above. (51)
The Radiance of the Takaka-hamsa
The son of Brahman (thereupon) said, " The
Harpsa, the seer, has manifested himself ". The
Svayatp-bhu (then) dissapjxiared from view. (Alony
with Vais'ravana) Rudra also understood (from the
mouth of Svayarp-bhli) thus, viz , " (The final resort) of
the Brahmopanisad-s, the Pranava which is the Taraka,
the radiance of Haipsa, the I'as'u-pati am I ". (32)
THE UTTARA-KSNDA
The Attainment of the Brahman through
THE Conception of its Form per se
The Brahman of the form of the Haipsa, indicated
by the cluster of letters (vis., the Orpkara), is the IsTvara
190 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
that prompts (men to betake to and avoid actions
respectively leadmg to their welfare and misery). The
knowledge that arises leading to the conviction that the
Is'vara is (no other than) the Paramatman is what leads
to one's becoming the Brahman himself. This is the
mode of procedure for the attainment of the Brahman
relating to the Atman. Of what avail is the mere
talk of it ? (1, 2)
The Manifestation of the World in the
Brahman is Maya
The light of the knowledge of the Brahman is
known as the twilight (at the meeting of the inner and
outer consciousness). The time of the enlightened
(Jlvan-mukta-s) is (thus) spent. When what is known
as the Hamsa attains its own (inner) god, (the self-
luminous consciousness, the Brahman) known as the
Atman, how can there be any progeny (such as Vis'va,
Viiaj, etc.), arising out of the Atma-tattva (the truth of
the Atman) ■* The Haipsa that is known as the internal
Pranava-nada (described as of eight Matra-s in the
Narada-parivrajakopanisad) is (the internal Haipsa)
who induces knowledge (in what is internal and external
conglomerated together). Internal consciousness is the
concealed stalk of the (lotus oQ knowledge (not capable
of bemg* sufficiently well seen). The form that is
distinctly seen and is of the character of S'lva conjoint
with the S'akti comes to be revealed as " I am the Bliss
of the character of consciousness ", (by the keen and
subtle intellect of those gifted with a subtle vision)
THE pSs^upata-brahmopani^ad 191
The N5da, the Bindu, and the Kala, these three are
the outcome of the acts of the waking world, as also
the three bodies (gross, subtle and causal), the three
tufts on the crests (Vis'va, Taijasa and PrajRa), the
external forms, five m number (the five elements and
all their variants), (all these mentioned and not-men-
tioned above). The Haipsa which once assumed the <
form of the internal consciousness concealed in all,
beings, manifests itself outwardly as the Brahman, as |
borne testimony to (by the S'ruti, " the existence, the
knowledge, the endless is the Brahman "). (2-5)
Rule regarding Meditation on the
Hamsarka-pranava
The Haqisarka-pranava-dhyana should be known
as the meditation of the state of the Brahman being
indicated by the Brahman alone, as laid down in the
scriptural text (" It is only the Atman that one realizes
m the attitude, ' I am the Brahman '.") (He who resorts
to the meditation of this kind) is said to be immersed
in the ocean of Gnosis {i.e., the Brahman). The seeker
after liberation merely, by the realization of this, vis.,
" I am the Brahman ", reaches the other shore of the
ocean of Gnosis (final beatitude). ifi, 7)
The Rousing into Activity of the Orqans of
Sense is the Work of Is'vara, the Supreme
Consciousness
The S'iva, the Lord of the Pas'u-s, is the witness
of ail thmgs always, of his own accord. Directed by
192 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
him in the proper manner, the mind of all proceeds
towards its functions ; the Prana (^•ital air) moves in its
wonted course ; the organ of speech functions ;
the eye sees forms ; the ear hears all (sounds).
All the other organs of sense, directed by him
alone, proceed, each in the direction of discharging
Its functions, without intermission. This direction of
his is not out of his natural inclination, but is due to
Illusion. The Pas'u-pati, the Purusa, of his own
accord, enters the ear placed at his disposal and the S^iva
gives the ear the capacity to heiir. The Parames'vara
entering the mind reposed in him, gives it the capacity
to function as mind in a regulated manner, standing in
Its very existence. Yet He alone is other than what
is known, as also what is unknown. The Is'vara,
assuming the form of every other created organ
of sense and motor action, gives in a regulated
manner (each of them its capacity to function as
such). (7-14)
Whatever is Other than the A^tman is the
Outcome of MavX
Therefrom the eye, speech, the mind and the other
organs of sense and action do not resort to the Para-
matman,* of the self-luminous state. The Brahman is
of its own accord beyond the range of all action and
shines inwardly, not subject either to logical reasoning
or other testimony. He who knows thus is the real
knower. (14-16)
the pxsfupata-brahmopani§ad 193
The Non-occurrence of the MXyJ in the
Atman, in Reality
The innermost Atman is the transcendent radiance,
while what is known as Maya (Illusion) is intense
Darkness. While so, how can there be the occurrence
of Maya in the inner-most Atman ? Hence, by means
of both logical reasoning and other testimony, as well
as out of one's own expeiience in the Paramatman,
which 18 palpable consciousness and is well established
by its self-radiance alone, there is not Maya. This
existence and non-existence (of the Maya) therein is
only due to the misconception prevailing m the mind
of the people and not to anything else. From the
point of view of truth, it does not at all exist. Only
Truth alone exists. The popular misconception is due
to the improper spreadmg of the light (of knowledge).
Light alone exists always and hence is non-dual alone.
The very mention of the non-dual state is due to the
improjjer spreading of the light (of knowledge). Light
alone exists always. Hence Silence alone is the proper
attitude to be assumed (regarding this controversy).
(16-21).
The Attainment of the Pakamatman by the
Knower of the Stman
To whom this great import is revealed of its own
accord, he is not the Jiva, nor the Brahman, nor is he
anything else. To him are there not the Var^a^s
U 2S
194 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
(the different castes), nor the 5s?rama-s (stages of life
».«., of a Bachelor, householder, VSna-prastha and
ascetic), nor is the Dharma (right mode of conduct)
and A-dharma (wrong mode) to him ; neither prohibition
nor prescription. As long as all that characterizes the
Brahman reveals itself of its own accord, so long not
even the semblance of differences, such as misery and
the like, can make its appearance. The knowerof the
Paramatman, even though he looks upon the world as
made up of forms, such as Jiva and the like, does not
see it, but sees only the form of consciousness, the
substance of the Brahman alone. Even the topic of the
Dharma and the Dharmm (he who holds to such
conduct) will be broken asunder, should there be the
slightest difference. Difference and Non-difference
and the distinction between the two, there is not for
the Brahman. Beyond the self, there is its own self
always (for the Brahman). The Brahman alone
actually exists, in substance and also in non-substance.
So also, what can the wise man, who knows the
Brahman, take (out of it) and what renounce ? That
which IS of the same type as the mind upon which it
depends, which transcends the range of speech and the
mind, that which cannot be seen, nor grasped, which
has no lineage and has no form, which is beyond the
range (Si the eye and the ear, which outlies all signi-
ficance, which has neither hands nor feet, which is
eternal, all-powerful, which has permeated all, which
IS the subtlest of the subtle, and imperishable, such is
the Brahman alone, the immortal, with the supreme
THE PlS^UPATA-BRAHWOPANI^AD 193
Bliss of the Brahman afore it and behind it also, the
supreme Bliss of the Brahman to its right and the
supreme Bliss of the Brahman to its left. When one
sees all of himself, always in his own Xtman without
fear, then he is liberated and not liberated. Liberation
is only for one who is bound. (21-31)
Truth and other Means of Attaining the
Para-vidya
The Para-vidyS has to be attained in this manner,
by means of truthfulness, austere penance, and by
adopting right ways of conduct, such as Brahma-
carya (coursing along the path leading to the Brahman)
and the like, and following in the wake of what is
laid down in the Upanisad. It is only those that
have caused their blemishes to wear away and not
others who are mvested by Illusion, that can see
in their own bodies, the self-luminous form of the
Highest Truth. (32, 33)
There is Resort to nothing else for
THE KnOWER of the StMAN
For that Yogin, who has grown to his full stature
and for whom there is the full knowledge of this real
form (of the Highest Truth), there is nothing lo resort
to anywhere. Even as the one full ethereal sky does
not go anywhere, so also the exalted knower of the
Supreme Xtman, the Brahman, does not at all move
whither-so-ever. (34, 35)
196 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
To THE KnOWER of THE BrAHMAN THERE IS
NOTHING WHATEVER AS PROHIBITED FOOD
By the avoidance of the prohibited food, the heart
becomes pure. On taking pure food, the clearness of
the thinking mind is attained of its own accord. The
mind becoming clear, knowledge comes m its wake in
the usual course. The knots (of the navel, the heart,
etc.), distinctly give way. The prohibition regarding
food applies only to the case of that mortal, who is
devoid of the knowledge of the Brahman. Not so in
the case of one who knows fully well (the Brahman),
as everything, in his case, is of the form of the Xtman.
" I am the food always. I am the eater of the food," —
this indeed is the knowledge of the Brahman. The
knower of the Brahman swallows everything with
the knowledge that he is the Brahman. He who always
looks upon the Brahman, kingly power and the like as
his daily fare and upon death as the drink to wash it
down with, that enlightened one is always of the same
type. For, by the specific knowledge of the form of the
Brahman, the world becomes indeed worthy of being
eaten up. The world shines in the character of the
Stman, when it becomes worthy of being eaten. The
Brahman is eternal in the character of the Atman.
Hence everything becomes fit to be eaten. While the
world has an apparent form, it becomes fit to be
eaten. The lustre of one's own Atman, should it
resemble anything or" be capable of being meas^vTed,
surely becomes eaten up. The Atman eats up its form
THE PXS'UPATA-BRAHMOPANI^AD 197
of its own accord. There is nothing apart from the
Xtman fit to be eaten up. Should there be any of
the form of existence, it is only the Brahman that
has the characteristic of existence. (36-43)
The Seeing by the Man of Gnosis of the
State of the Stman of All
The quality of being is existence. Existence is
the Brahman and nothing else. There is no existence
apart from that. There is no such existence as MayS
in reality. MayS is the creature in the Stman itself
of the Yogin-s, ever betaking to meditation on the
Atman and shmes in the form of a witness, when
affected by the knowledge of the Brahman. He who
18 endowed with the specific knowledge of the Brahman,
though seeing all the world of his perception always,
does not see it at all, as m any way apart from his own
Atman. — Thus the Upanisad. (44-46)
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the fortieth among the 108
Upanisad-s and is part of the Kfsna-yajur-veda, deals
with the Pranava-haipsa-vidya and the realization of
the Brahman, through the knowledge of the same.]
The Indication of the Brahman by the Pranava,
WHICH Contains the Esoteric Significance
OF THE BrAHMA-VIDYS
Then (after the acquisition, by one, of the requisite
attainments for initiation into the secrets of Brahma-
vidya) is related the Brahma-vidyopanisad (for his
benefit) :
By the grace of Brahman and that Visiju who
commands the marvellous (power of achieving the
impossible) deeds, the steady (innermost) Fire, (by
reducing to ashes the prodigious cotton-wool-mountain
of the phenomenal world of Ignorance and its con-
comitants), the esoteric Truth underlying Brahma-vidyS,
they say, is the Brahman. " Om ", the monosyllable,
IS the Brahman. (This is) what has been said by the
expounders of the Vedanta. I shall presently relate
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANI9AD 199
(what is) its body, its seat and its three durations.
Therein are said to be the three Gods, the (three)
worlds, the three Veda-s, the three fires, the three
M3tiS-s (syllables) and the half MatrS (half-syllable),
of that three-lettered S'iva, (1-3)
The Amplification of the Four MatrX-s
OF THE PRANAVA
The body of the " A " (of the Praoava) has been
explained by the expounders of the Vedanta as
the Rg-veda, the Garha-patya (Fire), the Earth
and (God) Brahman. The " U " (of the Pra^java)
has been said to be the Yajur-veda, Antariksa
(the region of mid- Ether), the Daksipa Fire, so
also, and the Lord God Vis^u. The " M " (of the
Praoava) has been said to be the Sama-veda, and so
the upper Ethereal region and so also the Shavaniya
(Fire) and the Supreme God Is'vara. The " A " has
Its seat in the middle of the forehead, in the middle of
the region of the Sun. The " U " resembles the Moon
(in its brightness) and is well placed in the middle of it
(the region of the Moon in the middle of the forehead).
The " M " is like the Fire in appearance, is smokeless
and resembles lightning. The three M5tr5-s (syllables)
are similarly to be understood as of the foTm of the
Moon, the Sun and the Fire. Even as the flame of a
lamp stands over it, so also should the Ardha-m3ti3
(the half-syllable) be understood as standing over the
Praoava. (^9)
200 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Breaking through the NXpI-s and the Sun by
Bringing Su§um^X to Bear on Them
That transcendent (Susumna) flame is seen to be
as subtle as the fibre of the lotus-stalk. That tran-
scendent Na'4l, resembling the Sun and burstmg through
the Sun and similarly burstmg asunder the Seventy-
two thousand Nadi-s, pervadmg all, stands in the head,
as if she is the giver of the boons to all bemgs. (10, 11)
Attainment of Liberation by the Symphony of
THE Sound of the Pranava
Even as the sound of a bell cast of Bell-metal
(purified sixteen times by being tempered in the juice
of the Kanaka plant) finally dissolves itself for attaining
peaceful silence, similarly should the Orpkkra (of
sixteen Matra-s) be turned into account by the Yogm
aiming at the attainment of the all, for his final repose-
Wherein the sound (of the Oipkara of sixteen M5tr3-s)
attains its final dissolution, thereafter is the Brahman
sung. That (Yogin), who dissolves his inner sense
(mind) (along with the sound of the Pranava of sixteen
Matra-s), makes for that immortal state of becoming
one with the Brahman, (by giving up the delusion of
existence apart from the Atman). (12, 13)
Exposition of the Real Form of the JIva
That which is called the Jiva is of three kinds : the
Vital air, radiance and so also the Ether. That Jlva
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANI5AD 201
IS known as Pi^a (vital air) which is made of a
hundredth "part of the awn of a grain of wild paddy.
(They see the Jiva in the inner-most Stman) partakmg
of the nature of Fire, takmg his stand in the region
of the navel, the pure Truth unalloyed, effulgent,
like the Sun, with its rays, the all-pervading tran-
scendent existence, (the Brahman). (14, 15)
Exposition of the Cause of Bondage
AND Liberation
The Jiva is always muttering the letters " Sa "
and " Ha " (in the form of " So'ham ", i.e., " He am
I ; " with the elision of the sibilants " S " and " Ha ",
It assumes the form of the Pranava). (This form of the
Japa) which emanates out of the region of the navel
and which (by constantly going outwards and back
again inwards) is uncontaminated by connection with
worldly concerns, one should know this, for that very
reason, as the impartible (Brahman). Even as the ghee
(though diflferent) from milk (is identical with it at its
source), even so, (the Jiva) becomes one with its prime
source, the Paramatman, through the five-fold Prana-
yama-s (v»»., Pranayama, Pratyahara, DharanS,
Dhyana and SamSdhi) and taking its stand in
the seat of the heart, with the four-fold aspects (of
Vis'va, Tarjasa, PrSjfla and Turiya) engages itself (in
the investigation of bondage, liberation and their
effects). When the sphere (of the Susumijff, shining
at the top of the MnlSdhSra and the triangular
U 26
202 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Svadhisthana plexuses) in the (physical) body is not
pierced through by the Ksira-danda (milky-white shaft)
(of the subtle power of the Susumna) then, in this body,
without rest, the great bird (Haijisa) takes its residence
at once, (taking hold of the ignorance of the Atman,
and abides, moving restlessly therein, as long as the
knowledge of the Atman is attained). With the out-
going of breath (from the body), the Jiva attains the
state of cessation of diverse aspects (consequent on
cessation of functioning of his internal organs) and is
released from the bondage of worldly existence, (having
attained the final end of all existence), on meditating
upon the divisionless (Brahman) standing in the Ether
of the heart. He is sung as the Harpsa, who knows the
Hamsa seated in his heart, with the sound . of the
An-ahata Ether, the self-luminous consciousness and
Bliss. (16-21)
The Attainment of the Parames'vara possible
ONLY THROUGH HaMSA-VIDYA
After giving up Recaka and Puraka, the Yogin
with a sharp intellect, taking his stand on the
Kumbhaka and having attained equilibrium in the
region of the navel, should bring under control the
Pram and Apana vital airs. Eagerly drinking the
savoury nectar stationed in the head, m a state of
mental abstraction and bathing the great god shining
like a lamp in the middle of the navel, with that nectar
alq;ie, he who mutters " Harpsa ", " Haipsa ", for him
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANISAD 203
there is no dotage, death, nor disease in this world.
Every day should he practise thus, for the attain-
ment of mystic powers, such as attenuation. The
man who delights in constant practice (of this kind)
attains the state of Is'vara (wielding marvellous Yogic
powers). Many have, by resorting to various paths^
attained the state of perpetual existence. In a world,
where the Harpsa-vidya has ceased to ejiist, there is
no means to be adopted for the state of perpetual
existence. (21-26)
Rule fojk Devotion to the Guru
OF Hamsa-vidva
He, who bestows the great lore, known as the
sacred and superb Hamsa-vidya, one should always
betake to service under him, with superior wisdom.
Whatever, m this world, whether productive of happi-
ness or misery or otherwise, is the mandate of
the Guru, that the disciple should carry out with
pleasure, without any scruple whatsoever. Having
acquired proficiency in this Hamsa-vidya by constant
attendance on the Guru, and attained the direct
knowledge, of his own accord, that the Atman
is no other than the non-fickle Brahman, that person
(the disciple) should renounce, as he would the dust
of his feet, all relationship with the body, his kith
and kin and the like, along with the Var^ia-s (castes)
and Ss'rama-s (stages in life), the Veda-s, the S^stra-s
and all other things. A person should ever develope
204 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
devotion to the Guru, for attaining great excellence.
The Guru alone is Hari incarnate : so says the Holy-
wrjt. (26-31)
The Attainability of the ParamItman
SOLELY THROUGH THE VEDA-S AND THE GURU
What IS related-^y the Veda, that is the supreme
- end of existence. There is no doubt about it. There-
from flow all things. Should there be divergence from
the Veda, that will not afford sanction. Anything
without sanction will contribute towards utter ruin.
That which stands in the body has parts. That which is
nd of the body is the indivisible (one Brahman). While
this (Brahman) is attainable only through sound precept,
why then should it (be said to) be located in every
direction ? Whoever says (in whispers), '* Harpsa ",
" Haijisa ", that Haipsa is Brahman, Visnu and S'lva.
One should obtain from the mouth of the preceptor (the
path leading to the Haipsa) that is directly cognized
and faces in all directions. (The Haipsa) stands in
this body of the Purusa (Is'vara), even as the oil is in
the oil-seed and fragrance is m the flower. He stands
pervading the exterior and the interior. (32-35)
Discriminating between the Finite and the
Infinite Forms of the Atman
Even as a torch-bearer (in quest of treasure)
should, on finding the treasure, give up the torch, one
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANISAD 205
should, on coming to realize, through knowledge, the
quest of all knowledge (the Brahman), give up know-
ledge thereafter. One should know the finite as resemb-
ling a flower, while its fragrance is infinite. One should
know that a tree has finite branches, but its shadow
is infinite. The finite existence and the infinite exist-
ence (the Jiva and the Paramatman) prevail every-
where. The expedient is the finite (Jlva), while the
end sought is the infinite (Brahman). In the finite (Jlva)
is the finite existence, while in the infinite (Brahman)
is the infinite existence. The one-measured (A), the
two-measured (AU), and the three-measured (AUM),
on account of their difference (are finite). The half-
measure should be known as the infinite, the tran-
scendent (Brahman, far above the five Atman-s with
their five seats m the heart, etc.) ; what is above that,
transcends what is transcendent. (There is nothing
beyond the transcendent) The finite Atman is des-
cribed as of five different \yays with five deities. The
seat of the heart is of Brahman ; in the throat takes
his abode Visnu ; Rudra stands in the middle of the
palate , Mahes'vara stands on the forehead ; one should
find the Sada-s'iva (that never swerves) at the tip of
the nose ; at the end of which is the supreme seat.
There is nothing beyond (the transcendent) as that
Itself transcends all. This is the conclusion arrived
at by the S'astra-s. That seat one should know as the
DehStlta (what transcends the body), wherein is seated
the innermost Siman, which is twelve digit-lengths
from the tip of the nose. At the end of that, jone
206 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
should know that (the all-transcendent Param5tman).
Seated there, the almighty (Brahman) pervades
(everywhere). (36-43)
The Yoga, Having to be Kept a Profound
Secret from the uninitiated, could be Bestowed
ONLY ON Those best Qualified for It
With the mind directed elsewhere, and the eyes
let fall on something else, even should it be so, the
Yoga of Yogin-s has an uninterrupted course. This
(fruit of Yoga) is worthy of being kept a profound
secret and is conducive of doing great good. There
is nothing else beyond this, there is nothing else which
IS conducive of as much good (as the Yoga). Having
attained the nectar of pure knowledge, wherewith the
transcendent, imperishable existence (the Brahman)
could be determmed, the profoundest of profound
secrets, worthy of being scrupulously hidden from view
worthy of being grasped with great effort, (from the
mouth of the great preceptor), one should not bestow
it on any account, either on an undeserving son,
or on an undeserving pupil. This science should be
bestowed on a devoted pupil, who looks upon his
Guru as'^God-incarnate, and is ever intent on devotion
(to the Guru), One should not bestow it on others.
Should he do so, the bestower of it reaches hell and
shall, at no time* thereafter, succeed in its accomplish,
ment. (44-48)
t^e brahma-vidyopani$ad 207
Even for one Possessed of the mere Knowledge
OF THAT Science there is not the Possibility
OF Being Smeared with Vice and Virtue
He who has acquired the knowledge (of this
science), whether he is a householder or a celebate,
or a dweller in a forest, or a mendicant, wherever he
may be, having knowledge of the transcendent imperish-
able existence always, whether functioning or attached
to the functions of worldly existence, attains happiness,
even when about to enter another body. That man,
m whatever of the several states he may be, by the
mire knowledge of this science, is not smeared, either
with the merit earned by the performance of Horse-
sacrifices and the like observances or the sin attached
to the slaughter of a Brahmana and other sinful acts.
(49-51)
The Three Kinds of Preceptors
The supreme (Guru) is known as the prompter,
the awakener, and the bestower of liberation. The
preceptor should be known as of the above three kinds
m this world. The prompter would show the pupil
the path by pointing out that he should resort to the
practice of meditation of the form — " I am the
Brahman ". The awakener will point to the Supreme
seat by awakening in the pupil the strong belief indi-
cated by " That thou art. Thou art that ", while the
bestower of hberation is the transcendent Brahman, the
2(^ THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Is'vara — which imparts to him the truth, " All is of my
forjn. Thou wilt attain me. There is not even a speck
beyond me" — on knowing which, one attains im-
mortality. (51-53)
The Performance of Sacrifice in the
Immediate Presence of the Supreme Being, by
APPLYING One's Self to the Pranava-hamsa
Listen, O Gautama ! to a brief account of the
sacrifice to be performed in the immediate presence of
the Supreme Being, m the body itself, by performing
which the performer reaches the eternal and undecay-
ing state. In this body should he see the Bindu (the
/«peck) and (the Brahman) which has no parts, of his
7 own accord. The knower of the pathway always sees
the two courses (northern and southern, t. e., the junc-
tion of the Ida with the Piiigala and vtce versa) and
the equinoxes (the entry of the Prana in the crest and
the Muladhara) Having previously performed the
Recaka, Puraka and Kumbhaka, for one Yama (three
hours) everyday, O son ' and having muttered the two
(the Orpkara and the Haipsa-mantra) (along with the
application oi his mind to their full import) he should,
in the proper order, reverently worship (the Brahman),
commencmg with prostration and assummg the Cm-
mudra (and thtta hting lost in communion with it, and
uttering the words " He am I.") This eclipse of the
Sun, O child ! is thought of as the direct sacrifice.
(53-57)
the brahma-vidyopani^ad 209
The Attainment of Becoming one with the
Brahman through the Knowledge Obtained
FROM HaMSA-YOGA
It has been said that from knowledge is attained the
oneness (of the inner and the outer Atman-s), even as
water (becomes one) with water. By the travails
m the persistent practice of the course of Yoga, these
good results flow (and the Yogin becomes a Jlvan-
mukta). For the reason that by the practice of Yoga
(the Yogm) becomes divorced from all suffenng and
pain, he should always practice Yogic meditation and
acquire wisdom and, simultaneously with the dawning
of wisdom, become merged with the Brahman. He
who mutters the Harpsa-mantra, " Haipsa am I,
1 am that Haipsa ", always, attains the knowledge and
therefrom simultaneously assumes the real form of the
Haipsa, the transcendent Brahman. (57-59)
Whence could the Hamsa be Got ?
The Haipsa, the unswerving (Brahman) has his
abode (in the heart), m the middle of the body of all
living beings. The Haipsa alone is the supreme Truth.
The Haipsa alone is the true existence. The Haipsa
alone is the supreme (Vedic) Text. The Haipsa alone
has the sanction of the Veda-s. The Haipsa alone is
the absolute Rudra. The Haipsa alone transcends the
transcendent. The Haipsa alone is the Mahes^vara
that takes his stand amidst all the gods. The Haipsa
U 27
210 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
alone is the fifty-one eternal verities commencing from
the PrthivJ (Earth) and ending with S'iva, He alone
the fifty-one letters commencmg from " A " and ending
with the Kuta (Ksa), that are the constituents of the
Alphabet. (60-63)
The Practice of SamXdhi Preceded by the
Memorising of the Hamsa-mantra
Nowhere do people recognize a Mantra made up
of sounds which have no counterparts in the Alphabet.
One should seek protection at the hands of that peer-
less Hamsa radiance (Daksina-murti) well placed in
the midst of the gods and facing the South and assume
the Jfiana-mudra posture. He should ever be engaged
m concentration, ever memorizing the Harpsa-mantra
reflecting on that clear crystal-hke form, the divine
form that is peerless, that has its seat in the middle
region (of the body), the transcendent Haipsa of the
form of the Jfl5na-mudra. (63-66)
Exposition of the Posture assumed bv
THE Hamsa
The five (vital) airs, PrS^ia, Af^na, SamSna,
UdSna and Vyana, in conjunction with the five inner
senses of motor-action, are enthused by the strength
of Kriya-s-'akti (power of doing deeds) ; (the five vital
airs) Naga, Kurma, Kfkara, Deva-datta and Dhanaqti-
jay«, in conjunction with the inner senses of perception,
THE BRAHUA-VIDYOPANI^AD 211
are enthused by the strength of Jf&na-s'akti (the power
of knowledge) ; the Haipsa alone stands m the form
of the fire in the Mnl3dh3ra, midway between the two
S'akti-s ; the Haipsa, by whom is assumed the Khe-
can-mudrS posture, at the tip of the nose and the two
eyes, having taken the form of the Sun takes his stand
at the plexus of the navel, the tip of the nose and the
two eyes, (66-69)
The Mode of Practising the Hamsa-yoga
They say that fire stands m " A " (the Muladhara),
m " U ", the heart, and " M ", the middle of the eye-
brows : one should kindle it with the power of the
Pr5ija (vital air) ; the knot of Brahman is situated in
" A ", the knot of Visnu in '* U " and the knot of
Rudra in " M " : these three one should burst asunder
with the air (of the knowledge of that Haipsa) genera
ted by "A", "U" and " M ". In "A" stands
Brahman, in *' U " stands Visnu and in " M " stands
Rudra : thence, the end (of the Pranava) is what tran-
scends all, vtz., the supreme being (the unqualified Brah-
man). When, by the Yogm assuming the Siddhasana
posture, after constricting the throat with the Jalarp*
dhara-mudra, the root of the Ku];i(^almi-na^T, (as well as
the vital air, introspection and the like) is arrested with
the help of the Kuij4alinl-s'akti, this Yogm's tongue, as
also the sixteen-limbed Prariava moving upwards (into
the Gha^i^ikS recess) is pressed very much, (and with
an attenuated form enters the cavern of the Brahman).
212 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
Then the Tri-kuta (the junction of the three NS^'-s
in the middle of the brow) leading to the threefold
directions of GolSkha (the primordial Ether), Nikhara
(the Cid-akas'a) and Tn-s'afikha (the Brahman devoid
of the three kinds of pleasure and pain generated by
desire, nondesire and other desire than for itself) and the
adamantine Oipkara (enter) the orifice between the two
eyebrows with the duct leading upwards. Through this,
forcing the Kundahni and the vital airs, bursting through
the region of the Moon, performing the Vajra-kumbha-
ka-s (of Suryojjayi, S'ltali and others) he should bind
the nine orifices with a pure mmd, mounted on vital
air, with enthusiasm and at the same time with an equi-
poised mind. In the seat of the Brahman there will
become manifest Nada (sound). The Candra-kal5,
known as S'afikhmi, will shower nectar Then the
knower of the Brahman should discover the lamp oi
knowledge (the innermost radiance of the Brahman)
which lifts up the six centres of energy (opening down-
wards) (having become one with it). One should always
worship God, the Lord of all, inherent m all living
beings, after seeing (with his own eyes). Him who is of
the form of knowledge, the non-ailing, that is manifest
with a divme form, himself pervading all and devoid of
all taint, and should mutter (the Haipsa-v^kya) ( " I
am) the'Hamsa, the Haipsa (alone am I".) The
Haipsa, abiding in the body of all living beings, is the
knot of the Pr^a and ApSna (vital airs) and is styled
the A-jap3. The Hanisa, which always rises and falls
21,600 times a day/ is known as " So'haro " (».«., I am
THE BKAHMA-VIDYOPANI?AD 213
the Haipsa). The ascetic should always meditake on
the Adho-liftga (the VairSja-tattva) in the first part
(Mfiladhara-cakra of the Susumi;i3-nadi) ; on the flame
of Fire (in the An-3hata, the innermost Atma-linga) at
the end (of the SusumiiS-na^T) ; and on the Jyotir-hfiga
in the middle of the brows, with the realization
" I am He ". (69-80)
The Real Form of the Atman to be Rlminated
UPON BY THE HaHSA-YOGIN
The unswerving am I , the unthinkable am I ; the
non-conjecturable am I , the originless am I ; the
invulnerable am I ; the non-embodied am I ; the limb-
less am I ; the fearless am I ; the soundless am I ;
the formless am I , the intangible am I ; the secondless
am I ; the tasteless am I -, the flavourless am I ; the
beginningless and the immortal am I , the imperishable
am 1 ; the sexless am 1 ; the dotageless am I ; the
partless am I ; the lifeless am I ; the non-mute am I ;
the incomprehensible am I , the unartificial am I ,
inherent in the inmost am I ; the ungraspable am I ;
the non-demonstratable am I ; the non-descript am I ;
the clanless am I ; the bodyless am I ; the eyeless am
I ; the speechless am I , the invisible am I ; the caste-
less am I ; the indivisible am I ; the marvellous am I ;
the unheard of am I ; the unseen am 1 ; the quest am
I ; the immortal am I ; the airless am I ; the Etherless
am I ; the radianceless am I ; the non-transgressor am
I ; the tenetless am I ; the unborn am I ; the subtle
214 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
am I ; the changeless am I ; the motionless am I ; the
inertia-less am I ; the rhythmless am I ; the unquali-
fied am I ; the illusionless ; of the character of ex-
perience am I ; the propless am I ; the non-functioning
am I ; the non-dual am I ; the not-full am I ; the non-
affected am I ; the immediate am I ; the earless am I ;
the lengthless am I ; the indistinct am I ; the non-
ailing am I ; the palpable non-dual Bliss and Wisdom
am I ; the unalterable am I ; the desireless am I ; the
smearless ; the non-doer am I ; the peerless am I ; I
am devoid of the consequences of ignorance ; I am
beyond the range of speech and the mind; I am not
mean ; I have no sorrow ; doubt have I not ; nor have
I (the flame of) anger , I have neither beginning nor
the middle nor the end ; I am like Ether ; I am of the
form of the Atma-caitanya (Self-consciousness) ; I am
the palpable Bliss and Consciousness ; I am of the
form of the nectar of Bliss ; I take my stand in the
Atman ; I am the interval , I long for the Stman ; I
am the transcendent Atman from the Ether ; I am the
Is'vara ; I am Is'ana ; 1 am the adorable ; I am the
highest Purusa ; I am the exalted ; I am the all-witness ;
I am higher than any other entity ; I am the absolute ;
I am the farsighted ; I am the controller of all action ; I
am the lord of the senses ; I have the cavern (of the
Brahman) as my abode ; I am the saviour ; I am the
eye of eyes ; I am Consciousness and Bliss ; I am the
Supreme Will ; I am palpable Consciousness ; I am
merely of Consciousness ; I am full of radiance ; I am
ancient ; I am the luminary of luminaries ; I am the
THE BRAHMA-VIDYOPANI§AD 215
witness of inertia ; I am the Turya-turya ; I am
beyond darkness ; I am divine ; I am the God ; I am
incapable of bemg seen ; I am the revealed Veda ; I
am the Pole-star ; I am eternal ; I am the faultless ; I
am inactive ; I am smearless ; I am flawless ; I am
conceptionless ; I am the obscure ; I am immobile ; I
am the changeless ; I am the ever-hallowed ; I am
devoid of qualities ; I am devoid of greed ; I am devoid
of sense-organs ; I am the controller ; I am devoid of
want ; I am devoid of parts ; I am the Purusa, the
ParamStman ; I am the ancient, the Supreme Being ;
I am the transcendent and the non-transcendent ; I am
the enlightened ; I am the tranquillizer of the pheno-
menal world , 1 am the excellent nectar ; 1 am the
complete overlord ; I am the time-honoured ; I am the
full Bliss and the one awakening ; I am the innermost
one essence ; I am the well-known ; I am the quite
tranquillized ; I am the resplendent great Lord ; 1 am
that which should be thought of but once ; as differenti-
ating between the dual and the non-dual ; the awakened
I am ; the protector of all beings I am ; the lord in the
form of radiance am I ; I the great god, Maha-deva ;
I am the great knowable, the Mahes'vara ; I am the
liberated ; the all-powerful am I ; the adorable and the
all-pervadtng am I ; fire am I, the Vasu-deva, with
eyes glancing from the entire Universe ; the superfluous
in the Universe am I ; the clear Visiju, the creator of
the Universe am I ; the pure I am ; the white, the tran-
quillizer am I ; the eternal am I ; I am the S^iva ; I
dwell in the inmost hearts of all beings as the Atman ;
216 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
the ever-existing am I ; I am what manifests itself only
once and always take my stand in my own greatness ;
I am the self-luminous m the mterior of all and the
lord of all ; I am the presidmg resident over all bemgs ;
I am the all-pervadmg Svaraj (kmg holding sway over
the Xtman) ; I am the all-witness, the Atman of all ;
the dweller m the caves of all beings ; I am the mani-
festation of all the senses and their Guija-s (qualities),
and yet devoid of all the senses ; I have my seat beyond
the three states (waking, dreaming and sleeping) ; I
bestow my favour on all. I am the Atman of the
form of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss ; I am the
receptacle of the aflfection of all ; I am Existence, Con-
sciousness, and Bliss alone ; I am the palpable
Consciousness that is self-luminous ; I am of the form
of existence, inhering in all, as the Atman with
accomplished existence alone ; I am existence alone,
which IS the basis of all ; I am the breaker of all
bonds ; I am the swalJower of everything ; I am the
all-seeing ; I am the enjoyer of everything. He, who
with philosophic insight knows thus, he is indeed said
to be the Purusa — Thus the Upanisad. (81-1 1 1)
THE MANDALA-BRAHMAl5lOPANl$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Forty-eighth among
the 108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the S'ukla-yajur-
veda, after deahng with the subtle Astanga-yoga, treats
of the essentials of Raja-yoga, by explaming its
constituents — the three kinds of Introsf)ection, the five-
fold Ether, the two-fold Taraka, etc.]
BRAHMANA I
SECTION I
The Desire to Know the Truth of the Atman
The great sage YajfSa-valkya, went to Aditya-loka
(the solar world). Making salutation to the resplendent
Sun, he said, " O Lord Aditya ! Pray relate unto me alJ
about the truth of the Atman." (1)
The Announcement Regarding the Subtle
Yoga of the Eight Anga-s
Whereupon the Lord (Surya-) Narayana replied
(as follows) : (The means to attain it, is) the Yjoga
U 28
2l8 THE YOGA UPANI5ADS
attended with the eight Aiiga-s, beginning with Yama,
and replete with the knowledge (" All is the Brahman J
there is no other existence apart from the Brahman"),
which is presently described. (2)
The Four-fold Yama-s
These are the Yama-s : the conquest of cold and
heat, as well as the craving for food and sleep (result-
ing from the giving up of the misconception, that what
relates to the body relates to the Atman) ; tranquillity,
under all circumstances, (with the dawning of the
knowledge, that there is nothing unattainable by the
5tman) ; non-swaymg (of the mind, from the high
ideal set before it) , control of the senses and their
functioning on objects of desire : (all these four). (3)
The Nine-fold Niyama-s
Devotion to the Guru (who dispels the darkness
of the pupil's Ignorance with the torch of his superior
knowledge) ; attachment to the path (of knowledge)
leading to the truth (of the Brahman) ; enjoyment of
the real substance (of the Brahman), which js easily
accessible (m the form of extreme Bhss, through the
grace of *the Veda and the preceptor) ; supreme satis-
faction at such enjoyment of the real substance ;
complete detachment (from even such satisfaction) ;
abiding at a silent, secluded and solitary spot, (by
effectively controlling the mind in a desolate place, by
THE mandala-brXhmanopani^ad 219
controlling the mind at a place whether inhabited or
desolate, with effort, and by controlling the mind at
such a place without any effort) ; mental inactivity
(with the firm conviction, that there is no mind apart
from the Brahman) ; non-covetousness towards the
fruit of one's actions ; detachment (resultmg from
revulsion from everythmg other than the Stman), these
are the nine Niyama-s. (4)
Detailed Enunciation of the Six Anga-s,
AsANA AND Others
Wherein one can transport his mind (to the
supreme Stman) comfortably, wherein one can abide for
a long time (without discomfort), that is the right
posture to bo assumed ; what is constituted by Puraka
(inspiration), Kumbhaka (stabilization of breath)
and Recaka (expiration), of sixteen, sixty-four and
thirty-two M5tra-lengths in duration respectively, is
Pra^fiySma. The withholding of the mind from the
objects wherein the senses indulge in functioning, is
PratyShara. Firmly implanting the Citta (mind) by
inhibiting it from the objects of desire encompassing it,
finally in the Supreme Consciousness is Dh5ran5. Con-
templating on the Supreme Consciousness ^biding in
all, (even as the Ether concentrated in the pots and
pans, which becomes one with the expanse of Ether,
when the pots and pans are broken) is Dhyana. The
state of absorption brought on by one's being lost in
DhySna is (Nir-vikalpa-) SamSdhi. (5«-10)
220 THE YOGA UPANl^ADS
The Fruit of the Knowledge of the Subtle
Eight Anga-s of Yoga
Thus (have) the subtle divisions (been described).
He who knows thus, he is the attainer of liberation. (1 1)
section ii
Getting Rid of the Five inherent Defects
of the Body
There are five defects inherent in the body : Lust,
anger, (breathing out) the inhaled vital air, fear and
sleep. They are to be rooted out by means of cessation
of all volition (impregnated with desire), cultivation of
forbearance, temperance in food (leading to the proper
control of breath), the obliteration of the dual notion
(which is the cause of fear), and being ever devoted to
the finding out of the truth (relating to the supreme
end of existence, with a view to root out the sleep of
ignorance) respectively. (1,2)
Looking at the TSraka and the
Fruit Borne by It
After adopting the subtle course (hereinafter de-
scribed) for crossing the ocean of worldly existence,
(which is but a cycle of birth, death and reincarnation
again and again), with sleep and fear as the crawling
snakes abiding therein, violence and the like qualities
THE MA^lDALA-BRXHMAl^lOPANIgAD .221
as Its series of billows, greed (of gold) as its eddy, and
the wife as the submerged fen, and after overcoming
rhythm and other qualities, should one have a look at
the Taraka (boat ready for his use). Such a handy
(Taraka) boat is the Brahman, seen at (the top of the
nose and) the middle of the eye brows in the form of a
flare of radiance of the Supreme Existence, Conscious-
ness and Bliss. (3, 4)
The Attainment of the Taraka, through
Seeing bv Means of the Three Kinds
OF Introspection
The expedient to be employed for its attainment
IS the seeing, by making use of the three kinds of Intro-
spection . (internal Introspection, external Introspection
and intermediate Introspection) (5)
Seeing throl'gh Internal Introspection
From the Muladhara onward, till the Brahma-
randhra is reached, (right through the course of the
Vlna-dan^a, the \ertebral column), there is the Susumna-
n54l resplendent like the Sun. In the core of it is the
Kuqcjalinl, resplendent like myriads of lightnirig-streaks
and as fine as the fibre of the lotus-stalk. (When the
mind is transfixed), there is the dispelling of the dark-
ness (of one's own ignorance). From seeing it (the
Ether in the Ku^icjahnl) (is attained) expiation from
all sins. In the two ear-holes stoppered by the two
222 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
fore-fingers, there arises a phoo-like sound. When the
mind is concentrated on that, (the practitioner) sees
in the middle of his eyes a blue radiance. So also
(does he) in the heart. (6, 7)
Seeing Through External Introspection
As regards external introspection : When the
practitioner sees at the tip of the nose ethereal space
of four, SIX, eight, ten and twelve digit-lengths m
succession, first of a blue colour, then of a dark blue
colour resembling S'yama, then of a wavy blood-red
colour, then of a throbbing bright yellow colour and
lastly of the colour of orange, such a one becomes a
Yogin. When the person looks at ethereal space with
moving eyes, there are streaks of radiance to be seen
at the rim of his eyes. His glance then attams steadi-
ness. Over his crest he sees radiance measuring twelve
digit-lengths ; then he attains immortality. (8-10)
Seeing through Intermediate Introspection
As regards intermediate Introspection : He sees
(not far off and in front of him, Ethereal space) with a
halo of yariegated and other colours, the (radiance of
the) Sun, the (cool beams of the) Moon, the (dazzling
brightness of the) flaming fire, and mid-ethereal space
without (such halo). He becomes possessed of such
aspects, assuming such aspects. By constant practice,
he ' (sees and) becomes the changeless, (unevolved)
THE ma^ala-brXhmanopani^ad 223
primordial Ether (with no quahty). He becomes the
transcendent Ether resembhng profound darkness,
throbbing with the aspect of a star. • He becomes the
great (expanse of) Ether shmmg like the diluvian
conflagration. He becomes the Ether of Truth, the
briUiant, all-supreme, transcendent and peerless one.
He becomes the Ether of the Sun, resplendent like the
eflFulgence of a crore of Suns. Thus, by constant
practice, he becomes entirely made of that (five-fold
Ether). He who knows thus. (H-H)
SECTION III
Yoga of Two Kinds, Being Divided into
Takaka and A-man.aska
That Yoga (which is the result of the practice of
the five-fold Ether aforesaid), know that to be of two
kinds, on account of its being classified as the first and
the second. One should know the first as Taraka and
its second as A-manaska (mindless). Taraka is of two
kinds : Murti-taraka and A-murti-taraka. That which
is within the range of the senses, (dependent on the
body, commencing from the plexus of the Muladhara
up to the AjfS plexus, from the anus to the middle of
the eye brows) is of the MHrti-taraka variety. That
which is beyond the middle of the eye brows (from the
Sjfia plexus to the Thousand-petal led plexus) is of the
A-mOrti-tlraka variety. <1)
224 the voga upani§ads
Rule as to the Application of
THE Mind to Yoga
One should practise both of them, conjointly
applying the mind (to each of them). Introspection,
(and not mere ordinary vision) along with the applica-
tion of the mind, will be conducive to the Taraka
being revealed. (2)
The Fikst Takaka
The manifestation of light in the cavern l)etween
the two eye brows, this is the first kind of Taraka. (3)
The Second Taraka
The second is the mindless variety. In the upper
part of the root of the palate, there is a great effulgence
of radiance. By the sight of that is the attainment of
mystic powers, such as attenuntion and the like. (4)
The End of the Second TSkaka
IS S'ambhavi-mudkS
Witji internal Introspection and with the eyes
opening out, but devoid of the acts of opening and
closing of the eyelids, this S'5rpbhavi-mudra is assumed.
This Maba-vidya (Great lore) is, of all the Tantra-s,
what IS worthy of being kept a profound secret. With
the knowledge (proficiency) of this is attained freedom
THE MA^ipALA-BRXHMAlilOPANIgAD 225
from the state of worldly existence. (By the Yc^in
becoming a votary of this), its worship bestows the
fruit of liberation. (5)
Definition of Internal Introspection
That, which is beyond the range of the internal
and externa] senses (of ordinary mortals), capable of
being comprehended only by great sages, and which is
of the form of liquid radiance, is the ultimate quest of
mternal Introspection. (6)
SECTION IV
The Controversy Regarding the Ultimate
Object of Internal Introspection among
Adherents of Diverse Faiths
The ultimate object of internal Introspection is the
liquid radiance m the thousand-petal led centre of
energy (at the Brahma-randhra) : (So say the Yogin-s),
The ultimate object of internal Introspection is the
form of the Purusa, ravishingly beautiful all over his
limbs, in the cavern (which is the seat) of the Intellect,
say others (the Vaisqava-s). The ultimate object of
internal Introspection is the exquisitely tranquil blue-
necked S'lva with five faces, the help-mate of UttiS,
abiding in the middle of the halo of radiance in the
head, sa^ some others (the S'aiva-s). The ultimate
object of internal Introspection is the Purusa of the
V 29
226 THE YOGA UPANI9ADS
size of the thumb, say yet others (the votaries of
Dahara-vidya). (l)
Rule Relating to the Seeing of the Stman
WHICH IS closely Interwoven with the
Ultimate Objects of Internal Intro-
spection Spoken of by the Followers
of Diverse Faiths
All the diverse varieties spoken of (above) are only
the Atman. He who sees his ultimate object of internal
Introspection from the point of view of the Xtman,
pure and simple, he alone is firmly planted in the
Brahman. (2)
The Attainment of Bkahmanhood of one who
is Firmly Planted in the Atman
The Jiva, the twenty-fifth eternal verity, after
giving up the twenty-four eternal verities of his own
creation, (v«a., the five inner senses of perception, the
five inner senses of motor action, the five vital airs, the
five gross Elements, the mind of volition, thought,
reasoning and self-consciousness), after being convinced
by the rfeahzation, " I am the transcendent Stman, the
twenty-sixth eternal verity," becomes a Jivan-mukta
(liberated while yet living). Thus by the vision of
internal introspection, having become the ultimate
object of his own mternal Introspection, while riemaining
THE MAI^DALA-BRSHMAIjIOPANI^AD 227
in the state of being a Jivan-mukta, he becomes the
indivisible region of transcendent Ether (the Brahman,
simultaneously with such realization). (3, 4)
BRAHMANA II
SECTION I
The Jyotir-atman, the Radiant Atman, which is
THE basic Support of All, is the Object of
Internal Introspection
Now Yajfla valkya asked the Purusa of the Solar
region thus : " O Lord ' the object of internal Intro-
spection has been described in various ways. That has
not been known by me. Pray tell me what it is."
(The Lord) answered thus : " The prime cause of the
five elements, the Stman of the form of a cluster of
radiant streaks of lightning, has four seats shining
likewise, (the three Guna-s, rhythm, mobility and
inertia and the Prakrti, wherein the three are in an
equipoised state ; or the three states of wakmg, dream-
ing and sleeping and the Turya (fourth), wherein the
three are well-poised ; or the gross, subtle and causal
and the Turya sheath, wherein the three are well-
poised). Right in the middle of that (radiant Atnran)
there is revealed the (Turya-turya) outshining Troth
(eclipsing) the radiance surrounding it. That is the
profound mystery that is also indistinct, (I, 2)
228 the yoga upani^ads
The Fruit of the Knowledge of the
Jyotir-Stman
t
That should be known (as the other shore reached)
by one embarked on the boat of knowledge, (after
crossing the ocean of ignorance). That is the object
of the quest through external and internal Introspec-
tion. In the middle of it the world reposes. That
IS what lies beyond the range of Nada, Bmdu and
Kala, the indivisible expanse (the one essence of con-
sciousness). That IS of the form of the qualified and
the unquahfied (Atman). He who knows that stands
liberated. (3, 4)
Its Attainment Through the S'ambhavi
(By the Yogin who has assumed the Siddhasana
posture and the $an-mukhl-mudr5), the region of Fire
is seen at first. Thereafter the Solar region. In the
middle thereof the region of the ambrosial Moon. In
the middle thereof, again, the region of the indivisible
fadiance of the Brahman. That shines with a white
splendour like a streak of lightning. That alone is the
characteristic of the S'aipbhavl (which brings on the
state of npn-mindedness). (5)
Rule Relating to the Full-moon-look
In having a view of it, there are three kinds of
looks, known as Ama, Pratipad andPurijima: (new-moon,
THE ma^dala-brShmanopanisad 229
first phase and full-moon). Looking (at it) with
closed eyes is the Ama-look ; with half-open eyes
IS the Pratipad and with fully open eyes is PurnimS.
Of these, the practice of Purnima should be made.
The object of such vision is the top of the nose.
Then is seen profound darkness at the root of the
palate. By constant practice of it is seen radiance of
the form of an indivisible expansive region. That alone
becomes the Brahman of Existence, Consciousness
and Bliss (6, 7)
Sambhavi, the end of the Purnima Look
When the mind seeks repose in inborn Bliss in
this manner, then occurs the S'arpbhavi : That alone
they call the Khe-cari (8)
The Accomplishment of the (S'ambhavi) Mudra
and Its Indications
By practising it is attained firmness of the mind.
Thence the firmness of the Intellect. Its indications
are as follows : First is seen what looks like a star ; then
what looks like a well-cut sparkling diamond and a
bright mirror. Thereafter what looks like fhe disc of
the full-moon. Thence what looks like the circular
radiance of gems. Then what looks like the splendour
of the noon-day Sun. Then is seen a ring of flaming
fire, as the next in order. (9,, 10)
2S0 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
SECTION II
Experiencing the Inner Light which is the
Real Form of the Pranava and its Indications
When (by one who is concentrating his mmd on
the Pranava and its import) are seen (the following
indications) vtz , the brightness of crystal, the colour of
smoke, the Bindu (the true nature of the mind), the
Nada (the true nature of the Intellect), the Kala (the
true nature of the Mahat), the radiance of the star, the
firefly, the lamp, the eye, gold, the nine precious gems
and the like, then (is experienced) the internal radiance.
That alone is the real form of th« Pranava. (1)
The Attainment of the Pranava through
the San-mukhi-mudrX
Having accomplished the union of the Prana and
Apana vital airs, and firmly held the Kumbhaka (by
the Hatha-yoga method), the yogin should, with the
firm resolve to have external Introspection at the top
of the nose, make the $an-mukhT-mudra with the two
forefingers and hear the sound of the Pranava and others,
whereupon his mind would find final repose therein
(in the Brahman, at the termination of the Nada). (2)
The Knower of the Pranava not Bound by
Obligation to Perform religious Rite
OF any Kind
For the Yogin (whose mind rests in the Brahman)
thefe IS no defilement of action of the form of religious
THE ma^dala-brShmanopanisad 231
rite of any kind. Indeed action of the form of ritual
of any kind has to be performed at sunrise and sunset.
As, for a knower of the Atman, there is no rising and
setting of the Sun of Consciousness, there is absence
of action (in the form of rituals) of all kinds. (3)
Accomplishment of Non-mindedness through
THE Un-manI State
With the dissolution of the perception of sound
and the conception of duration, due to having reached
a state (which is neither waking, nor dreaming, nor
sleeping and, as such) not afTected by day and night,
when the Yogin is entirely absorbed in the Un-manl
state, in consquence of the acquisition of perfect know-
ledge of all things (but the Brahman), there is the union
with the Brahman. Through the state of the replete
knowledge of the Truth (Un-mani state), there comes
on the state of (A-manaska) non-mindedness, (which is
defined by the S'ruti as " that state of the Atman, wherein
there is no pollution brought about by imperfect know-
ledge," in other words, the state of the Brahman). (4)
Procedure Laid down for Worshipping
the a-manaska state
Complete absence oi cares is the method to be
adopted for its meditation. The repudiation of all
action (of the form of rituals and others) is the method
to be adopted for the invocation (of the Brahman).
232 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Confirmed knowledge (brought about by conviction) is
the seat to be offered. The state of the replete knoW'
ledge of the Truth is the water to be offered for the
washing of the feet. Perpetual non-mindedness is the
holy water to be offered at worship. The functioning
(of the mind) in that radiant immeasurable expanse of
nectar (of the Brahman) is the ablution to be offered.
The ideation of the presence (of the Brahman) every-
where is the sandal paste to be offered. (The Brahman)
that is the remaining in the form of knowledge is the
rice dyed with termeric to be showered on it. The
attainment of consciousness is the flower-offering. The
form of the fire of consciousness is the incense to be
burnt. The form of the Sun of Consciousness is the
lamp-light offering. The accumulation, into one ocean,
of all the nectar flowing from the rays of the full-moon
(shining in the region between the thousand-petalled
lotus and the middle of the eyebrows) is the food-
offering. Motionlessness is the circumambulation.
The " He am I " attitude is the salutation. Silence is
the hymn of praise. Universal satisfaction is the method
to be adopted for sending off the deity invoked for the
worship. He who knows thus (becomes the Brahman
alone). (5)
SECTION HI
The Attainment of Kaivalya (aloneness) by the
Contemplation of the Brahman
When once the knower of the Brahman escapes out
of the clutches of the Tn-puti (the triad of differences
THE mandala-brShmanopani^ad 233
relating to the contemplator, contemplation and the
thing contemplated upon) {t.e., when the knowledge
resultmg from contemplation of the non-relative
character of the Brahman ceases to be conditioned by
the triad), he becomes the radiance of the Kaivalya
state, that is motionless and full, and devoid of the very
conception of existence and non-existence, resembling
the stagnant ocean with its waves at rest, and the
steady flame of a lamp in a windless spot. (1)
The Real Form of the Knower of the
Brahman
By the (partial) knowledge (of the Brahman)
acquired during the waking state ending with sleep,
one becomes the knower of the Brahman, (while by
the complete knowledge of the Brahman acquired
through all the states, he becomes the Brahman
alone). (2)
Difference between Susupti and Samadhi
Even though there is agreement between Susupti
(sleep) and Samadhi (concentration), in that there is
the dissolution of the mind in both, still there is vast
difference between the two, in that the former seeks
repose in darkness and in its not being the means for the
attainment of liberation. In Samadhi, the dissolution
of the phenomenal world, with its inertia attenuated,
takes place in the consciousness, which is the Witness
U 30
234 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
and IS of the character of the functioning, in the indi-
visible expanse of the Brahman, (of the mind) trans-
formed into concentration, as the phenomenal world is
but the creature of the mind. (3, 4)
The Knower of the Brahman Becoming the
Brahman
Then, owing to the absence of difference, even
though occasionally drawn outward (from oneness with
the Supreme Consciousness), still owmg to the percep-
tion of the false phenomena by his mind, the knower
of the Brahman, seeking his supreme goal, the experi-
encing of the Bliss of existence, which manifests itself
in a flash as it were, becomes that Bliss (the Brah-
man alone). (5)
The Attainment of Liberation through
Meditation of the Brahman, Preceded
BY THE Giving up of all Voliton
For the reason that for him, who has obliterated
all volition, liberation is (on the palm) of his hand, by
giving up his (own ideas) of existence and non-existence,
and meditating upon the Paramatman (manifested in
the form of the realization, " I am the Brahman "),
one gets liberated. By completely renouncing again
and again, in all the states (waking, dreaming, sleeping,
Turya and Turyatlta), the pairs of aspects of know-
ledge and what has to be known, contemplation and
THE MA^pALA-BRXHMANOPANI§AD 235
what has to be contemplated upon, what is the primary
aim and what the secondary, what is visible and what
is non-visible, the reasoning for and the reasoning
against, and the like, he becomes a Jivan-mukta. He
who knows thus (is a Jlvan-mukta.) (6, 7)
SECTION IV
The Five States, Jagrat and Others
Waking, Dreaming, Sleeping, Turiya (the fourth)
and Turyatlta (what lies beyond the fourth) are the five
states (which are the means of liberation). (1)
Desire, the Basis of Proclivity to
Worldly Activities
The Jiva occupied with the waking state, prone
to be attached to the path of worldly life, eagerly
desires m the following manner : " Let there be no
hell and the like, the fruits of sm for me," " Let
there be heaven, the fruit of deeds of religious merit
for me." (Thus desiring, the ignorant man of the world
is caught m the trap of worldly-mindedness). (2)
Desire Leading to Inactivity
While so, the same Jiva, (disgusted with such a
life, turns back from such a course) and takes to the
path of inactivity m the direction of (facing) liberation
236 THE YOGA UPAN1?ADS
with the resolve, " I have had enough (number) of
births, the traits of (my own) actions. Sufficient (unto
the day) is the bondage resulting from the cycle of
births and deaths," out of the spint of detachment
coming upon him. (3)
Mode of Crossing (the Ocean of)
Worldly Existence
The self-same Jiva, seeking shelter under a Guru,
for the purpose of being liberated from (the bonds) of
worldly existence, giving up lust and other sinful pass-
ions, (which tend to tie him to the world), discharging
the duties prescribed (by the Guru), equipped with the
four Sadhana-s (means of attaining Salvation) and
reaching the form of the Lord, remaining as absolute
existence in the middle of the lotus of the heart and
capable of being seen only through internal Introspec-
tion, getting (once again) the remembrance of the Bliss
of the Brahman described (in the Upamsad-s) and
formerly experienced by him m the Susupti state, and
in consequence of realizing, " I am one only and have
no second. On account of the recurrence of ignorance
for some time and in consequence of forgetting the
mental impression formed during my waking state, I
am the Ifaijasa (Atman) at present ; with the receding
into the background of those two (Vis'va and Taijasa,
of the waking and dreaming states), I am the Prajfla,
one alone ; beyond me who have attained a difference
of . state (from Jagrat to Svapna and thence to
THE mandala-brShmanopanisad 237
(Susupti,) owmg to the difference of abode (from Sthula
to Suksma and thence to Karana) there is nothing
else beside me ; with my power of discernment {vtz.t
I have no other origin but the Brahman) (dawning on
me), I am the pure non-dual Brahman," — in this manner
having obliterated the impression of difference, by con-
stantly meditating on the solar region manifesting itself
within the body and by force of such meditation having
assumed the aspect of the same, which is also the
aspect of tlje transcendent Brahman and having taken
to the path of liberation, known as perfect Wisdom,
he becomes ripe for liberation (and discharges his
duty).
Demonstrating that the Mind is the Cause
OF Bondage and Liberation
The mind, the root of all volition and the like, is the
cause of bondage. The mind, rid of all that, conduces
to liberation. (The Yogin) with such a mind (rid of all
desires, etc., becomes a jRanin) by depriving the mind
of the impressions of phenomena, born of the eye and
other senses disposed towards the external world of
phenomena and looking upon the entire Universe as
relating to the Atman, giving up his egoism, ever atturt*
ing his mind to the attitude, " The Brahman am" I,"
treating all this about him as " That is Atman," fully
discharges his duty, the moment that he realizes so.
(5,6)
238 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
SECTION V
Becoming a Knower of the Brahman of a
Higher Order by the Practice of Nir-vikalpa-
samadhi (Concentration of the
Indeterminate Variety)
After becoming the all-full Turiyatita Brahman,
the Yogin, who is the Brahman alone, becomes the
Brahman. Knowers of the Brahman glorify him as the
Brahman. He who becomes the fit receptacle for the
praise of all the world, who becomes capable of travel-
ling through all the world, having dropped his Bmdu
(making the dissolution of the mind) in the Ether of
the Supreme Consciousness and by experiencing for
ever and ever the state of indivisible Bliss resulting
from the Yoga-nidra (Yogic-sl umber) brought on by the
pure non-dualistic sentience inherent in non-minded-
ness, known as Nir-vikalpa-samadhi, becomes (a
knower of the Brahman of a higher order, known as) a
Jlvan-mukta. (1, 2)
The Attainment of the State of the Brahman
OF the Form of Ceaseless Bliss
The Yogin-s immersed in that ocean of Bliss
become that Brahman, which has been characterized
as the waveless expanse of the ocean of Bliss. Com-
pared with that, Indra and others are blissful only to a
THE MA^ALA-BRlHMA^OPANISAD 239
limited extent. He who has attained Bliss of this kind
(of the limitless variety) becomes the farama-yogm,
(known as the Brahma-vit-tama, the knower of the
Brahman of the highest order). Thus the Upanisad.
(3. 4)
BRAHMANA III
SECTION I
The Non-mindedness Associated with the
S'AMBHAVi MUDRA
The great sage, Yajfia-valkya, asked the Purusa of
the Aditya- mandala thus: "Venerable Sire' though
the description of non-mindedness has been given (by
thee), It has been forgotten (by me). Pray give us the
description of it once more." Quoth the Mandala-
purusa : " Be it so. This non-mindedness is a profound
secret. By the knowledge of which, one may be said
to have discharged his duties, that is ever associated
with the S'aipbhavi Mudra. (1, 2)
Attainment of Non-mindedness on SeeTing the
Indications of the Paramatman
Looking upon the experiences creating knowledge
of the Paramatman, as he would on the ParamStman
240 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
himself, thereafter, seeing in his own Xtman the tran-
scendent Bratiman, the Lord of all, the immeasurable,
the origmless, the auspicious, the transcendent Ether,
which does not depend on anything, the peerless, the
common goal of Brahman, Visnu, Rudra and others
and the prime-cause of all, and having thus acquired a
sure knowledge of the pastime of roaming in the cavern
of the Intellect, having got beyond the ken of pairs
of correlatives such as, existence and non-existence,
having well understood the state wherein the mind
reaches the Un-manl state (wherein there is no volition)
and thereafter, through the obliteration of all the
senses, (the Yogin) attains the transcendent Brahman,
which is motionless like the flame of a lamp in a
windless spot, and is of the form of the confluence of
the river of the mind with the ocean of the Bliss of the
Brahman and the happiness of non-mindedness. (3)
Then, the Turning away from Worldly
Existence
Then, like a dried up tree, having lost the prone-
ness to relative knowledge, in consequence of the
cessation of stupor and sleep, in the absence of inspira-
tion and expiration, with an ever-motionless frame,
having embraced perfect tranquillity, (the Yogin, who
has become the Brahman, is lost in the Nir-vikalpa-
samadhi of a long duration) when his mind hnally rests
in the Paramatman. (4)
THE MA^jpALA-BRlHMAiaOPANIgAD 241
The Destruction of the Mind through the
Dissolution of the Inner Senses, by having
Recourse to the TXraka-path
That alone is non-mmdedness, wherein, hke the
milk in the udder of the cow, after the milk has flowed
out of it (after milking or being sucked by the calf) in
its entirety, when all t^ie groups of senses have been
destroyed, the destruction of the mmd takes place.
Thereafter, when the mind reposes with form, but is
not annihilated, (the Yogin), ever pure, realizing thus :
" I am the Brahman ", and adopting the Taraka-yoga-
path m accord with the precept (of the Maha-vakya),
" That thou art," in the realization, " I am that Thou
(the Brahman)," "Thou (the Brahman) am I ", is filled
with the indivisible expanse of Bliss and becomes one
who has discharged his duty. (6)
SECTION II
By the Attainment of the Unmani State, the
Yogin Himself becoming the Brahman
With his mind immersed in the full (depth) of tran-
scendent Ether, having attained the Ummani state
(Nir-vikalpa-samadhi of long duration), having re-
nounced all the groups of his senses and reaped the
fruit of Kaivalya ripened by the aggregate of merit
accumulated through various previous incarnations,
with all his sufienngs and sins driven away by .the
U 31
242 THE YOGA UPANISADS
indivisible expanse of Bliss, and realizing " I am the
Brahman," (the Yogin) becomes one who has discharged
his duty. " Thou art I, there is no difference (between
us both), due to the fullness of (me) the Paramatman,"
so saying and embracing his disciple (Yajna-valkya)
warmly, (the Mandala-purusa) led (his disciple) into the
perfect knowledge (of the form " I am the Brahman ").
(1-2)
brahmana iv
The Knowledge of the Five-fold Ethek and
ITS FKL'IT
Thereupon Yajna-valkya asked the Mandala-
purusa thus • " Pray relate unto me in detail about the
true characteristics of the li\e-fold Ether." He replied
as follows ; " There are five kinds (of Ether) known as
Akas'a, Parakas'a, Mahakas'a, Suryakas'a and Parama-
kas'a. Aka^a is both externally and internally full of
darkness (productive of stupor). Pamknsfa is both m
the exterior and the interior, like the Fire of the Deluge
(productive of delusion eclipsing the stupor). That
existence which, both in the exterior and the interior,
resembles Radiance beyond measure (productive of
pleasure eclipsing stupor and delusion) is M ahnknsfa.
That, which both inwardly and outwardly resembles
the Sun (and is productive of perpetual happiness
eclipsing stupor, etc.), is Suryakas'a. That radiance
THE MAlJDALA-BRXHMAblOPANI^AD 243
which transcends description, which pervades every-
where and IS of the nature of Bliss par excelUncCy
(productive of Tri-pad-bhuti, echpsing every other ex-
perience) is Paramziknsfa. Thus, through internal
introspection (the Yogin) becomes whatever he sees.
(1-4)
Summary of all the Requisite Equipments for
Raja-voga
The nine Cakra-s (Muladhara of four petals,
Svadhisthana of six petals, Mani-puraka of ten petals,
An-ahata of twelve petals, Vis'uddhi of sixteen petals,
Ajfia of two petals, Talu, Akas'a and Bhru-cakra) the
SIX Adhara-s (tho six regions wherein they have their
supports), the three kinds of Introspection (External,
Internal and Intermediate), the five kinds of Ethers
(above referred to), he who does not know these well,
IS merely a Yogin m name ; (mere book-knowledge with-
out a thorough knowledge of their real nature will not
count) (5)
BRAHMANA V
Rule Relating to the Practice of the Mind
FINALLY Resting in and being Lost in the
ParamXtman
The mind with functioning leads to bondage ai»di
the non-functioning mind leads to liberation. Hence
244 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
anything is within the range of the Citta (the thinking
mind). The same Citta, when not dependmg on any-
thing (through purity acquired from the practice of Yoga)
and when it has ripened into the Unmani state of the
mind (in Nir-vikalpa-samadhi), becomes fit for disso-
lution. That dissolution should be well practised in
me (the Paramatman in the form of the Mandala-
purusa), who am full. I alone am the cause of the
dissolution of the mind, (1-3)
Of the sound produced in the An-ahata Ether (of
the heart), there is the reverberation of that sound ;
there is radiance penetrating the interior of that
reverberation. There is the mind penetrating the interior
of that radiance : which mind is the doer of the deed of
creating, sustaining and destroying the three worlds.
Wherein that mind meets with dissolution, that is the
Supreme state of Visnu (the Brahman). (4, 5)
By the Practice of A-manaska (Nir-vikalpa-
samSdhi) is Accomplished the State of
BEING Reduced to the Brahman
By the dissolution (of the mind in the Param-
atman), on account of difference being extinguished,
there is the accomplishment of the pure non-dual state.
This alone is the highest truth, (which I was asked by
thee to explain). That knower of that (highest truth)
will conduct himself through the world like a child, a
mad man and an evil spirit, behaving like a dull-witted
THE ma^ala-brShma^opani$ad 245
man. Thus by the practice of A-manaska (Nir-vikalpa-
samadhi) alone, by such knower, ever contented, passing
little urine and faeces, taking temperate food, endowed
with a strong physique, with no stupor and sleep, with
his eyes and vital airs in a motionless state, is attained
the accomplishment of the knowledge of the form of
Bliss arising out of the sight of the Brahman. (6-8)
The Greatness of the Accomplished (Yogin)
IN the A-manaska State
Thus, this accomplished (Yogin) mendicant, ever
intent on the drinking of the nectar of the Brahman,
resulting out of the practice of Nir-vikalpa-samadhi
for a long time, becomes a Parama-haipsa, known as
Avadhuta. By having a look at him all the world is
sanctified. Even an ignorant man intent on the service
of that (Avadhuta) becomes liberated. That (Avadhllta)
causes one hundred and one generations of his family
to cross (the ocean of worldly existence). The entire
class (consisting oQ his mother, father, wife, and
progeny becomes liberated. — Thus the Upanisad. (9)
THE MAHA-VAKYOPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Ninety-second among
the 108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Atharva-
veda, deals with the impossibihty of the phenomenal
world that is apart from the Atman and with the reali-
zation of the Brahman alone, through such knowledge.]
Those Eligible for being Imparted Instruction
Regarding the Non-vicarious Experience of
THE Bliss of the Atman
Then quoth the Lord Brahman, " We shall
presently expound the highest Upanisad (not easily
attainable, even by the most accomphshed Seeker).
This is the profoundest secret of profound secrets and
should (by no means) be imparted to the vulgar
(uninitiated into Yogic practices) ; but only to one
who is of rhythmic temperament, with propensities
turning inward and earnest in receiving instruction
from his Guru (and seeking his grace). (1,2)
The ReXl Form and Functions of VidyI and
A-VIDVS
Then, (after equipping himself in the prescribed
manjier), the seeker, withdrawing himself from the
THE MAHS-VSKY0PAN1§AD 247
VidyS-caksus, (conception of the non-existence of
the phenomenal world apart from the Brahman)
leading to liberation from bondage, and also from
the A-vidya-caksus, (conception of the existence
of the phenomenal world apart from the Brahman)
leading to bondage (through attachment thereto)
and acquinng the Supreme knowledge (that the
Brahman is all and has no counterpart), (simult-
aneously with such knowledge becomes a Videha-
mukta). The root-cause of the conception of the
non-existent phenomenal world as really existing is
the Tamo-drb^ (vision obscured by darkness, which
screens off the real existence, the Brahman). The
entire phenomenal world, (which apparently exists
as long as the obscured vision persists and perishes,
in course of time, with the dawning of the true
knowledge of the Brahman), from the Brahman
(obscured by misconception) down to the non-sentient
(mineral) kingdom comprising the endless, indivisible
Brahmanda, (prodigious Universe oO the macrocosm,
IS Darkness. What is addicted to the observance of
rituals prescribed in all the Veda-s, having as its
objective the fulfilment of cherished desires, is the
world. (3, 4)
The Manifestation of the ParamStman through
THE Practice of the Hamsa-vidya
That Stman is not this Darkness. The VidyS,
(the knowledge, indeed, of the absolute Truth • the
2^ Tfl£ tOGA UPANI^OS
Brahman, which alone exists without a counterpart),
the Cid-aditya (the Sun of absolute conciousness) that
manifests itself both inside and outside the phenomenal
world of crass ignorance, the region of the absolute
radiance of consciousness, that alone should be grasped
(by the Tivra-tara seeker) and not the other, (which
exists merely in the form of qualified knowledge and
which, though leading to the same goal, bears fruit
after considerable delay.) " That Sun, (the goal of the
Gayat-tri), is the Brahman — the Haipsa (the Sun)
connected with the A-japa-gayat-tri, (that has per-
meated the body through the Nadi-s and through
every act of inspiration and expiration, naturally
and without effort, muttering the A-japa-mantra,
" Haip " " Sa^,") that 1 am " : That (knowledge
of the oneness of the Paramatman) is capable of
being acquired, by the Prana and Apana (vital airs)
flowing inward and outward from opposite direc-
tions in this manner, (i.e., by muttering the Harpsa-
mantra). The seeker, having acquired that (know-
ledge of the Atman through the three stages of
JjSana, VijBana and Samyag-jnana) after persistent
application for a long period, when the Atman is
intensely meditated upon in its three-fold aspects
(of Vis'va, Vir5j and Otr, individually, collec-
tively and by both the methods conjointly), the
ParamaMian manifests himself (as a result of the
annihilation of false-existence, non-sentience and
misery) as Existence, Consciousness and Bliss.
(5,6)
The Real Form of the State Known as Tias
Knowledge of the Truth
(The state known as the knowledge of the Truth)
intensely resplendent with the radiance of myriads upon
myriads of Suns (taking their rise simultaneously) is
like the waveless deep (ocean), incapable of being
absorbed on account of its very fulness. This is not
Samadhi. Nor is this the successful accomplishment
of Yoga. Nor is this the final dissolution of the mind.
That is the oneness of the (inmost) Brahman. What
is of the colour (and form) of the Cid-aditya on the
other side of darkness (the entire phenomenal world),
which the seeker on recognition salutes and at once
becomes, after deeply thmking over all forms and
names and arriving at the conviction (that they aite
false) ; the significance of which the Lord Brahman
explained long long ago (and also) S'akra (the king of
the gods), whose fame as a great knower (of the
Brahman) has reached the four cardinal points; he
who knows the Paramatman as of this nature, that
very moment attains immortality (at-one-ness, with the
Paramltman). There is no other path for the attftin*-
ment of the path of liberation. In this manner t^
gods also, by means of the Yajfia (knowledge, that
there is nothing else besides the Brahman) have
uroTshipped the YajHa (Vis^iu, that is the Brahmka).
Those Dharma-s (lines of conduct) (of the gods wiMj
imve become Jivan-mukta-s on account of such knew-
ledge) stood always foremost. That heavean wfaeresi
u 52
:2^ THE YOGA UPANI$A0S
the Deva-s remain Sadhya-s (Jivan-mukta-s) from days
of yore, the illustrious knowers of the Brahman, on
attaining (that heaven), shine forth therefrom. (7-10)
Meditation on the Radiant Pranava-hawlsa
That transcendent radiance (the Cid-arka, the Sun
of Consciousness), am I. The radiance of the Arka
(the Sun), the S'lva, am I. The brilliant white am I.
This all radiance am I. Om ! (In this manner the
Cods and the Jivan-mukta-s alike, meditate on the
internal Atman, as differentiated from the transcendent
Stman and the Paramatman which has no counterpart,
and IS the import of the Oipkara). (11)
The Fruit of the Vidya of the Radiance
OF the Hamsa
This (Vidya), the S'lras of the Atharva-veda, he
5vho Studies ; by studying it early in the morning, he
destroys the sin committed at night ; by studying it
at sun-down (he) destroys the sin committed during
day time. The sinner studying it both at day-break
jand sunset is nd of his sins. He who studies.it at
noon, facing the Sun, is released from the five great
sijis, as well as the smaller sins. He gains the merit
flowing from the study of all the Veda-s. He attains
<^eness with S'n Maha-vis^u. Thus the Upanisad.
(12)
THE YOGA-KUNPALY-UPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Eighty-sixth among
the 108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Krs^a-yajur-
veda, incidentally deals with an exposition of the
Hatha- and LambikS-yoga-s and concludes with an
account of the non-qualified Brahman, the quest of all
seekers.]
CHAPTER I
The Three Expedients to be Resorted to
FOR the Conquest of the Vital Air
The two causes that operate on the mmd (and bear
on its activity or inactivity) are the forces of revived
memories (previous experiences) and the vital air
(breathed in and breathed out), (without proper regu-
lation and control). When either of the two ceases to
operate, both of them alike become inopei;ptive. Of
the two, a man should first of all subjugate, for ever,
the vital air. (The means to be employed for attaiJiing
this) are temperance in food, assuming the prop^
posture and the rousing of the power as the
third step. {h Z}
252 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Temperance in Food
Listen earnestly, O Gautma ! to the description of
these, which I shall presently deal with. Partaking of
nourishing and sapient food, leaving off a fourth part of
it and that too for affording satisfaction to S'lva ; that
is known as Temperance in food. (3, 4)
The Padma and VajrSsana Postures
Postures are said to be of two kinds : the PadmS-
sana and the Vajrasana. When one places the soles of
his feet over the two thighs (crosswise, the right sole
over the left thigh and the left sole over the right
thigh), this becomes the Padma posture, which destroys
all sm. One should place the left heel under the knot
of the navel and the other heel over it, with his neck,
head and body in a line. This is known as the
Vajrasana posture. (4-6)
The Rousing of the Power and the Two
Ways of Practising It
The Kundali alone would constitute the power.
The knowing man should rouse it well, from its own
seat (in tl\f region of the navel) on to the middle of the
eyebrows. (This) is said to be the rousing of the
power. In the practice of it are two things important ;
tbe rousing of the Sarasvati (NStJl) and the holding up
of the vital air. Then, by such practice, the Kup^ini
wottid acquire its rectitude. (7, 8)
THE yOGA-KUljpALy-UPANIgAD 253
The Rousing of the Sarasvati
Of the two, I shall presently relate unto thee about
the rousing of the Sarasvati, even as it was related unto
ArundhatT by knowers (of Yoga) of yore. By the rousing
of it (the Sarasvati-nadi), the Kundalinl itself does by
no means move ; when the vital air courses through the
Ida and the Padmasana posture has been firmly
assumed, the man of clear intellect should elongate
atmosphere of four digit-len^ths to twelve digit-lengths,
surrounding the (Susumna) Nadi with such (elongated
vital air) and then should hold it fast with (the aid of)
both of the thumbs and forefingers of his hands (placed
over the ear-holes, the nostrils and the mouth) and,
with his own effort, pass the vital air from the right
into the left (Nadi) again and again, for a couple of
Muhurta-s (of one and a half hour's duration each)
without any fear. Then should the man of clear
intellect slightly draw upwards the Susumria having its
abode m the Kun^all. By such act the Kundalinl would
reach the mouth of her Susumna (Na^l). Then, this
vital air would quit it and of its own accord reach the
SusumpS. Then should he make the Tapa (Bandha)
in the belly and when the constriction of the throat is
effected, by the rousing of the Sarasvati, the vital air of
the chest would (be forced to) take an upward course.
With the rousing of the Sarasvati he should expel t^
vital air through the Solar Na^l (Piiigala) and by tbe
con^riction of the throat, the vital air of the cliest
would (be forced to) take' an upward course. Hei^
254 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
should (the Yogin) always roase the Sarasvati pregnant
with sound and by such rousing alone the Yogin will be
rid of diseases. Dyspepsia, dropsy, enlargement of the
spleen and other such diseases affecting the middle of
the belly, all these perish of a certainty by the rousing
of the Sarasvati. (9-18)
The Varieties of PrInayama
Then I shall presently relate briefly about the
control of the vital air. Prana is air coursing through
the body and Ayama is said to be Kumbhaka (holding
under control). The same is said to be of two kinds :
the combined (Pranayama) and that (which is practised)
alone by itself. One should practise the combined
Pr5nayama till he attains success in the (practice of
Kumbhaka) alone by itself. The Kumbhaka which is
practised along with Surya, Ujjayi, S^itali and Bhastrl
as the fourth, that is the combined Kumbhaka. (19-21)
The SuryS-kumbhaka
In a hallowed and secluded spot devoid of pebbles
and the like, which is withm the ambit of a bow (in
extent), 4evoid of chillness, fire and water, sacred, on a
seat neither high nor low, which gives comfort and is
easy to take, assuming the Baddha-padmSsana posture,
and with the rousing of the Sarasvati, slowly drawing
in the external air through the right NS^h one should
llU'ia the air as much as could be desired and then
THE YOGA-KUNDALY-UPANI^D 255
expel it through the I<^ or drive up the air slowly for
purifying the skull. This destroys the four kinds of
disorders arising out of V5ta and also intestinal worms.
This should be practised again and again and is known
as the SSrya variety. (22-26)
The UjjXyI-kumbhaka
With the mouth well under control, slowly drawing
the air through the two Nadi-s (I^ and Piiigala) in
such a way that it may occupy the space from the
throat up to the heart, making a noise, one should hold
the vital air as before and then expel it through the
145. This meritorious and excellent practice removes
the heat produced in the head, and phlegm of the neck
and further, drives away all diseases and raises the
warmth of the body ; and destroys the dropsy of the
Na^l-s and the disorders affecting the humours. This
should be performed by one while moving and standing
and is known as the Kumbhaka called Ujjayl. (26-29).
The S'iTALi-KUMBHAKA
The man of clear intellect should, after (per-
forming) Kumbhaka as before, draw in the ay: through
the tongue and should slowly expel it through the two
nostrils. Dyspepsia, enlargement of the spleen and
the like disorders, consumption, biliousness, fever,
thirst and poisons, this Kumbhaka known as S^all
kUls. (30, 9^y
256 THE YOGA OPANl^ADS
The BhastrX-kumbhaka
The man of clear intellect, after assuming the Pad-
masana posture, and keeping his neck and belly iij a
line, controlling well the mouth with effort, ipK>nld
expel the vital air through the nose, in such a \^y that
it occupies with a noise the cranium from the titroat.
He should fill in a little air up to the lotus of the heart.
He should again expel it as before and fill it in, again
and again. Even as the pair of bellows of blacksmiths
is blown in quick succession, in the same manner
should he cause the air in the body to move slowly.
Until fatigue is "experienced by the body, he should
expel the air through the solar Nadi Until the belly
becomes filled with the air, lightly holding the middle
oi the nose with the two forefingers, but not tightly,
performing Kumbhaka as before, he should expel the
air through the Ida. This, which takes away the heat
produced in the throat, raises the warmth of the body,
kindles the Kundali, is endowed with good qualities and
kills sin, is auspicious and health-giving, destroys the
phlegm and other obstruction in the interior of the
mouth of the Brahma-nadl, breaks through the three
kinds of swelling brought about by the operation of the
three Guna-s, should be specially performed. This is
known atf the Kumbhaka called the Bhastra. (32-39)
Rule Relating to the Three Kinds of Bandha-s
When Kumbhaka of the four varieties has be^i
'pfM mastered, these three Bandha-s should be practised
THE y06A-KU?»p!AtY.ypANI§AD 257
by the Y<^n-s devoid of impunties. The first is the
Msla-l»ndha. The second is named U^t^iyana. The
third is the JSlaifidhara. Their description is detailed
(here under), (40, 41)
The Mola-bandha
When one makes the Apana with the downward
course move upwards by force, by constriction (of the
sphincter-muscle of the rectum) as they call it, this is
known as Mula-bandha. When the Apana coursing
upwards reaches the region of fire, then the flame of fire,
caused by the vital air to move up, increases in its height.
When the fire and the Apana reach the heated Prana
(vital air), then by that (Prapa) in an overheated condi-
tion is a flame generated in the body. By that flame
the sleeping Ku9<3Ulini, being very much heated, is
roused and like a snake belaboutcd with a stick, be-
comes erect with hissing and by way of entering its
hole, reaches the interior of the Brahma-na^T- Hence
should always be practised the Mula-bandha by the
Yogin-s. (42-46)
The UppiYSyA-BANDHA
After the Kumbhaka and before expelling the
vital air, the U^^^y^Q^^^ has to be performed, • by
which Bandha the Pi5pa (vital air), rises up into the
Susunn^ Ns4i and for that reason this has been called
by Yogin-s by the name of U<34iyana. While in^lMe
U 33
258 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
Vaji^sana posture, one should firmly hold with the two
hands the two feet and press the knot near the region of
the ankles against them. Then he should resort to the
Pasrcima-tana in the belly, the heart and the neck,
whereby the Prana (vital air), would slowly and steadily
reach the junction of the belly. This should always be
f)erformed slowly, after shaking off all disorders of
the belly. (47-50)
The Jalamdhara-bandha
The Bandha, known as the Jalaipdhara, should be
performed at the end of the Puraka (after inhalation).
This IS causing obstruction to the passage oi the vital
air, ot the fotm of constricting the throat. When cons«
triction of the throat is made by suddenly contracting
the nether part of it and with the Pas'cima-tana of the
middle, the vital air will enter the Brahma-nS^,
Having assumed the proper posture well, in the manner
described above and roused the Sarasvatl, he should
control the Prana-air. (51-53)
Prescription Regarding the Number of Times
of kumbhaka practice
On the first day should be practised the four kinds
of Kumbhaka-s, (at the rate of) ten of each several
kind. On the second day in the same way, but with
the nnmber increased by five. On the third day,
twenty (of each kind) will do. Thence, Everyday, b^
THE ^OGA-KUlgnpALy-UPANI§AD 259
increasing the number by five (progressively) per day,
the Kumbhaka should be performed everyday along
with the three Bandha-s. (54, 55)
The Obstacles to the Practice of Yoga and
Overcoming them
Sleeping during day-time (results from) keeping
awake or excessive sexual mtercourse at night ; several
(evil) concomitants (arise) from constant obstruction to
the passing of urme and faeces ; disorders mcidental to
irregular jxKtures (spring) out of (the practitioner's)
anxious thought bemg devoted with eflTort to the
breathing of air. When the practitioner with doe
restraint holds his breath, disease is very soon produc-
ed. And when he complams m this manner : " Disease
has been generated m me because of the practice of
Yoga ", thenceforward he should refrain from such
practice. Thus is said to be the first obstacle
The second is what is known as doubt (as to its
efficacy). The third is the state of confusion. The
fourth is called indifference. The fifth is of the
form of sleep. The sixth is cessation. The seventh
is said to be delusion. Concern with worldly affairs
is the eighth. What could not be adequately des-
cribed is the ninth ; while the tenth is by wi^ men said
to be the non-aptitude for the understanding o£ the
truth of Yoga, The intelligent practitioner should
avoid the aforesaid ten obstacles by means of dose
investigation. (56-61)
260 THE YOGA UPAKI^ADS
The Rousing of the KuijipALiNi by the
Practice of Yoga
Then should the practice of regulating the breath
be constantly performed by the man of intellect, with
abiding faith in the truth. In the Susumna the mind
, takes its repose. The vital air does not leap forwards.
When the accumulated impurity (clogging the Susumi^iS''
nS[d!) IS completely withered and the passage of vital
air through the Susumna is effected, by performing
Kevala-kumbhaka therein, then, the Yogm forcibly
causes the Apana air with the downward course to move
upwards by constriction, as they say , this is what is
termed the Mula-bandha. The ApSna having taken an
upward course goes along with fire to the seat of the
PrSna (vital air). Then the fire, mixing up the PrS^a
and Apana, soon reaches the Kundalinl. The sleeping
(Kundalini with) the coiled form, being well heated by
that fire and roused by the flow of air, stretches its
body in the interior of the mouth of the Susumn3.
(62-66)
The Kundalini, Reaching the Thousand-spoked
Lotus by Bursting through the Three Knots
Then breaking through the knot of Brahman
generated out of Rajo-gupa, the Ku^^alini will at once
flash like a streak of lightning in the mouth of the
Sufumi^. Then it soon reaches the knot of Vispu
higher up, taking its stand in the heart ; thence it goes
THE yOGA-Kir^pALY-UPAMI^AD 261
farther higher up, where there is the Rudra-granthi and
breaking through the middle of the eyebrows, where the
knot has its origin in the AjCS-cakra, it reaches the
F^ion of the cool-rayed Moon, where the Cakra with
the sixteen petals, known as An-ahata, is ; there the vital
air causes the moisture, produced by the cool-rayed
Moon to dry up of its own accord ; then moved aloft
by the force of the PiSna (vital air) the Sun dries up the
blood and the bile. When the Prana reaches the circle
of the Moon, where there is pure phlegm in the form of
a fluid sprinkled, how can this fluid of a cold character
become hot ? So also the white form of the Moon is
heated violently at once. The agitated (Kundalini)
moves upwards and the shower of nectar flows more
copiously. As a result of swallowing this, with the
Citta (of the Yogin) kept away from all sensual plea-
sures, the young practitioner, exclusively absorbed in
the Atman and partaking oi the sacrificial offering
called nectar, will take his stand m his own self. (67-73)
The Dissolution of Prana and Ot|jers and
THE Spreading Outwards of Dissolved Ones
The KuQ^linl then goes to the seat (of the Saha-
sr3ra) giving up the eight forms of the Prakfti
(Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether, the Manas, the Baddhi
and the Ahaiplfira) and after clasping (the eye,- the
mind, the Pr3^ and others) m her embrace goes to
S^iva and clasping (S'iva as well) dissolves herself (in
the SahasrSra). So also the very next momentttlm
2^ THE YOGA UPAMI^ADS
Rajas, (solar and born of Prakfti, the Jlva-tattva) and
the Sfokla (lunar, of the Isfvara), these two dissdire
themselves in S'lva (seated in the Bindu of the Sahas-
iftra). The very next moment thereafter the breath
also dissolves itself ; the PrSpa and the 'ApSna born
together (of the same quality as and m the presence of
S^iva in the Sahasrara, t.e., non-differentiated) do UIms-
wise, having reached an equipoised condition (no longer
going up or down). Then (with the Pr3^ spread out-
wards) in the form of attenuated elements or (in the mere
t«membrance of it) the mmd reduced to the form of
faint impressions and speech remaining only m the
form of recollection, (the Yogin) thrives. All vital airs
then spread themselves outright m (his body), even as
gold in a crucible placed on fire. (74-76)
Experiencing everything as Consciousness
Alone during SamSdhi
By causing the body made of the elements to be
absorbed in a subtle state in the form of the supreme
deity (the Paramatman), the body (of the Yogin), giving
up its impure corporeal state, will attain the very
subtle state of the pure Brahman (supporting the
Prapafica, from all sides around). That which is released
from the state of nonsentience, which is devoid of
ittipartties, which is of the character of absolute con-
sctoi^ness, which is of the character of the attribute
"I" of all beings, (the Brahman), the subtlest form
of That alone is the Truth (underlying all things).
THE YCXJA-KinsnpAtr-UPANl§AD 263
The rel^ise from the notion that the Brahman is
qoalifi^, the delusion about the existence or non-
existence of anything apart from the Brahman (which
should be annihilated) and experiences such as these
that remain, these the Yogin should know as the
Brahman and simultaneously with the dawning of such
knowledge of the form of the Atman, is liberation
attained by him. When such is not the case, only all
kinds of absurd and impossible notions arise, such as
the rope-serpent and absurd notions brought about by
delusion, such as the notion which men and women
have of silver in the shell of the pearl-oyster, only to
pensh. (The Yogin should realize) the oneness (of the
VW\^tman and others up to the Tunya) of the
microcosm, with the (Virad-atman and others up to the
Tunya of the) macrocosm, also of the Lii\ga with the
SOti^tman, of Sleep with the unmanifested state, of
the Xtman manifested m one's self with the Stman
of consciousness. (77-81)
SamXdhi-yoga
The auspicious power, Kun^alini by name, which
resembles the hne hbre of the lotus-stalk, having bitten
the knot-like MolldhSra with the top of its hood, as if
it were the root of the lotus and taken holcf of its tail
with its mouth, reaches the Brahma-randhra. The
I»actttioner, after assuming the Padmasana posturet
i^maising at ease, constricting the anus, sendii^ jgj^
wards (throngh the Susum^S path) the vital air, shooM
264 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
have his mind absorbed in the Kumbhaka. In virtue
of the action of the vital air, the fire, reaching the
SvadhisthSna bursts into a blaze. The king of serpents,
the Kundahni, roused by the onslaught of the fire and
the rushing of the air, then breaking through the knot
of Brahman, thereafter breaks through the knot of
Visnu. Having broken through the knot of Kudra also,
he breaks through the six lotuses. Then, m the thou-
sand-petalled lotus the (Kun<Jalini) S'akti delights in
the company of S'lva. This state (of having pierced
through the phenomenal world of difTerences and reach-
ed the form of the Brahma-vidya) alone should be
known as the transcendent state of Videha-mukti and
this alone is the cause of the manifestation of Supreme
Bhss.— Thus. (82-87)
CHAPTER II
The Khe-cari Vidya
Then I shall presently relate about the Vidya styled
as the Khe-cari. He who has duly mastered this is devoid
of dotage and death in this world. He who is afflicted
with mortality, disease and dotage, O Sage ! should,
after coming to know of this VidyS and applying his
intellect more firmly, practise well the Khe-cari (travers-
ing the ethereal regions). He who has gained a know-
led©£ of the Khe-cari from books, from the exposition oi
THE YOGA-KUNpALY-UPANl§AD 255
the meaning of the same and from having recourse to
its practice, becomes the destroyer of dotage, death and
disease on the face of this Earth. Him should one ap-
proach for shelter, looking upon him as his Guru from
all points of view. The Khe-cari-vidya is difficult of
attainment. Its practice can be had only with great
difficulty. Its practice and performance do not simulta-
neously bring success (to the practitioner). Those
that are intent on practice alone do not discover the
(right mode oO performance. One attains (right) prac-
tice, O Brahman ' at sometime in the course of several
births, but right performance is seldom attained even
at the end of a hundred births. The Yogm, after
making practice (of the right sort) at the end of several
births, gets, at sometime m some other birth, the (right
mode of) performance, rendered possible by such pre-
vious practice. When the Yogin gets (the secret of)
performance from the mouth of his Guru, then alone
does he attain success therein, as described m the series
of books (relating to the Vidya). When he attains
success in performance, both out of theoretical know-
ledge gleaned from books and its application in actual
practice, then he attains the state of S'lva^ liberated
from all attachment to worldly affairs. Even Guru-s
are powerless to impart instruction without reference to
the S^stra-s (bearing on the subject). Hence, O Muni !
this S^stra is much more difficult of access. So long
as he does not get the S'5stra, the mendicant has to
wander over the face of the Earth till then. When,
however, the S'astra is got, then stands success oi> the
U 34
266 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
palm of his hand. Success has nowhere been met with
in the three worlds without the S'astra. Hence, one
should think 'of S'lva, the bestower of successful per-
formance, the bestower of the S'astra, the unswerving,
the bestower of the right sort of practice, and then seek
refuge (under him). Having got this S'astra from me,
one should not reveal it to others. Hence, with all
effort should ii be guarded as a secret, by him who
knows it. Resorting to that place where the Guru, the
bestower of the divine Yoga is, O Brahman ! there,
understanding with a subtle intellect the Khe-carl
Vidya as taught by him, one should, under his instruc-
tions, commence his practice, in right earnest without
giving way to sloth. The Yogin will attain successful
accomplishment of the Khe-cari out of this lore. Re-
sorting to the Khe-can Yoga, along with the Khe-cari
Mudra, filled with the Khe-cari Bija (" Hrlip, etc.,")
having become the lord of the Khe-cara-s (the Sun),
(after disembodiment), the Yogin will always, dwell in
the worlds floating in the expanse of Ether. (1-17)
The Extraction of the King of Mantka-s,
THE Khe-cari Mantra
(By joining together) the Khe-cara (the letter
" H," which goes by that name), the Avasatha (the
letter " T " representing the power of retention) and
Vahni (the letter " R ", signified by fire) and bedecking
it with the Ambu-mandala (the nasal half-syllable " ^ ",
known as Bindu, signified by the \yord " Drop of
THE YOGA-KU^ALY-UPANI§AD 267
water ")> what is known as the Khe-cari Bija, viz^
" Hriqi " (is obtained). The Yoga, known as Lambika,
(hanging in middle space) performed with that, will be
successfully accomplished. Then should he extract
the ninth letter from Somarps'a (the Candra-bija " Sa ")
counting backwards from it, vtz., the letter " Bha " ;
thence the ninth letter counting forwards, the letter of
the form of the Moon, vtz., " Sa " ; thence the eighth
letter counting backwards, vtz., " Ma," as the next letter,
O Mum ! similarly the fifth letter taken in that manner
(backwards) from such letter {vtz., " Ma ") as the next
letter {vtz., " Pa "), then the letter indicated by the
Moon, vtz., " Sa *', (all these marked with the Anus-
vara) ; and (lastly) the Kuta (made up of " K and sa "
and the Anusvara). (Thus gathered together, the seven
syllables), Hriip, Bham, Sam, Mam, Pam, Sam and
Ksaip, (constitute the Khe-cari Mantra). (17-20)
By Muttering the Mantra, the Khe-cari
(Yoga) is Successfully Accomplished
This is attamed only out of the Guru's precept and
bestows all the accomplishments attainable through
Yoga. The Yogin, the Maya born out of whose body
takes shelter m his curbed internal organs of sense, would
not attain it even in his dream. He who mutters this,
with the proper amulet, 500,000 times a day for twelve
days continuously, for him there will result, of its own
accord, the successful accomplishment of the Khe-can
Yoga. All obstacles vanish ; his tutelary deities bestow
26S THE YOGA OPANIgADS
their grace; Avnnkles and grey hairs will meet with
destruction without doubt. Having obtained this great
Vidya, he should then practise it with fervour. Other-
wise, O Brahmana ! it wears away and is of no avail
to the Yogin. When, in the course of the practice in
the path of the Khe-carl, one does not gain this Vidj^,
which IS filled with nectar, then in the course of its per-
formance he should attain the Vidya and should ever
mutter it. Adopting any other course, O Brahmana !
he shall not attain even a little success. When this
S'astra is attained, then should he seek shelter in the
Vidya. Then the Mum will soon attain the success
arising out of the Vidya. (21-27)
The Method to be Adopted for the
Practice of the Khe-cari
Having well drawn up the tongue from the root of
the palate, the knower of the Atman should, for seven
days, cleanse all impurities in the manner described by
his Guru. Having brought a sharp-edged, well-oiled
and clean instrument resembling the leaf of the milk-
hedge plant, he should then scrape off the froenum of
the tongue, to the extent of the breadth of a hair (with
the instrument). Leaving off every other kind of work,
he should treat with the application of the yellow
myrobalam and rock-salt well-pulverized together.
When seven days have elapsed, he should once again
scrape it off, only to the extent of the breadth of a hair.
In this manner, by degrees he should practise for six
THE YOGA-KU^JpALY-UPANl§AD 269
months, applying himself to it always with due care.
In the course of six months the fold of skin (froenum)
at the base of the tongue will vanish. The Yogin
should then bandage the tip of the tongue with a piece
of cloth and then should he draw it up gradually, after
knowing the proper season, time and manner of action.
In the course of the next six months, O Mum ! by thus
daily pulling it up, it will reach the middle of the eye-
brows and obliquely up to the crevice of the ear.
Being moved by stages, it will reach downwards as
far as the root of the chin. In the course of
the next three years it will, quite in a playful mood,
reach up to the fnnge of the hair over the crest, and
obliquely up to the root of the tuft and downwards up
to the well of the throat. In the course of the next
three years, it will undoubtedly reach the Brahma-
randhra and stand surrounding it completely. Obli-
quely It will reach the outer surface of the crest, and
stretch downwards up to the crevice of the throat and
gradually will burst open the Maha-vajra door of the
cranium. (When) the Khe-carl Vidya described above,
along with the concerned Bija (syllables), becomes diffi-
cult of attainment, then should he observe the six
Anga(-nyasa-s) of the Vidya, by muttermg the six
syllables (of the Mantra) with their distinct intonations.
In the same manner should he perform the Kara-
ny5sa-s for the purpose of attaing all accomplishments
and the like. In this manner should the practice be
made step by step and not all at once. Whosoe^'er
practises all at once, his body shall meet with dissolution
270 THE YOGA UPAN1§ADS
Hence, O chief among the Muni-s ! the practice
should be by stages, whereby the tongue could reach
the crevice of the Brahman by the external path.
Then pressmg with the tip of the finger the bolt of the
Brahman, (the Uvula) unbreakable even by the gods,
(the Yogin) should thrust his tongue alone. By doing
in this manner for three years one opens the door
leading to the Brahman. After entering the Brahma-
dvara, one should commence the practice of churning
well. Certain adepts practise it even without churning.
In the case of the Yogin who has successfully attained
the fruits of the Khe-cari Mantra, there is success even
without the churning. Having performed the mutter-
ing of prayer and the churning, very soon he will get
the fruit. Having placed a probe made of gold, silver
or steel along with a thread soaked in milk in the
nostril, holding the vital airs m the heart and assuming
a posture comfortable to himself and with his eyes
firmly fixed in the direction of the middle of the eye-
brows, he should gradually make the churning pro-
perly. In the course of six months churning will be
accomplished by the mere thought of it, even as sleep
in the case of children, the mere thought being enough
to bring It about. (Practising) churning always con-
tinuously does no good and should be resorted to once
a month. *rhe Yogin cannot traverse the path with his
tong.ue always. By practising in this manner for twelve
years will success be surely achieved. The Yogin will
himself see, in his body (the microcosm), the entire uni-
verse (the macrocosm) distinctly (by stages, and the
THE YOGA-KUlSipALY-UPANlSAD 271
forms of the Viraj, Sutra, Blja and TuryStman-s).
Wherein {i.e., in the Sahasrara) the upward ascending
Kuruialinl, with the shining teeth {i.e., the tongue of
the Yogin) traverses, that is the great path resembhng
the macrocosm. — Thus. (28-49)
CHAPTER III
THE MELANA-MANTRA
{Hrim, Bham, Sain, Mam, Pain, Sam, K§am)
Difference in Seeing due to difference in
THE Phases of the Li'nak Fortnight, such as,
Ama-vasya, Pkatipad and Plknima
Quoth Brahman :
Pray relate unto me, O S'amkara ! about what is
symbohcally described as Ama-vasya {complete shut-
ting), Pratipad (partial shuttmg) and Paurna-masi (keep-
ing wide open the eyes). When durmg practice there
is difficulty felt in exercising the eye, during such times
the Pratipad (using the eye half-shut)or the Ama-vasya
(keeping it completely shut) should be resorted- to.
One should get confirmed and stabilized m the
Paurpa-masi (using the eye wide open). That is the
way and none other. (1, 2)
272 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Rule Regarding the PCrnimS Vision
Going in quest of sensual pleasures, due to desire
and passion and getting deluded in the gratification of
desire and passion, due to attachment towards sensual
pleasures, these two should the Yogin always entirely
avoid and seek shelter in the non-unctuous Stman.
Should he desire what conduces to his own welfare, he
should give up every other thing. Having projected his
mind (endowed with Purnima vision) into the Kundalini
S'akti, then again concentrating his mind in the middle
of the S'akti, looking at (it through) his mind with his
mind, (t.e., by conceiving in the mind intent upon
directly perceiving the form of its prime cause, the
Brahman, by assuming the attitude, " I am the Brah-
man,") and giving up that also ; this is the transcendent
state (of Kaivalya, aloneness). The mmd alone is the
Bindu (the Is'vara) and the cause of the creation and suste-
nance of the (phenomenal world). The Hindu is generat-
ed from the mind. Even as what is of the character of
ghee IS milk (so also what is of the character of the
Bindu IS the mind). (Though the mind is, of its own
making, subject to bondage), the Bindu (the Is'vara-
tattva, which is swayed by the mind) is not subject to
any bondage, (as the mind after all partakes of the
nature of false existence) ; nor does it (the Bindu)
resemble its cause, the mind, (as when the mmd is
gone, the Bindu inheres in the non-differentiated Brah-
man, as Is'vara). There is bondage (in the form of the
mind), where there is the Kun«^linj S'akti, midway
THE YOGA-K0^IpALY-0PANl§AD 273
between the Moon (of the Brahma-randhra) and the
Sun (of the Muladhara). Having known this (that thfe
Kupdahni is the cause of the bondage of the mind) and
broken through (the three knots of the) Susumna Nadi
and projected the vital air, (the eye and the mind)
through the middle (of the Susumna Nadl), be should
make the vital air rest firmly in the Bamdava-sthana
(the middle of the eyebrows, etc., with the mental con-
ception, " I am the Is'vara,") and control the breath (by
performing Kevala-kumbhaka) in the Prana-randhra,
(the crevice of the vital air). Then having known well
the vital air, the reputed Bindu, the absolute existence,
the Prakrti (primordial matter) and the six Cakra-s
(centres of psychic energy), he should enter the region
of Bliss (the Yogananda). The Muladhara, the Sva-
dhisthana, the Marii-pura, which is the third, the An-
ahata, the Vis'uddhi and the AjSa, which is the sixth,
are the six centres of energy). The (Mula) Adhara is
said to be the region above the anus ; the Svadhis-
th5na to be of the region of the genitals ; the Mani-
pura of the region of the navel ; the An-ahata seated m
the heart ; the Vis'uddhi at the root of the throat and
the Ajfia-cakra in the frontal region. (3-11)
By the Practice of the Control of
the Vital Breath is Attained the Viraj-form
Having well known the six Cakra-s, he should enter
the region of Bliss". He should enter by drawing in
the vital aii* through that (Susumipa Na4i) alone ^d
U 33
tIA THE YOGA UPAKI§ADS
Jj®ep it trending upwards. By training the vital air thus
(the Yogin) will pervade the entire macrocosm (by
taking the form of the Viraj). He should thus train
the vital air, the Bmdu, the Cakra and the Citta
(mind). (12, 13)
Without the Practice of Yoga, there
WILL BE NO Manifestation of One's
OWN Stman
By the one (non-differentiated Nir-vikalpa-yoga)
Yogm-s attam the equipoised state of Samadhi, (which
leads to) the immortal (nectar-like Brahman). Even as
fire, which inheres in the (S'ami) log of wood, will not rise
up without churning, so also without the practice of
Yoga, the light of knowledge cannot be lit. The light
placed inside a pot does not at all shine outside (the
pot), but when the pot is broken, the flame of the light
makes itself manifest. One's own body is said to
occupy the place of the pot, even as the Atman, the
(place of the) lamp. (14-16)
The Knowlege of the Brahman to be
Derived from the Guru's Precept
Simultaneously with the Guru's precepts, when
(ignorance) vanishes, the knowledge of the Brahman
will dawn clearly (on the mind). Having attained the
Guru as his helmsman and made a boat of his subtle
teachings, by dmt of the impressions left. on their mind?
THE YOCA-KU^JDALY-UPAHISAD 275
during their tutelage, wise men cross the ocean of
worldly existence. (17, 18)
The Bearing of the Brahman on the
Proper Functioning of the Sense-organ
OF Speech
Having sprouted up in the Par5 (of the MulsC-
dhara), turned into two leaves in the Pas'yanti (of the
An-ahata), budded in the Madhyama (of the Vis'uddhi),
(the function of speech) has blossomed in the Vaikhari
(of the neck). Speech which had its origin in the
above-said manner, will, when the order is reversed,
reach the vanishing stage. Of that organ of speech,
the supreme lord is the eternal and immutable Para-
matman, who rouses the power of speech. That person
who always rests in the conviction " I am He ", is in no
way affected,"^ even though spoken to in articulate
sounds, high, low or vulgar. (18-21)
The Bearing of the Brahman on the Universe
and Other Phenomena
The triad consisting of Vis'va, Taijasa and Prajfia,
the triad consisting of Viraj, Hiranya-garbha and
l^vara, the macrocosm as well as the microcosm, the
worlds Bhur and others in their proper order, meet with
their dissolution in the inmost Atman, simultaneously
With the dissolution of their respective prime causes.
The macrocosm and the microcosm, the twain perisb
276 THE YOGA VPANI^DS
along with their causes, when burnt with the fire of
knowledge. What is dissolved in the ParamStman
becomes the Para-brahman alone. (21-24)
The Brahman Has no Counterpart
Thereafter (after the dawnmg of the right knowledge,
that all but the Brahman is nought) there remams some-
what of existence, which is tranquil and sublime,
which is neither radiance nor darkness outspread, which
is indescribable and indistinct, (which is " the absolute
Brahman and certainly not non-existence," says the
Sfruti). (24, 25)
Meditation which is Employed as the' Means
OF Attaining the Brahman
Having (at first) meditated upon the Xtman
mherent in the middle (of the Sahasrara in the DvSda-
s^nta), as on a lamp placed inside a pot, one should
meditate upon the Atman of the measure of a
thumb, manifesting itself in the form of smokeless
radiance, that takes its stand in the interior of the
bqdy as the imperishable (Supreme Stman) that is the
eternal and immutable Kuta-stha. The Vijflan5tman
in the body (though it is the Paramatman) is deluded
by Maya (Illusion) due to the waking, dreaming and
sleeping states, and afterwards, desires to get trans*
formed agam into its real self (the ParamStman), owing
to ,the mfluence of meritorious observances durii^
THE yOGA-KU]|SEpAJLy-t7PAMJ?AD 277
several previous incarnations being brought to bear on
it. " Who am I ? " " How has this draw-back, knowp as
worldly existence, been brought about ? " " Whither is
the destination during sleep for me, who am function-
ing in the waking and dreaming states of existence ? "
— completely absorbed in cares of this kind, out of his
own inner light and mainly out of ignorance trans-
formed apparently mto consciousness, tormented by
external misery, (the Yogm) becomes burnt up even as
a ball of cotton-wool is consumed by fire. When
knowledge is lost, then the inmost Atman that has its
seat in the (internal Ether, known as) Dahara, pervad-
ing by spreading on all sides, venly burns up the
VijfSana in a moment. Having in order burnt up
completely all that is of the mind and of knowledge, it
(the Paramatman) shines always only in the interior,
like the lamp (allowed to burn) in a pot, (in the form
of the Stman of a Videha-mukta, the disembodied
liberated one). (25-32)
Liberation while yet Living and Liberation
AFTER Disembodiment
Whichever saintly (Yogm) continues to meditate
thus, till he attains his sleep, till he attains his death,
should be known as a Jivan-mukta ; he is blessed and
has discharged his duty. Giving up his jivan-mukta-
state, when his body meets with dissolution in course
of time, he enters upon the state of Videha-mukti, (and
remains as the Brahman alone, the moment wisdom
278 THE YOGA UPANI^DS
dawns on him with the lapse of the mis-conception,
that the body and the like are the Xtman and things
pertaining thereto), even as wind attains the state of
motionlessness. (Then) there remains that alone,
wherein all sound is nought (stands dissolved), touch is
nought, form is nought, decay is nought, so also taste
is nought, which is eternal, wherem smell is nought,
which has neither beginning nor end, which transcends
the most prodigious, which is constant, which is devoid
of impurities and which is non-ailmg. Thus the
Upanisad. (33-35)
THE YOGA-C0pXMAlSY-UPANI§AD
[This Upa^isad, which is the Forty-sixth among
the 108 Upanisad-8 and forms part of the SSma-veda,
after expounding the six-fold expedients to Yoga, deals
with the Brahman that has no counterpart.]
The Six-fold Stages of Yoga
I shall presently relate about the Yoga-cu^-mani,
which bestows success in the accomplishment of KaivaJ-
ya (alone-ness), which is a profound secret and which
is resorted to by the most advanced knowers of Yoga,
with the avowed object of promoting the welfare of the
Yogin-s. Posture, complete control of breath, with-
drawal of breath, the holding of breath, meditation and
absorption (through concentration), these six form the
stages of Yoga. The Siddhasana is said to be one
(posture) and the second is the KamalSsana. (1-3)
Knowledge of the Truth about the Body,
Essential for the Successful Accomplishment
OF Yoga
Th€^ six Cakra>s (centres of energy), the six sup-
port&» the three kmds of visions, the five kinds of Ether,
be who does not know these in his own body, how can
tliere be success for him ? {\ 4)
280 the y<:)ga upani§ads
The Cakra-s, MulIdhSra and Others
The (Mula) Adhara will be of four petals ; the
'^Svadhisthana of six petals. In the navel is the ten-
petalled lotus, the heart is of twelve petals. What is
known as the Vis'uddhi, is of sixteen petals ; similarly
in the middle of the eye-brows is (the one oO two
petals. In the great path of the Brahma-randhra
(crevice of the Brahman) is the one whose petals are a
thousand m number. i^-^)
Sight of the Great Radiance at the Seat
OF the Genitals
The first Cakra is the (Mula) Adhara ; the second
IS the Svadhisthana. Between the two is the seat of
the genitals, known as Kama-rupa. What is known as
Kama in the seat of the anus, is the four-petalled lotus.
In the middle of it is said to be the Yoni (the Kup*^-
lini), called Kama and worshipped by adepts. In the
middle of it stands the Great Liiiga, facing backwards.
He who knows the gem-like image in the navel is the
right knower of Yoga. Shining like molten gold and
throbbing like a streak of lightning, is the Tri-kopa,
which is placed in front of fire and below the genitals.
Should there be seen in it (synchronizing) with SamSdhi,
a great Radiance, endless and effulging outwards in
the direction of the universe, there will be no more
necessity for the outgoing and incommg (of vital air
through the 1^5 and other Na<j[i-s), in the practice of the
great Yoga. (6-11)
THE YOGA-cOpXllAlIilY-UPAKI^AD 2^1
Description of the SvXdhi§xhJna and
OTHER CaKRA-S
By the word ' Sva ' is indicated Praria (vital force) ;
Sv3dhisthSna is the abode of that (vital force). It is
only from (the Prana-nS(Ji) that abides in the Svadhi-
8th3na, that the Medhra (genitals) is so called. That
knot, which is pierced through by the Susumna here,
even as a gem is by a thread, that Cakra in the region
of the navel is known as the Mani-puraka. Till
the Jiva discovers in the great Cakra of the Dvada-
s^ra, devoid of all religious merit and sm, the
highest Truth, till then, he will be thus deluded
(swirling in worldly existence, with his seat in the
heart). (11-14)
The Great Cakra of NXpi-s
Above the genitals and below the navel, there is
the Kanda-yoni, (the place of origin of the Kanda)
resembling the egg of a bird. There take their origin
seventy-two thousand NSijll-s. Of the thousands of
N54J-s, seventy-two are specifically mentioned as im-
portant and as carrying vital air. Of these again, ten
are noteworthy : the I^S, the PirtgalS, the^ Susum^S
as the third, the GarpdhSri, the Hasti-)ihva, the
Pb^, the Yas'asvinl, the AlambusS, the KuhH and
^he ^adkhinl as the tenth. This great Cakra of
NS^tl-s should always be known by the Yc^n-s.
iiS2 THE YOGA UPAKl^ADS
The Places of the NXpI-s
The Ida stands on the left side ; the PiAgala stands
on the right ; the Susumna stands m the middle place ;
the Gandharl in the left eye , the Hasti-jihva in the
right eye ; the Pusa in the right ear ; the Yasasvini in
the left ear ; the Alambusa in the mouth ; the Kuhu
in the region of the genitals ; and the S'ankhinl in the
anus. In this manner the Na<Ji-s stand in order, each
one occupying an opening. (18-21)
The Vital Airs that move in the NSpi-s
AND Their Functions
The Ida, Pingala and Susumna are placed m the
pathway of the Prana (vital air) , they always convey
the Prana (vital air) and have as their presiding deities
Soma, Surya, and Agni. The vital airs are the Praria,
the Apana, the Samana, the Vyana, the Udana, the
Naga, the Kurma, the Krkara, the Deva-datta and the
Dhanaipjaya. The Prana stands forever in the heart ;
the Apana m the region of the anus ; the Samana in the
region of the navel ; the Udana in the middle of the
throat ; the Vyana in the entire body ; these five are
the principal vitai airs. In belching (the concerned
vital air) is called the Naga ; the Kurma is in the opening
(of the eyelids) ; the Krkara should be known as (the
vital air) that causes sneezing; the Deva-datta in
yawning ; the Dhanaipjaya pervading the entire frame,
does not leave it, even when it is dead. These vital
principles circulate through all the NS<ji-s. (21>26)
THE yOGA-CCpXMA^-UPANI?AD 283
The Pulsating of the NXpI-s with the
PrXna (Vital Air) or otherwise, is an Index
OF the Pulsating of the Jiva or Otherwise
Even as a ball, thrown by the forearm, moves
onwards, so also the Jiva, thrown conjointly by the
Pr5pa and Apana, does not rest. The Jiva is at the
control of the Prai>a and Apana (vital airs) and runs
downwards and upwards and is not seen to prevail m the
right and left paths, on account of frequent motion.
Even as a thief, bound with a cord, is again caught,
even though he flees away, even so the Jiva, reduced
to a state of bondage by the three Guna-s, is dragged
by the Pr5na and Ap3na. The Jiva subject to the
control of the Prana and Apana, moves down and up.
The Apana drags the Prana and the Prana in its turn
drags the ApSna. These two are placed up above and
down below. He who knows (this) is the knower of
the Yoga. (27-31)
The Meditation on the Ajapa GSvATTRr
(The Jiva) goes out with the letter ' Ha ' and
enters again with the letter ' Sa '. The Jiva mutters
always this Mantra (formula) as " Harpsa, Haipsa ".
In the course of a day and night Twenty-one thousand
six htmdred times, to the tune of this number, the Jiva
mutters always. The GSyattri known as Ajapa, bestows
liberation always on the Yogin-s. By the mere resolve
to mutt» this, one stands released from all sin. The
284 THE YOGA UPATJJIMDS
like of this Vidya, the like of this Japa, the like of this
knowledge, there has not been, nor shall be. This
Gayattri, which has had its origin in the Kuo4aHni,
sustains one's Prana. The PiSna-vidyS is the great
lore. He who knows that, is the knower of the Veda.
(31-36)
Breaking Open the Doors of Liberation
through the kundalini
The Kundahni S'akti (vital force), in the upper
part of the knot (of the navel), is in the form of eight
coils ; and remains always covering with its face (the
Susumna Nadi), the orifice leading to the door of the
Brahman, through which orifice is to be reached the
perfectly safe door leading to the Brahman. The
great Goddess (the Kundahni) sleeps with her face
closing that door. Waking by the conjoint action of
fire and the mind along with the vital air, she, gather-
ing her body, moves upwards like a needle through
the Susumna. With the Kui^dahnj, the Yogm should
burst open the door leading to Liberation (through
attainment of the Brahman), even as the door of the
the house is burst open with a key. Encasing the
palms of both hands together (m a line with the heart,
in the attitude of prayer), then assuming more firmly
(than hithertofore) the Padmasana posture, pressing
the -chin right against the chest as a preliminary to
m^itation, (inducing the j3laipdhara-bandha, by con-
stricting the throat and also with the aid of the Msla-
bandha, constricting the anus), filling up the ApSna
THE YOGA-C0pXMANY-UPANI§AD 285
vital air, (the Yogin) should force it up stage by stage,
(till at last it becomes one with the Pra^a, vital air) ;
thereafter (by means of Kumbhaka) and in virtue of
the power (inherent in the Kundalini), gtvmg up the
functioning of Pi^i^a (in the Kundblini), and applying
himself to the meditation (of the Brahman, by assum-
ing the attitude, " I am the Brahman, unaffected by
contact with the gross, subtle and causal bodies ") and
thereby fully awakened to an unequalled extent, (simul-
taneously with such awakening), the Yogin attains the
Prana (the Paramatman). Then massaging the limbs
with the perspiration produced on account of his
exertion, the Yogin should take to diet, wherein milk
predominates, giving up astringent, acid and salted
dishes, and should be a celibate, temperate in food and
intent on the achievement of Yoga as his final resort.
In the course of a little over a year, he will become an
accomplished adept. There is no need for enquiry r^;ard-
ing this. He who partakes of oily and sweet food, leaving
off a fourth of the requisite quantity and eats for the
satisfaction of S'iva, is known as one who is temperate
in food. \^ The Ku^u^Iini "S'akti is of the form of eight
coils above the knot of the navel ; she is always for
enmeshing fools therewith, (if below the knot) and
bestowing liberation on Yogin-s, (when she reaches
above the navel, through the Susum^a path)^ (36-44)
The Three Bandha-s
The Nabho-mudiS (Khe-can) is the great MudiS.
That Yogin who knows the O^ySi^, Jslaipdhara^and
286 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Mula-bandha is the receptacle of Liberation. That is
known as the Mula-bandha, wherein, having pressed
the gentials with the kick of the heel and firmly con-
tracted the same, (the Yogin) should draw the ApSna
vital air upwards. Even an old man always becomes
a young man by means of the Mula-bandha, on account
of the union of the Prana and Apana vital airs and the
diminution of urine and faeces. Whereby the great
bird soars high without effort, that alone is the O^ySiia,
the lion of the elephant of death. Behind the belly
and below the navel, the Bandha is known as the
(Pas'cima) Tana, while it is known as the O^ySria in
the belly, where a Bandha is prescribed. Whereby one
binds the water of ether having its origin in the head
and flowing downwards, for that reason (it is known
as) the Jalaipdhara-bandha, which destroys the numer-
ous ailments of the throat. When the jSlaipdhara-
bandha, which destroys the numerous ailments of the
throat, is effected, neither does the nectar flow into the
fire, nor does the vital air leap forwards. (45-51)
The Khe-cari MudrS
That forms the K he-can MudrS, wherein the ton-
gue moves (backwards) in a manner which is the reverse
trf the natural one, and the sight has penetrated be-
tween the eyebrows He who knows the Khe-can
MudriT, is immune from disease, death, sleep^ hunger,
thirst and the fainting fit. He is not afflicted mtk dis-
ease of any kind, nor is he affected by the observance
THE YOGA-C0pXMAl|iy-UPANI§AD 283^
(or the non-observance) of rituals, nor tormented in any
other manner, who knows the Khe-can Mudra. For
the reason that the (thinking) mind functions in ether,
and the tongue moves in ether, for that reason the
Khe-can Mudra is adored by all accomplished Yogm-s.
(Yogin-s who have assumed the Khe-cari Mudra) con-
sider all bodies (constituting the fourteen worlds) from
head to foot (as the body of the Maha-virad-atman), for
the reason that all bodies wherein the (fourteen) Na4l-s
are established take their origin from Bindu (the
Is'vara). He, by whom the orifice above the Uvula has
been planted with the Khe-can Mudra, his Bindu
(seminal fluid) does not waste away, even though he is
in the warm embrace of the most beautiful woman. As
long as the semen is conserved withm the body, so long
where is the fear of death ? As long as the Khe-can
Mudra is assumed, so long the seminal fluid does not
flow out. (52-58)
Description of a Yogin Endowed with
Vajroli and other Powers
Even though the seminal fluid should flash (at the
sight of a woman out of the vesicle) and be at the point
of entering the vaginal cavity, it would, when restrained
forcibly with the power of the Yoni-mudra (constriction
of the genitals), take an upward course. The semen is
of two kinds : the pale white and the red. They call
the pale white variety S'ukla and the red one Maha-rajas.
Rajas, which is of the colour of a lump of venntlj<»i.
288 THE YOGA UPANI$ADS
remadns in the solar region (above the middle of the
eyebrows to the left), while S'ukla remains in the lunar
region (above the middle of the eyebrows to the right).
The mingling of the two cannot be easily attained (by
any one other than Yogm-s. The Bmdu (S'ukla) is
Brahman, while the Rajas is the S'akti (creative energy).
The Hindu is the Moon and the Rajas is the Sun. It
is only by the union of the two that the highest state
is attained. When Rajas, induced by the power of the
Kuijdialini, along with the vital air, effects a union with
the Bindu, then by all means (the Yogin) will assume the
divine frame. The S'ukla combined with the Moon
and the Rajas combined with the Sun, he who knows
the harmonious blending of these two together, is the
knower of the Yoga. (59-64)
The MahS-mudrS
The purification of the network of Nadi-s causing
the Sun and the Moon to move and the drying up of
the malignant humours of the body : this is known as
the Maha-mudra. Resting the chin on the chest, press-
ing the genitals for a fairly long period with the left
foot, holding with both hands the right leg strected out,
filling both the bellies with breath, holding it there, the
Yogin should gradually expel it : this destroyer of the
ailments of human beings is known as the MahS-mudrS.
Practising it well (first) with the lunar N54i, one should
practise it again with the solar Na<Ji. When the num-
ber {of practices) becomes equal, then should he give
THE YOGA-COplMANY-UPANIgAD 289
up the Mudia. For him there is no proper or imptoper
diet prescribed. All insipid food becomes sapient for
him. Intemperate food, nay, the most virulent poison,
taken by him is digested as nectar (with no untoward
consequences). In the case of one who practises the
MahS-mudnf, symptoms antecedent to consumption, lep-
rosy, obstruction of the bowels, dyspepsia and diarrhoea
vanish. This Maha-mudra is said to bring about great
accomplishments to human beings. It should be pre-
served as a secret with much effort and should not be
indiscriminately bestowed on any person. (65-70)
The Pranava-Prayer
Assuming the Padmasana posture aright, holding
the body and head erect in a line, one should mutter
the imf>erishable Oipkara, in a secluded spot, with his
eyes resting well on the tip of the nose. (71)
The Brahman, of the form of the
Import of the Pranava
Aum (is) the eternal, the pure, the awakened, the
indeterminate, the flawless, the indescribable ; that
which has neither origin nor dissolution, the one, the
Turiya, that which ever remains one, through the revo-
lutions of the past, the present, and the future, the* al-
ways indivisible, the transcendent Brahman (is implied
by the Prapava). From that was born (as it were) the
Pais S'akti (of the essence of the character of Pure
U 37
290 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Radiance). From the Atman (the cause of the Avyakta-
and the Mahat-Tattva-s) was begotten Ether. From
Ether, Air. From Air, Fire. From Fire, the Waters.
From the Waters, the Earth. Of these five ele-
ments, Sada-s'iva, Is'vara, Rudra, Visnu and Brahman
are the five lords. Of those. Brahman, Visnu and
Rudra have as their functions, creation, sustenance
and dissolution. Brahman is characterized by Mobi-
lity, Visnu by Rhythm and Rudra by Inertia. Thus,
these three are possessed of Guna-s. Biahman be-
came the foremost among the Deva-s. Dhatr in
creation, Visnu in sustenance, Rudra in destruction
and Indra in enjoyment became the first-born. Of
these, from Brahman, the (fourteen) worlds, the gods,
the brute-kind and men (their denizens) and inanimate
objects (their food and objects of enjoyment) take their
origin. Of these, the body of men and the lower orders
is a combination of the five elements. That (Jlva
dwelling in the body) made up of the gross elements
(evolved from Panci-karana) consisting of the organs of
perception and motor action, including their cognitional
functions, the five vital airs, Prana and others, Manas
(the seat of cognition), Buddhi (the seat of the intel-
lect), Citta (the seat of thought) and the Ahaipkara (the
seat of ^elf-consciousness), is said to be the (Vis'va
delighting in the waking state), the Sthula-prakfti (of a
^r6ss nature). (The Taijasa) existing in the subtle (body)
during the dreaming state, with the organs of percep-
tion and motor action, including their cognitional
functions, the five vital airs, Prana and others, Manas
THE YOGA-COplMA^ilV-UPANlJAD 291
and Buddhi, that is known only as Linga (the inde-
structible subtle original of the gross body made up of
elements in a subtle state). That which is possessed
of the three Guipa-s is the causal one, (wherein the
Prajfla delights during sleep). Thus there are three
kinds of bodies for all beings. There are four states of
existence known as Jagrat (waking), Svapna (dreaming),
Susupti (sleeping) and Tuny a (the fourth). The
Purusa-s (entities) that are the controllers of these
states are four m number thus : Vis'va, Taijasa, Prajfla
and Atman. The Vis'va enjoys the gross (body) ; the
Taijasa enjoys complete detachment; similarly the
Prajila delights in Bliss ; as for the one beyond that, he
IS the All- witness. The Pranava (the Turiya) should
remain (as the All-witncss) m all kinds of Jiva-s, (that
have attained the Vis'va and other forms, enjoying, in
their gross and other bodies, the waking and other
states) always (in their mtenor), unconcerned with their
enjoyment, while the Abhirama (the Turiya that shines
all around) should stand likewise aside m all the three
states (waking, dreaming and sleeping, of all the Jiva-s)
with his face turned down. (72, 73)
The Meaning of the Several Limbs
of the praijiava
Akara, Ukara and Makara; and thus the three
Varpa-s, the three Veda-s, the three worlds, the
three Guija-s, the three letters. In this manner
there shines the Pranava. The ' A ' is in ,the
292 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
waking state and in the eye of all beings. The
' U ' is in the throat in the dreaming state and the
' M • is in the heart, in the state of sleep. The ' A '
is the Viiaj, the Vis'va and the Sthula. The ' U ' is the
Hiranya-garbha, the Taijasa and the Suksma. The
' M • is the Karana, the A-vyakrta and the PiSjHa.
The ' A ' IS said to be Rajasic (mobile), red in colour,
Brahman, and sentient. The ' U ' is said to be Sittvic
(of rhythm), white in colour, and Vispu. The ' M ' is
likewise said to be Tamasic (of inertia), black in colour
and Rudra. From the Prapava is generated Brahman,
from the Pranava is generated Han, from the Praijava
is generated Rudra, the Prapava verily becomes the
Para (the transcendent Atman). In * A ' is dissolved
Brahman, in * U ' is dissolved Han, in ' M ' is dissolved
Rudra, — the Pranava alone is manifest. (74-78)
The Brahman Radiant at the Top of the
TURiVOMKARA
The Pranava will tend upwards in the case of the
enlightened, while in the case of the ignorant it will
tend downwards. Thus will the Pra^iava stand. He
who knows that, is the knower of the Veda. In the case
of the enlightened, it will go upwards in the form of the
Anahata, (the Brahman unbroken in the intenor and
manifest in the Anahata-ether of the heart). Like an
unbroken stream of oil and the long chiming of a bell,
the resonance of the Prsupava is like that. The topmost
part of It IS known as the Brahman. That topmost
THE YOGA-CCpXMAljrV-UPANI^AD 293
part is full of radiance and is indescribable, even with
the sharpest intellect. Which the high-souled ones
saw of yore, he who knows that, is the knower of
the Veda. (79-81)
The Fourth Hamsa, the import of the Pranava
In the waking s^ate, between the two eyes is mani-
fest the Flaijisa^ajone, (the Paramatman, unbroken in
the interior). The ' Sa ' (the Khe-cari Bija) is known
as the Khe-cari, (that which moves in the Avyakrta-
ether of the heart of all beings, reversing its subtle
form turned outwards) and hence has been conclusively
taken to indicate the Tvam-padartha, (the " Thou-sub-
stance," the innermost consciousness). The " Ha" will
be the Parames'a (the Paramatman, and hence will
indicate conclusively this state, the Supreme Conscious-
ness). When the * Sa,' the Jiva (giving up its own
state), meditates (on the Paramatman with the mentaJ
attitude, " I am He, the Paramatman " and comes
to know of the same), it would surely become the
' Ha *, (which signifies the Paramatman and thus the
Paramatman alone, in accordance with the S'ruti, " He
who knows the Brahman, becomes the Brahman
alone ")• The Jiva is subjugated and held under bond-
age of the organs of sense (of his body), while the Xtman
IS not so bound, (as, in the case of the former, there is
scope for the springing up of the false conceptions of ' I '
and ' mine,* with reference to the body, while in the
case of the latter it is not so). The Jiva will be afiected
294 THE YOGA UPANlgADS
by the sense of ' mine,' while the absolute (Xtman)
will stand affected by the absence of the ' mine '-
sense. (82-84)
The Muttering of the Franava, making the
Absolute Atman Manifest
Bhur, Bhuvar, Svar, these worlds have as their
prestdmg deities, Soma, Surya and Agni. Among
whose syllables these stand, that ' Aum ' is the trans-
cendent radiance — Thus. Wherein (the three S'akti-s)
Iccha (desire), Knya (action) and so also Jffana
(knowledge) (inhere), whose syllables take their stand
in a threefold manner, as pertaining to Brahman,
Rudra and Visnu — that ' Aum ' is the transcendent
radiance — Thus. One should mutter that daily by
word of mouth, should practise that with his body,
should mutter that mentally every day, — that ' Aum '
IS the transcendent radiance — Thus. Whether m a
cleanly or unclean state, he who mutters the Pranava
always, he is not smeared with sin, even as the lotus-
leaf (is not) with water. (85-88)
The Necessity for the Control of Vital Air
eve;^ in the Votary of the Pranava
When the vital air moves, the Bindu also moves ;
when (the former is) motionless, (the latter also is)
motionless. (For the reason that) the Yogin attains
the «tate of a log of wood, therefore should he control
THE YOGA-C0pXMANY-UPANI§AD 295
the .vital air. As long as the vital air remains in the
body, so long the Jlva does not leave (it). The exit of
the Qlva) is death. Hence should (the Yogin) control
the vital air. So long as the vital air is held (bound)
in the body, the Jiva does not leave (it) till then. As
long as the eye is (fixed) on the middle of the eye-
brows, why should there be fear of death ? With the
slightest fear of death, (even) Brahman would be intent
on the control of breath. For that reason, the Yogin-s
and the Sages should control the vital airs. (89-92)
The Accompli.shment of PrSnayama from the
Purification of the Nadi-s
The Hamsa (the Prana) travels outwards for a
distance of twenty-six digit-lengths by the right and
left path, (through the pathways of the Ida and Pmgala
N5dT-s). (Hence) is prescribed the control of breath
(for the shortening of its course). When the system of
Nacll-s, which is filled with impurities is purified, then
alone will the Yogin become fit to control the vital air,
(by means of Kevala-kumbhaka). (93, 94)
Description of Pranayama
Having assumed the PadmSsana posture, he should
fill the vital air through the lunar (Na^l), should hold
it as long as he could and again expel it through the
solar (N3^l). Meditating upon the disc of the Moon,
resembling the ocean of nectar and as white as cow's
2% THE YOGA UPANIgADS
milk, during Pramyarna the Yogin would derive
comfort. Meditating on the disc of the Sun, adorable
as the Radiance of existence, seated in the heart
throbbing and flaming, during Pranayama, the Yogin
would derive comfort. (95-97)
The Purification of the NXpi-s
Through the I^a should (the Yogin) draw in the
vital air as prescribed and again expel it through the
other (Nadi). Then through the Pifigala drawing in
the vital air and holding it, then, he should expel it
through the left (Nadl). The system of Nadi-s of the
(Yogin) full of the power of control, who meditates on
the two Bindu-s (discs) of the Sun and the Moon, as
prescribed in the rule, gets purified in the course of
a little over two months. The holding of the vital
breath as long as it is desired, the kindling of the
fire, the distinct manifestation of the Nadi-s and
sound health are produced by the purification of the
Na4l-s. (98, 99)
The Pranayama with the Preliminary Regula-
tion OF MXtrS-s (Measure)
As long as the PrSga (vital air) remains in the
body, (the Yogin) should regulate the ApSna (vital
air).- Matra (the unit of measurement of the breath)
is the time occupied by a single breath (inspiration
and expiration in the normal manner) occupying the
ether upwards and downwards. The Recaka, the POraka
THE YOGA-CUpXMA]SlY-UPANI?AD 297
and the Kumbhaka are of the character of Prariava. Ac-
cording to this computation, the Pranayama is made up
of twelve Matra-s. The Sun and the Moon (coursmg
through their respective Nadi-s) for a period of twelve
MStrS-s in duration, throughout the day and night,
without rest, should always be clearly understood by
the Yogm-s, (as only with such clear knowledge could
the alternation of the Puraka and the Recaka with the
Kumbhaka, as well as the even flow of vital air through
the Nadi-s, be regulated by him). Then should he
perform the Puraka for a duration of twelve Matra-s.
The Kumbhaka would be of the duration of sixteen
Matr<T-s, the Kecaka of ten Matra-s and the Omkara as
well {of ten Matra-s). That is known as Pranayama. In
(the practice of) the inferior type (the Pranayama) is
twelve Matra-s in duration. In one of the middle
type It IS considered to be twice as many. In one
of the superior type it is said to be thrice as many.
(In this manner) is the determination of the Pranayama.
In one of the inferior type there is (profuse) perspira-
tion generated , in one of the middle type there is
tremour experienced ; m one of the superior type the
Yogin attains the right position. Therefore should
one control the vital air. The Yogm, assuming the
Padmasana posture, and saluting his Guru and S'iva,
should practise Prapayama all alone, with his eyes
fixed on the tip of the nose. Having attained control
over the nine orifices, held in bondage the breath mov-
mg along with the KuijdalinT power and the Apana vital
air and lead it (through the six centres of energy,, the
U38
298 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Muladhara and others in order), as long as the Yogin
stands intent on the meditation of the Atman, firmly
fixing (the Turyatman) in the (Thousand-petalled lotus
of the) crest, m accordance with this rule, there is no
need for the company of the great being persevered
by him. In this manner Pranayama becomes the fire
which feeds on the fuel of sin and is declared as the
bridge across the ocean of wordly existence by Yogin-s
always. (100-108)
The Fruit of Each of the Subdivisions of Yoga
Severally and Theik Kelative Importance
The Yogin kills disease by means of posture, sin
by Pranayama, and gives up mental transformations
by withdrawing the mind (Pratyahara). By Dharatja
(firmly fixing the mind) he attains mental fortitude
and in Samadhi (absorption) acquires marvellous con-
sciousness and with the renunciation of observances,
auspicious and inauspicious, attains liberation. With
twice SIX Pranayama-s there is said to be Pratyahara.
With twice SIX Pratyahara-s is generated auspicious
Dhararia. Twelve Dharana-s are said to constitute
Dhyana by those well-versed in Yoga. Made up of
twelve Dh^ana-s alone is what is known as SamSdhi.
In Samadhi there is exquisite radiance, endless and
pervading on all sides. When that is seen (the Yogin
discharges all his duties and as such) there is no
further worry relating to the performance of observances
for him. (109-113)
THE YOGA-C0pXMA]5IY-UPANISAD 299
By the Practice of the §Afi-MUKHi MudrS is
NSda Distinctly Manifest
Having assumed the (Siddhasana) posture with
his genitals between the pair of heels, regulating the
orifices of the ears, eyes and nostrils with his fingers,
filling the vital air through his mouth and holding it in
the chest, along with the ApSna lead thither by frequent
eflbrt (and with the three kinds of Bandha-s), one
should fix the mind by Dharana in the (Turya,
Turyatlta or Sahasrara of the) crest. By so doing
the Yogin with his mind intent on that (Supreme
Tattva) attains equality with that Supreme Tattva
(the Turyatlta). When the vital air has reached the
(Avyakrta) ether (of the heart), a great sound is
produced, as of bells and other musical instruments.
That is known as the accomplishment of the
N5da. (114,115)
The Practice of Pranavama is the Dispeller
OF ALL Diseases
For him who is possessed of Praiayama, there
will be the destruction of all diseases. For those
devoid of PtSijSySma, there will be the generation of
ail diseases. Hiccup, Asthma, hard breathing, diseases
of the head, ears and eyes and various kinds of (other)
diseases are generated out of the ill-regulation of the
vital air. Even as the lion, the elephant and the
tiger get tamed by slow stages, even so the vit^ air
300 THE YOGA UPANISADS
that is well regulated. Otherwise it kills the practi-
tioner. One should leave off the vital air, according
to exigencies ; should fill it in, according to exigencies ;
should hold it bound, according to exigencies ; and by
so doing will finally achieve success. (116-119)
In the Practice of Pranayama, the Withdrawal
OF THE Organs of Sense is Necessary
When the eye and other org.ins of sense are
roaming at large in the gratification of sensual pleasures
pertaining to each, their withdrawal thence is what is
known as Pratyahara. Even as the Sun withdraws
his lustre at the commencement of the third quarter
of the day, the Yogin should withdraw all mental
transformations, remaining (detached) in the third of
the stages (Infancy, adolescence and youth, or the
gross, subtle and causal bodies, or Inertia, Mobility
and Rhythm, or celebate, householder and anchorite
in religious life, with the full knowledge derived by the
denial of everything but the Brahman, the non-
dififerentiated One essence and simultaneously therewith
becomes the Brahman alone). Thus the Upanisad.
(120, 121)
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the forty-first among the
108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-
veda, after settmg forth the four kinds of Mantra-,
Laya-, Hatha- and Raja-yoga, together with the eight
subdivisions, Yama and others, deals with the supreme
state of resting in the Brahman alone.]
The Desike to Know the Eight-fold Yoga
With the desire to conduce to the benefit of
Yogin-s, I shall presently relate the Truth bearing on
Yoga, havmg heard and learnt which, one becomes
released from all sins. The Great Yogm, the great
Devotee and the great Sage of the name of Visnu, the
most exalted Purusa, stands manifest as a beacon-light
in the path of the Truth. The Pitamaha (the creator),
having worshipped that Lord of the world and ap-
proached him with devotion, asked him thus : " Pray
relate unto me the Truth concerning the Yoga of eight
stages." (1-3)
The Truth Concerning the Yoga, Difficult
OF Attainment
Hrslkes'a, then said unto him thus : " I shall
presently relate it in its real form ; listen." All.the
302 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
Jiva-s are ensnared in a Mayic snare by worldly
pleasures and torments. The way of releasing them
IS the cutting off of the Mayic snare (by the acquisition
of the knowledge of the Brahman), which destroys
incarnation, death, dotage and disease, which is the
ferry-boat leadmg to liberation, which cannot, indeed,
be reached by diverse paths, which is Kaivalya, the
Supreme state, (for attaining which there is no other
path, as the S'ruti says). Those that are lured by their
proficiency (in the S'astra-s) and by their ignorance
as well, fall into the traps of the S'astra-s. Neither by
them, nor even by the celestial beings can that indes-
cribable state (o{ the Brahman) be adequately des-
cribed. That form, which becomes manifested by the
Atman of its own accord, how can that be manifested
by the S'astra-s ? (That, whereby all things, from the
Sun down to the pot, are manifested, wherefrom the
Veda-s and the S'astra-s derive their significance and
purpose, that Brahman can never be manifested by the
S'astra-s, that being capable of self-manifestation alone
and beyond the range of expression by sentence or
word or their import). (4-7)
What is Apparently the State of the JWa
IS ONLY the PaRAMXTMAN
(That entity) which is digitless, which is devoid
of impurities, which is tranquil, which transcends all,
which is non-ailing, that invested with the form of the
Jiva is surrounded by the fruits of religious merit and
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANr§AD 303
sin. That, which is of the state of the Paramatman
and which is eternal, how did it come to attain the
state of the Jiva ? (The Paramatman) which transcends
beyond all forms and states of existence, which is of
the form of knowledge (in its essence), which is devoid
of attachment, therein (at first) is the manifestation
of what resembles water. Therein was manifested
Self-consciousness (that may be described as the Mula-
prakrtt of the character of equipoised Rhythm, Mobil-
ity and Inertia), Thence originated (the five subtle
elements and the five gross elements evolved by the
process of quintuplication, whence) comes into being
the mass of fivefold character, bound together by the
(seven) humours (integument, blood, flesh, fat, semen,
bone and marrow) and conditioned by the (three) Guna-s
(Rhythm, Mobility and Inertia). When this is attended
with pleasure and pam, assume that as of the state of
the Jiva. (By attributing the character of matter to
the exquisitely pure Paramatman), the name of Jiva
is ascribed to the exquisitely pure (non-differentiated
Paramatman, transcending all forms of existence).
(8-11)
The JivA, Divested of the Character of
Material Existence, Attains the State
OF the ParamXtman
Lust, anger, fear, delusion, greed, infatuation,
passion, birth, death, niggardliness, sorrow, sloth,
hunger, thirst, covetousness, shame, trepidation, misery,
304 THE YOGA UPANl^ADS
depression, joy, that Jiva who is rid of the above
defects is known as the (Paramatman) alone. (12, 13)
The Practice Simultaneously (of the Methods
OF Acquisition) of Knowledge and Yoga
Hence I relate to you about the expedient to be
employed for the destruction of the defects. How can
knowledge become, of certainty, the bestower of Libera-
tion, when unaccompanied by Yoga ^ Likewise Yoga
devoid of knowledge is incompetent to bring about
Liberation. Hence should the seeker after Liberation
surely resort to the practice of (the methods of acquir-
ing) knowledge and Yoga also (at the same time).
(14, 15)
The Real Form of Knowledge
From Ignorance alone (ansts) worldly existence.
From (true) knowledge alone is one liberated there-
from. The knowledge, m the first place, of what con-
stitutes knowledge alone forms the chief means of
getting at what ought to be known. That by means
of which IS known the real form (of the Brahman),
which IS fill alone, which is the highest state, which
has no digits, which is devoid of impurities, which is
of the actual form of Existence, Consciousness and
Bliss, which IS devoid of the knowledge of the mani-
festation of origin, sustenance and dissolution, that
aloBc has been described as the non -differentiated
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANl$AD 305
knowledge (which does not stand in need of the means
of the Yoga for attaining its own fruit). I shall pre-
sently relate unto thee the Yoga (which is essential
for attaining that which is aimed at by qualified know-
ledge, x^z., undifferentiated knowledge in the absolute).
(16-18)
Yoga of Four kinds, Mantra-yoga and Others
Yoga, although one, is according to practice and
usage, O Brahman ! differentiated as of various kinds :
(the chief of them are :) Mantra-yoga, Laya- what
(is known as) Hatha- and Raja-yoga. (19)
Arambha and Other Stages of Yoga
Srambha, Ghata, so also what is known as Pari-
caya and Nispatti : thus is Avastha (stage) everywhere
enumerated. (20)
Description of Mantra-voga
I shall presently relate the description, in an
abbreviated form, of these, O Brahman ! Listen to
them. He who mutters the Mantra-s made^ up of the
MStrkS-s (letters of the Alphabet) for t\velve years,
shall attain gradually knowledge, along with -the
special powers of attenuation and the like. The practi>
tioner of an inferior type endowed with a dull wit, will
have recourse to Yoga of this variety. (21,«22)
U 39
306 the yoga upani5ads
Description of Laya-yoga
Laya-yoga is the dissolution of the mind described
in myriads of ways While walking, standing, sleeping
and eating, (the practitioner) should meditate on the
digit-less Is'vara That alone is the Laya-yoga. Hence-
forward listen to Hatha-yoga. (23, 24)
The Stages of Hatha-yoga
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Prana-samyama, Pratyil-
hara, Dharana, Dhyana of Han in the middle o( the
teyebrows, and S.imadhi, (the equipoised condition)
(Thus) is Yoga said to be of eight stages. Maha-
mudra, Maha-bandha, Mahli-vedha, and Klic-cari ;
Jalarndhara, Uddiyana and similarly MiiLi-bandha ,
Dirgha-pranava-samdhana, also Siddhanta-s'rav.ma ,
Vajrol'i, Amaroli and S.ihajoli, considered as three
aspects , (these constitute the tucive subdivisions of
Hatha-yoga (24-27)
The Important Parts oi~ Yam\, Nham^ and
Asana
Verily listen, O Brahman ' to the description of
these severally Of the (ten) Yama-s, temperate food
IS -important and not the others. Among the (ten)
Niyama-s, O four-faced one ' non-violence is important.
(Of the innumerable postures, eighty are considered
important, of which again) the Siddha, the Padma,
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANI$AD 307
the Simha similarly, and the Bhadra, these four (are
considered important). (28, 29)
Overcoming the Obstacles to the Practice of
Yoga
During the practice of Yoga at first, O four-faced
one ' there will be obstacles (such as), laziness, bragging,
bad company, practising necromancy, dabbling with
miner.ils, and longing for women and others, which are
of the character of a mirage The wise practitioner,
knowing all these to be obstacles (in his path), should
avoid them b\ virtue of the operation of religious
merit (prcwousJy accumulated by him). (30, 31)
The Right Sort or M\tha \nd As^na,
ni roR Prana^ama
H.iMn;;; himself assumed the Padmasana posture,
alter rc-orting to a mon.isterv (Matha) with a small
entrance and de\oi(l ol ipertures, either well cleansed
with cowdunt^-water or lime-uashed with due effort,
rendered Iree Ironi bugs, mosquitoes and lice with
precaution, specially swept e\ei> day with a broom,
emitting sweet srneil and perfumed with the smoke of
frankincense, neither too elevated nor too low-lying and
covered with cloth, deerskin or grass, seated there,
assuming the posture of Padmasana (should the wise
practitioner commence the practice ot breath-control).
(32,35)
308 the yoga upan1§ads
The Mode of Commencement of PrXnXyXma
With body erect and palms closed (in the attitude
of prayer), he should salute his tutelary deity. Then,
with the thumb of the right hand obstructing the
Pingala (Nadi), he should fill in the vital air little by
little, through the Ida (Nadi). Then should he perform
Kumbhaka without intermission, as far as it lies m his
power. Again should he expel the vital air gradually
and by no means with force. Again, drawing m
through the Pingala, he should fill his belly gradually.
Holding (the vital air) as far as it lies in his power,
he should expel (it) through the I4a, gradually. Then,
filling in through that (Nadi) wherewith he expelled
(the vital air), he should hold (the vital air) without
detriment. (36-39)
Pranayama with due Antecedent Measurement
IN MatrJ-s
(The time taken by one), should he snap the
fingers after circum-ambulation, neither too quickly nor
too slowly, of the knee therewith, that is known as
Matra (unit of measuring time). Filling in gradually
the vital air through the I^, for a duration of sixteen
Matra-s, one should thereafter hold in the infilled air
for^ duration of sixty-four Matrti-s. He should, there-
after, expel (it) through the PingalS Na^i, for a duration
of thirty-two Matra-s. Once again filling in (air)
through the Pingala, (he should do) as before, with due
THE Y0GA-TATTV0PAN1§AD 309
control. He should gradually practise four times
every day, up to eighty Kumbhaka-s, at daybreak,
noon, sun-down and at midnight. (40-43)
Purification of the NXdi-s, the Benefit
Derived during the Interval and Its
svmptoms
By practismg thus for three months, the purification
of the Na^i-s will result therefrom. When the purifi-
cation o{ the Nadi-s is attained, then will external
symptoms arise in the body of the Yogin. I shall
relate them in their entirety : Lightness of the body,
lustre, the rousing of the Jatharagni (increase of
digestive power) and shmness of the body, these will
surely result then. (44-46)
Observance Regarding Diet and the like
during the Practice of Yoga
The practitioner who is best versed in Yoga should
abstain from food which would prove harmful to
Yoga, (such as) salt, mustard, acid, hot, astringent
and pungent (dishes), all vegetables, asafoetida and the
like, proximity to fire, sexual intercourse and travel.
He should also desist from early morning baths, fasting
and all kinds of bodily exertion. At first, during
practice, a diet rich in milk and ghee is appropriate.
Cooked wheat, green gram and nee, they know, as
conducive to the development of Yoga. (46-49)
31c the yoga upanisads
The Successful Attainment of Kevala
(mere) Kumbhaka
Thereafter he will acquire power to hold the
breath as long as desired. By holding the breath as
long as desired, the Kevala Kumbhaka is successfuly
accomplished. When the Kevala (mere) Kumbhaka
devoid of the Recaka and the Puraka is attained, there
is nothing in all the three worlds difficult of attain-
ment for that practitioner (49-51)
Prasveda and Other Siddhi-s
At first there wiU be profuse perspiration (caused
by holding the breath in the foot), wherewith should
one massage (the bod>) E\en after that, as a result
of the gradual holding of breath, there will arise the
tremour of the bod> in the usual course, in the Yogin
who has assumed his posture With further increase
of practice thereafter, a hollow is of itself caused.
When there is this state of hollowness, (the Yogin)
moves by leaps and bounds The ^'ogin sitting in
the Padmasana posture, will move on the surface of
the earth in the same posture. With further increase
of practice thereafter, there will be the giving up of
(the movement on the surface of) the earth He will,
even while in the Padmasana postuie, leave off the
surface of the earth and move In the same manner
will skill (to perform) superhuman feats and the like
an^ (m him). He will not make a display of his
THE VOGA-TATTVOPANISAD 311
skill or show out his robust frame bespeaking increased
vigour. Then the Yogin will not suffer, even though
afflicted with misery of a trivial nature or of various
kinds. He will then become one passmg a small
quantity of urme and faeces and sleeping for a short
period. Kheumatic affections of the joints, rheum of
the eyes, spittle, sweat and bad smell in the mouth,
these do not arise by any means in him thereafter.
With further increase of practice thereafter, there arises
prodigious strength (in him), wherewith he attains the
Siddhi known as Bhu-cara (wandering over the earth
at large, without restraint) and becomes fit enough to
conquer all creatures on the face of the earth, whether
it be a tiger or j S'.irabha, or an elephant or a wild
bull or a lion , (all thcbe) meet with their death when
receiving a blow with the Yogin's hands The Yogin's
form will then become similar to Manmatha's (in point
of beauty). Attracted by his beautiful form, women
seek intercourse with hiin Should he ha\e intercourse,
there will be wantage of semen for him. Avoiding in-
tercourse with women, he should earnestly betake
himself to the practice of Yoga. On account of the
retention of semen there will be generated an agreeable
smell in the body of the Yogin (51-62)
Pranava-japa, the Preliminary step for the
Destruction of Obstacles to Yoga
Then, sitting in a secluded spot all alone, he should
mutter the Pranava with his voice raised to the highest
312 THE YOGA UPANI5ADS
pitch (of three Matia-s), for the purpose of destroying
sms accumulated previously. The Pra^tava-mantra
removes all obstacles and destroys all defects. By
practice of this kmd is taken the first step to final
achievement of Yoga. (63, 64)
Ghata : The Stage of Effort
Then comes the stage (known as) Ghata, wherein
eflFort has to be put forth for the regulation of breath.
That IS known as the Ghata stage, wherem the Yogm
brings about the union of Prana, Apana, Manas and
Buddhi, and of the Jivatman and the Paramatman,
without detriment to their mutual relationship. I
shall relate the symptoms thereof : He should then
take hold of the practice prescribed already, only to a
fourth of its extent. Once, either during the day or
at twilight, should he practise (as above) and once every
day should he perform Kevala-kumbhaka. (65-67)
Description of PratyXhSra
The withdrawal of the organs of perception and
action from the objects of pleasure is Pratyah3ra of the
plain variety ; but the withdrawal by the Yogin through
the performance of Kumbhaka is what is called
Praty5h3ra. (68)
The Form of DhIranX
Whatever the Yogin sees with his eyes, he should
conceive of all that as the Stman. Whatever one
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANI§AD 613
hears with his ears, he should conceive of all that as
the Xlman. Whatever he scents with his nose, he
shoald conceive of all that as the Atman. Whatever
taste he feels with his tongue, he should conceive of
all that as the Atman. Whatever he touches with his
integument, he should conceive of all that as the
Xtman. In this manner he should hold m the Xtman
(the innermost Brahman) whatever (results from the
functioning) of his organs of perception. (69-72)
The Siddhi-s (Psychic Powers) Attainable
Through DhXranS and the Rule Relating
TO Their being Preserved as Secrets
The Yogm (should perform Dharana as indicated
above) for a space of a Yama (three hours) every day
with efTort and without laziness, or somehow or other,
when, there would arise marvellous sagacity surely, in
the Yogm's Citta (mind). Clairaudience, clairvoyance,
transportation across vast distances m a short time,
psychic vocal powers, psychic power of transforming
one's self into any form desired, psychic vanishing
from sight, and the power of transmuting iron and
other baser metals into gold by smearing with the
Yogin's urine and faeces, these will be (acquired
by the Yogin). By intermittent practice (for a
sufficient time), in him will be generated the
power of moving through etherial space. By the
Yogin with his intellect intent, on the successful
accompli^ment of Yc^, these (psyohic powers)
U 40
314 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
should be considered as obstacles to the attainment
of the Great Siddhi (of Yoga). The man of intelli-
gence should not revel in them. The Yogi-nij
(the king of Yogin-s) should not demonstrate his
sagacity to any one whatever. He should acquit
himself with the world in the same manner as an
ignorant man or a fool or a deaf man, for keeping his
powers as a secret. Disciples intent on carrying out
their own purposes, make (all sorts of) requests,
without doubt. (The Yogin) distracted by attempting
to comply with them all, will become oblivious to
his own practice (of Yoga). The ascetic, giving up
all concern with worldly things, should be intent on
(achieving his aim of) Yoga. Without forgetting his
Guru's precept, he should practise that, night and
day. In this manner, out of the incessant practice
of Yoga, will the Ghata stage be attained. In the
absence of practice, it is not achieved by mere vain
squabble. Hence should (the Yogin) with all effort
practise Yoga alone. (72-81)
The Paricaya Stage
Then will the stage of familiarity be reached by
frequent practice. The vital air, intimately associated
with the Agni (of the Svadhisthana) by means of (the
Yogin's) effort, assuming the power of the Kundalinl,
will then enter, along with the fire, the Susumna Na4i
without any obstruction. Along with the vital air,
the Citta (mind of the Yogin) will also enter the
Gteat Path (through the Susumtia door). When the
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANI§AD 315
Citta (mind) of the Yogin enters the Su^umra along
with the vital air, (at this stage is attained what is
known as the Panca}^vastha). (81-85)
DharanS-s of the Five Brahman-s in the
Regions of the Five Elements
The Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether: these
form the five-fold group (of elements). Dharana of
the gods (Brahman, Visnu, Rudra, Is'vara and Sada-
siva) m the five is said to be of a fivefold character.
From the foot on to the knee is said to be the region
of Prthivi (the earth). Prthivl is the quadrilateral, is
of an yellow colour, and of the character of the syllable
' Lam.' Having forced in the vital air in the region
of Prthivl, along with the syllable ' Lam,' meditating
on the four-faced (Brahman) with the four arms and of
the colour of gold, (the Yogin) should hold the vital air
for five Ghatika-s. (By doing so) he will attain the
conquest of Prthivi. From the Prthivi-yoga there will
be no death for the Yogin. From the knee on to the
anus IS said to be the region of Water. Water is the
crescent and is of a white colour ; the syllable ' Vaip '
IS said to be its seed. Forcing the vital air along with
the syllable ' Vaip ' through the region of Water, calling
to mind the god Narayana, with four arms, wearing the
crown, of the bright white colour of crystal, the Acyuta
of the silk-robe, (the Yogm) should hold the vital air
for five Ghatika-s. (On doing so) he is rid of all sins.
Thenceforward there is no fear for him from wa.ter
316 THE YOGA UPAN1§ADS
and he will not find a watery grave. From the anus
on to the heart is said to be the region of Fire. Fire
is the triangle, is of a red colour, and takes its origin
from the syllable ' Raip '. Forcing the vital air radiant
with the syllable ' Raip ' into the region of Fire, call-
ing to mind god Rudra, with the three eyes, the best-
ower of boons, shining like the young orb of the Sun,
with his body entirely besmeared with ashes, and full
of grace, (the Yogin) should hold the vital air for five
Ghatika-s, (On doing so) he is not scorched by fire.
Even if he should enter a pit full of fire, his body will
not be affected. From the heart on to the middle of
the eyebrows is said to be the region of Air. Air is
the $at-kona (figure with six corner-angles formed by
placing two isosceles triangles, one above the other, with
their bases parallel to each other and their apexes point-
ing one upwards and the other downwards), is of a black
colour and manifested in the syllable ' Yaip '. Forcing
the vital air through the aerial region along with the
radiant syllable ' Yam ', (the Yogin) should meditate
on the all-knowing Is'vara, facing all directions, as
(having his stand) there and hold the vital air for five
Ghatika-s. (On doing so) he will move through ethe-
rial space like Air. For the Yogm, there will be
neither death nor fear from the aerial element. From
the middle of the eye brows on to the (other) end of
the crest is said to be the region of Ether. Ether is
the circle and is of the colour of smoke and is mani-
fest as the syllable ' Haip '. Forcing the vital air into
thQ region of Ether along with the syllable ' Haip ', (the
THE YOGA-TATTVOPANISAD 317
Yogin) should meditate on the great God S'aipkara of
the form of the Bmdu, of the form of Ether, the Sada-
s'lva of the colour of clear crystal and holding the
crescent on his crest, with five faces, with a pleasmg
feature, with ten arms and (five sets of) three eyes,
equipped with all weapons and decked with all jewels,
with one half of his body shared by Uma, bestowing
boons, and the prime-cause of all causes. By holding
the vital air in Ether, for the Yogin, there will surely
accrue the power of moving through ethenal space.
Wherever he might remain, he derives immense Bliss.
Thus should the accomplished Yogin perform the five
Dharana-s. Thence will he acquire a strong frame.
There is no death for him. The Yogin of mighty
intellect is in no way harmed, even should Brahman
meet with dissolution. (84-104)
Meditation of the Qualified Kind
In the manner prescribed (above) the Yogin should
practise meditation for sixty Ghatika-s, restraining
the vital air m Ether, on the deity which would grant
his desires. This is known as meditation of the quali-
fied kind (which has the power of) bestowing psychic
powers, such as attenuation and the like. (104, 105).
Accomplishment of Samadhi, out of Meditation
OF THE Unqualified Kind
Thereafter Samadhi will be attained by (the
Yogin) who resorts to meditation of the unqualifiedjiind.
318 THE YOGA UPANISADS
In the course of twelve days will (he) surely attain
Samadhi. This man of intellect, by restraining the vital
air, becomes a Jivan-mukta. Samadhi is the equipoised
state of the Jlvatman and the Paramatman. (105-107)
The Renunciation and Assumption of the Body
AT Pleasure by one who has Successfully
Accomplished the Yoga
Should there be desire (on the part of the ac-
complished Yogin) to give up his own body, he will
himself renounce (it) (He will) seek repose in the
Para-Brahman, but does not desire its (his body's)
annihilation. Again, should there be no inclination on
his part to give up his own body, he will roam about
the worlds with the psychic powers of attenuation and
the like and whenever, out of his own desire, he
becomes a celestial being, he will be highly esteemed
in the celestial world and will turn himself into a
man or a Yaksa (demi-god), out of his own choice,
in a moment or will attain, out of his own choice,
the various states, such as of a lion, a tiger, an
elephant, or a horse, or else, according to his own
choice, will attain the state of Mahes'vara. (In all
these) IS difference arising out of the varying nature
of the practice. The fruit is however the same :
(Kauvalya, aloneness, in the case of one who does
not hanker after the intermediate psychic powers
and nothing but the transient powers is attained in the
case of others). (107-111)
the yoga-tattvopani?ad 319
Description of Maha-bandha
(The Yogin) should place the hind part of the
left foot on the genitals and stretching out the right
foot, should hold it firmly with both hands. Placing
the ohm on the heart, again he should infill with air
and holding it with Kumbhaka, as far as it lies in his
power, should expel it. Having practised first with the
left side of the body, he should then practise with the
right side. Whichever foot is stretched out, he should
mount it on the thigh (of the other leg). This is the
Maha-bandha and one should practise it bothways in
this manner. [Maha-mudra has been described else-
where : See (66) of Yoga-cudamany-upanisad]
(112-115)
Description of Maha-vedha
When the Yogin with the one-pointed intellect,
remaining in the Maha-bandha posture, has made the
Puraka (inhaled vital air), and obstructed the onflow of
vital airs firmly by means of the Kantha-mudra (t.e., the
Jalamdhara-bandha), the (Praria) vital air, completely
filling the two vessels (Ida and Piftgala Nadl-s) (flows)
quickly into the Susumna Nadi and throbs there.
This IS the Maha-vedha, which is incessantly practised
by the Siddha-s (accomplished ones). * (115-117)
The Real Form of the Khe-cari
Withdrawing the tongue backwards, (the Yogin)
should hold it in the interior of the cavity of. the
320 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
cranium ; also with his eyes turned towards the
middle of the eyebrows. This MudrS becomes the
Khe-can. (117, 118)
The Real Form of the Three Bandha-s
AND Their Fruits
Constnctmg the throat (the Yogin) should conceive
It as the heart with a firm mtellect. This is known as
the Jalatpdhara-bandha, the lion of the elephant of
death. That Bandha, whereby the Prana (vital air) will
leap upwards into the Susumna Nadl and for that reason
known as the Uddyana Bandha, this is wellknown to
the Yogm-s. Pressing with the heels, (the Yogin) should
constrict the genitals firmly, forcing upwards the Apana
vital air. This is known as the Yoni-bandha. The
Prana and the Apana, are the Nada and the Bindu
respectively and attaining oneness through the Mula-
bandha, they impart success to the accomplishment of
Yoga. There is no doubt about this. (118-122)
Description of ViparIta-karani and Its Results
The Kararii known as Viparita, which destroys all
mental and bodily ailments, developes the Jatharagni
of the daily practitioner. Various kinds of food will
have to be procured by the practitioner (of that Karani).
Should the kinds of food fall short, fire will eat up the
body in a minute. With his head down and his feet
up, he should remain for a minute on the first day.
THE Y€)GA-TATTVOPANI§AD 321
Thence he should practise by adding slightly to the
minute day by day. Wrinkles and grey hairs will not
be seen in the course of six fortnights. He who
practises it for one Yaraa per day, he will conquer
death. (122-126)
The Real Form of VajrolI
That Yogin who practises Vajroli, he proves to be
the receptacle of all psychic powers. Should he attain
(that), Yoga-siddhi is on the palm of his hand. He
will know what has transpired and what is yet to take
place. Khe-carl will also surely be in his reach.
[Vajroli consists in plunging the glans penis in a
leaden cup of cow's milk, drawing up the milk and
dropping it and repeatedly practising it : then dropping
the semen in the genital organ of the female and drawing
It up with the S'onita discharged by her.] (126, 127)
The Real Form of Amaroli
He who drinks urine (leaving oflf the first and the
last flow and reserving a fourth of the remainder) and
uses (the remaining fourth) as a nasal douche everyday
and practises Vajroli everyday : this is described as
AmarolL [What is attained by one accomplished in
Amaroli without the drink and the douche is Saha-
joli.] ' (128)
The Completion of Raja-Yoga
After that {viz., the practice of the twenty stages
of Hatha-yoga) will be attained Raja-yoga and jiot
322 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
surely withoqt that. When all actions are complete
along with the Raja-yoga, then will surely be generated
in the Yogin detachment out of discrimination. The
great Yogin, the great devotee and the great Sage of
the name of Visnu, the most exalted Purusa stands
manifest as a beacon-lrght in the path of the Truth.
(129-131)
Exposition of the Cause of Detachment
The same breast which was originally sucked,
by pressing well what is akin to it, one derives pleasure
(later). Out of which genitals one was born, in the
genitals of the same kind, the same one revels. Who
was mother becomes wife in her turn (in another in-
carnation) and who was wife becomes mother verily
(in another existence). Who is father becomes the
son again and who is son becomes the father again.
In this manner, revolving in the cycle of births and
deaths, even as the pot in the pully of the well, (people)
attain series of births from several genitals and deaths.
While matters stand thus, having heard from the
scriptural texts and from the mouth of the preceptor
that there is nothing other than the Brahman (the
Yogin) attains the (superior) worlds. (131, 134)
Worship of the Pranava in the Lotus
OF the Heart
The worlds are three in number (Bhur, Bhuvar
and Svar). The Veda-s are three in number (Ffc,
THE y5ga-tattvopani§ad 323
Yajus and SSinan). Saipdhya-s occur thrice. The
letters are three in number (A, U, M). Fires are three
in number (Daksiria, Garhapatya and Ahavaniya),
Guina-s are three m number (Rhythm, Mobihty and
Inertia). All these rest on the three letters (as Visfva,
Viraj and Otr in their Vyasti ; as Taijasa, Sutra and
Anujflatr in their Samasti, as Prajfia, Bija and Anuj-
fiaika-rasa in Vyasti and Samasti). He who knows (the
secretj of these (three letters) as well as the Ardha-
matrS letter (the Turya-caitanya) and learns (from the
mouth of his Guru, that it is no other than the Brah-
man), by that (Yogin) m the Turya-state is pervaded
the entire world of phenomena (in the belief " all this
IS I alone "). That is the Truth. That alone is the
transcendent existence, which is the substratum. Even
as fragrance exists in the middle of the flower, even
as ghee exists in the middle of milk, even as oil exists
m sesamum and gold among pieces of quartz, (so does
the Turya-caitanya stand interwoven with all things).
There stands a lotus in the region of the heart with its
face turned downwards and its stalk higher up. In the
nether portion of it is the Bindu (m the form of
Ether). In the middle of it stands the mind (symboli-
cal of the Linga-s'arira, wherein the inmost conscious-
ness manifests itself). With the letter ' A ' (of the form
of Visfva, Viiaj and Otr-caitanya manifesting directly)
the lotus (with its face upward) moves up. Only with
the letter ' U ' (of the form of Taijasa, Sotra and
Anujfilti' manifesting itself directly) the lotus blooms.
With the letter ' M ' (manifesting itself directly, as
324 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS .
Prajfia, Bija and Anujfiaika-rasa) the Yogin attains
the Nada (the Is'vara-tattva, as well as the sound of
the Prariava) and the half syllable (of the form of the
double Turya and Avikalpa) stands motionless. The
Purusa accomplished in Yoga will then attain that
transcendent state (of the Brahman) resembling the
clearest crystal, which is digitless and destroys all
sin. (134-140)
The Cessation of the Functioning of all
Organs is the Expedient for Attaining the
Atman
The tortoise holds within itself its hands, legs
and also the head (after ceasing all functioning with
them and remains like a piece of stone). So also,
with the orifices of the body (the nine ones communi-
cating with the outside world and others of the Nadl-
system withm), filled with the vital air at first and later
emptied, (the Yogin should remain in his body without
functioning). When the nine orifices stand restrained
(from functioning), there will be flow of air upward
through the orifice of the Susutnna opening inwards
from the Muladhara. (The Yogin should then perform
Kevala-kumbhaka) even as the flame of a lamp placed
withm a pot. The cessation of movement of air, they
know as Kumbhaka. With the nine orifices restrained
(from functioning), in a secluded spot, free from all
disturbance, the Yogin (assuming the Siddhlsana or
oth^r postures, by practising the Nirvikalpa-yoga and
THE YOGA-TATTV0PANI§AD 325
breaking through the Kaivalya Nadi) will attain the
conviction (through the knowledge of the Truth) that
(while every other thing has left no trace), by the
Atman alone is (something) left and thus attain
Videha-muktu— Thus the Upanisad. (140-142)
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI$AD
[This Upanisad, which is the sixty-third among the
108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-veda,
deals with all that relates to Jfiana-yoga along with the
means to be employed for its acquisition.]
CHAPTER I
Seeking the Path to Liberation
All Jiva-s are ensnared by a Mayic net, through
happiness and misery. Tell (me) my Lord S'ainkara !
m the plenitude of thy grace, how salvation is attained
by them. Pray describe the path which brings forth
all-round success, cuts asunder the Mayic snare, des-
troys birth, death, dotage and disease and bestows
happiness. (1. 2)
The Path to Liberation Difficult of Access
So enquired Hiranya-garbha. Quoth he, the Lord
Mahes'vara : The exalted state of Alone-ness is difficult
to be attained even by recourse to various paths, O
Lotus-born ! It is attained by the established path (of
THE YOGA-^IKHOPANISAD 327
the knowledge of the non-differentiated Brahman alone)
and by no other means, (Says the S'ruti, " No other
path exists for its attamment ")• (3, 4)
The Brahman not Attainable by Mere
Proficiency in S'astra-lore
(Those) that are enclutched within the snares of
S'astra-lore fall, bemg deluded by the (little) knowledge
(gleaned) therefrom. That (Brahman) with a form
which manifests itself of its own accord (apart from
the word-content and jmport of the S'astra-s, which
derive their significance therefrom), how can that be
made manifest by the S'astra (mere book-knowledge) ?
That which is devoid of (any of the sixteen) digits
(commencing from Prana and ending with Naman),
which is flawless, which is absolute quiescence, which
is beyond all and which is non-ailmg, that (absolute
Brahman) alone, in the form of the Jiva is invested with
the fruits of religious merit and sin. How can that
eternal state of the Paramatman, which transcends all
Tattvas, attain the state of the Jiva ? O Maha-deva,
the great Lord (who can do, undo and otherwise do all
things) ! pray tell (me) out of thy grace. (4-7)
The JivA-HOOD of the Brahman
(That which remains all-alone as the Paramatman),
transcending all states of existence, in the form of know-
lege and unattached, throbs of itself apparently, as.if it
328 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
were Air (in etherial space) and therein arises self-con-
sciousness (on account of which it attains the state of
being the all- witness). Thus it assumes the five-fold
character [of the Tri-pad Bhuti (three-quartered exis-
tence), which later manifests itself as the Nitya Bhuti
(eternal existence), which, on attaining full individuality,
becomes the Lila Bhuti (playful existence), which, on
coming to display diverse misconceptions in relation
to the microcosmic existence, becomes the Moha
Bhuti (deluded existence), which again assuming
diverse material forms, becomes the Jada Bhuti
(material existence)]. Know (then the Paramatman)
as the mass (of primordial matter) bound by the
(seven) Dhatu-s (humours, integument, blood, flesh, fat,
semen, bone and marrow) and displaying the (three)
qualities (of rhythm, mobility and inertia), assuming
the character of the Jiva. It is for this reason that the
name of Jiva is attributed to the exquisitely pure
Paramatman. (7-9)
S'lVATVA OF THE JivA DEVOID OF THE DEFECTS
OF Lust and the Like
Lust, anger, fear, delusion, avarice, passion, birth,
death, niggardliness, sorrow, sloth, hunger, thirst, greed,
shyness, trepidation, misery, depression and joy, (these
are the defects). That Jjva devoid of these defects
is said to be S'iva, (as these defects are the inherent
cause of the Tri-pad Bhuti being turned into the Moha
Bhnji and the Jiva, when absolved from the Moha
THE V<5GA-s'lKH0PANl^Ar) 3^9
Bhuti resumes the state of the Tri-pad Bhuti, which
isofS'iva). (10,11)
Absolution from Defects through JRana
AND Yoga
Hence 1 relate unto thee the expedient to be
employed for the purpose of absolution from defects.
Some say that (it is) knowledge that serves this purpose.
(But) mere (knowledge by itself does not conduce to
success. How can knowledge devoid of Yoga bestow
liberation, O Sir ! in relation to this (Jiva) ? Nor can
Yoga devoid of knowledge be deemed fit to lead to
liberation. [For, say the scriptural texts • " See even
in this the existence alone (of the Brahman). Every
other thing is non-existent." " There is nothing
whatever beyond the Brahman," " The Brahman
alone (exists). Non-existence is nought." There is
no dispute relating to the fact that simultaneously with
the attainment of the knowledge of the absolute
Brahman resulting from the denial of the existence of
the phenomenal world apart from the Paramatman,
there is attained the state of alone-ness devoid of the
body. This may be described as the existence of the
three-footed Brahman alone as the residuum, as the
conception of the Jlva and others is, as the result of
the Ignorance of the Paramatman, limited in. its
nature and inures only till the dawning of Gnosis,
which in most cases, is not attained till the last
incarnation in this world. Without such Gnosis tjiere
U 42
330 THE YOGA UPAN1§ADS
persists only relative knowledge conditioned by attri-
butes. Further, such relative knowledge, conditioned
by attributes and depending on the control exercised over
mental functioning, is, without recourse to the prescribed
method of practice, incapable of producing the desired
result of the attainment of the Brahman. Similarly,
as Yoga of the variety, which merely lands the practi-
tioner at the various stages which apparently lead to
the acquisition of special psychic powers, is incapable
of producing the chief fruit of Yoga, vtz., Kaivalya,
it is neither knowledge nor Yoga of the kind referred
to above, and hence severally incapable of bestowing the
ultimate fruit of Kaivalya] . Therefore the seeker should
resort to (a happy blending of) Gnosis and Yoga and
practise them firmly. (12-14)
The Real form of Gnosis and its Fruits
(By the seeker after liberation) should at first be
known the real form of Gnosis, which alone is the sole
means to attain knowledge of the Brahman. By him
should also be investigated of what nature ignorance
IS. (The man of Gnosis) by whom is known the real
form (of the Brahman), which is alone-ness and which
IS the exquisite state, (becomes one who has discharged
his duties), when he is released from all defects. How
can- the Jiva get liberation through knowledge (of the
spurious kind), when it is surrounded by all defects
such as lust, anger, fear and the like ? Even as the real
form of the Atman is all-comprehensive, so also Gnosis,
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANIgAD 331
which has the Atman as its objective, (is full). Lust,
anger and other defects have no separate existence, (it
being difficult to think of the remote possibility of
establishing as to whether these defects are or are not
to be ascribed to the absolute Brahman, which tran-
scends all attributes.) (The man of Gnosis being thus
blessed,) where is the prescribed rule of conduct for
him and how can the question of prohibition arise in
his case ? He who knows to discriminate aright, being
nd of the delusion arising from worldly existence,
becomes by all means liberated. (By such discrimi-
nation, the knower of the Brahman attains) that real
existence, O Lotus-born ! which is full m form, (and
becomes the Brahman), which is divisible and at the
same time indivisible, on account of its fullness.
(14—19)
There is little difference between
THE Man of Spurious Knowledge and
the Ignorant Man
Due to the influence of the Kali age, the indi-
visible, the flaw-less (Brahman) which is openly
manifest as the all, which resembles ether (in its all-
pervasive character), by virtue of assuming the form of
throbbing, has attained the swirling character of world-
ly existence. He, who has (somehow or other, withoutthe
requisite training) attained this form, which is devoid of
origin, existence and dissolution as well as flashing and
also Gnosis, (has in a way discharged his duties), flow
332 THE YOGA UPANISADS
then does he, O mighty armed ! immerse himself in the
ocean of delusion, giving up his lore again and again ?
Even as the mainstay of those attached to worldly ex-
istence IS m the delusions caused by (worldly) pleasure
and pain, even so when the man of Gnosis takes his
stand m such (delusions), being encompassed by the
impressions left by worldy desires, then there is no
difference between the two, the common feature being
worldly-mindedness. Should Gnosis be known to be
of this description, then of what description would be
Ignorance ? (20-24)
To THE Man of Gnosis of the Spurious
variety there is no accomplishment of
Liberation without the Aid of Yoga
The man who has somehow or other, by his own
efforts, achieved Gnosis, should he be devoid of de-
tachment, the man who has knowledge (derived from
books) of Dharma (right conduct), should he not (by
his own efforts) have conquered his senses, (such a per-
son) does not attain liberation without the aid of Yoga
(for purifying the impurities of his mental functions)
while yet ^in his embodied state, O Brahman ! Cor-
poreal beings are known to be of two kmds : the unripe
ones (with a foul interior, because of the spurious nature
of their Gnosis) and the ripe ones, (the real men of
Gnosis ripened by Yoga). The unripe ones are those
that are without (the mellowing influence of) Yoga. The
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI$AD 333
ripe corporeal beings are those (that are mellowed) by
Yoga. The entire body (of the ripe one, purified) by
the file of Yoga, becomes sentient and devoid of sorrow,
while the (body, which is) nonsentient and unripe,
should be known as of earth and becomes the bestower
of misery. [Says the S'ruti, " Even as the pot is made
of earth alone, even so the human body is made of
" Cit " (sentience)]. (24-27)
Endless Misery of Men of Gnosis of the
Spurious Variety
Such a one, even when engaged in meditation is
disturbed by the organs of his senses (being incapable
of controlling them, he not having realized that apart
from the Brahman they exist not). Even after con-
trolling them with all his might, he finds himself sub-
jected to other impediments. His body is afflicted
with cold and heat, ease and torment, and such like
(pairs of opposites), as well as (various types of) mental
anguish ; also from other sources, such as various kinds
of creatures, weapons, fire, water, and winds. As a
result thereof his mind is powerfully agitated. When,
in this manner, there is danger to life, the respiratory
process gets ruffled. Thence the minds of men (other
than men of Gnosis of the genuine variety) subjected
to hundreds of torments, would be agitated. What-
ever the Jiva would conceive in its mind at the time
of the cessation of bodily existence, that alone would
It become. This alone is the cause of coming into
334 THE YOGA UPANISADS
corporeal being. Men do not know which incarnation
is in store (for them) after death. Hence, Gnosis (of
the spurious variety) and detachment (arising there-
from) contribute merely to the weariness of the Jiva.
(The man of such Gnosis) is disturbed out of his
meditation, .the moment that an ant begins to crawl
on his body. Could such a one become verily an
enjoyer of happiness, should he be stung by a scorpion
or even terminate his bodily existence ? How could
that be ? Hence those are fools who with an array of
false arguments around them do not really know (the
Brahman, as they hug hard the delusion that, apart
from the Brahman, there is their own body, meditation,
obstacles to be avoided and so on). (27-34)
The Development of Individuality is by Itself
AT THE Root of all Ruin
When one's individuality is lost, even his body is
verily lost. Is there further need (to say) that his
diseases (are likewise lost ?) To whom would affliction
be caused by water, fire, wound inflicted by weapon
and the like ? According as individuality (in one) waxes
or wanes, on account of such (false attachment to the
body leading to the conception, " I am the body ")
his (mental attitude, " I am the Brahman," and other
reaj conceptions) perish, and diseases and other torments
set on him. There is no effect produced wheresoever
without a cause. So also, how can there be affliction
in the body without individuality ? (34-37)
the yoga-s'ikhopanisad 335
For one who has Accomplished Yoga, there
ENSUES the Power of Doing, Undoing and
Otherwise Doing, as well as Liberation
while yet Living
By the body have been vanquished all (ignorant
people) and by the Yogin-s (who look upon themselves
as the Brahman) has been vanquished the body.
Hence how can fruits such as pleasure and pain and
the like affect them (the Yogin-s) ? By whom are
conquered (with the sword of knowledge) the sensory
organs, the mmd, the intellect and (the emotions)
such as lust, anger and the like, by him alone is
conquered all. Such a one is not tormented by any
whatever. The (five) great elements and the eternal
verities are one after another overpowered (by him).
The body made up of the seven humours is slowly
consumed by the fire of Yoga, The Yogin's body
endowed with prodigious strength cannot be seen even
by the gods, being released from all changes and bonds,
possessed of various powers and transcendent (thus par-
taking of the character of Is'vara). Even as Ether is, so be-
comes (the Yogin-s) body, (nay) even clearer than Ether,
manifesting itself (m a form) subtler than the subtle,
gross but yet not gross and non-sentient but yet sentient.
The king of Yogin-s, verily capable of assuming any
form of his choice dependent on (none but) his own
self and devoid of dotage and death, plays wheresoever
(he likes) in a frolicsome mood, in the three worlds.
Possessed of incomprehensible power, the Ypgin
336 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
assumes various forms and withdraws from them again
at pleasure, he having attamed mastery over his senses.
In virtue of the strength of his Yoga, this (Yogin) does
not die, (a Yogin having no mortal coil to shuffle, for^,
says the S'ruti " A sage is not born nor does he die.")
He is veritably dead because of his perfect Gnosis,
(which brings on the conviction that apart from the
Brahman there is no body and the like). Whence can
there be death to one (already) dead "^ Wherein all
others have (their) death, there this (Yogin) is fully
alive. Wherein fools are fully alive, there this (Yogin)
is veritably dead. There remains nothing yet to be
done by him. He is in noway affected by his previous
Karma ; (he, having become) a Jivan-mukta, is always
clear (as crystal), being devoid of all flaws. (38-47)
Imposture by Men of Gnosis of the
Spurious Variety
There are other so-called men of Gnosis who, being
full of passion, are always conquered by their body.
Those masses of flesh with their bodies perversely
directed, how can they stand comparison with Yogin-s
(who have no more incarnation to their credit.) The
fruit of th^ir religious merit and sin is reached by these so-
called men of Gnosis after their demise. This so-called
man of Gnosis is of such nature and will be born again
after enjoying the respective (fruits of his meritorious
and sinful actions) [The man of Gnosis of the genuine
variety, on the other hand, does not incarnate again,
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANISAD 337
as, in his case, the fruit of the preponderance or sub-
sidence of the meritorious or sinful nature of his actions
does not hold good, for, as the scriptural texts say
" The knower of the Brahman becomes the Brahman
alone," " He who knows the seedless (Brahman) thus,
becomes himself seedless," " He who knows Him (the
Paramatman) thus, becomes immortal herein ; there
is no other path leading to final emancipation," such
a one attains Videha-kaivalya, simultaneously with his
Gnosis,] (48, 49)
The Emancipation of such Men Attainable
ONLV Through Association with Siddha-s
QiVAN-MUKTA-s)
(Such a so-called man of Gnosis) attains associa-
tion with a Siddha (Jlvan-mukta) later on, only through
religious merit earned. Hence he becomes a Yogin,
only through the grace of the Siddha and not
otherwise. Thereafter perishes the cycle of births and
deaths and not otherwise — this is the utterance of
S'lva. (50, 51)
The Mutual Relationship of JRSna and
Yoga as Effect and Cause
The so-called Gnosis deprived of Yoga, O Brahman,
does not lead to liberation, nor shall Yoga accomplish
its purpose without (the aid of) such Gnosis. (51, 52)
U 43
338 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Yoga alone, the Highway to Liberation
Yoga is attained by (the so-called) Gnosis only in
the course of several other incarnations, while Gnosis
(of the genuine type) is attained in the course of a
single incarnation only, through Yoga. Hence there is
no other royal road bestowing Liberation (through
Gnosis of the right type) beside Yoga, (as it generates
pure Gnosis after shearing off the spurious character
of so-called Gnosis). After long investigation through
Gnosis (be it of the so-called variety, in the absence of
Yoga) one assumes the mental attitude, " I am
liberated." Is it possible that such a one could get
released that very moment, merely by (a random)
mental attitude ? Only later on, (it may be) after the
lapse of hundreds of other incarnations, through Yoga
alone is (he) liberated. From Yoga there will not be
such births and deaths again and again (as in the case
of men of so-called Gnosis). By the conjunction of
the Prana and the Apana (vital airs), there is attained
the union of the Moon and the Sun. (The Yogin)
should exhilerate his body made up of the seven
humours with the fire (of Yoga). All diseases of his
perish. What need be said of cuts and gashes and the
like ? Such a one will assume the state of one with a
body of the form of transcendent Ether. Of what use
is dilating further (on this) ? Verily there is no death
unto him. Resembling burnt camphor, himself will
appear in the world, as if possessed of a corporeal
frame. (52-58)
THE YOGA-s'IKHOPANI$AD 339
Knowledge of the Atman Dawns only in a
Mind Purified by Yoga
The mind in all Jiva-s stands bound up with the
Prana vital air. Even as a bird tied by means of a
cord, even so is this mind. The mind is not capable
of being restrained by investigations of various kinds.
Hence, the only expedient to be employed for its
conquest is the Prana alone and nothing else. Barring
the established expedient (of Yoga), (viz.. breath-
control) O Brahman ! the Prana (vital air) is not
amenable to control either by arguments, prattlings, the
S'astra groups, stratagems, mystic formulas, or medica-
ments. He who, with a little knowledge, has recourse to
the path of Yoga, without knowing the (established)
expedient (of breath -control), will suddenly find himself
beset with difficulties. He, who, without controlling
breath, desires foolishly to attain the Yoga of Yogin-s,
venly attempts to cross the ocean, embarked on a pot
unbaked (in a kiln). He whose vital air vanishes
internally, when the practitioner is yet alive, his
corporeal frame does not drop and his mind is torment-
ed with afflictions. (59-64)
The Practice of Yoga is the Firs*^ Duty
Should his mind, however, be pure, knowledge of
his own Atman manifests itself (therein). Hence,
O Brahman ! Gnosis results from Yoga in a single
incarnation. Therefore should the practitioner always
340 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
practice that Yoga alone at first. By seekers after
liberation, conquest -of the Prana (vital air) should be
made for the sake of liberation. There is no religious
merit higher than Yoga, no prosperity greater than
Yoga, no subtlety transcending Yoga, (in fact) there is
nothing beyond Yoga. What is the union of the
Prana and Apana (vital airs), similarly of the red and
white vital fluids, the conjunction of the Sun and
the Moon, and of the Jivatman and the Paramatman,
in this manner, the conjunction (between the two
constituting a pair) of the several pairs, is known
as Yoga. (65-69)
The Imparting of Yoga-s'ikha
Then I shall presently describe the Yoga-s'ikha,
which is by far superior to all (forms of) Gnosis.
When the Mantra is contemplated upon, then there is
generated bodily tremour. Assuming the Padma
posture or any other posture deemed suitable (by the
practitioner), fixing the eyes on the tip of the nose,
Jceepmg under control the hands and feet, withdrawing
the mind from everywhere, one should contemplate
upon the Oipkara instead. The wise man, having
made Parames'vara (take his seat) in his heart, should
ever be engaged in meditation. He should not look
upon his body constituted in this manner, having the
single pillar (the spinal colum supporting the entire
edifice of the body), provided with the nine orifices
(the three pairs of eyes, ears and nostrils, the mouth,
THE YOGA-STKHOPANISAD 341
the urinary passage and the rectum) and with the
three props (of Piarabdha, Agamin and Arjita Karma-s,
the body persisting as long as these are not spent up)
and presided over by the five deities {Brahman, Visnu,
Rudra, Is'vara and Sada-s'iva), (as the Atman or
Atmic in any manner whatsoever). He should then
(conceive in his heart, to the accompaniment of favour-
able control of breath) the form of the solar disc
surrounded by rays and flames and kindle the fire in
the middle of it, as (he would) the wick of a lamp.
(Therein Parames'vara should be conceived as of the
form of the flame of the lamp). Of what dimension is
the flame of the lamp (of the Muladhara-cakra, vtz.,
as fine as the awn of a grain of wild paddy), of that
dimension Parames'vara in the form of the flame of
a lamp (should be conceived). (69-74)
By the Practice of Yoga, there is the Direct
Manifestation of Parama-pada, the Highest
State
(By the grace of Parama-s'iva) Yogin-s, (who are
mendicants), by the strength of their practice of Yoga,
pierce through the disc of the Sun (to reach the highest
state); (for, says the S'ruti, "Those pure ^ouls cross
the doorway of the Sun (to reach the Para Brahman)."
(Others, who are mere Yogin-s have recourse to) -the
second method (of breaking through) the door of the
Susumija Nadi, which is bright all round and specially
meant for the purpose, (by rousing the Kun4almi).and
342 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
drinking (the nectar produced by the Sun, Moon and
Fire contained in the Sahasrara-cakra oO the cranial
cavity, thereafter see that (highest) state (of the
Paramatman with the mental attitude, " He am I," and
through Gnosis acquired therefrom, either become the
qualihed or the non-differentiated Brahman). (75, 76)
Attainment of Punya-loka by One who cannot
conform to the prescribed form of
Meditation to the full Extent
Then, should a person (in the act of meditation),
out of lazmess and erroneously, contemplate on that
(Brahman, as different from his own self) and thus
meditate three times (every day), that person attains
the meritorious state (such as of Brahman, Indra and
the like). This merit having been found out, is
briefly described by me. (76, 11)
The Recognition of His own Atman by the
Accomplished Yogin
Then shall the accomplished Yogin recognize
Parames'vara manifest jn all its glory (as his own
Atman). (As for the sinner), when his (accumulated)
sin IS atqned through thousands of other incarnations
(by the grace of Ts'vara, propitiated through the oflfering
of -the fruits of daily observances and the like), then
shall he see, through (the strength oO his Yoga the
great uprooting of attachment to the ways of the
worJd. (78, 79)
the yoga-s'ikhopani$ad 343
Sitting at the Feet of a Guru who has
Conquered His Breath, for the Practice
OF Yoga
Now shall I explain the true nature of the practice
of Yoga. (The seeker) should always serve that
Guru by whom has been successfully accomplished
the conquest of breath. The wise practitioner should
achieve the conquest of the Prana (vital air), out of his
Guru's gracious oral (instructions). (79, 80)
Rousing into Activity of the Sarasvati
(Nad!)
Measuring twelve digit-lengths in point of length
and four digit-lengths wide, soft and white : the des-
cription of the piece of cloth wherewith to tie round (the
Sarasvati Nadi) is said to be (as above). [Having tied
round the top of the Nadi with a piece of cloth of the
above description, waking up betimes in the Brahma-
muhurta, the Yogin should, without any fear, rouse the
Nadi into activity, for the space of a Muhurta.] (81)
Piercing through the Three Granthi-s (knots)
BY Rousing the Kundali
(After rousing the Sarasvati Nadi), controlling the
breath firmly in such a way as to conduce to the
rousing of the power (of the Kundali), (the Yogin)
should strengthen the Kun<jlali, which is of the form
344 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
of eight coils, make the constriction of the anus and
thus rouse the Kundali. Even though he should be
in the jaws of death, where is the fear of death for
him ? This is indeed a profound secret communicated
unto thee by me. Assuming the Vajrasana posture every
day, (the Yogin) should practise the upward constric-
tion. The fire, rendered ablaze by the vital air (rising
by such constriction), will continuously heat the Kun-
dali. That power capable of deluding the three worlds,
being heated alive by the fire, will enter the Candra-
danda (shaft of the Moon) in the interior of the orifice
of the Susumna Nadi. That (power), along with the
(introspecting mind), the Prana vital air and the fire,
pierces through the knot of Brahman, (which forms
as it were the door leading from the Muladhara) ; then
piercing through the knot of Visnu (forming the
door of the Anahata) it stands in the knot of Rudra
(the door of the Ajna). Then after firmly filling (the
vital air), by means of Kumbhaka-s over and over
again, (the Yogin should pierce through the knot of
Rudra). (82-87)
Rule Relating to the Practice of the Four
Kinds of Kumbhaka-s
One should practise (the Kumbhaka-s known as)
Surya-bheda, Ujjayi, S'ltali and Bhastra. (These) to-
gether constitute the four-fold Kumbhaka. Together
with the three Bandha-s, (that) causes the attainment
of the Kevala (Kumbhaka). (86-89)
THE Y0GA-9'lKH0PAKl§Af) 345
Description of the SOrya-bheda-kumbhaka
I shall presently give a good and concise descrip-
tion of this. All alone, should a secluded spot be
reached (by the practitioner) temperate in food and of
a resolute frame of mind and the form of the Prana
and the like and the imperishable truth of the highest
import should be meditated upon. (This is verily) the
peerless medicine which would eflfectively cure the dis-
ease of worldiy-mindedness. By the practising Yogin
should be drawn in the vital air through the Solar Na^i.
After performing Kumbhaka as prescribed in the rule,
he should expel (it) through the lunar (Nadi). This,
which kills many a disease of the belly and extirpates
the malignant influence due to (intestinal) worms,
should often and often be performed and is known as
Surya-bheda (breaking through the Solar Nadi). (89-92)
Description of UjjAYi Kumbhaka
Drawing in the air through the two Nadl-s, the
intelligent practitioner should direct it along the two
sides of the Kundall, hold it in the belly and thereafter
expel it through the I^a. (This) kills the malignant
influence of phlegm and the like in the th^jat, raises
the temperature of the body, removes the rheum out of
the Na^l-s, and rectifies the defects inherent in the
humours (of the body). (This) Kumbhaka known as
Ujjayi should be performed (by the practitioner) while
moving and standing. (93-95)
U 44
346 the yoga upani^ads
Description of the S'itau Kumbhaka
Drawing in air through the mouth, (he) should
expel (it) through the nostrils. This is performing the
S'ltall (Kumbhaka) and destroys bile, hunger and
thirst. (95, 96)
Description of the Bhastrika Kumbhaka
(The practitioner) should intelligently expel with
speed the air in the body, out of the two breasts and
fill (it) in (likewise), till he is overcome with fatigue,
as with a blacksmith's pair of bellows. When fatigue
comes on in the body, then should he fill in through
the solar (Nadi) and after constricting the throat,
should expel (it) again through the lunar (Nadi).
(This Kumbhaka) removes (the excess of) the mind, bile
and phlegm, raises the temperature of the body, rouses
the Kundall, removes defects in the mouth, bestows
auspiciousness, is wholesome, removes impediments,
such as phlegm remaining in the interior of the opening
of the Brahma-nadl and is capable of bursting through
the three knots as the result of effectively practising
the Bandha-s. This Kumbhaka is known as the
Bhastra and should be specially practised. (96-100)
Rule Relating to the Three Bandha-s
I shall now relate, m the prescribed order, the
three Bandha-s, by performing which, this (practitioner)
THE VOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 347
will attain the conquest of vital air. When Kumbhaka
of the four varieties has been successfully accomplished,
this three-fold Bandha should be performed. That
is related by me presently. The first is Mfila-bandha ;
the second is what is known as Uddiyana ; the third
is Jalaipdhara. Their description I relate (hereunder).
(101-103)
The Mula-bandha
Pressing the anus with the heel, (the practitioner)
should forcibly draw up the vital air m such a way
that the air would move upwards stage by stage. The
Prana and Apana (vital airs), as also the Nada (Intellect)
and the Bindu (mind), becoming one by means of the
Mula-bandha, bestow the successful accomplishment
of Yoga. Herein there is no doubt. (104, 105)
The UppiYANA-BANDHA
The Uddiyana-bandha should be performed at the
close of the Kumbhaka and before the Recaka (ex-
pulsion of vital air). For the reason that by (such
Bandha) the Prana (vital air) would spring up m the
Susumria, this is said to be what is called Uddiyana by
Yogm-s. Uddiyana is always communicated by the
Guru m the natural course. (The practitioner) should
practise it without sloth, (whereupon) even an old man
would turn young. He should, with effort, make con-
striction above and below the navel. Should he practise
348 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
it for six months, he will verily conquer death ; there
IS no doubt (about it). (106-109)
The Jalamdhara-bandha
The Bandha known as Jalamdhara should be
performed at the close of the Puraka (in-filling the vital
air). This is of the form of constricting the throat
with a view to obstruct the passage of vital air. After
constricting the throat, he should establish (the vital
air) firmly in the bosom. This is known as the Jala-
ipdhara-bandha, which causes the full flow of nectar.
Should the constriction of the throat be made with
the immediate contraction of the nether part, by (per-
forming) Pas'cima-tana in the middle, the Prana (vital
air) will reach the Brahma-nadl. (109-112)
Attainment of the Nirvikalpa State bv
Breaking through the Three Knots by
means of the KUNDALi PoWER
Remaining in the Vajrasana posture, the Yogin,
after rousing the Kundali, should thereafter perform the
Bhastn (Kumbhaka) and quickly rouse the Kun^ali.
Even as fhe joints of a bamboo are pierced through
by means of a red-hot iron rod, even so there will be
the- bursting through the knots of the vertebral column
by means of the vital air (along with the Ku^qlali).
Should an ant crawl (over the body) there is an itching
sensiation produced there. By constant practice with
THE YOGA-ffIKHOPANI§AD 349
the vital air (along with the Kuri^all) will be generated
a similar sensation in the Susum^a. Thereafter, piercing
through the Rudra-granthi, (the Kun^all) then attains
the character of S'lva, (the Turiya in the Brahma-
randhra). Their conjunction {t.e., of the Kundali
and S'lva) takes place after making the Moon and the
Sun attain their equipoised state. The three Guna-s
(rhythm, mobility and inertia) will be transcended
on account of the three knots having been pierced
through. From the conjunction of S'lva (the Turiya)
and the S'akti (the Kundali) there is generated the trans-
cendent state (natural Nirvikalpaka state). (112-117)
The Su^umnS forming the Path to Liberation
AND THE Final Resort of all Time
Even as an elephant will always drink water with
its trunk, so also the Susumna-nadi will grasp the vital
air through the vertebral column. There are twenty-
one bright nodules (of flesh) attached to the vertebral
column, all located along the Susumna, resembling a
number of gems strung together, (of the size of grains
of linseed, dispelling the darkness of the Susumga-
path from the Muladhara to the Brahma-randhra, con-
stituting as It were the joints of the Susumga bamboo,
and within the actual range of experience of Yogm-s
alone.) The Susumna, which is of the form of 'the
universe, (depending as it does on the Brahman, the
prop of the entire universe) stands established in
the path of Liberation. Even as all duration is
350 THE YOGA UPANISADS
determined with reference to the position of the Sun
and the Moon, (which bear on the Susumna, all divisions
of time from the minutest twinkling of the eye to the
longest Kalpa-s (Aeons) find their repose therein). In
the practitioner, the vital air (once) in- filled (through
the Susumna) and held through Kumbhaka there, does
not at all go out. (Should it go out by some mistake),
in the same manner should it be restored to its original
position in the Susumna, again and again, till it is
confirmed in its position. This is the characteristic
(quality) of the hind-door (of the Susumna). That vital
air in-filled through that door and slightly held in Kum-
bhaka will enter through the hind path all the parts of the
body. When it is expelled (through the Susumna owing
to the influence of time and destiny), it is wasted ; when
It is in-fiUed (again) it nourishes the body. (117-122)
The Acquisition of the Knowledge of the
Brahman through Susumna-yoga
He, (whose knowledge of the Stman has as its
basis the refutation of erroneously attributing the
quality of the Atman to the mind and the sum-total
of the results of its functioning), who, by means of his
(SusumnaKyoga, makes his mind along with the body
dissolve in the very (Brahman) wherefrom it had its
origfin, he alone, devoid of (the slightest touch of)
individuality and feeling blissful, is liberated from the
delusion of conceiving himself to be other than the
Atman. Those fools, who do not know the real basis
THE yOGA-S'IKHOPANI^AD 351
of the knowledge of the Atman (in the aforesaid
manner), fall into the embodied state. Should the
clearly manifest mind get dissolved, in that case the
cessation even (of the flow) of vital air becomes esta-
blished. If not, for him there is no S'astra, no distinct
knowledge of the Atman, nor Guru, nor liberation (as,
with his deluded vision, he becomes incapable of being
liberated, in the absence of the dawning of the real know-
ledge of the Atman, either from a clear comprehension
of the Veda or through the grace of the Guru). Even
as a jackal forcibly sucks up blood of its own accord,
even so the Brahma-nadi (the Susumna) throws into
the background the phenomenal world and its re-
actions ; (thence arises the knowledge of the Brahman
and simultaneously with it liberation from the delusion
caused by thmgs other than the Brahman). From
constant practice of the (Susumna) Yoga (is achieved
the aforesaid end). Through practice of such Yoga
and out of the daily assumption of posture and (practice
of) Bandha, the mmd attams dissolution and the Bindu
does not flow downwards (123-126)
The Successful Attainment in due Course
OF THE FORM OF THE BrAHMAN BY THE
Practice of Yoga
After givmg up the Recaka and the PUraka (expell-
ing and m-filling of the vital air), one should take his firm
stand by (holding) the breath. Various kinds of sounds
are produced. The lunar region would stream, out
352 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
(nectar, on swallowing which there would arise the
awakening, " There is nothing apart from the Brah-
man ", as a result of which), thenceforward will perish
all ailments such as hunger and thirst. Then will (the
Yogm) have his mam stay in the form of the Brahman
alone, which is Existence, Consciousness and Bliss.
This description of the practice (of Yoga) has been
verily related unto you out of affection. (127-129)
Mah5-voga of the Character of the Fourfold
Yoga of Mantra and the Like
Mantra-, Laya-, Hatha- and Raj5- yoga at the
end, are the steps in order. This Maha-yoga is only
one, but is called by four different names. (129, 130)
Mantra-voga
Going out with the sound of " Ha " and entering
again with the sound of " Sa ", this Mantra, vtz.,
" Hamsa Haipsa " is muttered by all the Jiva-s (in-
voluntarily). (In the case of Yogin-s,) on account of the
precept of the Guru and during Susumna (-yoga), the
Japa (prayer) will become reversed. That which be-
comes thus : VIZ., " So 'ham So 'ham ", is known as
the Mantr^-yoga. (130-132)
Hatha-yoga
Out of the conjunction of faith and formula, there
takes place in the hind path (the union of the Moon
and the Sun). By. " jBa " is meant the Sun and by
THE YOGA-sriKHOPANI§AD 3S3
"Sa", the Moori. The union of the Suft and the
Moon IS known as Hatha. (132, 133)
Laya-yoga
By Hatha (-yoga) is removed the dullness resulting
from all ailments (irregularities). The conscious princi-
ple in the corporeal body and the transcendent Stman,
when there is union between the two, when their union
is brought about, O Brahman ! the mind gets dissolved
and the vital air attains firmness, when Laya-yoga
takes Its rise. From dissolution is attained comfort,
the Bliss of one's own Atman, the exquisite state.
(134-136)
RXJA-YOGA
There abides in the great spot in the middle of the
genitals of all creatures. Rajas (menstrual fluid) resem-
bling the Japa and Bandhuka flowers in colour, well
protected and (representing) the Devi (feminine) prin-
ciple. By the coniunction of the Kajas with the Retas
(of the male organ), (t.e., of S'akti with S'lva) there is
what is known as Raja-yoga. From Raja-yoga (the
Yogin) shines out after attaining the psychic powers of
attenuation and the like. (136-138)
The Common Feature of the Various ^Kinds of
Yoga and the Attainment of Liberation
BY Means of Yoga
The mingling together of Prana and Apana should
be known as (the common featuce of) the four-fold
U 43
354 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
Yoga. (This is) what is related in brief O Brahman 1
The word of S'lva is not otherwise. Whatever is
attainable will be attained only by gradual practice
and not otherwise. By practising Yoga even with a
single body little by little, liberation is attained at
long last. The method of the monkey is that alone.
(138-140)
The Manner in which Success is Achieved in a
Subsequent Incarnation by the Practitioner
WHO dies before Successful Accomplishment
OF Yoga
Should the body (of the practitioner) perish out of
negligence, even before the attainment of (the fruit of)
Yoga, endowed with the impressions left by his experi-
ences during the previous birth, he will attain another
body. Then due to the iniluence of religious merit
(accumulated during previous births) and by contact
with his Guru, he will achieve success. The fruit will
be quickly produced by having recourse to the hind
door (the Susumna path) and from the practice made
during the previous birth (the practitioner) will reap
the fruit at once. (141-143)
Only by yogic Practice there is Liberation
This much should verily be known, what is knoum
as the Kaka-mata, (the doctrme that Mahes'varaisM
complete control over Maya). There is no other pra^tiuoe
THE yOGA-a'IKHOPANI?AD 355
that may be known as Abhy3sa-yoga (practice preli-
minary to Yoga) beyond the KSka-mata. Only through
that, liberation is attained (even by the ignorant man
and the man of spurious knowledge, as there is scope
for the attamment of the knowledge of the non-
differentiated Brahman through eradicating the im-
purities of their minds by having recourse to it) and
not otherwise. (This is the word of S'iva.) (143, 144)
Benefits Accruing to the Yogin, such as
overlordship over all, liberation while yet
Living and the Like
There is no final resort (to be had) by the
Yogin beside the hind (Susum^a) path to liberation,
reputed as attainable unartificially, through the method
of Hatha-yoga, along with the dissolution of the
Jlv5tman and the like, (as borne out by the Vedic
texts, " Having gone aloft by means of that (Susumm)
(the Yogin) reaches the state of immortality ", " The
SusumnS rests on the transcendent (Brahman) flawless
and of the form of the Brahman " and others).
Diseases perish even at the commencement (of the
practice), the dullness bom of the body (perishes) next,
then becoming equipoised (by conjunction w;th PrSCcia,
Agni, Surya, S'akti and S'iva) the Moon showers
(nectar) incessantly. Thereafter the fire (in the
MGlSdhSra), along with the vital air, grasps the humours
of the body (contributing to the increase of vital
energy and virility). Various kinds of soun^ arise
356 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
and the body attains the bloom of youth. This person
havings overcome frigidity due to showers and the
like, (for the S'ruti says, " Having become the atmos-
phere he becomes a cloud "), will, (with his radiance)
traverse the etherial regions (assuming the form of
the Sun). This (person) will become the knower of
all things, (capable of) assuming any form at his
choice, and attaining the fleetness of wind, will roam
at pleasure through the three worlds. (Should he
desire), various psychic powers will be generated (in
him). When camphor is being consumed (by fire)
where will the hardness be in it? Even so, when
individuality is destroyed (by the fire of Yoga) where
will be scope for inflexibility in the body ? (The body
will become either soft or etherial in consequence). The
king of Yogin-s will be able to do anything, relying
entirely upon himself, and assuming endless forms.
The great Yogm becomes a Jivan-mukta, there is no
doubt about it. (145-151)
Rule Relating to the Safe-guarding of
Natural and Artificial Psychic Powers
Psychic powers are of two kinds m this world ;
artificial ^d unartificial. Those psychic powers that
prevail by having recourse to means, such as the
various ways of employing mercury and medicinal
herbs, the practice of mystic spells and the like, they
are known as artificial. Such powers, as arise out of
the. employment of the (above) means, are transient
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANIgAD 357
and endowed with little efficacy. Those (powers)
which, without the employment of such means, are
generated of their own accord, in those that are
solely intent on the Yoga relating to their own
Stman, out of their own resources, are venly ac-
ceptable to Isvara. Those psychic powers which arise
(m this manner) are known as devoid of artifice.
(Powers) that are attained of their own accord, which
are lasting for ever, highly efficacious, in accord with
one's desire, and resulting from one's own Yoga, are
produced after a long time, in those that are devoid
of impressions (ol previous births). Those powers
should be safeguarded (by him who takes his stand) in
the imperishable state of the Paramatman, through his
Maha-yoga. (The array of psychic powers) should be
kept as profound secrets always, when there is no
need for their use. This lis the usual procedure to
be adopted by one who has accomplished his Yoga
successfully. (151-156)
The Index of a Yoga-siddha and a Jivan-mukta
Even as various places of pilgrimage are seen on
the way by travellers bound for Benares and Siddhi-s
attainable by various paths are brought abo^t of their
own accord, so also, in the path of Yoga, devoid of any
considerations of gain or no gain, is met with 'the
cluster of Siddhi-s. Even as gold is determined by the
assaying goldsmiths, one should determine an accom-
plished Yogin by the psychic powers (acquired by Jiim)
358 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
and also a Jivan-mukta likewise (by his knowledge of
the Brahman). Surely the quality which is not of this
world {i.e., extraordinary) will sometimes be seen in
him. One should look upon a person devoid of psychic
powers as bound (to this world). (157-160)
Attainment of Videha-mukti by the JRXnin
EVEN When His Body Remains
The Yogin with the knowledge of the Brahman,
whose corporeal frame is devoid of dotage and death,
is alone a Jivan-mukta. Beasts, birds, worms and the
like verily meet with their death. By their letting fall
their coil, O Brahman ! is liberation attained by them ?
The vital air (of the Yogin) does not come out. Whence
then the fall of his body ■* The liberation which is
attainable by the fall of the body, is not that liberation
obstructed ? When the body (of the Yogin) has attained
the state of the Brahman, when it has reached the not
dissimilar state, even as a piece of salt (dissolved) in
water, he is then said to be a liberated one. (No
doubt) the limbs of the body and the organs of sense
are inconsistent (with the attainment of liberation).
Verily the Brahman has attained the state of the body,
even as w^ter has that of a bubble. (161-165)
Description of the Microcosm as a S'ivSlaya
The body is a city with ten gates, provided with
the highways of the ten NS^l-s, perflated by the ten
THE yOGA-8'IKHOPANI?AD 359
kinds of vital air, surrounded on all sides by the ten
organs of perception and motor action, provided with
the six inner chambers of the centres of energy (Cakra-s)
and a great forest fit for the practice of the six kinds of
Yoga, viz., Mantra, Laya, Hatha, R5ja, Bh5vana and
Sahaja, with their characteristic methods of practice,
provided with four Pitha-s scattered about it, lighted
by the four Veda-s, wherein the Maha-lifiga of the m-
most consciousness manifests itself through the various
functions of the Bmdu and the Nada, {i.e., the mind and
the intellect). The body is said to be a temple of S'iva
bestowing special powers on all mortals. (165-168)
Description in Detail of the Six Centres
MOladhSra and/Others and the Four Pixha-s
The MulSdhSra, which is triangular m shape, is
situated in the interspace between the anus and the
genitals. That is said to be the seat of S'lva in the
form of the Jiva, wherein is established the exquisite
power known as the Kuijdalini ; wherefrom' the vital
air has its origin ; whence arises the fire ; whence the
Bindu takes its origin ; whence is generated the Nada ;
whence is produced the Harpsa ; whence is produced
the (introspecting) mind. This is venly,the Pitha
known as Kama-rupa, which bestows the fruits of
desire. At the root of the genitals, with the 'six
corners (is situated) the plexus known as SvadhisthSna.
In the region of the navel is situated the ten-petalled
Mai^i-pura plexus. In the heart is the great plexus,
360 THE YOGA UPANl^ADS
Anahata with twelve petals. This is the Pitha known
as Purna-giri, O Brahman 1 In the well of the throat
is situated what is known as Vis'uddhi, the sixteen-
petalled plexus, wherein is established the Pitha known
as Jalaipdhara, O Lord of the Gods ' The superior
plexus known as Sjfla (is situated) with two petals in
the middle of the eyebrows. Over (this) is established
the great Pitha known as Uddiyana. The earth, to
begin with, is four-spoked and Brahman is its presid-
ing deity. Water is of the aspect of the half-moon
and Visnu is its presiding deity. Fire is the tnangular
region and Rudra is its presiding deity. The image
of Vayu is six-spoked and Ts'vara is its presiding deity.
The region of Ether is circular and its deity is Sada-
s'iva. The region of the mind in the middle of the
eyebrows they know to be of the form of Nada.
[" The Jyotir-hnga which is no other than the inmost
Brahman, that Brahman am I " — is what manifests
itself in the mind. For says the S'ruti, " The Yati
(mendicant) should always meditate unceasingly on the
Jyotir-linga in the middle of the eyebrows." He who
knows thus the inmost Atman as the fundamental
principle of the microcosm, that sage verily knows the
Brahman as the basic prmciple of the macrocosm,
owing to'.the oneness of the substratum left inside
and outside, by denying the reality of the pheno-
menal world individually in its microcosmic aspect and
collectively in its macrocosmic aspect and thus becomes
one who has discharged his duties], (168-178)
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI^AD 361
CHAPTER n
He Who is Competent to Impart the
Knowledge of Yoga
Once again, do I wish, O S'amkara ! to hear about
the great characteristic (of the knowledge) of Yoga, by
the knowledge of which alone one would attain equality
with the Sun (in point of radiance). Hear, O Brahman,
what should be kept a secret with great effort. He,
who dutifully renders service for twelve years with no
want of attention, to that self-controlled seeker after
the knowledge of the Brahman, should (the Guru),
who imparts instruction regarding the real nature (of
such knowledge), bestow the Vidya, either out of pride
of his learning, or coveting wealth, or as a result of
error of judgment, whatever has been learnt (from
'such Guru) by (the disciple), or heard or carried out
by him, (will be lost, being vitiated by the incom-
petence of the bestower of the Vidya). He, who
understands (the correct import of) the Mula-mantra
(the fundamental formula), as expounded by (a com-
petent) Guru, (achieves his end successfully) (1-4)
The Greatness of the Mula-mantra Known
AS the Pranava
That Mantra, made up of S'lva and the S'akti, taking
Its rise from the Muladhara (is fit to be the Pranava or
the Nada). He, who, (having understood its real nature)
is capable of expounding or hearing that Mantra, isjrare
U 46
362 THE YOGA UPANISADS
indeed. This (Mantra) is said to be the Pitha (the
basic one), (the Brahman, the import of the Mantra be-
ing the basis of all), the Nada-hftga, (that symbol which
does not bestow the knowledge of anything but the
Stman, on those resorting to it) and what shares my
characteristics, (as there is no diflference between the
name and what is named by it). By the mere know-
ledge of It, any person will become a Jivan-mukta and
wealth of power, such as attenuation and the like,
be attained therefrom in no time. (5, 6)
Explanation as to Why it is of the Quality
OF a MOla-mantra
On account of its being used to meditate upon
(the Brahman), its helping the flow of vital force and
its serving the purpose of awakening my form (in
the mind of the practitioner), it is called a Mantra,
O Brahman ! or because of its being based on me.
Being at the root of all Mantra-s (in accordance with
the Vedic texts, " Even as through the trunk the
leaves receive the sap, so also all speech is vitalized by
the Oipkara," "All this is Orpkara,") on account of
its originating from the Muladhara, as it is the symbol
of the form of the basic entity, (the Brahman), it is
known as.the Mula-mantra. (7-9)
Explanation as to Why it is of the Nature
OF being the Nada-linga
On account of its subtle and causal nature, on
accQunt of its state of repose and mobility and its
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 363
being symbolical of the transcendent Is'vara, it is
known as the Liiiga (symbol). (9, 10)
Explanation as to Why it is of the Quality
OF A Thread (SOtratva)
On account of its presence in all beings, at all
times, and its indicating the form (of the Brahman),
it IS called the Sutra. (10, 11)
The Pranava being of the Nature of the
PiTHA AND THE BlNDU
(As the Pranava is of the nature of the Prakrti, as
borne out by the S'ruti, " Knowers oi the Brahman
say, out of being the Pranava (arises) being the
Prakrti,") (the Pranava), the Maha-maya, (the great
Illusion), Maha-laksmi, (the great goddess of wealth),
Maha-devi, (the great goddess), Sarasvati, (the goddess
of learning), the power originating from the Muladhara,
which IS mdistinct (in form), by means of which
(Pranava-prakrti) the Universe (of names and forms)
is sustained, exists in the form of the Bindu, (the mind)
manifested in its subtle form and in the form of the
(four) Pitha-s, (Kama-rupa, etc , in a gross state). (11, 12)
Expedient to be Adopted for the Attainmfnt
OF the Pra^ava-Brahman
O Brahman ! (that Prapava), which is pronounced
by the functioning of the Prana (and Apana vital ajrs),
364 THE YOGA UPANISADS
having thoroughly broken (to tiny pieces) the Bindu-
pltha (of that Pranava, which is distinct and indistinct
m its character), in accordance with the precept of the
Guru, by assuming the §an-mukhl Mudra (and having
attained the knowledge of the absolute Brahman),
(when the Yogin approaches) the Nada-linga, (which
does not, at all times, give any scope for the differentia-
tion of symbols manifested in the Bindu-pitha, com-
mencing from the Jagraj-jagrat up to the Avikalpa-
nujnaika-rasa), there at once flashes (the Turya-turya
Brahman, in the form of the non-relative Atman
alone). (13, 14)
The Brahman, being of the Form of the
Gross, the Subtle and the Seed-like,
IS of a Three-fold Character
The body of the Brahman is of three kinds : gross,
subtle and transcendent. The gross form, composed
of the five great (elements), is known as the Vairaja ;
the subtle, as Hiranya-garbha , and that characterized
by the three seeds, (A,U,M,) as Nada. (14, 15)
The Knowabilitv of the S'uddha-tattva
(Absolute Truth) only Through the
Practice of the Atma-mantra
By the practice, (through study, reflection, medita-
tiOQ and application), at all times, of the Atma-mantra,
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 365
(the Pranava and the Maha-vakya groups), there mani-
fests Itself the highest truth, the transcendent Brahman,
the exquisite truth, of the character of Existence,
Sentience and BJiss, the inimeasuraWe, the non-
demonstrable, which transcends the range of speech
and thought, the pure, the subtle, the aspectless, the
changeless, the detached, the endless, the non-divisible,
the peerless and the non-ailing (Brahman). (" The
one Brahman should be meditated upon (from the time
of) awakening from sleep till (one gets) sleep " — says
the S'ruti.)
Signs of Manifestation of the Para-tattva
Listen to me, (when I relate) the signs of its mani-
festation, which are the doors (leading to the acquisition)
of psychic powers. By the Yogin who has achieved it,
are always seen, in a subtle form, the flame of a lamp,
the moon, the firefly, lightning, stars and bright objects.
(Whenever there is the desire), wealth of powers, such
as attenuation and the like, originates in him, in no
time. (18-20)
The Greatness of the Investigation of the
NXda
There is no Mantra higher than the Nada ; there
IS no god higher than one's own Stman ; there is no
worship higher than investigation, there is no happiness
higher than satisfaction. By one who desires to acquire
366 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
psychic powers, (the import of the Atma-mantra) should
be kept as a profound secret. (20, 21)
The Occurrence of the Knowledge of the
Para-tattva, only through Devotion to the
Guru and Is'vara
My devotee, having understood this, becomes bles-
sed and happy. To him who has supreme faith in
Is'vara and, even as in Is'vara, so also in his Guru,
these meanings, which are explained (here), will become
manifest to that great soul. (22)
CHAPTER III
The Four Forms, Para, Pas'yanti", etc., of the
NJda-Brahman
After realizing the communion with which (Brah-
man), that Cit (consciousness) has been explained (by
the Yogin-s, to their disciples, by saying that there is
nothing beyond the Cit, as testified to by the S'ruti,
** One shoiild concieve thus : that, the Cit is here, this
is Cit alone, made up of Cit alone, the state of being
Cit • IS Cit, I and all these worlds are Cit "), that
which is the prime cause (as well as the final resting
place) of all psychic powers, (as, simultaneously with
its a,ttainment, the groups of psychic powers vanish),
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 167
by the realization of which, (even an ignorant man) is
hberated from the bondage of birth, (due to the delusion
caused by everythmg other than the Atman, as borne
out by the text of the Smrti, " When what is apart
from one's own Atman, arising out of one's own ignor-
ance, gets dissolved out of one's knowledge of the
Atman, released from its (false) counterpart, there re-
mains only the Atman), that (Brahman is of a two-fold
character), described as the Parama Aksara (the highest
imperishable Brahman, when viewed from the point of
view of the knower of the Brahman) and as the S'abda
Brahman (of the form of the Nada), (the means to be
employed for the attainment oi the Parama Aksara),
(when viewed from the point of one ignorant of the
Brahman) ; (for, says the S'ruti, " Immersed deeply in
the S'abda Brahman, one attains the Para»Brahman ").
There is (the Para) power (of the same character as
Cit) mherent m the Muladhara of the mdistmct form,
known as Bmdu and having Nada as its support. From
that alone arises Nada, even as the sprout out of the
subtle seed. That, by means of which the Yogm-s see
the universe, they know it as Pas'yantl, (also known as
Anahata). (Says the S'ruti, " Sprouting out of the
Para, it (the Nada) is turned into two petals in the
Pas'yantl. Budding in the Madhyama, it blooms in
the • Vaikhari.") In the heart, (wherein is the Anahata)
is placed this sound, which resembles that of a thunder-
ing cloud. It is known as Madhyama, O Lord of the
gods, situated there. That alone is again known as
Vaikhari, when, in conjunction with the PrSria yital
368 THE YOGA UPAN ISADS
air, that goes by the name of Svara, (when it takes
the form of articulate expression). (1-5)
Enunciation of the Form of the Vaikhari
One should utter the syllables commencmg from
" A " and endmg with " Ksa," by moving the palate
and other seats (of speech), by (making them assume) the
form of the sprouts and branches of trees. From the
syllables are (evolved) words and from words is the
formation of sentences. The Mantra-s, Veda-s and
S'astra-s in their entirety , the Purana-s, the KSvya-s
and the diverse languages, as well as the seven notes
of the musical scale, folk-songs and everything produced
out of sounds are of the character of sentences. This
is the goddess, Sarasvati, abiding in the hearts of all
beings and prompted, by stages, by the wind along with
fire, in this manner, assumes the form of words of two
or three syllables and sentences. (5-9)
By the Intuitive Perception of VaikharI is
Attained Remarkable Power of Speech
That Yogin, who sees in himself this power of
Vaikhari, attains by the grace of the Goddess of Learn-
ing remarkable power of speech and shall, of his own
accord, become the author of Veda-s, S'astra-s and
Purana-s, (as borne out by the S'ruti, " Four are the
stages marked out by speech. Those Brahmana-s who
know them become sages. Three of them, placed in
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI$AD 369
the hollow, do not show themselves out. The fourth,
vtz., speech, men speak"). (10, 11)
The Real Form of the Paramaksara
Wherein, O Austere One ! the Bindu, the Nada,
the Moon, the Sun, Fire and Air and all the senses
(of perception and motor action) attain their dissolu-
tion, wherein the vital airs get dissolved and the mind
takes Its final rest, after attaining which, no other gain
IS considered as of a higher measure beyond that, taking
his stand on which (the seeker) is not moved even by
a great calamity, wherein the mind, restrained in the
service of Yoga, finds repose, wherein (the seeker)
seemg his Atman, with his Atman, rejoices in the Atman,
that which is intense happiness, capable of being grasped
by the intellect, but beyond the range of the senses, this,
which hes beyond whatever is perishable and imp>ensh-
able, IS known as the peerless Aksara, (the Paramaksara)
All beings are perishable. The Sutratman is known as
the Imperishable. The transcendent Brahman, which
IS indeterminate and unattached is imperishable. That
has no description, nor aim ; is non-conjecturable and
peerless ; has neither this side, nor the side beyond ;
is indivisible, incomprehensible and extremely flawless ;
is the prop of all beings ; has no support ; is npn-ailing;
has no sanction ; is non-demonstrable, immeasurable and
beyond the range of perception ; is non-gross, atomless
and non-dimumtive ; is lengthless, originless and waste-
less ; IS soundless, intangible and formless ; that has
neither eyes, nor ears, nor name ; is all-knowing,
U 47
370 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
all-reaching, tranquil and standing in the hearts of all ; is
capable of being well comprehended, by (following) the
import of the instructions of the Guru ; and not capable
of being comprehended even with difficulty, by those not
endowed with a (sound) mind ; is digit-less, quality-less,
tranquil, changeless, and independent (of everything
else ;) is smearless ; does not stand in need of protec-
tion ; IS immoveable, unchangeable and perpetually the
same ; and is unaffected and constant. (11-21)
The Attainment of the Para-brahman Through
THE Devotion to and the Meditation on the
S'arda-brahman
That luminary of luminaries, which is established
at the edge of darkness, which is released from existence
and non-existence, which is within the range of fancy
alone, that supreme truth can be attained by means of
devotion, coupled with the mind absorbed within Here-
in, O Brahman, fancy alone is the cause, even as fancy
IS the cause for men to become embodied again. When
a man contemplates over a particular subject, his mind
would take delight in (pondering over) that subject.
The mind of one who contemplates on me (either in
the qualified or the unqualified aspect) gets dissolved
m me alone, m this world (and he becomes the qualified
or -the unqualified Brahman, as the case may be, as
borne out by the S'ruti, " In whichever aspect he ap-
proaches him, (the Paramatman), he becomes only so.")
—Thus. (22-25)
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANl^AD 371
CHAPTER IV
Falsity of the Nature of the JIva
Owing to the one form assumed by the Supreme
Consciousness, no difference is attached (to it) wherever.
Even as in a rope, there is the false conception of a
snake, so also should the (false) nature of the Jiva be
understood. Just as, in the absence of knowledge about
the real nature of a rope, the rope verily puts on the
aspect of a snake in a trice, even so, it is the supreme
consciousness alone, which puts on the actual aspect of
the phenomenal world, (so long as ignorance of its real
nature jjersists. The moment real knowledge of the
Atman dawns, the phenomenal world becomes consci-
ousness alone). (1» 2)
The Brahman-hood of the Entire Phenomenal
World
The immediate cause of the phenomenal world is
no other than the Brahman. Hence, this phenomenal
world in its entirety is the Brahman alone and nothing
else. What is pervaded and what pervades, is all false
as, according to the scripture, all is the Atmant Should
the highest truth be understood thus, where is the room
for any difference (of opinion) ? For the reason that all
bemgs take their origin from the Paramltman, (which
is) the Brahman, for that reason, think that all these
become the Brahman alone. Deem that the Brahman
372 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
alone is the mainstay of all names, diverse forms and
actions, in their entirety. Even as the quality of being
gold permanently inures, in an article made of it, so
will the Brahmanhood be, of what is generated out of
the Brahman. (3-7)
Seeing Things as Apart from the Brahman,
THE Cause of Ruin
Whichever foolish soul takes his stand, making
even the slightest diflference between the JTVeitman and
the Paramatman, even talking with him will bring
about fearful consequences. Dualism would result
from such ignorance and he sees that (dualism) in other
things also. (At the dawning of wisdom), he then sees
all as being of the character of the Atman and not an
atom of anything else therein. (8, 9)
Falsity of the Phenomenal World, wherein
We Function
Even though this world has been experienced
(by us) and is fit for carrying out (our) daily functions,
it is of the form of non-existence, even as a dream dis-
turbed at ^ the next minute. There is no waking state
in a dream, nor a dream in the waking state. Neither
of them IS there in a state of repose, nor is repose in
either of them. All the three, the products of the three
Guija-s, (Rhythm, Mobility and Inertia) are only false.
He jvho sees this, transcends the Guna-s and this (entity),
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 373
which IS eternal, is of the character of Consciousness.
Even as the delusion of the pot m earth, and the (ap-
parent) state of being silver in the pearl-oyster, even so
the state of being the JTva m the Brahman, vanishes,
when looked at from close-quarters. Even as the
name of " pot " would bear significance in earth, the
name of ear-ornament in gold, the reputation of silver
in the pearl-oyster, even so the significance of the
appellation Jiva in the Parmatman. Even as there is
the blue colour of ethenal space, the water (of the
mirage) in a desert, manhood in a log of wood, even
so the phenomenal world is in the Atman of Conscious-
ness Fi^ven as a vampire reduces itself to vacuity, the
city ot the Gandharva-s (castle in the air), the presence
of two Moonb in the firmament, even so does the basis
of the phenomenal world on Truth. Even as it is
water alone, that is \erily suggested by the waves, large
and small, even as with the name of the pot, the earth,
and with the name of the piece of cloth, the threads
(composmg it), even so with the name of the world (of
phenomena), Supreme Consciousness manifests itself.
All is absolutel) the Brahman alone. (10-18)
Thk Extreme Improbability of the Phenomenal
World Apart from the Brahman
Even as there is no son of a sterile woman, even
as there is no water in a desert, even as there is no tree
in .the ethenal regions, even so the existence of the
world there is not. When the pot is grasped, the earth
374 THE VOGA UPANI§ADS
(of which it is made) forcibly manifests itself ; even so,
when the phenomenal world is closely scrutinized, the
effulgent Brahman alone manifests itself. (18-20)
Attribution of the Body and the like
TO the Atman through Ignorance
I, the Atman, am always pure. It (the Atman)
always appears to be impure. Even as the rope
has always a two-fold aspect to the knowing man
and the man of ignorance, even as the pot is made of
earth, even so the body also is a form of consciousness.
The distinction between the Atman and the Anatman is
only made in vain by wise men. Even as the rope is
determined by the fool to be of the character of a
snake and a pearl-oyster to be of the character of
silver, even so, the state of the Atman is considered
(by him) to be of the character of the body. Even as
earth (is considered) of the character of the pot, a
mirage to be of the character of water, logs of wood
as of the character of a house, and (anything) made of
iron to be of the character of a sword, even so, one sees
m virtue of the influence of ignorance, the embodied
state m the Stman. — Thus. (20-24)
THE yOGA-S'IKHOPANI?AD 375
CHAPTER V
The Body Possessed of the Characteristics
OF A Temple of Visnu
Once again, I shaJ] relate unto you about Yoga, the
profound secret, which is of the form of the Brahman.
Listen (to the discourse), O Brahman, with an attentive
mind m the regular order. The body is a city with ten
gateways, provided with the ten highways of the Nadl-s,
perflated by the ten winds, covered by the ten senses
(of perception and action), with the six inner chambers
of the plexuses, the great forest fit for the practice of
the six kinds of Yoga, (Mantra, Laya, Hatha, Raja,
BhSvana and Sahaja, with different methods of practice)
with the four Pitha-s scattered about it, provided with
the lamps of the four V'eda-s, the residence of the
Bindu, the Nada, the great Lifiga, Visnu and Laksmi,
the body is said to be a temple of Visnu, bestowing
special powers on mortals. (1-4)
Detailed Description of the Six Plexuses
AND THE Four PifHA-s
The Mtiladhara, which is triangular h\ shape, is
situated m the interspace between the anus and the
genitals. That is said to be the seat of S'lva in the
form of Jiva ; wherein is established the exquisite
power, known as the Kuo(Jalini; wherefrom the vital
air has its origin ; whence arises the fire ; whenqe the
376 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
Bindu takes its origin ; whence is generated the NSda ;
whence is produced the Haipsa ; whence is produced
the (introspecting) mind. This is verily the Pitha
known as Kama-rupa, which bestows the fruits of
desire. At the root of the genitals, with the six corners
(is situated) the plexus known as Svadhisthana. In
the region of the navel is situated the ten-petalled
Mani-pura plexus. In the heart is the great plexus
An5hata with twelve petals. This is the Pitha known
as Purna-gin, O Brahman ' In the well of the throat
is situated, what is known as X'ls'uddhi, the sixteen-
petalled plexus, wherein is established the Pitha, known
as Jalamdhara, O Lord of the gods ' The superior
plexus, known as Ajfla, (is situated) with two petals m
the middle of the eyebrows. Over (this) is. establi-
shed the great Pitha, known as Uddiyana Earth,
to begin with, is four-spoked and Brahman is its
presiding deity. Water is of the aspect of the half-
moon and Visnu is its presiding deity. Fire is the
triangular region and Rudra is its presiding deity. The
form of Vayu is six-spoked and Sarpkarsa is its pre-
siding deity. The region of Ether is circular and its
deity is S'ri NSiayana. The region of the mind in the
middle of the eyebrows, they know, to be of the fotm
of the N5da. This, the seat of S'aipbhu, O Brahman,
has already been described unto you. (5-16)
The Real Form of the NXdi'-cakra
Henceforward I shall relate about the determina-
tion ^ of the plexus of the N5di-s. Standing in the
THE YOGA-s'IKHOPANI§AD 377
triangle of the Mul3dhara is the SusumQl of twelve
digit-lengths. She, having the appearance of a bamboo
half-split at the root, is known as the Brahma-na4l-
The I^ and the Pmgala, which are situated on either
side of her, interwoven with the Vilambmi, reach the
interior of the Na4ika. Vital air of the form of gold
flows through the Ida in the left. Assuming the
character of the Sun, (it) f^ows by the right side through
the Piiigala, The Natjll known as the Vilambinl is
distinctly placed in the navel. There have originated
the Nadl-s, which ramify crosswise, upwards and down-
wards. Thai IS known as the plexus of the navel and is
placed like the egg of a hen. Therefrom proceed the
Gaipdhari and the Hasti-jihva to the two eves; the
Pusa and the Alambusa reach the two ears ; therefrom
the great Nadi, named S'urS, reaches the middle of the
eyebrows , that N54l. which is the Vis'vodari, eats food
of four kinds ; that Nadi, which is the Sarasvatl, spreads
to the tip of the tongue ; that Na^I, which is called
the Raka, having drunk water m a minute, produces
sneezing and Hlls the nose with phlegm ; that Ns4l,
which originates from the hollow of the throat, known
as the S'ankhini, goes with face downward and bnnging
the essence of food (chyle), always fills (it) in the
crest. There are three Nk'^l-s going below ihe navel
with faces downward ; the Kuhu NSiJl evacuates faeces ;
the Varupj lets flow the urine ; the Na^i of the frenum
of the prepuce, known as th^ CitrS, is the cause of the
discharge of semen. Thus is known the ME4l-cakra.
Hence listen to the form of the Bindu. (16:27)
U 48
378 the yoga upani?ads
The Body of the Brahman, of the Three-
fold Character of Bindu, Agni and Soma
The body of the Brahman is of three kinds : the
gross, the subtle and the transcendent. The gross one
is the Bmdu of the character of semen. The subtle
one is of the form of the five fires. The transcendent
one IS said to be of the character of the Moon. The
eternal witness is the eternal Acyuta. (28-29)
Fancying the Five Fires and the
Fruit Thereof
That Kalagni, which is established in the nether
part of the Patala (nether) regions, that MulSgni (basic
fire), wherefrom the Nada takes its origin, is in the
body. That Badabagni in the body finds its place in
the middle of the bone. The fire of wood and stone
verily has its place in the middle of the bone. The
fire taking its ongm from wood and stone is of the earth
and has its seat m that part of the alimentary canal
from which vital warmth is diflfused. The fire that
has its seat m mid-ethenal rigions is of lightning and
of the character of the interior of the Atman. The fire
that has. its place in the etherial region and is of the
form of the Sun, abides in the region of the navel. This
Sub showers poison (downwards) and streams nectar in
the upward direction. The Moon standing at the root
of the palate, showers nectar in the downward direction.
Th^ Bindu, which resembles clear crystal, has its abode
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANIgAD 379
in the middle of the eyebrows. That is known as the
subtle form of the radiant Maha-visnu. That intelligent
(Yogm), who conceives of these five fires by means
of his intellect, whatever is eaten and drunk by him,
partakes of the nature of a sacrificial offering alone.
There is no doubt about it. (29-35)
■ Rousing the Kundalini
With dreams conducive to his health and food
well-digested and temperate, (the Yogm), having at first
purified his body and assuming a comfortable posture,
should purify the path of the vital air, by means of
m-filling, expulsion and holding (of his breath). Having
with effort constricted the anus, he should worship the
mam power (by rousing the Kundalini). (36, 37)
Practice ok the Khe-cari Mudra and Its Fruit
He should i>erforni the Bandha, known as U^diyana,
in the navel and in the middle of the organ of sex. By
doing so, he moves flying upwards. In virtue of that
power, (it is) the seat of UcJ^iySna. He should constrict
the throat a little. This is Jalaipdhara Bandha. He
should, with a firm mind and self-possessed, perform
the Bandha (known as) the Khe-cari MudrS. The
tongue moving in the reverse direction enters • the
crevice of the cranium. The eyes turn (inwards) into
the interior of the eyebrows. This forms the Khe<cari
Mudi?. When (by the Yogm) the crevice above the
380 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
uvula IS closed up with the Khe-cari, the nectar does
not fall over the fire, nor does the vital air leap forwards.
Neither hunger, nor thirst, nor sleep, nor sloth is pro-
duced. He who knows the Khe-carl Mudra, for him
there will be no death. (38-42)
Attainment of At-one-ness by the Conception
OF NXrayana in the Sahasrara
Then, in the ethenal space at the front and rear,
(vts., the Sahasrara or the Ajffa) in the DvS-das'anta
tfe%\OT\ o^i xVie c\\2LtacteT oi ^icyuta, the seat of Uddiyana,
which IS nondual, propless and unattached, (the Yogm)
should meditate upon Narayana, having his seat in the
middle of the lotus, reaching the middle of the disc of
the Moon, and always streammg forth nectar (Then)
will break away the knot of the heart, all doubts Aanish,
the (previous) Karma (of the Yogm) will become spent
up, when (the Brahman), what is this shoie as well as
the other (of the ocean of existence), is seen. (43-45)
Expedients for the Attainment oi the
Respective Siddhi-s bv the Yogin hamng
Recourse to the Methods Prescribed
•
Now shall I relate, O Lord of the gods ' the Siddhi
and the easy expedient of attaining it, (to be adopted)
by those who have conquered their senses, attained
quiescence, and conquered their breath and their mind.
The resting of the mind, O Brahman ! in the NSda is
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANISAD 381
the cause of clairaudience. By resting the mind m the
Bmdu, one can attain clairvoyance. Should the mind
rest in the Kalatman, that is the origin of the know-
ledge of the past, present and future. The nvetting of
one's mind on to the body and mind of another is what
enables (one) to enter other bodies. One should
conceive of nectar m the crest, for counteracting the
effects of hunger, thirst and poison. Should one per-
form Dharana of his mind over the earth, access to
the nether world is attained. Should one perform
Dharana of his mind over water, he will never be
vanquished by water. Should one perform DharanI of
the mind over fire, he will never be scorched by fire.
Should one rest his mind on Air, there will be
traversing the'sk) (rendered possible for hiin). Should
he perform DharanS of his mind over Ether, he will
attain the psychic powers of attenuation and the like.
Fixing his mind on the form ot the V'lraj, he will attain
the power oi increasing in size at will. Fixing the
mind on the lour-taced Biahman, he will become the
creator of the world. By fancying himself to be of the
form of Indra, he will enjoy all carnal pleasures. (Fixing
the mind) on the form of Visnu, the great Yogin will
sustain the entire universe ; on the form of Rudra, the
great Yogin will destroy even with his radiance. Fixing
the mind on Naraya^ia, he will become one with
Narayana. Fixing the mmd on V5su-deva, he -will
attain all success. In whichever manner the Yogin,
who has accomplished Yoga and conquered his senses,
shapes his desires, in the same manner he will attain
382 THE YOGA UPANISADS
the objects of his desire accordingly. In this, the frame
of mmd IS alone the cause. (46-55)
Rule Regarding the Service of the
Preceptor
The Guru is Brahman , the Guru is Visnu ; the
Guru is always the Lord Acyuta ; greater than the Guru
there is no one whatsoever m all the three worlds. One
should worship with extreme devotion (the Guru), who
imparts divine wisdom, who is the spiritual guide, who
IS the Supreme Lord (himself) For him there will be
the fruit of knowledge. Even as the Guru, so is
Is'vara. Even as the Is'vara, so is the (juru. He should
be adored with great devotion. There is no difference
between these two. One should not engage in debate,
on equality of status with the Guru anywhere. With
devotion, one should conceive m his mind of the
identical character of the Guru, God and the Atman.
(56-59)
Greatness of the Yoga-S'ikha
To that man of great intellect who knows the
profound .secret, the Yoga-s^ikha, there is not even a
little unknown to him, in all the three worlds. Neither
religious merit, nor sin, nor cause for discomfort, nor
sorrow, nor defeat, nor the coming back once again
into this region of wordly existence, is there for him,
on any account. (60, 61)
the yoga-s'ikhopanl§ad 383
Rule Regarding the Attitude of Indifference
TOWARDS Psychic Powers
The Yogm should not, with a ficlde mind, aJlow his
mind to dwell on the Siddhi (attainment of psychic
power). Albeit, this person, dhce he comes to realize
the Truth, becomes liberated alone, no doubt. — Thus
the Upanisad. (62)
CHAPTER VI
RuLU Regarding the Mode of Cultivating
THE KUNDALlNi S'AKTI
" Pray, tell me, O Parames'vara ' the method of
cultivatmg (the KundalinT S'akti), by the very knowledge
of which I may be released from worldly existence." " I
shall presently speak to thee about the secret formula
for cultivating it, the method to be adopted therefor
and the fruit following from listening to it, O Hiranya-
garbha ! After attentively listening to it, d© cultivate
it m the right manner. — My salutations to thee, the
Susumrfi (path), the Kun^alini (power), the nectar
flowing from the region of the Moon (in the SahasrSra),
the Unmani state of the mmd, the great power that is
of the character of Supreme Consciousness." .(1-3)
384 the yoga upanisads
Real Form of the Susumna
A hundred and one are the Nadl-s of the heart.
Of these, one goes in the direction of the crest. Going
through that, one attains immortahty The others
spread out in various directions. There are one hundred
and one Nadi-s Among these, (one) is known as the
Para. Free from contamination and of the form of
the Brahman, the Susumna reposes in the Para. The
lo^ stands to the left and the Pingala to the right.
Between these two is that exquisite seat He who
knows that is the knower of the Veda One should
hold the vital air passing through the nostrils therein
and causing it to become one of lengthened breath
there, he should practise only by stages. At the hind
part of the anus, there is the Vina-danda (vertebral
column) bearing up the body Up to the end of the
long bony frame, it is said, there is the Brahma-nadl
At the end (of the vertebral column), between the
I4a and the Pingala, there is the fine tube of the form
of the Sun, the Susumria, which is called the Brahma-
nadl by sages. (4-9)
The Susumna, the Main Prop of All
All (Nadi-s) reaching all parts (of the body) and
spreading m all directions, are placed in that (Sus-
umpa). Along its course are placed the Sun, the
Moon, Fire and Parames'vara, as also the groups
of (five) Elements, the cardinal points, places of
THE YOGA-S'IKHOPANI§AD 385
pilgrimage, oceans, mountains, rocks, islands, rivers, the
Veda-s, S^astra-s, Vidya-s, Kala-s (arts and crafts), the
letters of the Alphabet, the notes of the musical scale,
Mantra-s (mystic formulas), the Purapa-s, the Guna-s
(Rhythm, Mobility and Inertia), all these, in all direc-
tions, their seed, the Bijatman, and the vital airs,
their witnesses. The Susumna is a veritable universe
in the interior (of the body) and everything that could
be reached by the various tiny Nadi-s is established
in (the Susumna) which is, so to say, the inmost
Atman of all beings. It has its root upwards and
its branches spreading downwards and can reach every-
where through the path of the vital air. There are
Seventy-two thousand Nadl-s, which, being full of
holes, could be reached by the vital air by all paths.
What are of the character of being filled with holes,
cross below and above, when all the holes are obstructed
by the Kundalinl. (10-15)
The Awakening of the Para S'akti
One should attain liberation, through knowledge of
what IS higher up, by means of the (Kundalinl) Jlva-
s'akti, coupled with the vital air. After knowing the
Susumna (Nadl), (then) bursting through it and making
the vital air pass right through the middle of it, (he)
should restrain it m the nostril, at the Baindava-sthana
(between the middle of the eyebrows). In the human
body there are Seventy-two thousand openings of
NSdl-s. (Among them), the Susumrja is the power of
U 49
386 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
S'arpbhu, while the remaining others are of no value.
When " Hrim ", which is the exquisite Bliss (of
the Is'vara-tattva) is established at the root of the
palate, (the practitioner should restrain his mind, breath
and the like). By restraining (the mind, etc.) above
that stage, where are the Turya and the Turya-turya,
(aiming at which) he should utter the Para S'akti,
(Pranava of sixteen Matra-lengths) abiding in the
crevice of the Brahman Should there be (thereafter)
Bhramara-srsti, (the occurrence of the progeny of
revolving mental functions), (for says the S'ruti, " Desire,
volition, doubt, smcenty, insincerity, firmness, fickle-
ness, bashfulness, cognition, fear, all this is the mind
alone,") (in other words, even though there is no scope
for such functions in the seedless Brahma-randhra,
should there be such in the Vis'uddhi plexus, climbing
down from the middle of the eyebrows), then (by firmly
holding on to the Ajna plexus) he should boldly give
up being deluded by attachment to the objects of
worldly desires, (by flatly denying them, as they are
the cause of his rum). (16-19)
Meditation on the Paramatman
I see the lamp of the form of consciousness, which
destroys the intense darkness remaining in the interior
of -all men, which is capable of being reached and not
reached (by the various functions of the senses), and
(yet) devoid of being so reached (and not reached). I
salute the Hamsa of the form of. the Paramatman.
THE YOGA-S'1KHOPANI§AD 387
Of the sound, Anahata, (not produced by any impact) ;
what IS the echo of that sound ; the radiance that is
in the interior of that echo ; the mind that is m the
interior of that radiance ; when that mmd meets with
dissolution, that is the exquisite state of Vispu, (20-21)
Attainment of Liberation bv the Dissolution
OF THE PrAI^IA AND OTHERS IN THE AdHARA-
Bkahman
Some say that the Adhara is (where) the Susumna
and the Sarasvati (Nadl-s) (are established). As, from
the Adhara, the Universe takes its origin, so the Universe
dissolves in that alone. Hence by all kinds of effort
one should seek shelter at the feet of the Guru, (who
would expound the real nature of the Adhara). When
the power inherent in the Adhara-(Kundalini) is dor-
mant, the Universe is overtaken by sleep. When the
power inherent (in the Kundalini) is roused, all the
three worlds are aroused. He who knows the Adhara,
reaches what is beyond darkness. By knowing that
alone, man is nd of all sins. When the Guru is pleased
of his own accord, then through the lustre of the
AdhSra plexus, radiant like a cluster of lightning, there
will be liberation undoubtedly, (as borne out by the
S'ruti, " Attainable from him whom alone he (the
seeker) seeks ")• He should cut asunder religious merit
and sin with the lustre of the Sdhlra plexus. By restrain-
ing the vital air in the AdhSra, he seeks, repose in some
other ethenal region; by restraining the- vital air in
388 THE YOGA UPANlgADS
.the Sdhara, even the body shakes ; by restraining the
vital air m the Adhara, the Yogin dances for all time ;
by restraining the vital air in the Adhara, he sees the
universe there alone (by realizing that there is nothing
beyond the Atman). The Sdhara, (the prime cause)
of all created things (apart from the Brahman) is the
Adhara (the Brahman alone). In the Adhara, (abide)
all deities. In the Adhara (abide) also all the Veda-s.
Hence (one) should have recourse to the Adhara. In
the hind part of the Adhara, there occurs the conflu-
ence of the three Nadi-s, {Ida, Pmgala and Susumna).
By bathing and drinking there, man is deprived of all
his sins. In the Adhara is the Pas'cima LiAga (inmost
consciousness), as well as its door (the three knots).
By bursting through it (the door) alone, one is liberated
from the bondage of worldly-minded-ness. in the
hmd part of the Adhara (in the Susumna) are the
Sun and the Moon. Should they be constant, there
stands the Lord of the Universe, by meditating on
whom {the Yogin) attains communion with the Brah-
man. (22-32)
By Meditating on the Fokms of the Deities,
Brahman and Others in the Plexuses,
is'flffected the entrance into the
Brahma-randhra
In the hind pari of -the Adhara, there stands the
form of the deity, symbolically. (In this manner, the
vot^iries should meditate on the appropriate deity.
THE YOGA-sTKHOPANIgAD 389
gracing the plexuses). (Yogin-s) restrain (the vital air)
which (formerly) went out of the Brahma-randhra (the
SusumnS Na^i), (at first) m the left and right (Ida and
PiAgala Na^l-s) and (thereafter), forcibly bursting
through the six plexuses (with the three knots m their
order, then after drinking the nectar flowing out of the
union of the Sun, the Moon and Fire) enter, through
the Susumna, the Sahasrara, which is resplendent with
the Turya and the Turiyatita and seek repose therein.
Those who enter the Brahma-randhra (thus) attain the
highest state. (33-34)
Liberation of one Whose Inner Senses are
Dissolved in the Brahma-randhra
When the Haqisa (the vital air) springs down-
wards and upwards in the Susumna, when one inces-
santly causes the Prana vital air to revolve m the
Susumna, when the vital air of the intelligent (Yogin-s)
gets steady m the Susumna, by entrance into the Sus-
umria, the Sun and the Moon will get dissolved. He
who knows the state of equipoise at that stage, he is
the real knower of Yoga. When, in the Susumna, the
current of one's mind is lost, when, m the Susumria,
the Yogin takes his stand for even a single minute,
when, in the SusumpS, the Yogin has (full) command
for half a minute, when, in the Susumpa, the Yogin holds
fast, as salt in water, when, in the Susum^, the Yogis
IS lost, . as milk m water ; then, the knot (of the differ-
ence between tne Jiva and Is'vara) breaks ; all doubts
390 THE YOGA UPANI5ADS
vanish and get lost in the transcendent Ether and the
(Yogin-s) attain the highest state. (35-40)
The Greatness of Su^umi^iS-Yoga
Bathing in the Ganges and the Ocean and wor-
shipping the Mani-karnika (at Benares), do not deserve
even one-sixteenth of (the merit due to) the investi-
gation of the middle Nadl ( the Susumna). There is
hberation for (one paying) a visit to S'rl-sraila, for one
who dies at Benares, for drinking the water of Kedara,
and for having a sight of the middle Nadl (the
Susumria). Thousands of horse-sacnfices and hundreds
of Vaja-peya-s do not deserve even a sixteenth of (the
merit due to) Yoga attained by meditating on the
Susumria. Whichever man discourses on the Susumria
is nd of all sins and will attain eternal Bliss. The
Susumiria alone is the holiest place of pilgrimage. The
Susumria alone is the most efficacious prayer. The
Susumria alone is meditation of the highest order. The
Susumria alone is the worthiest goal. The vanouakinds
of sacrifices, gifts, vows and austere observances do not
deserve even a sixteenth part of (the merit due to) Yoga
attained by meditating on the Susumna. (41-46)
Clarification of the Respective Positions
Assumed by the Power of Supreme Conscious-
ness and the JIva
In that great place, the Brahma-randhra, ever
abides the S'lva, the power of Supreme Consciousness,
THE YOGA-s'IKHOPANIgAD 391
the greatest Goddess, well placed right in the middle.
Similarly in the lotus of Ether, m the foremost part of
the forehead (abides) the MSya S'akti ; in the middle of
the forehead (abides) the Para S'akti, of the form of
Nada (Sound) ; in the hind part of the forehead
(abides) the S'akti consisting of Bindu (of the form of
the mind). In the middle of the Bmdu there abides the
Jivatman in a subtle form. In the middle of the heart
(he abides) in a gross form and does not (move)
(either) in the middle (of the eyebrows or the
Sahasrara). [Should he move in either of them,
he either becomes perishable or becomes the imperish-
able Brahman]. (47-50)
The Manner of Ham.sa Prayer by the Jiva,
when l'ndkk the control of the vltal airs
The Jlva, under the control of the Prfna and Apana
(vital airs), leaps downwards and upwards and is not
seen to move either to the right or to the left. Even
as a ball thrown by the forearm goes onwards, even so
the Jlva impelled by the Prapa and Apana (vital airs)
does not rest. The Apana draws the Prana and the
PrSna likewise draws the Apana. With the sound of
" Ha " It goes out and with the sound of " Sa " it
enters again. The Jlva ever utters this Mantra, v»«.,
" Harpsa, Haipsa " — thus. The Jlva knowing this
becomes the imperishable (Brahman), (by conceiving,
" I am the imperishable," and simultaneously with the
dawning of such knowledge becomes the Brahman). He
who knows this is the real knower of Yoga. (5 J -54)
392 the yoga upani?ads
Liberation and Bondage due to Difference in
THE Position of the Kundalini
The Kurtdalini S'akti, which has its place above
the knot of the navel, is of the form of Liberation, in
the case of Yogin-s and leads to bondage, in the case of
fools. He who knows that (power), is the real knower
of Yoga. (Should the Kundalini move upwards from its
position, as in the case of an accomplished Yogin, that
leads to liberation. Should it not rise, as in the case
of a fool, his bondage does not cease). (55)
The Pranava, the Support of All
(In whose Matra-s (syllables) stand) Bhur, Bhuvar
and Suvar, these (three) worlds ; the Moon, the
Sun and Fire, the (three) deities, that tianscendent
radiance is (the Pranava) Om. Wherein, the
three durations (past, present and future), the three
deities (Brahman, Visnu and Rudra), the three worlds
(Bhur, Bhuvar and Suvar), the three Svara-s (Hrasva,
Dirgha and Pluta), the three Veda-s (Re, Yajus and
Saman), take their stand, that transcendent radiance
IS (the Pranava) Om. (56, 57)
Bondage and Liberation, the Results of the
Mobility and Immobility of the Mind
When the mind moves, (that) is known as worldly-
minded-ness. The motionless state (of the mind) is
THE YOGA-sTKHOPANIgAD 393
known as Liberation. Hence, O Brahman ! one should
make the mind steady with supreme wisdom. The
mind is the cause of all the ends and aims of life.
While It persists, the three worlds (exist). When that
IS dissolved, the world vanishes. That should be treated
with great endeavour. (58, 59)
By Constantly Dwelling on the Thought
THAT THE MiND DOES NOT ExiST ApAKT
FROM One's Own Atman, the Direct
Perception of the Brahman
COULD BE Attained
I am the mmd of the aspect of Ether I am the
mind which faces in all directions. I am the mind,
I am the all Atman , the transcendent (Brahman) is
not the mind alone. The mind (endowed with the
qualities of Mobility and Inertia) is turned into actions
(of all kinds) The mind is smeared with sinful actions.
Should there be the mind, one can reach ecstasy, when
there will be neither religious merit nor sin. When,
by looking with a mmd (which has attained a rhythmic
state), on a mind (full of Inertia and Mobility) (and
realizing that everything is false), the mind becomes
devoid of functioning, thereafter will verily be seen the
Para-Brahman (rather) rarely. The knower of Yoga,
looking at this mind with his mind, becomes released.
Looking at the mind with the mind, one should always
remember the final ecstasy. Looking at the mind jvith
U 30
394 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
the mind, (the Yogin) should become intent 'on Yoga
for ever. Lookmg at the mmd with the mind, the
conviction (described as Das'a-pratyaya) is seen (by the
Yogin), (the conviction " I am the Brahman dawns
pon him "), (even as, when taught by the Guru " thou
art the tenth ", the conviction " I am the tenth " arises
in the disciple and when taught by the Guru, " That
thou art ", the conviction " that I am " arises). When
convictions bear on him, then he becomes a Yogis'vara.
That, which is the Bindu, the Nada, the Kal^ and
Jyotis, that which is the Otr, the Anujfiatr, the Anuj-
fiaika-rasa, and what is beyond, vtz., the Avikalpa, all
that IS said to be the Para Brahman. (60-66)
The Inseparable connection between the
Prana and the Mind
One laughs, rejoices, plays with affection and
similarly feels happy, ekes out his livelihood, with intel-
ligence and care, is afraid of danger from alj quarters,
quarrels, reflects, when afflicted with grief, gets intoxi-
cated with newly acquired fortune, quails at the venge-
ful acts of his foes, when filled with lust, enjoys (inter-
course with the other sex), putting on a smile. One
should keow that in the body the mind takes delight
in sensual pleasure with the aid of memory. In which-
evcF part of the body the vital air abides, therein will
the mmd surely abide. The mind is said to be the
Moon, the Sun, to he the vital air and the eyes, to be fire.
(They are respectively) the Hindu, t'he Nada and the
THE YOGA-8'IKHOPANISAD 395
KalS, O Brahman ! having as their deities, Visnu, Brah-
man and Is'vara (respectively). (67-70)
Close Application to the Nada is the
Cause of the Dissolution of
the Mind
By closely applymg one's mmd always to the N3da,
previous impression wears away. The vital air and
the Mind, O Lotus-born ! will find their repose, m (the
Brahman) devoid of all attachment. What is the Nada,
that IS the Bindu and that again is the mind, so it has
been said. The Nada, the Bindu and the mind, by the
three should oneness be attained. The mind alone, as
also the Bindu, is the cause of all creation and sus-
tenance. By the mind is the Bindu produced, even as
milk, which is of the character of ghee. (71-73)
Rule Regarding the Practice of Breath-
control along with the Mind
Having thoroughly come to know of the six plex-
uses, the mind of one should enter that comfortable
region (in the mterior of the Susumna). Having entered
It, after drawing in the vital air, he should similarly
place (the mind and vital air) higher up. He should
practise well with the vital air, the Bmdu, so also the
plexus and his mind. Yogin-s reach the nectar, only
simultaneously with the attainment of their Samldhi.
(74, 75)
396 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Without Practice in Accordance with the
Instructions of the Guru there is no
Dawning of Knowledge
Even as the fire dwelling in the interior of the
S'aml wood will not rise up without churning, so also
without the practice of Yoga, the lamp of knowledge
will not (glow). Even as a lamp placed inside a pot
does not at all shine outside, but when the pot is
broken, the flame of the lamp manifests itself. One's
body IS said to be a pot and the Jiva is ot the (same)
state (as the Atman). When (the ignorance encompas-
sing both is) broken, simultaneously with (the dawning of
knowledge frorrt) the Guru's precept, knowledge of the
Brahman manifests itself. Having approached the
Guru, who holds the rudder and holding on firmly to
his precepts (serving) as a boat, with the power derived
from the practice of Yoga and the impressions left by
association with righteous people, (Yogin-s possessed
of the knowledge of the Brahman, through the grace
of the Veda-s and the Guru) cross the ocean of worldly
existence. — Thus the Upanisad. (76-79)
THE VARAHOPANISAD
[This Upanisad, which is the Ninety-eighth among
the 108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Krsna-yajur-
veda, gives an exposition of Jfiana-yoga, after deahng
with the Nmety-six eternal verities and closes with a
description of the Brahman, which has no counterpart
and the Turya-turya, the impiort of the Pranava.]
CHAPTER I
Various views Regarding the Number
OF THE TaTTVA-S (EtERNAL VERITIES)
Then, the great sage Rbhu performed (severe)
penance for a period of twelve years, measured by the
standard of the Deva-s. At its close, the Lord (Visnu)
of the form of the porpoise, manifested himself (before
the sage). (Having done so, desirous of bestowing the
fruit of the penance on the sage), the Lord said thus,
" Arise, arise, choose the boon (of thy heart)." (In
response to the words of the Lord) the sage stood up
and having made obeisance to Him, replied thus : " O
Lord, I do not, even in my dream, propose to bfg of
398 THE YOGA UPANISADS
thee anything whatsoever of the heart's desires of men
of desire. All the Veda-s, S'astra-s, Itih5sa-s and
Purana-s, all the groups of the faculties of learning,
the gods with Brahman as the foremost, all these say
that liberation is attainable from the knowledge of thy
form. Hence, pray explain (unto me) the Brahma-
vidya, which expounds thy form," Thus quoth he.
"Be it so " said the Lord of the form of the porpoise :
" some discoursers (of the Brahman) need (for their
exposition) twenty-four Tattva-s (eternal verities) ;
others thirty-six eternal verities, and yet others ninety-
six. I shall relate them m order. Pray listen with an
attentive mind." (1)
The Twenty-four Tattva-s
The senses of perception are five only, the ears,
the integument, the eyes and others ; the senses of
motor action are five only, speech, hands, feet and
others in order ; the (vital airs) Prana and others are
also five only ; so also, sound and other (perceptions)
are five ; the mind (of volitions), the intellect, self-
consciousness and the (thinking) mind, these four, these
the knowers of the Brahman know as the twenty-
four Tattva-s. (2-4)
The Thirty-six Tattva-s
Along with these Tattva-s, the five elements, Earth,
Water, Fire, Air and Ether (severally) and containing
THE VARXHOPANI5AD 399
all the five (collectively) ; the three bodies, the gross,
the subtle and the causal, (which) wise men know ; and
the three states, waking, dreaming and sleeping ; these
together, sages know as the clusters of thirty-six
Tattva-s. (5, 6)
The Ninety-six Tattva-s
Along with the aforesaid Tattva-clusters, one
should add the Tattva-s : the six varieties of existence :
existence, coming mto being, growth, ripeness, decay
and destruction, these (wise men) know as the six
varieties of existence , hunger, thirst, sorrow, delusion,
dotage and death , these are known as the six Urmi-s
(human infirmities) ; the six sheaths I shall presently
relate unto thee, membrane, blood, flesh, fat, marrow
and bone, know these (to be the sheaths) ; lust, anger,
greed, delusion, infatuation and spite, these are the six
enemies ; Vib'va, Taijasa, and Prajfia, the three Jlva-s ;
Rhythm, Mobility and Inertia, the three Guna-s ; previ-
ously commenced, prospective, and accrued, these are
known as the triad of Karma-s. Speech, grasping,
going, evacuation and pleasure (constituting) the five ;
volition, perseverance, misconception, decision ; delight,
compassion, friendship and indifference, th«se four ;
the cardinal points, VSyu-s, the Sun, Varima, t|!e
As'vin-s, Fire, Indra, Upendra, and Yama, so also,- the
Moon, the fourfaced Brahman, Rudra and Isfvara the
All-witness ; these together are said to be the cluster
of Ninety-six Tattva-s. (7-15)
400 the yoga upani^ads
Liberation only through devotion to the
Lord that Transcends the Tattva-s
Those who seek asylum in me of the form of the
porpoise, who am subject to no ailments and stand
divergmg from the aforesaid Tattva-clusters, verily
become Jivan-mukta-s, havmg surrendered to me their
ignorance and its concomitants. (15, 16)
Fruit of the Knowledge of the Tattva-s
Those who have knowledge of the nmety-six
Tattva-s, m whichever stage of life they may delight ;
whether (such a one has his head) with matted hair, or
close-shaven or with a tuft, is venly released ; there is
no doubt about it. [The ninety-six Tattva-s recognized
by the S5mkhya-s are included in the thirty-six
Tattva-s recognized by the S'aiva-s, which again are
included in the twenty-four Tattva-s exclusively
recognized by the Vedantin-s. These again are inclu-
ded in the single Tattva of M5ya, apart from the
Stman, which MayS again being of the form of non-
existence, which has no correlative, there remains only
the Brahman, which has no correlative. This is the
essence oi the conclusion arrived at by all the systems
of Vedanta!]— Thus. (17)
the»varXhopani§ad 401
chapter ii
The great Yogin of the name of ^bhu (asked) the
great Lord of the form of the porpoise (thus) : — " O
Lord, pray impart unto me the knowledge of the most
exalted Brahma-vidya." Being asked thus, the Lord,
the breaker of the misery of his devotees, said (as
follows) : " The four-fold means, such as detachment
and others arise m the case of men out of practising
the line of conduct appropriate to one's own Varna
(caste) and Ss^rama (stage in life), from severe
penance and propitiating the Guru ; (they are :)
the capacity to distinguish between what is eternal
(the Brahman) and what is ephemeral, (every thing
other than the Brahman) and detachment towards
what is of this world, (such as flower, perfume and
women) and what is of the other, (such as enjoy-
ment of celestial happiness and the like). The desire
for liberation is (the result of) the successful attain-
ment of the six qualities, tranquillity and others,
(self-control, continence, forbearance, sincerity and
abstract meditation.) One should cultivate them pro-
perly. [Tranquillity is control of the internal organs ;
self-control is the control of the external organs ;
continence is the renunciation of all action : for-
bearance is putting up with heat and cold and other
pairs of opposites ; sincerity is implicit faith in* the
scriptural text, as well as the words of the Guru ;
abstract meditation is the one-pointedness of the
mind.] (1-4)
U31
402 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
The Knower of the Brahman and the Stman
ALONE IS the really BlESSED SoUL
Having thus become one, who has conquered his
senses, and given up in all things the sense of " mine-
ness," he should cultivate the sense of " I-ness " in me,
the all-witnessing supreme consciousness. Having
attained the human state, which can be attained only
with great difficulty, that too of the BrShmana in
human form, and through the study of the Vedanta,
that (of a mendicant, distinctly symbolical) of the
great Lord Visnu, if (the Yogin-mendicant) does not
know the form, which is beyond the pale of the
Varna-s and the As'rama-s, (the indistinct symbol of
Visnu), of the character of Existence, Consciousness
and Bliss, when can such an ignorant one become
liberated ^ (4-7)
The Form of the Bliss of the Atman
" I alone am (supreme) Bliss, (the innermost
Brahman) and naught else. Should there be aught else,
that is not at all (the peerless) Bliss. (" That great
abundance is verily Bliss ", says the S'ruti). What
is not intended for me is not dear (to me) ; that
which is intended for me is dear of its own accord.
Let me not be nonexistent, for the reason that I am
the object of affection." " Let me exist always."—
He who sees thus, he am I, the Visiju, O foremost
of gages! ^7.9)
THE VARlHOPANlgAD 40^
The Self-manifest Nature of the Stman
The statement, " I am not the manifest (Brah-
man) ", only postulates the manifest (Brahman). How
can then the unmanifest touch that Stman that mani-
fests of its own accord ? Those who, out of conviction,
come to know of the self-manifest (Brahman), that does
not depend upon anything else, they are verily possessed
of supreme wisdom : this is my firm conviction. (9-11)
The Incompatibility of the Atman with
MSyX and its Progeny
Apart from the Atman which is full by itself, the
phenomenal world, the Jiva, the Is'vara and others do
not exist ; nor does the Maya exist. (By nature) I am
entirely opposed to them. That which is of the form
of the intense darkness of ignorance and is of the
character of Karma (action), Dharma (line of conduct)
and the like, does not at all deserve to touch me, who
am the S^tman that is self- man if est. (11-13)
The Becoming the Brahman of the Knower
OF the Stman that is the Brahman
Whoever sees the Xtman, the All-witness, which
IS devoid of Vaqja (classification) and As'rama (diflfer-
entiation into stages), as of the form of the Brahman,
becomes the Brahman of his own accord. Looking
at all these (phenomena), that shine as the lustrous
404 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
form, which is the highest state from the standpoint of
the Vedanta, one gets released at once. Knowledge
(of the kmd), whereby one looks upon the body as the
Atman, is an obstacle to the right understandmg of
(the nature of) the body, as of the Atman, He whose
knowledge rests on the Atman alone, attains liberation
even without seeking, (13-16)
For the Knower of the Atman, there is no
Bondage Resulting from Karma
That which is of the character of Truth, Knowl-
edge, Bliss and Fullness, (stands furthest) away from
darkness. How can one be bound by Karma, when
he has seen the Bliss of the Brahman, the witness of
the threefold existence, characterized by Truth, Knowl-
edge, Bliss and the like, the real significance borne
by the application of the words " Thou " and " I ", (e.g.,
of the scriptural texts, " That thou art ", "I am the
Brahman,") (standing) apart from all faults (and hence)
undefiled. (16-18)
Divergence between the Wise Man and the
Ignorant Man in the Matter of the
View-points and Positions wherein
They take Their Stand
The eye of knowledge (of a wise man) sees the
aJl-pervading (Brahman), that is Existence, Conscious-
ness^ and Bliss. The eye of ignorance (of an ignorant
THE varXhopani$ad 405
man) does not see the resplendant (innermost) Sun
(of the Brahman), even as a blind man (does not see
the lustrous Sun of the phenomenal world). That
Brahman, which has Truth and Wisdom as its char-
acteristics, IS Wisdom alone. It is only by knowing
the Brahman thus, a mortal becomes immortal. Having
known the real form of one's own Atman, that Bliss
of the Brahman, the non-dual, that is devoid of
qualities, that is Truth and palpable Consciousness,
(one) does not scent danger from any quarter what-
soever. The stand taken by knowers of the Brahman
IS as follows : (There exists) the Brahman alone act-
ually, which is absolute Consciousness, all-pervadmg,
eternal, full, and which is imperishable Bliss and
nought else exists. The phenomenal world is, to an
Ignorant man, filled with a flood of misery, while, to a
wise man, it is full of Bliss. To a blind man the world
is dark, while to men of clear vision it is bright. (18-23)
The Absence of Bondage and Liberation,
Forsooth, in the Stman
When (the seeker) takes his stand on me, of the
form of the porpoise, the endless Existence, Consci-
ousness and Bliss, there will be the dual-less existence.
(While so), what is bondage and who will be liberated
(therefrom) ? The form of the Atman, for all embodied
mortals, is always verily Consciousness alone. The
group of the body and the like is not at all to be looked
upon as a pot. Realizing this phenomenal world of
406 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
things, static and dynamic, which shines as something
other than one's own Xtman, as consisting of one's
own Stman alone, assume the mental attitude, " I am
that (Atman) ". One enjoys, oi his own accord, the
real form of the Atman. There is nothing separately
enjoyable apart from the Atman. Should there be any
such thmg of the form of existence, the Brahman alone
IS of the character of Existence. He who is possessed
of the knowledge of the Brahman, even though he
sees what is reputed to be the entire world, does not
at all see (m it) anything apart from his own Stman,
always. He is in no way bound by Karma (of various
kinds), owing to (his) knowledge of my form. He who
knows (the Brahman) devoid of the body and the senses,
who is the all-witness, the sole knowledge of the supreme
import, the essence of Bliss, the self-manifest, as of the
form of the Atman, all out of self-realization, he should
be known as the man of fortitude. I am he. Do thou
likewise become that, O Rbhu ! Hence (the seeker)
seeing that the experience of the phenomenal world is
not true always, while the experience of the realization
of the form of the Atman is verily (so), and possessed of
full knowledge, is neither liberated from bondage, nor
is he at all bound. (23-31)
Concentration on the Brahman and the Stman
FOR THE Removal of Bondage
He, who, for a MuhQrta, thinks of me, the all-
witnjess, who am dancing on account of concentration
THE varXhopani^ad 407
on the form of the Atman, is liberated from all bondage.
Salutations to me alone, who take my stand in the
inmost recess of all beings, who am of the character of
consciousness, ever liberated, and am of the form of
the inner-most consciousness. Thou am I verily.
Thou art, O Divine power! the glorious I, indeed. To
thee and to me, the endless, to me and to thee, of the
character of consciousness, salutations to me, the
transcendent Lord, salutations also to thee, the
auspicious. What shall I do ? Whither shall 1 go ?
What shall I grasp ? Whit shall I give up ? Even as
the Universe has been filled by me with the water of
the Great Deluge, similarly he who gives up internal
attachment, external attachment, and attachment to
one's own self, with his Atman devoid of all attachment,
he undoubtedly reaches me. He, who avoids the
company of men, as if it were a snake, who (devoid of
lust and possessed of detachment) looks upon a beauti-
ful damsel as carrion, and upon sensual pleasures,
which end in misery, as poison, that Parama-haipsa
(becomes) m this world the Vasu-deva, (».e.), I alone.
This is the Truth. This is the Truth. What is said
here is the Truth. I (am) the Truth, the transcendent
Brahman ; apart from me, nought else exists. (32-38)
Announcement regarding Upavasa which Forms
THE Means TO the Attainment of the Brahman
That abiding near (each other) of the JivStman
and the ParamStman, that (alone) should be known as
408 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Upavasa, and not the drying up of the body. What
(avails) by the mere fasting of the body and that too
in the case of ignorant folk ' Does the great serpent
(abiding in the crevice below) die by the mere beating
of the ant-hill ? (39, 40)
Non-vicarious (Direct) Knowledge, the Means
TO JiVAN-MUKTI
" There is the Brahman • " — should one know thus,
that IS only vicarious knowledge. " I am the Brahman • "
— should one know thus, that is known as direct percep-
tion. At what time the Yogm knows his own Atman
alone, commencing from that time, this (Yogin) be-
comes a Jivan-mukta. The firm conviction, " I (am)
the Brahman," (when it arises), is the cause of liberation
to the high-souled ones. (41-43)
Rule Relating to the Giving up of the
Internal Anxiety about the Brahman
Two positions there are (leading) to bondage and
liberation : what are known as the *' mine-less " and the
" mine " (attitudes). What is the " mine " attitude, (by
that) is bound the created being and (by) the " mine-
less '' attitude is liberated. Neither outward anxiety nor
inward anxiety should be evinced, O Rbhu ! Giving up
all anxiety, remain always at ease, taking thy stand on
the ^tman. (43, 44)
the varahopani^ad 409
Contemplation of the Great Lord, the Sole
Expedient to ward of all Anxiety
The world in its entirety (is) the outcome of deter-
mination alone. The manifestation of the world
(likewise) is dependent on determination. Give up
this, which is determination alone. Approaching (me)
the non-determinate one, conceive, in thy heart, the
state that is mine. Thinking of me, singing my glories,
mutually conversing about me, having become solely
absorbed in me, O sage of great intellect, spend thy
time. Conceive that there is consciousness (in every
thing) in this life, that this is consciousness alone,
(this is) made of consciousness alone, thou art consci-
ousness, I am consciousness, and that all these worlds
are consciousness. Converting passion into passion- -
lessness, remain always unattached. (45-48)
The Brahman alone Lying beyond the Range
of all Creative Imagination should be
Thought of
How can the lamp of the knowledge of the Atman,
having the Holy Writ as its genesis, be affected by
action of any kind, arising from the syntactical relations
known as K5raka-s, commencing from the agent (Kartr)
and the like, which is the offspring of Ignorance ?
Giving up the state of the Anltman, remaining unaffect-
ed by the condition of the phenomenal world, with a
singleness of purpose, do become absolutely intent on
V 52
410 THE YOGA UPANISADS
the perception of (the Brahman) abiding in the inner-
most (core of everything). The Ether of the pot and
the Ether pf the monastery are estabhshed in the great
(ocean of) Ether. In the same manner, the Jiva and
Is'a (Tattva-s) are formed out of the Ether of consci-
ousness in me. That which does not exist before me,
the Atman, and similarly vanishes at the end, that has
been sung as Maya by Brahma-vadm-s (discoursers on
the Brahman), out of their true discernment. When
Maya and its progeny perish, there is neither overlord-
ship, nor existence (as a Jiva). Purified by its riddance,
I am the supreme consciousness alone, propless like
Ether and of the character of sentience and nonsen-
tience, assuming the form of the jTva, Is'vara and the
like. Creation commencing from reflection and ending
with penetration (into the Brahman) is the work of
Is'a. Worldly existence, commencing from waking and
ending with liberation is the work of the Jiva.
(Practices) commencing from the vow of Trt^ct{ke)ta
and ending with Yoga, (these) are based on delusion
about the Is^vara. (Schools of thought) commencing
from Lokayata (rank materialism) and ending with the
^ipkhya (system of philosophy), are based on the
delusion of the Jiva. Therefore should no thought be
directed «t all towards the controversies relating to the
Jiva and Is'a by seekers after liberation. On the other
hand, let the Truth relating to the Brahman be investi-
gated upon by the non-fickle one. To what extent
people do not understand the truth about the non-dual
Brahman, to that extent, all those are only deluded.
THE VARXH0PAMI$AD 41 1
Whence is liberation for them, whence happiness in
this world ? (48-57)
The Brahman Nondifferentiated within,
Transcending all States
For them (the deluded), should there be the notion
of superiority and inferiority, what would result there-
from ? Will a man roused (from sleep) be touched by
(the difference between) a kingdom and beggary ex-
perienced in a dream ? That is known as sleep by wise
men, when one's intellect seeks repose in ignorance.
How can there be sleep for me in whom ignorance
and Its concomitants are dissolved ? The full-blown
state of the intellect, this is known as the waking state.
The waking state is not for me, for the reason that I
am devoid of change and the like. The traversing of
the Intellect through the subtle Na^l-s gives rise to a
dream. There is no dream in me who am not given
to movement of any kind. (58-61)
Becoming the Brahman through Knowledge
OF THE NON-DETERMINAIE BrAHMAN
During sleep, when all is at repose and enveloped
in darkness, (the sleeper) devoid of the power of vision,
enjoys what is of the form of his Stman, vtz., sublime
Bliss. He who sees all things as non-differentiated, on
account of their close relation with consciousness, he
412 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
alone is the actual man of knowledge (of the Brahman),
he IS S'lva, he is Han and also Brahman, (and knowmg
the supreme consciousness right through all stages,
becomes the supreme consciousness alone). (62, 63)
Reflecting on the One-ness of the Brahman,
Preceded by the Dissolution of worldly
Existence
(Know) this cycle of worldly existence is what is
verily a long-drawn dream, a lengthening delusion
ensnaring the mind ; nay, (it may be characterized as)
indulging in building castles in the air, for a long time,
(and what is more) a veritable ocean of sorrow. Hence,
from the time of one's rising from sleep to the time
when he goes back to sleep, let him reflect on the
one-ness of the Brahman. By the dissolution of the
(unreal) phenomenal world, which is, after all, the
result of ignorance, (there remains but) the mind
(deeply engrossed in it), assuming only my form (t.e.,
which becomes the Brahman alone). Having vanqui-
shed the foes (that veil the Brahman of the form
of Existence, Consciousness and Bliss, vtz., the six
internal -foes, lust, anger, greed, delusion, infatuation
and spite), by having recourse to the six means to be
employed, {vtz., tranquillity, self-control and others)
obtained through the grace of the Guru, one's Xtman
becomes peerless alone, like the infuriated elephant
in ryt. (64, 65)
THE varShopani$ad 413
Experience of the Knower relating to the
Brahman, Non-differentiated from
the Innermost Atman
Let the body cease to exist or last as long as the
Moon and the stars last. What difference arises out
of such duration, concerning the form of my consci-
ousness ? Whether the pot gets broken (now) or lasts
for a long time, that makes little difference whatever
to the Ether of the pot. The lifeless slough cast off
by a snake remains abandoned over the ant-hill and
the snake does not care for it. Even so (the knower)
cares not for the gross and the subtle bodies. When
false knowledge along with its cause is dispelled by
the fire of the knowledge of the innermost (Brahman),
this (knower) becomes bodiless, on account of his
being of the form of "not this" "not this". The"
perception (of the illusory phenomenal world) as real,
will die out (as a result of the knowledge dawning on
one) by the study of the S'astra, (that the Brahman
alone is the real existence and there is nothing apart from
it). [Such knowledge, taking the form of Jfiana, Vijfiana
and Tattva-Jfiana, clinches at the truth, that apart
from the Brahman, MayS is nought and simultaneously
with such disillusionment, the three kinds of 'Karma —
Arjita, PrSrabdha and Agamin, along with the brood
of impressions left by them, perish and the knower
thereafter remains as the bodiless Brahman alone.]
[When JflSna (knowledge) gleaned from books ripens
into Vijfi«[na (wisdom) through experience]^ out of
414 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
(such) direct wisdom perishes whatever relates to the
world of Maya (Illusion). [Then everything other
than the Brahman manifests itself as a reflection,
as a result of which his Saipcita-karma perishes and
his Prarabdha-karma begins to waste away by en-
joyment and does not at once perish, it having
commenced just in the present incarnation. When
Vijfiana (wisdom) still further ripens, through con-
firmed experience into Samyak-tattva-jfiana, (the
thorough perception of the truth), then everything
other than the Brahman, which had assumed the
form of reflection, completely vanishes and becomes
void. Thereupon, even the Prarabdha-karma, which
is none other than Maya (Illusion) in a gross form,
also vanishes.] With the vanishing of the Prarabdha
(karma) there occurs the vanishing of the reflection
(as well). Thus, in (these) three ways perishes the
Maya (Illusion) relating to the Atman. [Thus, when
the denial of the delusion relating to existence or
non-existence of something resembling what is apart
from the Brahman, becomes thoroughly accomplished,
the functioning of the mind relating to such denial
is tantamount to the state of perfect knowledge of the
Truth. By such functioning the knower remains pos-
sessed of the knowledge, that the Brahman is the Xtman
alone with no counterpart.] When the Atman is yoked
on to the (state of) Brahman-hood (purely out of the
knowledge gleaned from the S'astra), (the state of) Jlva-
hood does not go. When the Truth is understood as the
non-dual state, VSsana (impressions left by previous
THE VARAHOPANI^AD 415
Karma) recedes into the background. At the expiry
of Srabdha (Karma commenced in this birth) will be
the riddance of the body. All Maya (Illusion) (of the
form of intense attachment to the body) wastes away
in this manner. When the words, " there is ", are
uttered, the entire Universe will become that essence
of existence, the Brahman. When the words, " there
shines forth," are uttered, the entire Universe will
become that manifestation of the absolute Brahman.
(Whatever pleases, all that is the Bliss of the Brahman.
For says the S'ruti, " These are the five essential
features, viz., " there is ", " there shines forth ", " what-
ever pleases," form and nomenclature. The first three
are of the form of the Brahman. The two thereafter are
the characteristics of the phenomenal world.") All water
in a desert is the desert alone and only that. This
triad of worlds is all consciousness alone, when investi-
gated upon from the point of view of the Atman.
Ignorance alone has association with the phenomenal
world (as its root-cause) ; (so) the possibility (of the
world ever deserving to attain a better condition) is
nowhere. (At a spot), far away from (places, where
rage) controversies about the Jiva, the Is'a and the
Guru, (revelling) in the state of the Stman, which is
all alone and of the one essence of consciousness, I am
the completely full, absolute Brahman aione. When
the full-figured Moon of Consciousness has its splend-
our eclipsed by the Rshu of delusion, austerities such
as ablutions, gifts and sacrificial rites are only in vain
till the end of the eclipse. (6^74)
416 the yoga upani?ads
Meditating on the Nada, the Means
OF Samadhi
Even as rock-salt, (when brought) into contact
with water, acquires the same quahty, even so, the one-
ness of the Atman and the mind is attained through
Yoga : (this one-ness) is said to be what is Samadhi.
The giving up of addiction to sensual pleasures is very
difficult indeed ; the actual perception of the Truth
(vtz., the Brahman) is rarely attainable ; the innate
state (of the Yogin) is unattainable ; (all these) without
the grace of the Guru. The innate state manifests
Itself of its own accord in a Yogm, who has realiza-
tion of the Kundahnl-power roused m him, (due
to proficiency acquired by him in the practice of
Yoga, aided by his knowledge of the Atman), (or
who has reached the state of Samyak-tattva-jfiana
and is possessed of the powers of sentient action,
knowledge and desire), and by whom have been aban-
doned completely (the three kinds of) Karma, (Arjita,
Prarabdha and Agamin). Unsteadiness is the inherent
quality of quick-silver, as well as of the mind. When
quick-silver has been bound (has lost its fluidity) and
the mind has been bound (has ceased to be fickle),
what thei> cannot be successfully accomplished in this
mundane world ? When calcined with sulphur (quick-
silver) drives away disease ; when dead, it causes (one)
to be restored to life ; when bound (turned into a
solid) carries with it the psychic power of locomotion
throygh Ethereal space. In the heart of mercury there
THE VARAHOPANIgAD 417
IS Brahman-hood. The lord of the organs of perception
is the mind. The lord of the mind is the vital air.
The lord of the vital air is final dissolution (the
Brahman). Hence, seek asylum in that lord (the
Brahman). The final dissolution of Yogin-s (the
Brahman) lives (forever) actionless, changeless, burst-
ing away from all volition and devoid of all (kinds
of) gesture. Whatever is that dissolution, (the Brah-
man), which lies beyond the range of expression of
speech and minds, is fit to be attained by the Atman.
The Yogm, though mtent on paying regard to sensual
pleasures (darting through his mmd), furnished with
feather after feather, does not give up his sole aim of
directly perceiving the Brahman, even as the female-
dancer, though absorbed in the symphony of song,
musical time, and instrument, does not lose sight of
her principal aim of maintaining (the stable equilibrium
oO the pot on her head. Giving up all wornes, with-
a composed mind, the Nada (the Brahman) alone
should be meditated upon, by one, who aspires to hold
sway over the Yoga-samrajya (Empire) — Thus. (75-83)
CHAPTER III
Realization of the Peerless Paramatman
At no time can the One entity verily assume
diverse forms. For the reason that there is none else
whatever besides me, for that very reason I am. the
418 THE YOGA UPAKI?ADS
indivisible alone. Whatever is seen or heard of, that
cannot be other than the Brahman. That one (entity)
which is eternal, hallowed and emancipated, the in-
divisible Bliss, the non-dual, the endless Truth and
knowledge, that Para-brahman do I become. 1 am of
the form of Bliss. I am the indivisible consciousness.
I am the most exalted among the most exalted, the
manifestation of palpable consciousness. Even as
clouds do not touch the Ether (whereon they float),
so also the sorrows of worldly existence do not touch
me. Know that all is Bliss, as all sorrow has been com-
pletely obliterated. Also know that everything is of
the form of existence, as falsehood has altogether been
obliterated. It is the form of consciousness alone,
which is possessed of reflection. Hence this form of
mine is indivisible. Birth, death, going and returning,
do not exist. Filth and purity there is nought, nor
understanding. To the most accomplished Yogin,
everything shines out more distinctly, as being filled
with consciousness. (1-5)
Rule relating to Silence, the Means of the
Attainment of the State of Remaining as
Consciousness Alone
Assume the attitude of silence with the conviction :
*' I Am always of that state, which is palpable Existence
and Consciousness, indivisible, without a counterpart,
devoid of all visibility, non-ailing, flawless, the S'iva
without a double." Assume the attitude of Silence in
THE VAKIhOPANI^AD 419
the belief, " I am always that (Brahman), \vliich is
devoid of birth and death, happiness and misery, which
keeps at a far ofT distance questions reletting to race,
clan and pedigree, which is the prime-cause of this
world of the eddy of Consciousness." Assume the
attitude of Silence with the resolve, " I am always that
full, non-dual, indivisible consciousness, devoid of
differentiation as Vis'va, Taijasa, PrajRa and the like,
partaking of the character of the peerless, transcendent
intelligence. (6-8)
The State of Existence, Consciousness
AND Bliss of the Lord
UnafTected by any sort of obstruction whatever,
there is the state of remaining in the same form, during
the three durations (past, present and future). This is
always the form of my existence. What exists assuming
the form of Bliss during sleep, transcendmg all kinds
of happiness, which is eternal, as it has no prior cause,
this IS the state of Bliss always of mine. (9, 10)
Devotion to the Lord, the Means of
Liberation
The very thick darkness of night is dispelled at once
by the rays of the Sun. The very palpable darkness (of
ignorance), which is the cause of the attachment to
worldly existence (is dispelled) by the splendour of the
Sun of Hari and not otherwise. Man is entirely liberated
420 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
from his own (internal) darkness, by (ever) remembering
and worshipping my feet. Apart from the remembrance
of my feet, there is nothmg whatever, which would bring
about the destruction of death and birth. Even as
(a poor man) would ardently praise a rich man with
the desire of getting largesses (at his hands), should
he do likewise unto me, the creator of the Universe,
whichever man would not be liberated from bondage
(the delusion brought about by this unreal worldly ex-
istence) ? (11-13)
Equality of All in the Eves of God
The animate world becomes active of its own
accord only m the presence of the Sun. So also, it is
only in my presence that all the world pulsates with
life. Even as, in the shell of the pearl-oyster, silver
is created by Maya (Illusion), even so, in me alone
is the world, from the Mahat-tattva onwards, created
out of Maya (Illusion). While others are disposed to
differentiate between the body of a Candala (out-cast),
(the different orders of creation) from the animal down
to the mineral, and the body of the Brahman, I am not
(inclined to do) so. Even to one, who, out of delusion,
has lost the correct conception of the points of the com-
pass, (the right conception of) direction manifests itself
as before. The world, when once destroyed outright
by the dawning of superior wisdom, does not at alJ
appear to me as before. The world is neither the body
nor the vital energy of the organs of perception, nor the
THE VARjHOPANIgAD 421
mind (of voJitions), nor the intellect, nor self-conscious-
ness, nor the thinking (mind), nor Illusion at all, nor
Ether and the like. Neither (is it) the creator, nor
the enjoyer, nor what causes enjoyment (in others)
likewise. I am the absolute Brahman alone, which is
Consciousness, Existence and Bliss, the Janardana (the
world-controller). (14-19)
The Mind Alone, the Cause of the Cycle
OF Births and Deaths
Even as, on account of the agitation (in the sur-
face) of the water, the (reflection of the) Sun is ruffled,
so also is the agitation of the Atman (brought about),
only through the admixtuie of Self-consciousness. The
travail of worldly existence is verily due to the mind.
Hence should one purify it with great effort. Alas f
What kind of faith is this of thee, in the greatness of
the mind ? Where are the treasures of kings ? Where
is the Brahmana (the recipient of such gifts)? Where
are the worlds either (over which they held sway)?
[ * That quality oi the Atman whereby it mam/ests
Itself of Its own accord in the form of all things (of the
phenomenal world), without recourse to any intermediate
means, knowers of the system of Vedaiita* speak of
that, as the form of consciousness of the Self-manifest
(Brahman).] Things of the past have gone (never to
return). Several series of the order of created things
• This additional *tanza occurs here in the Grantha MS of the Adyar
Library.
422 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
have (likewise) gone. Crores of Brahman-s (creators)
have passed away. Kings have disappeared like dust.
The misconception relating to the Stman (is due to the
delusion of the mind) resulting from the demoniacal
tendencies of even the knower (of the Atman), (which
will only contribute to his ruin). Should there be this
demoniacal tendency in the knower also (as in the
ignorant man), then his seeing the truth will bear no
fruit. [For, says the S'ruti, " There remains not even
a little to be done by the Yogin, who has discharged his
duty and has been satiated with the nectar of know-
ledge. Should there be (the least), he is not the knower
of the truth."] (20-24)
Experiencing Passion and the Like in the Non-
Atman, the Characteristic of a Knower
Passion and other feelings, even as they rise (in
the knower), are then and there burnt up by the lire
of discriminating knowledge. (As such), whence is
their surging up? If the shrewd man, even as he is
infent on picking up the faults in others, should be
likewise clever in (discovering) his own, who will not
be liberated from bondage ? He, who does not know
the Atman, though he is not liberated, ardently desires
(to acquire) the several psychic powers and attains
(them), O best of sages, through wealth, mystic for-
mulas, appropriate action, auspicious time and strata-
gem. This is not within the range of the knower
of the Atman. For, the knower of the Stman is
THE VARAHOPANI^D 423
in quest of the Xttnan alone. Being satisfied in
his Stman, through his Stman, he does not run
after the Avidya (of psychic powers). Whatever the
ways of the world, (such as the quest after psychic
powers, etc.) may be, (great men) know them only
as made of Avidya. How can the knower of the
Stman plunge mto them, havmg given up his
Avidya ? Wealth, mystic formulas, appropriate action,
auspicious time and stratagem, though capable of
bestowing psychic powers, are not, any of them, con-
ducive to the attainment of the state of the Para-
matman. How can (the Jivan-mukta), who seeks to
gain access to the Atman, in the quiescence which
results from the suppression of all desires, afford (to
develop) the desire for the acquisition of psychic
powers, he having completely extinguished his mind ?
—Thus. (24-30)
CHAPTER IV
(i) BRAHMA^A
Of the Seven Stages (of Knowledge), Those
of JfVAN-MUKTI ARE OF A FOUR-FOLD CHARACTER
Then NidSgha asked of the Lord Rbhu : " Pray
relate (unto me) the description of Jivan-mukti "
Saying ** So be it ", quoth he, " Of the seven stages
424 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
(of knowledge), those of the Jivan-mukta-s are four.
The first stage is the virtuous desire. Investigation
IS the second. Functioning with the attenuated mind
IS the third. The attainment of the Rhythmic state
is the fourth. Detachment is the fifth. The (right)
conception of the substance (of the Brahman) is the
sixth. Attainment of the Turiya is the seventh." (1-3)
The Four-fold Nature of " A " and Others
Evolved out of the Pranava
The stages that make up the Pranava are of the
character of ' A ', ' U ', ' M ', and the half-syllable.
The " A " and others are of four kinds, being differen-
tiated as the Sthula (gross), Suksma (subtle), Blja (the
seed) and Saksin (the witness). (4, 5)
The Controlling Agencies of the Gross and
Other Varieties of " A " and Others
Their states are waking, dreaming, sleeping and
the Turiya (the fourth). The waking Vis'va is in the
gross part of " A ". The Taijasa of that (waking)
state is in the subtle part (of " A "). The Prajfla of
that (waking) state is m the seed part of " A "), The
Turiya of that (waking) state is in the witness part
(of '" A "). The dreaming Vis'va is in the gross
part of *' U ". The Taijasa of that (dreaming) state
IS in the subtle part (of " U "). The Prajfta of that
(dreaming) state is in the seed part (of " U "). The
THE varXhopani§ad 425
Tanya of that (dreaming) state is in the witness part
(.of " U "). The sleeping Vis'va is in the gross part
of " M ". The Taijasa of that (sleeping) state is in
the subtle part (of " M ".) The Prajfia of that (sleep-
ing) state IS in the seed part (of '* M "). The Turiya
of that (sleeping) state is m the witness part (of
" M "). The Tunya Vis'va is in the gross part of the
half-syllable. The Taijasa of that (Turiya) state is
in the subtle part (of the half -syllable). The Prajfia
of that (Turiya) state is in the seed part (of the half-
syllable). The Turiya of the Turiya state is in the
witness part (of the half-syllable). (6-10)
The various Stages Considered in Relation
TO THE Limbs of the Pranava
The four quarters comprised in "A " form the first,
second and third stages. The four quarters of " U '*
constitute the fourth stage. The four quarters of " M "
constitute the fifth stage. The first, second and third
quarters forming the subdivisions of the half-syllable
constitute the sixth stage. That beyond those is the
seventh stage. (11)
The Four Kinds of Jivan-muktats
Roaming among the first three stages, (one) becomes
a seeker after liberation. Roaming through the. fourth,
he becomes a knower of the Brahman. Roaming
through the fifth stage, he becomes a great knower of
U 54
426 THE yOGA UPANI?ADS
die Brahman. Roaming through the sixth stage he
becomes a more exalted knower of the Brahman.
Wandering through the seventh stage he becomes the
most exalted knower of the Brahman.
(h) mantra
Pointing Out the Seven Stages (of Knowledge)
In relation thereto occur the followmg verses :
The first stage of knowledge is well said to be the
virtuous desire ; the second is investigation ; the third
IS functioning with the attenuated mind ; the fourth is
the attainment of the Rhythmic state ; thereafter what
is named detachment (is the fifth) ; (the right) concep-
tion of the substance (of the Brahman) is the sixth ;
and the attainment of the Turya is the seventh. (1, 2)
Detailed Description of the Seven Stages
" Why do I remain only an ignorant one ? I am
to ' be regarded along with the S'5stra and the virtuous
people." — Such desire which has detachment as its
antecedent, is known as virtuous desire by wisemen.
Pronenesi to good conduct, preceded by (steady appli-
cation to the study of) the S'astra-s, the company of
virtuous people, and the practice of detachment is what
is known as investigation. Wherein passionate attach-
ment to objects of sensual pleasure gets attenuated, as
a result of investigation and virtuous desire, that is
THE varXhopani^ad 427
called functioning with the attenuated mind. When
the mind takes its stand on the pure Xtman possessed
of the Rhythmic quality, owing to the practice of the
three stages (above-mentioned) and the cessation of its
indulging in the objects of sensual pleasure, that is
known as the attainment of the Rhythmic state. That
state, wherein admiration for the Rhythm (of the
Atraan) gets ingrained and there is generated detach-
ment, as the fruit of the practice of the (aforesaid) four
stages, IS named detachment. The sixth stage, known
as the right conception of the substance (of the Brah<
man), is the perception (of the Brahman) resulting from
the projection (of the mmd), for a long time, in the
(direction of) the transcendent (Brahman), owing to the
cessation of the conception of thmgs, external and internal
(other than the Brahman), due to the intense delight
(experienced) in one's own Atman, as a result of the
practice of the (aforesaid) five stages. That should be
known as the approach to the Turlya state, wherein
there is entire devotion to the state of the Atman, due
to the non-recognition of difference of any kind (between
the conception and the actual state of the Atman), a's a
result of the practice, for a long time, of the (aforesaid)
six stages.
Demonstration of the Distinction in the
State of the Intellect in the Seven Stages
The three stages beginning with virtuous desire are
known as stages with and without distinctions, In
428 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
what manner one comes to know of this world, through
his intellect, (in that manner) the world is seen during
the waking state. When (faith in) the non-dual (ex-
istence) has been confirmed and the (misconception
about) the dual (existence) extinguished, (seekers) see,
as in a dream, the world which meets with dissolution,
such as of the broken pieces of the autumnal cloud.
(Then) there will remain but the supreme Existence
(the Brahman), O Nidagha, be convinced about that.
Having ascended the fifth stage, known as the state of
dreamless sleep, with all the special parts suppressed,
(the seeker) stands tn the non-dual state alone. Although
with his mind turned inwards, he is ever m contact with
the- external world (through his functioning mmd), still
overcome with fatigue, he appears to be ever prone to
sleep. Practising effectively in this stage, with his
previous impressions obliterated, the seventh stage,
which is ancient and is known as secret sleep is reached
in due course, wherein there is neither the near approach
to the form of the Supreme Existence (the Brahman),
nor the " I-mindedness ", nor the " Not-I-mindedness."
He stands with attenuated mental functioning alone in
the non-dual existence (the Brahman), as an extremely
fearless man. (11-17)
Rule Relating to the Conception of the
Brahman as Atman Alone
Even as an empty pot immersed in (the ocean of)
ethe^ial space is empty mside and empty outside, evefl
THE varXhopani$ad 429
as a pot full of water, immersed in the ocean of water,
is full inside and full outside, do not become (reduced
to the position of) the various conceptions grasped (by
the mind), nor become (reduced to the position of the
mind), that grasps. Giving up all conceptions, be com-
posed entirely of what remains. Giving up the seer,
seeing and what is seen, along with their impressions
(on the mind), seek shelter in the Atman, the first that
IS manifest in the seeing. (18-20)
Description of a Jivan-mukta
He, who, though engrossed in the ways of the
world, has his mind (which pervades his body as
ether), whether dissolved or functioning, (resting m the
Brahman alone), even as ether which stands in its
wonted manner, (whether the pots and pans continue
or cease to exist), — he is said to be a Jivan-mukta.
He IS said to be a Jivan-mukta, whose mental radiance
does not rise, nor set, in happiness or misery and
whose condition is as it was obtained before (ever the
same). He who is wakeful, while remaining aslee'p,
he who knows no waking, he whose mental alertness
IS devoid of impressions, he is known as a Jivan-mukta.
He, who, though acting in accord with passion, hatred,
fear and other influences (swaying his mind), has a
conscience as clear as the internal ether, is known as
a Jivan-mukta. He, whose mental attitude is not
aflfected by ego, whose intellect is never smeared
(clouded), whether he is active or passive, i$ known as
430 THE VOGA UPANIgADS
a Jivan-mukta. He, from whom the world does not
shrink (out of fear) and who does not shrink likewise
from the world, who is released from joy, anger and
fear, is known as a Jivan-mukta. He, who, though
indulging in all the snare-like objects of sensual
pleasure, yet remains cool, who fully devotes himself
to matters relating to the Paramatman, is known as a
Jivan-mukta. When one, taking delight in me, the
all-embracing, gives up, O sage, all the desires of his
heart, he is known as a Jivan-mukta. He, whose mind
is not agitated and who takes his rest when remaining
in that most hallowed state of absolute consciousness,
devoid of all mental functioning, is known as a Jivan-
mukta. He, m whose mind this world, I, he, who is
yonder, and the cluster of false phenomena, does not
throb (find an answering echo), is known as a Jivan-
mukta. (21-30)
Rule Relating to the Resting on the
All-comprehensive Brahman
Do thou get confirmed (in your conviction) soon,
after entering into the Brahman (of abundance) of the
state of existence, which is permanent, abundant, full
and devoid of all concern, through the path indicated
by the Acarya and the S^astra. The Guru is S'iva, the
Veda is S'lva, the deity is S'lva, the Lord is S'lva, I
am S'iva, all is S'iva, other than S'iva there is nought.
Knowing him alone aright, the courageous BrShmacia
should acquire wisdom and not merely memorize a
THE VARXHOPANI^AD 431
large number of words. That will indeed (prove to)
be tiring the vocal organ. (31-33)
The Exposition of the Course Adopted by
Birds and Ants
He who adopts the course pursued by the bird
(S'uka) attains liberation, as also he who adopts the
course of the ant (Vama-deva). Apart from these two
types, there are no (other tyi>es of) attainers of libera-
tion. Those that pursue with courage the course
adopted by S'uka, they become forthwith liberated, even
while remaining in this world. Those who ever pursue
(the course of) Vama-deva, after dying and being born
over and over again in this world, attain their liberation
gradually, by having recourse to actions attended with
devotion and in accordance with the Yoga and Saipkhya
schools of thought. Of S'uka and Vama-deva are
the two paths created by the gods. S'uka is said to be
the bird, while Vama-deva is said to be the ant. The
sinless (seekers) attain through the path of S'uka, the
highest state, having known the real form of their o\Vn
Stman, by having recourse to SamSdhi (ecstatic state)
of the unconscious variety, either through the Samadhi
of the SSrpkhya-yoga type, or the investigation of the
(real import of the) great scriptural texts, or directly from
the mouth of the creator or by adopting the method of
exclusion, taking the form of " Not this, Not this ".
He, who, owing to his not attaining the fruit success-
fully in this birth, even with the psychic powers of
432 THE YOGA. UPAN1§ADS
attenuatiori a.tid the like at his command, being con-
fronted with the various obstacles due to the repeated
practice of Hatha-yoga, which is beset with pam and
anguish resulting from self-control (Yama) and the like
and posture (Asana), is born again in a great family and
who takes to the practice of Yoga once again, due to the
impression left by his previous practice, also attains
liberation and that highest state of Visnu, only through
the path of Vama-deva, resorted to during various
births. Both these paths alike are auspicious and bring
about the attainment of the Brahman. The one is cap-
able of bestowing liberation forthwith, while the other
is capable of bestowing liberation in due course. (34-42)
The hallowed Nature of the Eve-glance
OF A Knower of the Brahman
What IS delusion and what is sorrow for him, who
sees oneness therein, (in the goal to be achieved by the
two paths, o{ the Sarpkhya and the Yoga schools of
thought, vtz., through exact and direct knowledge and
tHrough ecstatic trance of the Nir-vikalpa type) and
whose intellect, limited by his experience, turns in the
direction of the Truth ? All, that fall within the range
of his \usion, are released from all sms. All, that
traverse the ethereal, as well as the terrestrial regions,
falling within the range of vision of the knower of the
Brahman, are (m virtue of the greatness of his religious
merit), that very moment, released from sins, accumu-
lated through crores of previous incarnations. (43, 44)
THE VARXH0PA^I?AP 433
CHAPTER V
Knowledge of the Body Essential for the
Aspirant after Yoga
Then, Nidagha asked this Lord ^bhu, " Pray
relate unto me the rule relating to the practice of
Yoga." Saying " Be it so," quoth he thus i The body
IS made up of the five elements and is filled with five
regions. What is hard is earthy. What is of a fluid
nature is of water. Vital warmth will be the fiery
element. Motion is the characteristic of air. Ether
is essentially the entire (body). This should be under-
stood by the aspirant after Yoga. (1, 2)
Number of Breaths per Day
The number of times the region of air (of the body)
is struck by breaths, borne (through the nostrils)
throughout the day and night, is Twenty-one- thousand
SIX hundred. (5)
Rule Relating to the Sustenance of the
Constituent Elements for the Avoidance
OF Bodily Wastage
When the ez^rth region (of the body) wastes away,
wrinkles begin to appear in men. Likewise, with the
wasting away of the watery region, hairs gradually
turn grey. With the wasting of the fiery eleipent,
434 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
hunger and grace of form begin to fade. With the
wasting of air, there will be bodily tremour daily.
With the wasting of the ethereal substance, there will
be cessation of life altogether. In this manner, with the
wasting of the elements (constitutmg the body, the body
wears away). Hence, with a view to keeping up life, the
sustenance of the elements should be attended to. (4-6)
For the Sustenance of the Elements, should
BE Practised the UddiySna-bandha
For the reason that the great bird performs soaring
without fatigue, for that very reason, there should be
(the practice oO Uddiyana. Thence the Bandha
derives its name. This Uddiyana-bandha is verily the
Lion of the elephant of death. The release from that
depends upon the virility of the body. The Bandha of
that description is difficult of accomplishment, (as it
cannot be easily performed at all times). When the
fire in the belly is disturbed, intense pam is produced.
It should not be performed by a hungry man, nor by
one who is given to sudden evacuation of faeces and
urine. (Food) conducive to health and temperate,
should be eaten, little by little and several times. (6-9)
The Three Kinds of Yoga Known as Laya,
Mantra and Hatha
Of the three, the soft (Laya), the middle (Ha^ha)
and. the mystic (Mantra), one should know in order,
THE varXhopani§ad 435
the Mantra, (meditation on the NSda), then the Laya,
(the repose in the Nsda) and then the Hatha, (the
means to attain the Laya). Thus the Yoga-s are
three-fold, Laya, Mantra and Hatha. Of these the
Yoga (known as Hatha, the foremost among them) is
made up of eight subdivisions. (10)
The Eight Subdivisions of Yoga
Yama (self-control), then Niyama (observances),
so also Asana (posture), similarly PranSyama (rarefac-
tion of breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal of breath) there-
after, similarly Dharaira (the stability of breath)
afterwards, similarly Dhyana (meditation) and the
eighth will be Samadhi (absorption). (II, 12)
Varieties of Yama and Niyama
Nonviolence, truth, non-stealth, celibacy, com-
passion, rectitude, forbearance, firmness, temperance
in food, and cleanliness, these are the ten Yama-s.
Penance, joy, belief in the existence of God, munifi-
cence, worship of the Lord, study of the systems, of
philosophy, shame, arriving at the right conclusion,
prayer and a resolute frame of mind, these indeed
are said to be the tenfold Niyama-s thus, O sage of
great intellect ' (12-14)
The Eleven Postures
There are the Cakra and other eleven postures, O
best among sages, the Cakra, the Padmasana, the
436 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Kurma, the Mayura and also the Kukkuta ; the VirS-
sana, the Svastika, the Bhadra, the SiiphSsana, likewise ;
the Muktasana and the Go-mukha, are related by the
best among the knowers of Yoga. (15, 16)
Description of the Cakra Posture
One should place the left thigh over the right heel
and the right thigh over the left heel with his body
erect. This is considered to be the Cakra posture. (17)
PrSnayIma
(Puraka) in-filhng, (Kumbhaka) steadying, similarly
(Recaka) expelling, then (Puraka) m-filling again, these
are the (Pranayama-s), the ways of breath-rarefaction
by means of one's own Nadi-s (air-tubes). Hence the
Nadi IS spoken of (in the sequel). (18)
Measurements of the Body and Its Limbs
The body of all beings is of the character of
ninety-six digit-lengths (when measured). In the
middle of it, two digit-lengths beyond the region of
the anus, and two digit-lengths below the genitals, is
said to be tlie middle (of the body). Nine digit-lengths
above the genitals is said to be the knot of the Na^i-s,
which is four digit-lengths m height and four digit-
lengths m width, of the shape of an egg and surrounded
on all sides by fat, marrow, bone and t)lood. (19-21)
THE VARlHOPANIgAD 437
The Plexus of NXpi-s
There alone is situated the twelve-spoked plexus
of Nadl-s, wherewith the body is held (in its normal
condition). There abides the Kun^alT, concealing with
her face the orifice of the SusumrS leading to the
Brahman. From the Susumna (branches out one
spoke formed by) the Alambusa and the Kuhu Nadi-s
abiding there. In the pair forming another spoke are
the Varupi and the Yas'asvini. In the right spoke
of the Susumna is the Pingala. Between the spokes
are in order, the Pusa and the Payasvinl. In the hind
spoke of the Susumna, there stands the Sarasvati Na4T,
and the S'ankhini and the Gaipdhari stand between the
two. To the left of the SusumijS there abides the
Nadi known as the Ida. Thereafter the Hasti-jihva
and then the Vis'vodari stand, the Nadi-s (named
above) standing in the spokes of the plexus, only in
the clock-wise order (from right to left). These twelve
Nadl-s are verily the twelve carriers of vital airs.
When filled with vital air these Nadi-s (of different
colours) stand like a piece of cloth. The place corres-
ponding to the middle of the cloth, is known as the
plexus of the navel. The Jvalanti, the Nada-rupini,
the Para-randhra and the Susumpa, are knqwn as the
NadadhSra (support of the Nada) and tliese four are
filled with rare gems. The middle of the orifice of
the Brahman is always closed by the Kun4ali. In this
manner, the ten vital airs, flow through these Na^l-s.
(22-31)
438 the yoga upanisads
Rule Relating to the Practice of Seeing
the turiya
In this manner the clever practitioner, having
well understood the course of the Nadl-s and the
passage of the vital air, with his neck, head and body
in a line and his mouth closed, remaining motion-
less and with his mind well -controlled, should see with
his eyes, on the tip of the nose, in the middle of his
heart and m the middle of the Bindu (of the Sahasrara,
in the Dva-das^nta), the Turlyaka streaming forth
nectar. (31-33)
The Yoga which Forms the Expedient to be
Employed for Beguiling the Duration
OF One's Life
Shutting up the Apana (vital air) and constricting
the anus upwards, driving up (the Apana) by means of
the Pranava, one should expel (downwards the Prana
vital air) by means of the S'ri-blja (S'rlip), Then
should he conceive of his own Atman (situated at the
junction of the two airs), as the S'ri (of liberation) and
thereafter, have the immersion thereof in the nectar.
This IS said to be the all-important Kala-vaflcana
(beguiling the duration of life) or Ayuh-stambhana,
(stopping the flow of life's duration), by the acquisition
of which power, whatever is thought of by the mind is
accomplished forthwith by the mind. *By the flaming
THE VARlHOPANI§AD 439
of fire in water, sprouts and branches veniy spring up.
Whatever is uttered in the Jagati metre by him does not
bring about evil consequences, nor do his actions produce
untoward results. (33-36)
The Yoga-s which are Employed as means
TO AcguiRE Bodily Robustness and
Strength
Having well fixed up the Bindu (the mind) in the
(Susumna) path, and (by constricting) the Jivana
(Muladhara), causing the air therein to blaze forth and
thereby drying up the humour (m the Susumna, by
means of the fire aided by the vital air and stagnating
the Prana vital air and the like therein), the Yogin's
body would become robust. He should constrict
simultaneously both the anus and the genitals and
making the Apana rise upwards, he should cause it to
mix with the Samana. Then should he conceive of his
own Atman (at the junction of the Prana, Apana and
Sam5na vital airs) as the S'ri of knowledge and
immersing it in the nectar, should commence Ithe
performance of Kumbhaka, as much as his strength
would permit, m the middle part of the (Susumi^)
door. Then, out of the complete blending otthe Prapa
and ApSna, he should conceive (of the Prapa along
with the UdSna), with a view to their ascent upward.
This superior Yoga indicates in the body the way for
the acquisition of special power (for the attainment of
the Brahma-lolfa). (37-40)
440 the voga upani$ads
Rule Relating to the Acquisition of the
Knowledge of the Aura of the Body
Even as a bridge constructed across a water-course
forms an obstruction to the (free) fiow of water, even
so the aura, (the vital power which is in combination
with the radiance emanating from the internal non-
dififerentiated supreme consciousness), permeating the
body should always be well understood by Yogin-s, (as
the Yoga of the conjunction of the Vital power with
the radiance of consciousness serves as a bridge
obstructing their outward How). (41)
The Expedient of the Catus-fatha-bandha, is
Samputa-yoga in a Nut-shell
This Bandha has been prescribed for all the Na<Ji-s.
By virtue of the influence of this Bandha, the deity
(the inmost consciousness) becomes clearly manifest.
This Bandha of the Catus-patha, (wherein the Susumna,
the I^, the Pingala and the Kuhu Nadi-s attain their
oneness, this meeting place of the four paths, which
depends on the Muladhara), (i.e., the Mula-bandha),
causes obstruction to the three paths (of the I^,
Pingala a<nd^ Kuhu NSfijil-s), by bursting open one path
(vtz., the Susumna of the four paths) through which
Siddha-s (accomplished Yogin-s) have reached their
goal (of attaining the state of the Brahman). Causing
the Udana vital air to ascend along with the PrSpa
vital ^ air speedily, (by the practice of Yoga), (anci
THE VARXH0PAN1§AD 441
bringing about the Mula-bandha and the Jllaipdhara-
bandha as well), this Bandha causes obstfuction to all
the N34I-S and goes upwards. This is called the Yoga
in a nut-shell, (as during the process, the Prana, along
with the KuQi^linl, the introspecting mind, and fire
moves upwards through the Susumna path and reaches
the SahasrSra-cakra) and is also considered to be the
Mula-bandha. Thus by the practice of Yoga, through
this (Yoga in a nut-shell) alone, the three Bandha-s are
successfully accomplished. (42-45)
The Attainment of the Knowledge of the
Bkahman Step by Step, by the Practice
OF Samputa
Through day and night without break, Yama by
Yama, whensoever, by this practice of Yoga, the vital
air becomes equipped with practice. When vital air
IS thus equipp>ed, vital warmth increases, every day
in the body. When vital warmth increases, food and
the like gets easily digested. With the complete assimi-
lation of food, there is produced increase of chyfe.
When chyle is daily increased, the humours of the
body grow then. By the growth of the humours alone,
knowledge increases in the body. All sins accumulated
through crores of births also perish. (With the extirpa-
tion of sins, there arises the knowledge of the non-
differentiated Brahman of the form " I am the Brah-
man ". Simultaneously with the dawning of such
knowledge, the knower attains liberation). (46-49)
U S6
442 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
<
Ascertaining the Position of S'iva and S'akti
The Muladhara, which is situated between the
anus and the genitals, is triangular in shape. That is
the place wherein is manifest S'lva of the form of the
Bindu, wherein is the Para S'akti (the Transcendent
Energy), known as the KundahnT established, wherefrom
the vital air takes its rise, wherefrom is kindled fire,
wherefrom is generated the Bindu, wherefrom is am-
plified the Nada, wherefrom the Haipsa originates,
wherefrom the mind springs up. The six plexuses,
such as the Muladhara and others, are said to be the
seats of Energy. Above the throat and ending with
the crest is said to be the seat of S'aqibhu. (50-53)
Pranavama along with the Meditation
OF the Brahman
The human body is the abode of the Nadi-s. The
Nadi-s are the abode of the Prana (vital air). The
Prana is the abode of the Jiva. The Jiva is in its turn
the abode of the Haqisa, (the non-differentiated mner-
m'ost Atman). The Haipsa is the resting place of Energy.
This world is composed of the animate and inanimate
orders of cieation, (the creatures of Maya), while the
Atman that is manifest is devoid of variety. (The
seeker) should practise the control of brtath. Even
though well-established in the three Bandha-s, he
should ever hold aloft, with his mind fixed on to the
Truth, (the oneness of the innermost Brahman), that is
worthy of being known and is the means whereby the
THE varShopani^ad 443
ideal could be visualized. He should refrain from
expelling and in-filling the breath in the middle of
Kumbhaka (stabilizing the breath). (The expulsion) of
everything (caused by the ignorance of the Atman)
from within one's self (by the seeker), taking his stand
on his own self, when the Brahman, the highest ideal,
IS seen (by him), is what is known as Recaka. The
wisdom (resulting from a study) of the S'astra is (what
js known as) the Puraka (in-filling), while the act of
meditating on the Brahman is what is known as
Kumbhaka (stabilization). Should his mmd be prone
to practise (Kevala-kumbhaka) of this type, he is
liberated without doubt. Always causing (the breath)
to rise by means of (this kmd of) Kumbhaka, he shou}d
in-fiU through (this kind of) Kumbhaka alone. He
should stabilize his Kumbha (pot-like body) by means
of Kumbhaka (of this kind). Remaining inside that,
(one becomes) the highest auspicious Brahman. (Should
his mind ever go astray, or should the Pi^na vital air,
along with its retinue go out in the act of Kumbhaka),
then should he practise with determination once again,
with the aid of the Jalaipdhara-bandha (constrictibn
of the throat), by repeating the upward and downward
coursing of the vital airs and holding on to the Puraka
and Kumbhaka (operations). (54-61)
The Mode of Practising the Yoga of Piercing
(through the Three Knots)
(Having assumed the Padmasana posture), over
a level floor (in his monastery), (remaining motionless)
444 THE YOGA UPANI5ADS
with his pair of hands and likewise his pair of legs
well-poised, (the Yogm should, by means of the Prapa
vital air along with its retinue, pierce through the three
knots of Brahman, Visnu and Rudra) and thus, by
means of the three-knot -piercing Yoga, having attained
the four Pitha-s, occurring amidst the six centres of
Energy, MulSdhSra and others), in the face of the
Susumna along with his accessories, {vtz., the Prana vital
air, Kundahnl, the introspecting mind and fire) should
thereafter become completely absorbed in the medi-
tation of (the Turiya-caitanya seated in the Sahasrara
plexus known as) the Maha-meru, (in the attitude " I
am that Caitanya "). Then owing to the conjunction
of tlie Moon, the Sun and fire (above the middle of
the eyebrows), when the Prana (vital air), absorbing
(the nectar gathered in) the two receptacles (of the
Moon and the Sun in the Ajfia-cakra and of the
Kundall fire in the Muladhara), suddenly begins to
throb, then (the Yogin) should know that the flashing
of the dissolution of the PrSna (vital air) and its retinue
on his mind leads to immortality. The gods (Vis'va,
Viraj, Otr and others or Brahman and others) then
take their abode in the middle of the Meru (of the
character of the supreme Caitanya of the Brahman
or the mountain of that name in the latter case) and
on account of the shaking of the Meru, themselves
shake {i.e., become non- differentiated from the Brah-
man). At first is accomplished soon (the Yogin's)
piercing through the Brahma-granthi (knot of Brah-
man). Thence after piercing through the knot of
THE VARAHOPANI§AD 445
Brahman, he pierces through the knot of Visnu. After
piercing through the knot of Vispu, he pierces through
the knot of Rudra. After piercing through the knot
of Rudra and blasting through the dunghill of delusion,
as the result of the influence of meritorious deeds
accumulated through several previous incarnations and
the grace of his Guru-deva, and the practice of Yoga
thereafter, for the Yogin there is the accomplishment
of the Vedhaka-yoga, (and simultaneously with the
dawning of the knowledge that there is nought beyond
the Brahman, he becomes blessed). In the region of
the Susumna Nadi shining in all its glory between the
I(jla and the Pingala, by havmg recourse to Mudra and
Bandha (spoken of above), (the Yogm) should push
upwards the vital air (and bring about the piercmg of
the knots, as described above). (61-68)
The Pranava Prayer for the Overcoming
OF Obstacles
The short (Pranava of one syllable) bums away
sins ; the long (Pranava of three syllables) or fhe
prolated (Pranava of four syllables) bestows liberation,
while the Apyayana (Pranava of two syllables) bestows
plenty. By pronouncing (the Prariava prayer) m the
three ways (aforesaid), (the Yogin attains the fruits
mentioned against each). Like the unbroken stream
of oil and the long resounding chiming of a bell, the
topmost note of the Pranava cannot be uttered. He
who knows that, is the knower of the Veda. The §hort
446 THE YOGA UPANISADS
(Pranava) Mantra reaches as far as the Bindu (the
heart). The long one reaches as far as the crevice of
the Brahman (in the cranium), while the prolated one
reaches as far as the Dva-das'anta, (lying beyond the
crevice of the Brahman). (Know that) the Mantra
bestows grace, and that the Mantra might prove fruitful.
(Hence) this Pranava removes all obstacles and destroys
all defects (68-71)
The Four-fold Stages of Yoga, Arambha
AND Others
The stages (of Yoga) are said to be four-fold :
Arambha, Ghata, Pancaya and Nispatti. Giving up
all external functioning brought about by the three
Karana-s (mind, speech and body), wherein (the novice)
begins to function internally, that is known as Aram-
bha. That is known by wise men as the Ghata stage,
wherein the vital air, after filling the body, through the
nether (Susumna path) and piercing through (the three
Granthi-s), firmly takes its stand. That is known as
the Paricaya stage, wherein the vital air, which (being
endowed with vitality) is alive and (owing to the
absence of functioning) is dead, stands motionless and
firm in the ether (of the Sahasrata) of the body. That
is known as the stage of Nispatti, wherein (the Yogin),
(after performing) the functions of creation and dissolu-
tion (of the phenomena of waking, dreaming and
sleeping), through the (Is'vara) Xtman, reaches the state
of Jivan-mukti m the natural course and performs
THE VARXHOPANI9AD 447
the (Asarnprajaata)-yoga (appropriate to such state,
i.e., reaches the state of ecstasy of the unconscious
variety.) (71-75)
Fruit of the Practice of this Vidyx and of
THE Proficiency Attained Therein
He who studies this Upanisad, he becomes hallowed
by the fire (of the Kundalini). He becomes pure by
(contact with, the air (in the Sahasrara). By drinking
the spirituous hquor (nectar flowing from the middle
of the Sahasrara), he is freed from all sin. By stealing
the gold (of the Hiranya-garbha, enthroned beyond the
Brahma-randhra), he is ever sanctified. He becomes
a Jivan-mukta. This is further borne out by the Re,
" The Suri-s (sages) see always that transcendent state
of Visnu, with their eyes out-stretched in all directions,
like (the Sun), the eye of Heaven. Situated far
away from that state, desirous of glorifying it, wide
awake, they kindle the sacrificial fire. That is what is
known as the transcendent state of Visnu." — Thus the
Upanisad. (76, ^7)
THE S'AI^piLYOPANI5AD
[This Upanisad, which is the Fifty-eighth among
the 108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the Atharva-
veda, deals with the eight stages of Yoga and the
principal and subsidiary accomplishments resulting
therefrom and points to the attainment of the state
of the Brahman, which has no counterpart, as the final
resort.]
CHAPTER r
KHANPA I
Enunciation of the Eight Stages of Yoga
S'andilya asked Atharvan thus : " Pray relate
(uAto me) the eight-fold Yoga, which is the means to
be adopted for the attainment of the Xtman." He,
the Atharvan, replied thus : The eight subdivisions are :
Yama (self-control), Niyama (observance), Asana
(posture), Pranayama (rarefaction of breath), PratyShara
(withdrawal of breath), Dharana (stabilizing the breath),
Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption).
Therein, the Yama-s are ten (in number). So also the
Niyama-s. Postures are of eight kinds. Pr3][^yama
THE s'Xndilyopanisad 449
IS three-fold. PratyShara-s are five (in number). So
also the Dharana-s. Dhyana is of two kinds. Samadhi
is of only one form. (1-3)
Exposition of the Ten Kinds of Yama-s
Therein, non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealth,
celibacy, compassion, rectitude, forbearance, fortitude,
temperance in food and cleanliness are the ten Yama-s.
Therein, the abstinence from causing pain always, in
all beings, by thought, word of mouth and deed, is
what IS termed non-\io]ence. The uttering of what
is the truth, conducive to the welfare of beings, by
thought, word and deed, is what is termed truthfulness.
The absence of covetousness towards others' wealth,
IS what IS termed non-stealth. The giving up of
sexual intercourse, in ail states and at all places, by
thought, word and deed, is what is termed celibacy.
Kindness to all bemgs, at all places, is what is termed
compassion. In the matter of relations with other
people, assuming one and the same attitude, both in
leaning towards what is prescribed (by the Veda) altid
abhorrence of things prohibited, in thought, word and
deed, is what is termed rectitude. Putting up with
despicable scolding and appealing adulation, alike, is
what IS termed forbearance. Steadiness of mind,
under all circumstances, whether at the loss of wealth
and the bereavement of one's relations and friends or
at their acquisition (afresh), is what is termed fortitude.
Partaking of nourishing and sapient food, leaving off a
U57
450 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
fourth, IS temperance in food. Cleanliness is of two
kinds : external and internal. Of these, (cleanliness)
with the aid of earth and water is external. Purity of
mind is internal. That should be attaihed through
study of (spiritual) lore pertaining to the Stman. (4-14)
khanda ii
Exposition of the Ten Kinds of Nivama-s
The ten Niyama-s are : penance, continence, belief
in the existence of the other world, munificence, worship
of Is'vara, study of systems of philosophy, a sense of
shame, the proper frame of mind, prayer and obser-
vance of vows Therein, emaciation of the body, by
observing the Krcchra and Candrayana austerities and
the like, prescribed (by Holy Writ), is what is known
as penance. Satisfaction at whatever chance brings
in, is what is termed continence. Faith in the lines
of conduct and misconduct, as laid down by the Veda-s,
is what is known as faith in the existence of the other
wctrld. The giving away to persons m need, of wealth,
gram and the like, amassed by righteous means, in all
sincerity, is what is termed munificence. The worship
of Visnup Rudra and other deities, as far as resources
would permit, with a cheerful disposition, is what is
known as the worship of Is'vara. Investigation into
the true import of the Vedanta, is what is known as
the study of systems of philosophy. Disinclination
towards action, considered base accord*mg to the Vedic
THE S^lNlpILYOPANI^AD 451
and the worldly standards of conduct, is what is known
as a sense of a shame. Sincerity, in following the
course of observances laid down by the Veda-s, is what
is known as the proper frame of mind. The practice
of Mantra-s, not running counter to the injunctions of
the Veda, in accordance with the initiation of the Guru
and in keepmg with the prescribed rulS, is what is
known as prayer. That is of two kinds : oral and
mental. The mental one is what is attended with con-
templation through the mind. The oral one is of two
kinds . what is uttered aloud and what is muttered in
whispers, these being the distinguishing features. The
utterance aloud bestows the prescribed fruit. Muttering
in whispers (bestows the fruit) a thousand-fold. Mental
(prayer) (bestows the fruit) ten-thousand times a
thousand. Constancy in the observance of the in-
junctions and prohibitions laid down in the Veda, is
what is known as observance of vows. (1-1 1)
KHANp\ 111
Exposition of the Eight Kinds of Posture^
The eight postures are, what are called the
Svastika, the Go-mukha, the Padma, the Vlra, the
Siipha, the Bhadra, the Mukta, and the Mayura. As
for the Svastika, placing the soles of the two feet
between the knees and the thighs, sitting with the body
erect and the posture balanced ; that they say is the
Svastika. One should place his right ankle of the leg
452 THE YOGA UPANISADS
on the left side of the back (of the leg) and also the left
ankle of the leg on the right side similarly. This is
Go-mukha, resembling the face of the cow. Placing
the soles of the two feet, O S'andilya, over the two
thighs, one should hold (them) by the toes, with the
two hands stretched out crosswise. This will be the
Padmasana \Dosture, held in esteem by all (Yogin-s).
Placing one foot over one thigh and the other thigh
over the other foot similarly, sitting thus is what is
known as Virasana. Pressing the right side (of the
frenum of the prepuce) with the left heel and the other
side with the right (heel) simjlarly, firmly placing the
two hands on the two knees, with their fingers out-
stretched, with his mouth wide open and his body well-
controlled, he should fix his eyes, on the tip of the
nose. This will be the Simhasana, always adored by
Yogin-s. Pressing the right part of the Yoni (organ of
procreation) above the genitals with the left (heel),
projecting the introspecting mind towards the middle
of the eyebrows, this (posture) will be the Siddhasana
(The Yogin) should place the two ankles of the leg
be*iow the testicles, on either side the frenum of the
prepuce. Then uith both hands holdmg firmly the
two feet by their sides, and remaining motionless, this
will be the Bhadrasana, the panacea for all ills and the
antidote against all poisons. Pressing the right side of
the -subtle frenum of the prepuce by the ankle of the
leg from the left and the left side (of the frenum) with
the right ankle, this will be the Muktasana. Holding
on to the ground well, with the two pafms of his hands,
THE S^NDILYOPANIfAD 453
(the Yogin) should firmly fix the two elbows by the
sides of the navel, with his head and legs lifted upwards
and (his trunk) floating like a stick in empty space-
This is the Mayurasana, which is the destroyer of all
sins. All diseases that affect the body perish. Poisons
are assimilated (without any evil eflfect). By whichever
posture the body could be held comfortably, the man
of feeble strength should have recourse to it. fl-13)
Fruit of the Successful Acquisition of
Posture
By whom posture has been successfully attained,
by him are all the three worlds subjugated. The person
who IS equipped with Yama, Niyama and Asana should
practise the Pranajama (rarefaction of breath). Thereby,
the Nadl-s are purified. (14, 15)
KHANDA IV
Investigation into the Number of NadI-s
Then S'aijdilya asked this Atharvan thus : " By
what means would the Nadi-s remain pure ? How
many are the Na^i-s in number ' What is thecharacter
of their origin ? How many (kinds) of vital airs abide
in them ? What are their (respective) seats ? What are
their (respective) functions ? Which of them should be
thoroughly understood in the human body ? Pray relate
unto me all that." (1)
454 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
The Measure of the PrSna (Vital Air)
IN THE Body
That Atharvan then rephed : This body, then, is
of the character of Ninety-six digit-lengths, (when
measured by the finger-digits of the respective persons).
The Prana (vital air) is in excess of the body (out-
measures the body) by twelve digit-lengths. (2)
Rule Relating to Kumbhaka
He who makes the vital air remaining m the body,
either ecjual to or less than the fire (vital warmth) in
juxtaposition with it, (in point of the coefficient of
expansion) by the practice of Yoga, becomes an exalted
Yogin (among Yogin-s). [The former variety is known
as the Kumbhaka and the latter the Dirgha (elongated)
Kumbhaka.] (3)
The Place of P^ire in the Case of Human
Beings and Others
In the case of human beings, the place of fire m
the middle of the body is the Tri-kona (triangle), with
the radiance of molten gold. In the case of quadrupeds,
(it is) quadrangular (in shape). In the case of birds,
(it is) circular in shape. In their middle, there stands
a flame of fife, slender and auspicious. (4)
Description of the Middle of the Body, in
the Case of Humam and Other Beings
The middle of the body, in the case of human
beings, is two digit-lengths above the seat of the anus
THE S^lSipiLYOPANISAD 455
and two digit-lengths below the genitals. In the case
of quadrupeds, (it is) in the middle of the heart. In
the case of birds (it is) in the middle of the belly. The
middle of the body is of nme digit-lengths and is
egg-like in shape, with an elevation of four digit-lengths
all-round. (5)
The Swirling of the Jiva (Vital Energy) in
THE Plexus of the Navel
In the middle of that (middle of the body) is the
navel. There, (is situated) a plexus with twelve spokes.
In the middle of that plexus, the Jlva (vital energy)
swirls, induced by the religious merit or sin (of the
person concerned). Even as the spider standing in the
middle of its cob-web-cage moves, even so this Prana
(vital air) moves therein. In this body the vital energy
(Jrva) IS perched on the Prana (vital air). (6, 7)
The Form and Functioning of the Kundalini
The seat of the Kundalini is across, below and
above the navel. The Kundalini power is of an eight-
fold character and made up of eight coils. This
(Kuo4al>nl)> obstructing the usual movement of vital
air and the (passage of) food, drink and the like,
around and along the sides of the body, and covering
this (plexus) with its face and the crevice of the Brah-
man (with its tail), throbs at the time (of the perform-
ance) of Yoga,* along with the Ap5na vital air and fire
456 THE YOGA. UPANl^ADS
and. the ether of the heart becomes a great eflfulgence
of the form of knowledge. (8)
The Fourteen Nadj-s
Bearing on the Kundalini situated m the middle,
there are fourteen important Nadi-s. The fourteen are
as follows : the Ida, the Pifigala, the Susumna, the
Sarasvati, the Varuni, the Pusa, the Hasti-jihva, the
Yas'asvinl, the Vis'vodara, the Kuhu, the S'aiikhini, the
Payasvinl, the Alambusa and the Gaipdharl Nadi-s. (9)
The Susumna Nadi
There (is) the Susumna, which is known as the
Vis'va-dharini (the prop of the Universe) and the
Moksa-marga (the pathway to liberation). Attached
to the vertebral column, behind the anus and known
as the Brahma-randhra, tijl the crest is reached, it
becomes distinct, subtle and all-pervading (10)
The Places of the Other NadI-s Around the
Susumna
To the left part of the Susumna, there stands the
Ida. To the right, the Pifigala. The Moon traverses
the Id5. The Sun, the Pingala. The Moon is of the
form of darkness (Inertia). The Sun is of the form of
Mobility. The Sun occupies the poteon-position and
the Moon the nectar- position. The two alone occupy
THE s^lSipiLYOPANI§AD 457
all time. The Susumija enjoys all time. At the back
and the side of the Susumna, are the Sarasvati and the
Kuhu. Between the Yas'asvmi and the Kuhu is esta-
blished the Varunl. Between the Pusa and the Saras-
vati IS the Payasvini. Between the Gaipdhan and the
Sarasvati is the Yas'asvmi. In the middle of the knot
of the navel is the Alambusa. In front of the Susumna,
to the end of the genitals is the Kuhu. Below and
above the Kundalinl, the Varunl courses in all direc-
tions. The gentle Yas'asvmi courses as far as the big
toes of the feet. The Pingala, going upwards, reaches
as far as the end of the right nostril. Behind the
Pingala, the Pusa reaches as far as the right eye. The
Yas'asvmi reaches up to the right ear. The Sarasvati
reaches up to the tip of the tongue. The S'ankhinl
goes upwards up to the end of the left ear. The
Garpdharl, coursing behind the Ida, reaches up to the
end ot the left eye. The Alambusa goes upwards and
downwards from the root of the anus. In these fourteen
Nadi-s, there are other Nadi-s occurring. Others and
yet others besides them, it should be understood, also
exist. Even as the leaf of the As'\attha (the sacred fig
tree) and the like, is traversed by ^ems, even so is the
body traversed by Nadi-s. (11)
The Ten Vital Airs, Prana and Others,
Their Places and Functions
The Pi^pa, the Apana, the Saiuana, the Udana,
and the Vy5na, also, the Naga, the Kurma, the Krkara,
458 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
the Deva-datta and the Dhanaip-jaya, these ten vital
airs move in all the Nadi-s. The Prana moves in the
mouth, the nostrils, the throat, the navel, the two big-
toes of the feet, and above and below the Kupdali.
The Vyana moves in the ears, the eyes, the hip, the
ankles and heels, the nose, the neck, and the buttocks.
The Apana moves m the anus, the genitals, the thighs,
the knees, the belly, the testicles, the hip, the shanks,
the navel and the hole of the rectal fire. The Udana has
its place in all the joints. The Samana pervades the
hands and feet and all parts of the body and is all-
pervasive. The Samana vital air, spreading the
partaken food converted into chyle and others, along
with the vital warmth, throughout the body and
moving through the seventy-two-thousand Nadl path-
ways, and thus having permeated the body with its
divisions and sub-divisions, along with the vital
warmth — the five vital airs originating from the
integument, bone and others having mixed up the water
and food in the belly with the humours of the body —
the Prana vital air which has reached the middle of the
belly will separate them. Placing the water over the
fire, placing the food and the like over the water,
having of its own accord reached the Apana, the (Prana)
vital air along with the (Apana) also reaches the fire in
the middle of the belly. The fire overthrown by the
(Plana) vital air, blazes forth in the middle of the
body slowly on account of the Apana vital air. The
fire renders, with its heat, the water in the abdomen
along with the Prana vital air very hot. It digests the
THE S'ANDILYOPANI^AD 459
food mixed with condiments, when placed over the
water by means of the water heated by the fire. There-
by, the Prana vital air will separate the fluid of the
form of sweat, watery urine, blood, semen, faeces and
the like. Distributing the chyle through all the Nadi-s
along with the Samana vital air, the (Prana) air, in
the form of breath, moves in the body The vital airs
of the body bring about the expulsion of the faeces,
unne and the like, through the nine evacuatory orifices.
Expiration, inspiration and coughing are said to be the
work of the Prana (vital air). The evacuation of the
faeces, urine and the like is the work of the Apana vital
air. The acts of giving up, seizing and the like are the
work of the Vyana. The carrying aloft and other such
acts of the body is the work of the Udana. The
work of nourishment of the body is the work of the
Samana. Belching and the like is the work of the
Naga. Shutting the eye-lids and the like is the work
of the Kurma, Producing hiccup is the work of the
Krkara. Yawning is the work of the Deva-datta.
Producing phlegm and the like is the work of the
Dhanam-jaya
Rule Rklating to the Purification
OF the Nadi-s
Thus having well understood the (respective)
positions of the Nadl-s and the seats of the vital airs,
and their functions, one should perform the purification
of the NS^l-s. (14)
460 the yoga upanisads
khai^ipa v
Description of the Person Eligible for the
Performance of Yoga and the Monastery
Suitable for the Practice of Yoga.
A person, possessed of self-control and austere in
his observances, devoid of all attachment, proficient
in the theory and practice of Yogic lore, devoted to
Truth and righteous conduct, immune from anger, ever
engaged in the service of the preceptor, dutiful to his
father and mother, well-trained by those who are in the
know of the lines of righteous conduct prescribed (by
the scripture) relating to his stage in life, reaching a
forest suitable for the performance of penance and
abounding in friuts, roots and water, in a delightful
spot, resonant with the loud chanting of the Veda by
Brahmana-s, surrounded by knowers of the Brahman
ever engaged in the discharge of their duties, abound-
ing in fruits, roots, flowers and water-courses, in a
temple, river-bank, village or city as well, resorting to
an auspicious monastery, neither too elevated nor too
low, nor too extensive, provided with a small entrance,
smeared with cowdung and the like and provided with
all means of protection, should commence the practice
of Yoga, engaged (at the same time) in the study of
the Vedanta (system of philosophy). (1)
The Manner of Commencing the PrSnayama
Worshipping well Vinayaka at first, (then) making
obeisance to the deity of his own choice, assuming the
THE s'Sndilyopani^ad 461
posture aforesaid, facing either eastwards or northwards,
occupying a soft seat, in a posture well mastered by
him, the knower (of the proper procedure) with his neck
and head in a line, and his sight turned in the direction
of the tip of the nose, seeing with his eyes the disc
of the Moon showering nectar in the middle of the
eyebrows, filling in air of twelve digit-lengths, through
the Ida, he should meditate upon that which stands in
the belly, along with the cluster of flames, composed
of the "Ra" and the "dot" (Bmdu) (t.e., 'Ram')
and along with the region of fire and should expel the
vital air through the Pingala Agam in-fillmg through
the Pingala, holding the vital air by means of Kum-
bhaka, he should expel it through the Ida. (2)
Rule Relating to the Practice of Pranayama
FOR Purifying the Naot-s
For forty-three days or for three months, four
months or seven months or thnce four months, during
the three junctions (of the Ida and PiAgala breaths)
and the interval also, by the practice of the PranaySma
SIX times, one should conduct himself. (By doing so)
is attained the purification of the Nadi-s. (3)
Symptoms Noticed at the Time' of
Purification of the Nadi-s
Therefrom, lightness of (the Yogin's) body, beauty
of form, increase of vital warmth, and the manifestation
of the Nada, are attained. (4)
462 the yoga upanisads
khanpa vi
Pranayama of the Character of Pranava
The coming together of the Prana and Apana
vital airs becomes the Pranayama. It is of three
varieties, being divided into Recaka, Puraka and Kum-
bhaka. They are of the character of the (three) letters
(' A ', ' U ' and ' M ', constituting the Pranava). Hence
the Pranava alone becomes the Pranayama. (1, 2)
The Mode of Meditating on the Letters
OF the Pranava
The Yogin, assuming the Padmnsana and other
postures, with the form of the ' A ' expanded by the
cluster of Moon-beams emanating from the disc of
the Moon at the tip of his nose, becomes Gayattrl,
with the blood-red complexion, having the Hamsa
(swan) as her vehicle, with a stick in her hand, and
bloomingly young. With the form of the letter ' U ',
he becomes Savitrl of a white complexion, having Tar-
ksya (the king of birds) as her vehicle, adolescent and
with the discus in her hand. With the form of the
letter 'M', iie becomes Sarasvatl, of a dark com-
plexion, with the bull as her vehicle, advanced in years
and wielding the trident. The one imperishable tran-
cendent radiance (the Brahman), which is the prime
cause of the three syllables ' A ' and others, takes the
form £>f the Pranava. (3, 4)
THE s'lNDILYOPANIgAD 463
The Mode of Practising the Pra^iava
In-filhng the air from outside, through the Ida,
conceiving the syllable ' A ' with sixteen Matra-s, with
the in-fiUed air making the Kumbhaka with sixty-four
Matra-s, meditating on the Om-kara, (the Yogin should
expel) the in-filled air through the Pingala of thirty-six
Matra-s, along with the meditation of the form of the
syllable ' M '. In this manner he should again and
agam practice in the (aforesaid) order. (5)
KHANPA VII
The Pranayam\ Performed with the Sole
Purpose of Purifying the Susumna Nadi
Then, with a firm posture, the Yogin, possessed
of self-control, partaking of temperate and wholesome
food, for the purpose of drying up the impurities re-
maining in the Susumna Nadi, assuming the Padma-
sana posture, in-filling the vital air through the Moon
(Ida), holding it in Kumbhaka, as far as it lies ift his
power and expelling it through the Surya (Pingala),
again in-filling through the Surya (Pingala) and after
Kumbhaka expelling it through the Moon (Ida), should
hold It, after in-filling through the Nadi through which
he expelled. Herein occur these verses : (The Yogin)
should at first draw in the Prana vital air through the
I(Ja and again expel through the other {vtz., the Pin-
gala), in the prescribed manner (t.e., after Kumbhaka),
464 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
Then sucking in the vital air through the Pingala, he
should, after holding it, expel it through the left (Nadl).
For those self-possessed Yogin-s, who always practise
according to this rule, through the solar and lunar
Nadl-s (alternately), the systems of Nadl-s are purified
in the course of a little over three months (1)
The Number of Pranayama-s to be
Performed every Day
Early in the morning, at noon, in the evening and
at midnight, (the Yogin) should practise Kumbhaka-s,
gradually (increasing the number) up to eighty, four-
times every day. (2)
Difference in the Result in accordance
WITH THE Practice
In the early stages, there will be (the flow of)
sweat In the middle stages, there will be the tremour
(of the body). In the advanced stages of the control
of breath, (the body) will rise up The Padmasana
posture should be assumed (by the Yogin in all stages).
He should massage his body with the perspiration
produced (in the course of practice) due to the exertion
(involved). (Therefrom) strength of limb and light-
ness of his body will result (3, 4)
Observance of Diet during the Period
of Practice
During the period of practice, subsisting on food
consisting of milk and ghee, is worthy of being adopted
THE S'>fNpILYOPANI$AD 465
as the most conducive. Then when the practice gets
confirmed, observance of any such nature is not
essential. P)
Rule relating to (the Yogin's) Remaining
INTENTLY DeVOTED TO THE PRACTICE
Even as a hon, an elephant or a tiger, is capable
of being brought under control, (when attention is
devoted in that direction) little by little, even so the
vital air, when served (with due care). Otherwise, it
will kill the practitioner. (The Yogm) should send
out the vital air prudently and according as the cir-
cura.s.tances demand-, he should in-hll it accordmg to
the circumstances with due care ; he should hold jt
bound (in Kumbhaka) according to exigencies ; (by
practising) in this manner he would attain successful
accomplishment (of the purification of the Nadi-s).
(6,7)
From the Pure State of the NXpi-s is
Attainable the Ecstatic State of the Mind
Holding the breath as long as desired, the rousing
of the fire, the manifestation of the Nada, ^nd freedom
from disease : from the purification of the Nadi-s (the
above consequences) are produced. When the pfexus
of the Na4i-s is purified by PrapaySma-s (rarefaction
of breath) as prescribed in the rules, the vital air enters
freely, after bursting through the mouth of the SusujTuia
466 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
Na^l. When the vital air courses through the middle
{of the Susumpa), there is generated the fixity of the
mind. The state of intense fixity of the mind, that
alone will be the ecstatic state of the mind. (8-10)
The Necessity for the Performance
OF the Three Bandha-s
The Bandha, known as the Jalarp-dhara, should be
performed at the end of the in-filling of breath. The
Uddiyanaka (Bandha) (should be performed) after
Kumbhaka (holding the breath) and before expulsion
(of the vital air). By constriction (of the anus) below,
and when constriction of the throat is made suddenly,
by Pas'cima-tana in the middle, the Prana (vital air)
will course through the Brahma-nadl. (II, 12)
Fruit of the Intermingling of the Prana and
THE Apana Vital Airs
By causing the Apana to rise upwards and leading
th6 Prana downwards from the throat, the Yogin, freed
from old age, becomes sixteen in point of age. (13)
Thb Expedient to be Adopted for the
Purification of the Cranium
(The Yogm), assuming a comfortable posture,
drawing in the air outside through the right (PiAgalS)
Na4i and performing Kumbhaka, (till it reaches) as far
THE s'Xndilyopani^ad 467
as the roots of the hair and the tips of the nails, should
expel It through the left (Iqla) Nadi. By means of
this, (are accomplished) the purification of the cranium
and the destruction of the diverse diseases inherent in
the Nadl-s, through which the vital air flows. (13-1)
The Ujjayi Pranavama
Drawing in the air through the nostrils slowly, so
as to cause a noise and (so as to fill the region) between
the heart and the throat, holding it in Kumbhaka, as
far as it lies in his power, and expelling it through the
Ida, (the Yogin) should practise (this), while walking
and standing. Therefrom results the increase of the
fire in the belly, which removes phlegm (from the
system) (13-2)
The SiTKARA Pranayama
Sucking m the air through the mouth, with the
Sltkara (hissing sound), holding it in Kumbhaka as
long as possible, (the Yogin) should expel it through
the nostrils. Therefrom thirst, hunger and sleep
through indolence, will not be produced. (13-3)
The S'iTALA Pranayama
Drawing in the air through the tongue, holding
in Kumbhaka as long as possible, (the. Yogin) should
expel It throug!i the nostrils. Therefrom, dyspei^ia.
468 THE YOGA UPANISADS
enlargenxent of the spleen, fever, biliousness, hunger
and the hke are destroyed. (13-4)
The Two-fold Kumbhaka, Accessory and
Essential
That Kumbhaka is of two kinds : mixed and pure.
The mixed is conjoint with Recaka (expelling) and
Puraka (in-filling). The pure is devoid of those (two
processes). Till the acquisition of the pure (Kumbhaka)
(the Yogin) should practise the mixed (Kumbhaka).
r
When the pure Kumbhaka has been accomplished,
for him there is nothing unattainable in the three
worlds. From the Kevala-kumbhaka, the rousing
of the Kundalini is brought about. (13-5)
The Fruit from the Practice of Kumbhaka
Thence, (the Yogin) becomes light-bodierd, with a
cheerful countenance, with his eyes free from dirt, with
Nada manifested, released from the clutches of groups
of diseases, with his Bindu (semen) under control and
with his vital warmth glowing briskly. (13-6)
Attainment of the VaisnavI Mudra
The external vision of the Yogin, when it becomes
fixed only on the one object in the interior, (with the
mind concentrated on the Viraj, Sutratman, Blja or the
Tunya m the Muladhara, Anahata, Sjfia or SahasrSra)
THE S^NDILYOPANISAD 469
and in consequence devoid of shutting or opening the
eyelids, this is the reputed VaisnavT Mudra, which is
well preserved as a secret in all the Tantra-s. (14)
Direct Vision of the Brahman through the
Attainment of the Khe-carI
When the Yogin, with his vision turned towards
the interior and his mental functions and vital air
completely at rest, stands always seeing and at the
same time not seeing, either outwards, or down below,
with the pupil of his eyes entirely motionle'ss, this is
verily the Khe-carl Mudra, which is concentrated solely
on the one object to be seen and auspicious and reveals
the state pertaining to Visnu, the Truth, which is
devoid of the void and the non-void (states of sleeping
and dreaming). (The Yogm) with his eyes half-shut,
his mmd firmly set, and his vision projected on the
tip of the nose, stands bringing about the dissolution
of the Moon and the Sun (t.e., by making the vital air,
the introsp>ecting mind and the fire m the range of the
145- and Pirigala- nadi-s dissolve in the Susurrfha).
Then, what remains beyond the experiencing of the
stream of exquisite Bliss, know that, O S'anddya, here
and now, in the attitude " I am that entity .(the Brah-
man)," that entity which is withm the range of what
is the transcendent Truth, which is of the form of the
innermost Radiance, devoid of all diflferences external
(and internal) and which (as the Supreme Brahman)
forever blazes* forth, throwing into the background
470 THE YOGA UPANISADS
every other entity without differentiation). (" The
transcendent divine radiance blazes forth," says the
S'ruti). (15, 16)
Attainment of the Ecstatic State through
THE Khe-cari
Causing the pupil of the eye to be firmly fixed in
the direction of the radiance (shining m the middle of
the eyebrows), cast thy eyebrows a little upwards (and
have a glance at the Turiya or the Turlyatlta, shining
m the Sahasrara, in the belief that the Atman alone
remains). This, which alone forms the pathway to
the practices aforesaid, will, in a trice, bring about the
state of ecstasy (leading to the realization of the
non-differentiated Brahman). For that reason, (the
Yogin) should practise the Khe-carT Mudra. There-
from results the state of ecstasy, (when the mind will
be nd of all functioning). Therefrom will result Yogic
slumber, (the attainment of the non-diflferentiated state,
wherefrom again the Yogin is nd of the doubt relating
to the completion of his mental abstraction). For the
Yogin, who has attained the state of Yogic slumber,
there is no conception of the time (when he would be
roused from his non-difTerentiated state). (17, 17-1)
Means of attaining the Brahman
Non-differentiated by Duration
Be thou happy, S'andilya, after dissolving thy mind
m the power of the Kundahni and therf projecting the
THE S'ANDILYOPANIgAD 471
power of the Kun^alini (as well as introspection), so as
to reach (the inmost consciousness, which sways) all
mental functions, seeing with the (inward-turned) mind
(the innermost, non -differentiated from the Brahman,
manifesting the thousand and one states of existence
and non-existence revealed by the functioning oO the
mind ; do thou place thy Atman (the innermost) in the
middle of the Ether of Consciousness. Place also the
Ether of Consciousness in the middle of the Atman. (By
such exchange), having made everything full of the Ether
of Consciousness, he should think of nothing (as ex-
istmg), apart from the Ether of Consciousness. (18, 19)
Attainment of Aloneness by the Dissolution
OF the Mind
Concern about external as well as internal things,
should not be made. Giving up all concern, be intent
on consciousness alone. Even as camphor (dissolves)
in fire and a mass of rock-salt m water, even so the
dissolvmg mind should seek repose in the Truth (of
the Atman, i.e., the Brahman), (turning away from* the
phenomenal world and purified by the meditation on
the form of the Atman). Whatever forms the basis
of belief, all that has to be known. The Jinowing of it
is what IS known as the mind. Knowledge and that
which has to be known, both perish simultaneously,
(the moment one comes to know that there is nothing
apart from the Brahman). There is no other second
path (leading to the peerless Brahman). Wher^what
472 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
has to be known is given up, the mind meets with its
dissolution. When the mind has attained dissolution,
there remains Aloneness. (20-23)
Dissolution of the Mind through Yoga
AND JRSna
There are two modes for attaining the dissolution
of the mind : Yoga (concentration) and Jfiana (know-
ledge), O Sage ! Yoga consists in obstructing the
functioning of the mind (in directions other than the
recognitjon of the existence of the Brahman, while
knowledge is the clear perception (that there is nought
besides the Brahman). When that (the delusion that
there is something other than the Brahman) is
obstructed, the mind will certainly remain tranquillized.
When the throbbing of the mmd is set at rest, attach-
ment to worldly affairs will get completely dissolved,
(as it IS but a creature of the mind), even as with the
cessation of the quivering of the solar lustre (with
night-fall), activity (in every day life) is at rest. (24-26)
Suspension of the throbbing of the PrXna
(Vital Air) out of the Dissolution of
THE Mind
When, owing to (the influence of) the study of the
S'astra-s, association with virtuous persons, detachr
ment and the practice of Yoga, there is developed (by
the yogin, consideration for remaining in a state of
THE S'ANDILYOPANI^AD 473
unconcern regarding the attachment to worldly affairs
contracted previously, (there dawns the knowledge that
the Brahman alone is the real existence and the
phenomenal world and attachment to worldly affairs is
false). As result of meditatmg on the goal of (the
Yogm's) ambition, with the one-pointed mind, for a
long time, and from confirmed practice of '(the realiza-
tion of) the one real existence, (the Brahman), the
throbbing of the Prana (vital air) is suspended. (26-28)
Suspension of the throbbing of the Mind
WITH THE Suspension of the THROBBrNG
OF THE Vital Air
The throbbing of the mind is suspended from the
confirmed practice of the control of breath, through
Puraka (in-filling) and others, not attended with exhaus-
tion, and also through Dhyana-yoga (concentrated medi-
tation) in a secluded spot, (simultaneously with the sus-
pension of the throbbing of the Prana vital air. (28, 29)
The various Means Employed for bringing
about the suspension of the throbbing
OF THE Prana Vital Air
When external and internal consciousness goes to
sleep (as it were), due to the realization of the real
nature of the other extremity of the sound, produced by
the pronunciation of the Oipkara, the throbbing of the
PrSpa is suspended. Occupying, with effort, the small
bell-shaped uvula at the root of the palate, by means
U60
474 THE YOGA UPANISADS
of the tongue, when the Prana reaches the crevice (of
the Brahman) which is above, the throbbing of the
Prana is suspended. When (on account of the adoption
of the $an-mukhl Mudra), (external and internal) percep-
tion has been dropped and by sheer practice the Prana
reaches (the Sahasrara plexus of) the Dva-das'anta,
above the palate, through the orifice above, the throb-
bing of the Prana is suspended. When the power of
perception of Consciousness has been tranquillized in
the pure Ether, extending for twelve digit-lengths over
the tip of the nose, the throbbing of the Prana is
suspended. When (during the course of directing the
glance of the pupils of the eye to the top of the nose)
in the middle of the eyebrows, the Tarakalokana
(glance of the pupils of the eye is suspended and the
end is reached (of the determination to perform such
meditation) and the mmd, concentrated on the innermost
sentience, is in an ecstatic state, the throbbing of the
Prana is suspended "(I am) that ' Om ' alone (having
been freed from every other thing," — what results from
such attitude and the investigation of the import of the
Ofnkara, the knowledge of the character of whatever
has to be known, the auspicious (Brahman), that is
untouched by the slightest change, (simultaneously
with such knowledge), the throbbing of the Prana is
suspended. When, for a long time, O Mum, the heart
comes to know of the Ether (of consciousness) confined
(exclusively within its recess), (which knowledge rids
the mind of its previous impressions) and the im-
pressionless mind meditates on and' thereby comes
THE S'ANDILYOPANISAD 475
Within the range of that one entity, worthy of such
meditation (the Brahman), the throbbing of the Prana
IS suspended. By the aforesaid modes, as well as by
others, devised by diverse mental resolves, enjoined by
various preceptors, either expressly or by implication,
the throbbing of the Prana is suspended. (29-36)
Reaching the Highest State, through the
BURSTING Open of the Susumna Nadi, by
Means of Kumbhaka
Forcing open the door of the Kundahni, by constric-
tion (of the anus), (the Yogin) should burst through the
door of liberation The Kundalinl, sleeping with its face
covering the very door through which (the Yogin has
to move upwards, is encoiled with a crooked form like
a serpent. By whomsoever that power is roused, he is
venly liberated. Should that power sleep in the portion
above the throat, that will conduce to the liberation of
the Yogin-s. Should it be below (the throat), that will be
for the bondage of the ignorant. Should he adopt the
Susumna course, giving up the two courses of the Ida
(and the Pingala), then (would he reach), the highest
state of Visnu. (36/1-4)
Rule relating to the Entrance of*the
PrSna along with the Mind into
the Susumna
All practice of the (control of) vital c^ir, (the Yogin)
should practise along with the mind. The functioning
476 THE YOGA UPANI§ADS
of the mind elsewhere should not be resorted to by the
man of intellect. One should not worship (allow the
functionmg of) Visnu (the Prana vital air) during day-
time (in the solar Nadj, the Pingala) ; so also should
he not worship (allow the functioning) during night
(in the lunar Nadi, the Ida). He should worship Visnu
(m the Susumna Nadi) and should not so worship
both night and day. (37, 38)
Attainment of the Khe-carI Mudra
There stands the Nadi (Susumna), which is the cause
of generating knowledge (of the Viraj and others, in the
Muladhara, Anahata, Vis'uddhi, Ajfia and Sahasrara to
the Yogin) and which is conjoint with the five streams
of the Vira] up to the Turiyatita. Therein is the Khe-cari
Mudra, non-determinate in form. Do thou attain it, O
S'andilya, (out of my grace). The vital air remaining
in the left and right (Ida and Pingala) Nadi-s, flows
through the middle (Susumna Nadi). There will stand,
in that spot, the Khe-carl Mudra without doubt. The
void between the Ida and the Pingala will also grasp
the vital air. Where stands the Khe-carl Mudra, there
is established the Truth. Between the Moon and the
Sun, in the plexus of Ether which has no support, what
is known as the Khe-carl Mudra is established. (39-42)
Means of Attaining the External
Khe-cari Siddhi
Making the tongue very thin by cutting (the frenum
to tjie extent of the thickness of a hair, with the blade
THE s'Sndilyopanijad 477
of a knife resembling the leaf of the milk-hedge plant,
every Sunday for six months), moving it during succes-
sive Muhurta-s dedicated to Brahman, (between the
fourth and the second Ghatika-s before Sun-rise) and
making it water (profusely, by the application, early in
the morning, of pulverized rock-salt and myrobalan,
Terminalia chebula or Citrine), fixing the pair of eyes
on the middle of the eyebrows, when the tongue, with
its motion reversed, enters the crevice of the cranium,
then IS brought about the Khe-can Mudra. Then the-
tongue, as well as the mind, moves in Ethereal space.
By means of that, the man with the tongud upward is
rendered immortal. (42-1)
Means to be Employed for the Conquest
OF THE Prana Vital Air during
Practice
Pressing the genitals with the left heel, stretching
the right leg and holding it by both hands, in-fillmg the
vital air through the nostrils, having brought abodt the
Kantha-bandha (constriction of the throat), (the Yogm)
should hold the vital air (in Kumbhaka) from above.
By doing so, all troubles vanish. Thereafter, poison
will be easily assimilated as nectar. Consumption,
dyspepsia, constipation, affections of the skin and other
ailments perish. This is the means to be employed for
conquering the vital air and for the destruction of all
forms of dea&i. (42-2)
478 the yoga upani§ads
Means to be Employed for the Non-vicarious
Attainment of One's own Atman
Placing the left heel on the seat of the genitals,
well placing the right foot over the left thigh, in-filling
the vital air and fixing the chin on to the chest,
constricting the genitals, holding (the vital air) as far
as possible in the middle of the mind, he should assume
the attitude, " I am the Brahman." Thereby will be
•attained the non-vicarious accomplishment (of the
Brahman). (42-3)
Immunity from all Disease, attainable
through a Special Kind of Dharana
Drawing in the Prana vital air from outside,
in-filling It in the belly and with effort, one should hold
It alone with the mind, in the middle of the navel, in
the tip of the nose and the big toes of the feet, either in
the twilights or always. By doing so, the Yogin will be
freed from all disease and be rid of his fatigue. (43, 44)
Acquisition of various Psychic Powers by
Samyama over the Tip of the Nose
AND THE Like
At the tip of the nose is the conquest of vital air
attained. In the middle of the navel is the destruction
of all diseases (attained). By the holding of breath in
the big-toes of the feet, agility of the body results.
He who draws in vital air through the tongue and
THE S'lNDILYOPANIgAD 479
drinks it always, for him there is neither fatigue nor
thirst and diseases hke wise vanish. That knower of
the Brahman, who draws in vital air during the period
of the junctions and drinks it, in the course of three
months, his speech becomes erudite and blessed. "With
SIX month's practice in this manner, there is riddance
from all disease. By conveying the vital air by
means of the tongue, (the Yogin) should restrain it at
the root of the tongue. That knower of the Brahman,
who drinks such nectar, derives all prosperity. Drawing
in the vital air, through the Ida and causing such air to
hold itself in the middle of the eyebrows, then breaking
through (the disc of the Moon there) and drinking the
nectar, (the Yogin), even if he should be afflicted with
disease, will be released therefrom. He who holds,
for the duration of one Ghatika, in the navel as well
as the sides of the belly, vital air drawn inwards
through the two Nadl-s (Ida and Pingala), will be
released from the hold of diseases. Drawing in vital
air by means of the tongue, during the three junctions,
for the space of one month, piercing through the disc
of the Moon and drinking the nectar, he should hbld it
m the middle of the belly. All kinds of fevers meet
with destruction, as also various kinds of poisons
(prove ineffective). He, (who sees what ought to be
seen) at the tip of the nose, along with the mind, for
the space of at least one Muhurta, crosses all his sins
accumulated through hundreds of previous births. By
Saipyama (complete control, through concentration)
over the Tara (Orpkara) (and the Citta^ is the
480 THE YOGA UPANI^ADS
knowledge of all things attained. By Saipyama of
the Citta (along with the Tara) at the tip of the nose,
(is attained) the knowledge of the Indra-loka. By
Samyama of the Citta (along with the Tara) a little
below (the tip of the nose), is the knowledge of the
Agni-loka. By Samyama of the Citta (along with the
Tara) over the eyes is the knowledge o[ all the worlds.
By Samyama of the Citta (along with the Tara) over
the ears is the knowledge of the Yama-loka. By
Samyama over their sides is the knowledge of the
Nirrti-loka. By Samyama over the back is the knowl-
edge of the Varuna-loka. By Samyama over the left
ear is the knowledge of the Vayu-loka. By Saipyama
over the throat is the knowledge of the Soma-loka.
By Saipyama over the left eye is the knowledge of
the S^iva-loka. By Samyama over the crest is the
knowledge of the Brahma-loka. By Saipyama over
the nether-sole of the foot, is the knowledge of the
Atala-loka. By Samyama over the foot is the knowl-
edge of the Vitala-loka. By Samyama over the ankle
is the knowledge of the Nitala-loka. By Samyama
over "^the shank is the knowledge of the Sutala-loka.
By Saipyama over the knee is the knowledge of the
Maha-tala-loka. By Citta-saipyama over the thigh is
the knowledge of the Rasa-tala-loka. By Citta-sarpyama
over the hip is the knowledge of the Tala-tala-loka.
By Citta-saipyama over the navel is the knowledge of
the Bhur-loka. By Samyama over the belly is the
knowledge of the Bhuvar-loka. By Citta-saipyama
over the heart is the knowledge of the Svar-loka. By
THE S'XlJipiLYOPANipAD 481
Citta-saipyama over the upper part of the heart is the
knowledge of the Mahar-Ioka. By Citta-saipyama
over the throat is the knowledge of the Jano-loka. By
Citta-saipyama over the middle of the eyebrows is
the knowledge of the Tapo-loka. By Citta-saipyama
over the crest is the knowledge of the Satya-loka. By
Satnyama on Dharma and Adharma (righteous and
unrighteous conduct) is the knowledge of what has
transpired and what is yet to come. By Citta-samyama
on the cries of the various living beings is the knowl-
edge of the cries of the respective living beings. By
Citta-sarpyama over the Karma accumulated during
previous births is the knowledge of the previous births.
By Citta-samyama over others' minds is the knowl-
edge of others' minds. By Citta-sarpyama on the form
of the body (is attained) a form invisible to others. By
Citta-saipyama on (one's) strength (is attained) the
strength of Hanumat and others. By Citta-saqiyama
on the Sun is the knowledge of the Universe. By Citta-
saipyama on the Moon is the knowledge of the galaxy
of stars. On the pole-star, is the sight of its motion.
By Citta-sarpyama on one's own aim m life is the knowl-
edge of the Purusa. On the plexus of the navel is the
knowledge of the anatomy of the body. On the cavity
of the throat is the riddance from hunger and thirst.
On the Kurma-nadi, firmness. On the pupil of the
eye is the sight of a Siddha (adept). By Saipyama on
the Ether of the body is attained traversing the
Ethereal region. By Saipyama on the respective
places are attained the respective powers. (44/1-52)
U 61
482 THE YOGA UPANISADS
khanda viii
PratyXhara of Five Kinds
Henceforward the Pratyahara. That is of five kinds.
The forcible withdrawal of the organs of perception, from
the sensual pleasures wherein thej' respectively revel, is
Pratyahara. Whatever one sees, looking upon all that
as the Atman, is Pratyahara (of another kind). The
giving up of the fruits of the observances prescribed for
every day is Pratyahara (of a third kind). Turning one's
face away from all sensual pleasures is Pratyahara (of
yet another kind). The projecting (of the vital air) into
• the eighteen Marman-s (vital parts of the body) in the
prescribed order, is the Pratyahara (of the fifth variety)
The (vital) parts are in the feet, the big-toes of the feet,
ankles, shanks, knees, thighs, anus, genitals, navel,
heart, throat, cavity of the throat, palate, nostrils, eyes,
middle of the eyebrows, forehead, and crest. In them
should the practitioner perform Pratyahara in order,
by (projecting) upwards into and (withdrawing) back
frorri them respectively (his mind, vital air, etc.) (1, 2)
khanpa IX
The Five Kinds of Dharana-s
Henceforward the Dharana-s. They are of five
kinds thus : stabilizing the mind in the Atman ;
stabilizing the external Ether m the Daharakas'a (Ether
THE S'ANpiLYOPANISAD 483
of the heart) ; stabihzmg the five Brahman-s ; (Brah-
man, Visnu, Rudra, Is'vara and Sada-s'iva) in (the five
elements) Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
KHANPA X
DhvSna of Two Kinds
Henceforward the Dhyana ; that is of two kinds
thus . quahfied and nonqualified. The qualified
(variety consists in) the meditation on the deity. The
nonqualified (variety consists in the meditation on) the
Atman alone remaining, (the existence of the non-
Atman, i.e., eveything other than the Atman having
been denied). (1)
KH.\NDA XI
The Real Form of SamadHi
Henceforward the Samadhi : The state of union
of the Jivatman and the Paramatman (brought about
with the vanishing of their special causes, flimsy' and
radical ignorance, and therefore non-diflFerentiated),
whfch is devoid of the three aspects (of the knower,
knowledge and what is known) and is of the form of
exquisite Bliss, partakes of the character of pure
sentience (and is hence known as Asarnprajfiata-
samadhi, or ecstatic trance of the unconscious variety).
(1)
484 THE YOGA UPANISADS
CHAPTER II
The Real Form of the Non-qualified
Brahman
Then the Brahmana Sage S'andilya (not having
reahzed the real state of his own Atman, even after
study and being desirous of attaining the knowledge of
the non-relative and non-quahfied Brahman alone and)
not having had an insight into the Brahma-vidya from
the four Veda-s, (wherein it is merely broadly hinted
at), approaching the Lord Atharvan asked him thus :
" What, pray, (is the Brahma-vidya) -* Teach me the
Brahma-vidya, O Lord, wherefrom I may attain
beatitude." Atharvan replied thus " The Brahman
IS, O S'andilya, what is Existence, Wisdom, and devoid
of end." (1,2)
The Non-demonstrability of the
Brahman
In which (Brahman), this state (of ignorance and
Its concomitants), (in the relation of) the warp and
the woof, wherein is this (in the relation of) fading and
bloomirg, on which alone being known, all this comes
to be 'known (as not being other than the Atman), that
(entity, the Brahman) is ungraspable and undemon-
strable, it having no hands and feet, nor eyes and ears,
nor tojpgue, nor body. (3)
THE s'ANDILYOPANIgAD 485
The Brahman beyond the Range of Speech
AND the Mind
Wherefrom speech, along with the mind recedes
incapable ot reaching it ; which is attainable only
through knowledge , out of which hath flown the ancient
(stream of) consciousness, (which is non-volitional in
character and consists absolutely of the functioning of
the Cit and which lasts until the state of aloneness is
attained) , which is one without a peer ; which pervades
everywhere like Ether , which is intensely subtle ; which
is devoid of attachment, which is actionless'; which is
existence alone ; which is the one essence of Con-
sciousness and Bliss, auspicious, intensely tranquillized,
immortal ; that is the transcendent Brahman. (Know
that to be the all and every other thing as nought).
That (Brahman) thou art. Through knowledge of
that (Brahman) verily do thou know. (4)
The Paramatmanhood of all Things
He who IS the only God, who wields the pbwer
of being the Atman alone as the principal one (while
powers such as of being the all-witness, overlord, etc.,
are subordinate thereto), who knows all, .who is the
overlord of all, who is the inner Stman of all beings,
who has his abode m all beings, who is concealed in all
beings, is the place of origin of beings, who could be
reached slowly by means of Yoga, he, who creates the
Universe, who sustains the Universe, who consumes the
486 THE YOGA UPANISADS
Universe, (whose existence could be inferred from his
distinct natural quality described in the scriptural text,
" Whose symbol is the phenomenal world, he is my
Atman, there is no doubt," and who is represented as
the witness, the Jiva and the phenomenal world, when
the difference due to ignorance vanishes), he is the
Atman. In the Atman, know thou each one of the
respective worlds. (5)
From the Instructon Imparted bv the Guru
IS THE Attainment of the Knowledge
OF the Atman of All
Do not be afflicted with sorrow. The wise knower
of the Atman will reach the end of his sorrow (through
the mighty influence of my precepts, by becoming the
Brahman and thus being nd of the sorrow generated
by his believing in the existence of things other than
the Brahman). (6)
CHAPTER III
KHANPA I
the State qf Being the Atman alone without
A Counterpart of the Brahman
Then S'andilya asked this Atharvan thus : " While
the Para Brahn^an is the one, imperishable, actionless,
auspicious existence alone, how then could this world
THE s'lNDILYOPANI^AD 487
come into being, how is it sustained, and how could it
be dissolved in this (Brahman) ? Thou (alone) art
capable of solving this doubt of mine." Atharvan replied
thus : " O S'andilya, it is true, that the Para Brahman
is actionless and imperishable, (as the Paramatman
exists always of one form, even though, due to ignor-
ance, there may or may not be delusion, as to its
remaining without a counterpart). (2)
The Three Forms of the Brahman
However, there are three forms of thiS formless
Brahman thus the indivisible, the divisible and the
(partly) divisible and (partly) indivisible. (3)
The Indivisible Brahman
That which is Truth, Wisdom and Bliss, that is
actionless, non-attached, all-pervading, intensely subtle,
facing all directions, non-demonstrable, and immortal,
this is the indivisible form (of the Brahman). (4)
The Divisible Brahman
Then with (the aid of) what co-exisjs with (the
Ignorance of the Stman) (and is known as Vidya), Mola-
Drakrti (primordial matter) and MSya (Illusion), that
s of a red, white and black colour (partaking of the
Ciuna-s), Mahes'vara, the co-existing god, who is of a
black and brown colour, holds sway (in his capacity o(
488 THE YOGA UPANISADS
overlord, over the state of illusion and its concomitants
flowing out of the ignorance of the Atman). This then
is the divisible form (of the Brahman). (5)
The partly Divisible and partly Indivisible
Brahman
Then, this (Mahes'vara), who had outgrown (his
ongmal) form due to his penance, replete with wisdom,
desired as follows : " May I become many ! may I
bring forth progeny ! " Then, from this (Is'vara), who
was performing severe austerities and had taken the
vow of Truth, there came into being the three letters
('A', 'U', and 'M') , also the three Vyahrti-s (Bhur,
Bhuvar and Svar), the three-footed Gayattri, the thiee
Veda-s, the three gods (Brahman, Visnu and Rudra),
the three castes (the twice-born ones) [or the three
colours, red, white and black] and the three sacrificial
fires (Daksina, Garha-patya and Ahavaniya) came into
existence. This great God is endowed with all kinds
of wealth, pervades through all, and is well establi-
shed? in the heart of all beings. He is full of Maya
and ^owes his form entirely to Maya ; he is Brahman ;
he is Visnu ; he is Rudra ; he is Indra ; he is all ihe
gods and 9.II the beings ; he alone is afore ; he alone
is behind ; he alone is to the left , he alone is to
the right ; he alone is below ; he alone is above ; he
alone is all. Then, of this Lord, who is playing with his
Atmic power, who is full of compassion towards his
devotees, whose form is of Dattatreya, w^ose beautiful
THE srXiyplLYOPAKI^AD 489
body IS without clothing of any kind ; who has four
arms resembhng the petals of the lotus ; and whose
form IS not ugly and reveals his sinlessness. This then
is the partly divisible and partly indivisible form (of
the Brahman). (6)
KHANPA II
Definition of Absolute Existence as the
State of the Para Brahman
Thereupon S'andilya asked this Atharvan thus :
'* O Lord ' wherefore is the absolute Existence, the one
essence of Consciousness and Bliss said to be the
transcendent Brahman ? " Atharvan replied as follows :
" For the reason that it grows and causes all things to
grow, for that reason it is known as the transcendent
Brahman." (1, 2)
Definition of Absolute Existence as the
State of the Atman
" Wherefore then is it known as the Atman«? "
" For the reason that it attains everything, that it gets
everything and that it eats everything, for that reason it
IS known as the Stman." (3, 4)
Definition of Absolute Existence as the
State of Mahes'vara
" Wherefore then is it known as Mahes'vara? " " For
thf reason that (it), the Is'vara grows through the. echo
490 THE YOGA UPANIgADS
of the sound and the power of the Stman (and
holds sway over all), for that reason it is known as
Mahes'vara." (5, 6)
Definition of Absolute Existence as the
State of Dattatreya
" Wherefore then is it known as Datt5treya ? "
" For the reason that by the self-effulgent Lord, who
was exceedingly satisfied, his own self was given to (the
sage) Atri, who was undergoing the severest penance
and was desirous of (begetting) a son ; and for the
reason that Atri's son was born of Anasuya ; for these
reasons it is known as Dattatreya." (7, 8)
Fruit Flowing from the Knowledge of the
Derivation of these Names
C^He who knows the derivation of the aforesaid
(names), knows everything. He, who, after knowing
this, meditates on the transcendent (Brahman) in the
attitude " I am He," becomes the knower of the
Brahman. Here occur the following verses : He who
would meditate, always in this manner, on the eternal
Lord of Lords, Dattatreya, the auspicious and the
tranquil, the lord who resembles the Indra-nila gem (in
complexion), who is intent on (the unravelling of) the
Maya (Illusion) investing the Atman, the god, nude in
form and having the cardinal directions as his garments,
wiiosp entire limbs are smeared with holy ashes, who
THE S'SNDILYOPANI^AD 491
wears the crown of matted hair, the glorious lord, with
four arms and capacious limbs, with eyes resembling
full-blown lotus flowers, who is the Treasure-mine of
Jfiana and Yoga, the preceptor of the Universe, who
is the object of affection of all classes of Yogin-s,
compassionate towards his devotees, the all-witness,
who IS served by accomplished adepts, — such a one,
released from all sins, will attain beatific Bliss. Thus
Om ! the Truth (that shines at the top-most part of the
Omkara). Thus the Upanisad. (9-15)
THE HAMS0PAN15AD
[This Upanisad, which is the fifteenth among the
108 Upanisad-s and forms part of the S'ukla-yajur-
veda, deals with the esoteric nature of the Harnsa-
vidya, leading unto the Brahma-vidya] .
Th^ Esoteric Nature of the Hamsa-vidya
Leading unto the Brahma-vidya
Gautama said : " O Lord, (that art endowed with
the wealth of the six Guna-s of overlordship, valour,
fame, affluence, knowledge and detachment), that
knowest all Dharma (lines of conduct), that art pro-
ficient m all the S'astra-s, by what means is produced
the awakenmg in the lore of the Brahman ? " (1 )
Sanat-kumara said : Listen, O Gautama ! to the
truth (of the Brahman) related (unto me) by Par'vatI,
after investigation into all the Dharma-s (propounded
in the one-hundred and eight systems of Vedanta,
commencing from the Is'opanisad) and after ascer-
taining directly from (her Lord), Pinakin, his opinion.
That is also my view. This (knowledge of the Brah-
man^, which I shall presently relate), which should be
THE HAMSOPANI?AD 493'
guarded well (from non-yogin-s who are ineligible to
be initiated), (being intended) for the Yogin (to be
duly indicated by his Guru) — should not at all be
communicated (to all and sundry). The detailed
elaboration of the aspect of the Harnsa (the Para-
matman, into the Vis'va, Viraj, Otr and others) which
resembles a treasure-mine (full of gems of knowledge),
bestows the fruit resulting from liberation (by means
of denial) from the enjoyment (of everything but the
Atman), {vtz., the state of aloneness, which results
from one's remaining firmly established in the Atman
alone). (2, 3)
Determination of the Form of a Person
Eligible for Initiation into the
Hamsa-Vidya
Then we shall presently expound clearly, regarding
the mode of determination of the Haipsa (the indivi-
dual inmost Turya Atman of the microcosm) and the
Parama-hamsa (the collective transcendent Turya
Stman of the macrocosm), unto (thee) that art ever
meditatmg on (the form of) the Harjisa, in the attitude
(" That) Haipsa (am I "), (" That) Haipsa (am I "),
that art a Brahma-carm (desirous of, being firmly
established in the Brahman), that art possessed of
self-control, (the groups of thy organs of perception
and action, as well as thy inner senses having been
thoroughly subjugated by thee) and that art (intensely
and sincerely) devoted to the Guru (who has impaTted
"494 THE YOGA UPANISADS
instruction to thee about the supreme end and aim of
existence). (4)
The Form of the Hamsa and the Fruit of
THE Knowledge Thereof
Even as fire stands pervading the fuel (which it
consumes and with which it is covered), as oil stands
pervading the entire sesamum seeds, even so, (the
Hamsa) stands pervading the bodies of all beings (from
the Brahman down to a blade of grass, in the form of
the innermost Jiva and the transcendent Ts'vara).
Having tnown that (form) thus, (simultaneously with
the knowledge), (the knovver) does not attain the
delusion relating to the existence of anything apart
from the Brahman. (5)
Yoga, the Means to Attain the Knowledge
OF the Hamsa
Pressing the anus (with the left heel) (in-filling the
vital air through the nostrils or the mouth, and after
performing Kumbhaka, and constricting well the anus),
forcing the vital air upwards from the MulSdhara,
(effecting the union of the Prana and Apana vital airs,
then mixing the fire, the Prana and the Apana in the
triangle of" the Muladhara, rousing the Kundalini and
thereafter forcing open the knot of the Brahman
formiftg the door of the Susumna N5dl, in the Mul5-
dhara, entering the MQladhara plexus, meditating on
the Viraj or its Turya), then circumambulating the
six-p^^iled Svadhisthana thrice, then reaching the
THE HAMS0PAN1§AD 495
Manipuraka plexus (of ten petals), (breaking through the
twelve-petalled An-ahata plexus and the knot of Visnu
at Its base, meditating upon the Sutratman or its Turya
seated in the An-ahata and there attaining the Nir-
vikalpa Samadhi), then going beyond the An-ahata,
(reaching the Vis'uddhi plexus, at the nether part of
which) there are at the sides two (masses of flesh)
resembling the penis (hanging down), (says another
scriptural text, " which (this) hangs down like the udder
(of the breast), that is the Indra-yoni "), leaving off
the two paths by their sides, entering the Vis'uddhi
plexus through the path in the middle of the masses of
Hesh there), in the Vis'uddhi, holding the vital airs
under control, (then breaking through the Ajiia plexus
of two petals in the middle of the eyebrows, and the
knot of Kudra at its base), entering the Ajfia plexus,
and meditating upon the Bijatman or its Turya in
the middle of it, attaining the Nir-vikalkpa-samadhi
there, then drinking the nectar generated by the
commingling of the Moon, the Sun and Fire, the Yogm
(with his body immune from old age and death),
entering the crevice of the Brahman (in the thousand-
petalled lotus), there meditating on the Turya of three
Matra-s (m the attitude, " I am the Tri-matra Turya,"
or on the Turya-turya, wherein three t i five Matra-s
meet with their hnal repose, m the attitude, " I am the
Turya-turya "), should the Yogin always see, then he
becomes (either the Turya of the three M3tra-s with a
slight external form or the Turya-turya) devoid of
external form (and having no counterpart). Tliis
'4% THE YOGA UPANI5ADS
(Yogin who has attained the Turya-turya state) is the
Parama-haipsa (Paramatman) resembling a crore of
Suns (just risen and shining simultaneously), by whose
radiance this entire world is completely enveloped.
(6,7)
By Conceiving of the Hamsa in the Lotus of
THE Heart, is Seen the TurvStman
For him (the Harnsa that has attained the state of
the Jiva, the means whereby worldly existence m its seve-
ralty IS once more assumed by the Haipsa), there are
eightfold functions. (Of the twelve petals of the lotus
of the heart, wherein the Hamsa is to be conceived, four
are untouchable by him. The remaining eight alone
are now taken into account). (There, when the Harpsa,
that IS the Jiva dependant on the Prana vital air, enters
the petal pointing to the east,) in the eastern petal is
generated the proclivity to perform actions involving
religious merit. In the south-eastern (petal) of Agni
are generated predisposition to sleep, laziness, and
others. In the southern (petal) of Yama, proclivity to
cruel deeds. In the south-western (petal) of Nirrti, the
proneness of the Intellect to sinful actions. In the
western (^etal) of Varuna, the disposition to pastimes.
In the north-western (petal) of Vayu, proneness of the
Intellect towards movement and the like. In the
northern (petal) of the Moon, the gratification resulting
from intense application (to things pe|-taining to the
Atmap and the An-atman respectively, by knowing and
THE HA^SOPANI§AD 497
Ignorant people). In the north-eastern (petal) of Is^na,
the proclivity to acquire material wealth (likely to be
useful both in this life and hereafter). In the middle,
detachment from all other things (apart from the
Brahman). In the filaments, the state of waking,
(when self-consciousness attains its full bloom). In the
pericarp, (the state) of dreaming, (when self-conscious-
ness IS only half-blown). In the interior tube, (the
state of) sleep. On the giving up of the lotus, is
attained the actual sight of the Turiya. When, m the
Harpsa (mner non-differentiated Brahman), the Nada
(half-syllable) attains its dissolution, that Turiyatita
(the independent state of the non-relative Brahman
alone remains). Thereafter (after the accomplishment
of the Nir-vikalpa-samadhi), the Nada (the Turya in
the heart of the Yogin) from the Muladhara up to the
crevice of the Brahman, with its form resembling a
block of spotless crystal (with a bright white lustre),
that Brahman is venly said to be the Paramatman
(making the Nada manifest). (8, 9)
The Mode of Prayer with the Ajapa
Hamsa Mantra
Now Haipsa (the innermost Atman),is' the sage
(the seer of the Mantra) : the Avyakta-g^yat-tri is the
Chandas, Parama-haipsa (the Paramatman) is the
deity. Hatp is the seed. Sah is the power. So 'ham is
the Kilaka. [In having the direct sight of the Hatpsat-
nian is the application (Viniyoga). Hatp, Satp,»and
63
498 THE YOGA UPANISADS
the like is the six-fold Aftga-nyasa. Meditation
should be made as follows : " I make salutation to the
Harpsa, who is of the form of the Paramatman, on
whom those (knowers of the Brahman) meditate as
(the Brahman), who takes his stand on the incoming
and the outgoing (breath), who is devoid of going and
the like, who is of the form of Consciousness, who is
the one Supreme Entity without a second, and who
takes his stand in the middle of all mortals." Then
the worship of the five elements with their seed-letters
' Lam ' and others. " So 'ham " (I am He) is the
Mantra, Expiration and Inspiration and the reversing
thereof alone constitute the prayer.] (The muttering
of the prayer) as computed at the six centres of Energy
(by the presiding deities thereof) in the course of one
day and night is 21,600 times (in the form of "So 'ham",
" So 'ham ", through expiration and inspiration. Dividing
the Ajapa-hamsa-mantra-japa described above into four
parts, the first part thereof) should be dedicated to the
Sun (of the character of the Virad-atman) (the second
part) to the Moon (of the character of the Sutratman),
(the third part) to the non-attached (of the character
of Sarves'vara) (and the remaining fourth part) to the
non-manifest (innermost nondiflferentiated Paramat-
man) ; m "this manner one should dissolve the bodiless,
subtle (and other phenomena). " Vausat for the
Fire and the Moon " — thus are (to be performed) the
Anga-nyasa-s in the heart, etc., and the Kara-nyasa-s
(or with the repetition of the formula " Harp Sauip "
six Hmes, with a long intonation). Having done so,
THE HA^SOPANI^AD 499
one should meditate upon the Harpsatman in the
heart. (10-13)
Seeing the ParamStman through Meditation
ON the Qualified Hamsa
For the Hamsa that has attained the state of the
Viraj) the fire and the Moon are the two arms ; OijJ-
kara is the head ; the three eyes are the ' A ', ' U ' and
' M ' along with the Bmdu (dot) ; Rudra is the face ;
Rudrani (and Gang^) form the two feet. (In this
manner, on account of the qualified and non-qualified
aspects), (the seeker after liberation) should make the
two kinds (of meditation on the Hamsa), (by means of
the voice emanating) from the throat. In this manner,
(by means of the two-fold meditation), (the meditating
Yogin) attains the ecstatic state of mind. This dis-.
solution of the Ajapa in the Paramatman is known
as the Ajapopasatnhara, (the Paramatman). In this
manner, by being entirely under the control of (the
meditation on) the Hamsa (in the attitude " So 'ham "
(I am He), by the preponderance of the Hamsa), the
mind (along with its functions) is finally determined.
(14, 15)
Experiencing the Ten Kinds of NXda-s (sounds)
through the Ajapa Prayer
(Should yie seeker after liberation find it beyond
I^is power to meditate on the Haqis5tman, either j»f the
500 THE YOGA UPANI?ADS
qualified or of the non-quahfied kind, then by having
recourse silently to the mere Ajapa-haipsa-mantra
prayer, through Expiration and Inspiration for days
and nights together), by a crore of prayers of this kind
alone, he experiences the Nada-{Brahman in the
Anahata plexus). That Nada is produced in ten different
ways (in the right ear of the seeker). The first is of the
character of the " Cin " sound. The second is of the
character of the " Cini-cini " sound. The third is like
the sound of a bell The fourth is distinctly like the
blast of a conch. The fifth is like the note produced
by the wire of a harp The sixth is like the sound of
cymbals (made of bell-metal). The seventh is like the
sweet note of the flute. The eighth is like the sound of
a kettle drum. The ninth is like the sound of a tabor.
The tenth is like the thunder of a cloud. (16)
Rule Relating to the Practice of the
Tenth Sound Alone
Giving up the (first) nine, the seeker should practise
the ienth alone. (7)
Fruit Flowing from Experiencing the
Respective Sounds
When the first is heard, there is manifest the Cin-
cini form of the Atman. With the hearing of the
second, that form is broken. With the third there is
the'^jreaking (of the heart and the lotus of the heart
THE HAlJfSOPANISAt) 501
blooms). With the fourth the h6ad begins to shake.
(When the practitioner with the $ari-mukhi-mudra
performs Kumbhaka and the vital air has entered the
Ajfia-cakra, the shaking of the head is caused)'. With
the fifth, the palate streams forth (saliva). With the
sixth there is the swallowing of the nectar produced by
the union of the lunar and solar regions. With the
seventh is the secret knowledge relating to the Brahman
revealed. Similarly with the eighth, through the Para
Vac (enshrining all the knowledge contained in the
Veda-s and S'astra-s is revealed to the Yogin, knowledge
which enables him to know all things). With the
ninth, the body (of the Yogin) becomes invisible and
clear, divine vision (is attained whereby the Yogm
becomes Is'vara, who can see through the past, the
present and the future). With the tenth (the Yogm)
will become the Para-brahman, in the presence of the
brahman and the Atman. (18-20)
The Manifestation of the State of the
Brahman and the Atman through the
Dissolution of the Mind
Wherefore, when the mind is dissolved in the mind,
when volition and misconception are lost, when virtue
and vice have been burnt (in the fire of superior knowl-
edge), then Sada-s'iva (the great Lord Parames'vara),
who IS of the character of Energy (inhering in all things),
who has etablished himself (in the character of Existence,
Consciousness and Bliss) in the entire phenogi%nal
64
'502 THE YOGA UPANISADS
world, (fully or partially evolved), who is self -effulgent,
immaculate, sentient, eternal, non -attached, and
profoundly quiescent, causes (himself) to shine (as
without a counterpart). In support of this there are
scriptural texts (such as, " See even in this the absolute
Existence. Other than this there is Nought," " There
IS nothing whatever apart from the Brahman," "Any-
thing other than this is transient," " The Brahman
alone, non-existence there is verily nought," " Verily
the conclusion arrived at by the various systems of
philosophy relating to the Atman is only the denial of
all things. There is neither ignorance prevailing in
this world, nor Illusion. Quiescent is this Brahman
and undepressed." And so on) — Thus the Upanisad.
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