Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches the Mundaka Upanishad, discussing the luminosity of consciousness and its relationship with objects. They compare consciousness to light and space. They explore the analogy of the mind as a cave and its contents. The nature of consciousness and its connection to the universe is also explained. The power of selfless service and unconditional love is emphasized. They delve into the importance of awareness, mentioning Thanksgiving and ending with a chant.
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Quick takeaways
Consciousness is described as luminous, unchanging, and distinct from the objects of experience, illuminating all aspects of our lives.
Realizing oneself as pure consciousness leads to practical benefits, transforming relationships, fostering selfless service, and providing a sense of inner fulfillment.
Recognizing oneself as the essence of all beings and practicing unconditional love and selfless service brings deep peace and a transformative perspective on life.
Deep dives
The nature of consciousness
Consciousness is described as luminous, pervading all experiences, and distinct from the objects of experience. It is unchanging, unaffected by objects, and the subtlest of all things. Consciousness is compared to light, and it illuminates all aspects of our lives. It is not attached to anything and remains pure and unaffected. Consciousness is also described as the ground of the universe, where all objects and beings are fixed. By realizing oneself as this consciousness, one can attain peace, fulfillment, and a sense of oneness with all that exists.
The purpose and benefits of realizing pure consciousness
Realizing oneself as pure consciousness has practical benefits, improving our lives and relationships. It helps to transcend personal limitations and ego-based tendencies, leading to a sense of peace and security. One's attitude towards others and situations transforms, fostering unconditional love and selfless service. Understanding one's true nature as consciousness enables detachment from worldly desires and the ego, leading to a sense of inner fulfillment and the ability to positively impact the world.
The ego and its changing nature
The ego is a function of the mind and is continuously changing, appearing in the waking state, dream state, and disappearing in deep sleep. It is affected by the world and is associated with changing factors. While it is necessary for individual identity, realizing oneself as pure consciousness creates a distance between the ego and one's true nature.
Living with the realization of pure consciousness
Living with the realization of pure consciousness involves recognizing oneself as the essence of all beings, fostering a sense of oneness and unconditional love for others. It also aligns with the concept of selfless service, where one's actions are dedicated to the welfare of others with no expectation of personal gain. This realization can bring deep peace, fulfillment, and a transformative perspective on life, creating an inward transformation that positively impacts one's relationships and encounters with others.
The realization of pure consciousness in different philosophical perspectives
The realization of pure consciousness is found in various philosophical perspectives, emphasizing the ultimate reality beyond the changing nature of the world. In Advaita Vedanta, consciousness itself is seen as the ground of the universe, while other philosophies explain consciousness as the highest form of knowledge and the essence of all experiences. The practical implications of this realization differ in these perspectives, but all highlight the transformative power of understanding oneself as pure consciousness.
Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches the Mundaka Upanishad which one of the major Upanishads belonging to the Atharva Veda. Mundaka means ''shaved'' like a shaved head. The teachings revealed in this Upanishad are meant to leave the student clean, or shaved of the veil of ignorance. Indeed, the study of this Upanishad has been traditionally confined to the shaven-heads, or the sannyasins, who have renounced everything and devoted themselves exclusively to contemplation. The book consists of 64 Mantras (verses) split across Mundakas (parts) and Khandas (sections) as follows:
Mundaka 1 - Khanda 1 - 9 mantras (1.1.1 - 1.1.9)
Mundaka 1 - Khanda 2 - 13 mantras (1.2.1 - 1.2.13)
Mundaka 2 - Khanda 1 - 10 mantras (2.1.1 - 2.1.10)
Mundaka 2 - Khanda 2 - 11 mantras (2.2.1 - 2.2.11)
Mundaka 3 - Khanda 1 - 10 mantras (3.1.1 - 3.1.10)
Mundaka 3 - Khanda 2 - 11 mantras (3.2.1 - 3.2.11)
Reference books:
1. Mundaka Upanisad translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/mundaka-upanisad-with-the-commentary-of-sankaracarya_moreinfo.html (or)
2. Eight Upanisads Vol. 2 translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/Eight-Upanishads-Commentary-by-Shankara_moreinfo.html
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