Mundaka Upanishad
Encyclopedia
The Mundaka Upanishad or the Mundakopanishad' is one of the earlier, "primary" (mukhya) Upanishad
s, a genre of Hindu scripture
s commented upon by Shankara
. It is associated with the Atharvaveda
. It figures as number 5 in the Muktika
canon of 108 Upanishads.
It is a Mantra-upanishad, i.e. it has the form of a Mantra. But, as the commentators observe, though it is written in verse, it is not, like other Mantras, to be used for sacrificial purposes. Its only object is to teach the highest knowledge, the knowledge of Brahman
, which cannot be obtained either by sacrifices or by worship (Upasana
), but by such teaching only as is imparted in the Upanishad.
With its beautiful style, lucid metres, serious wording, and lofty feelings each mantra
of this Upanishad gives joyous reading.
It might have derived its name from the word "Munda" meaning "Shaven Head". The assumption is that if the principal thought of this Upanishad is understood, the illusions of material world will be cut like hairs in the process of shaving; or because mostly monks are audience for its teachings, and since usually Hindu monks will have a shaven head, this name might have something to do with that background.
It is the first text to mention the six disciplines of Vedanga
.
It has three chapters and each chapter is divided into sub chapters which are called "Khanda". In total this Upanishad has 64 Mantras.
to his son Atharva and Atharva taught it to Satyavaha and Satyavaha passed it to Angiras who in turn passes the knowledge to Shaunaka, dialogue between the two forms the content of this Upanishad.
The knowledge that leads to Self Realization is called Para Vidya (Great or Divine Knowledge) and everything else is called Apara Vidya or Knowledge of Material world (wordly knowledge).
Shaunaka approaches sage Angiras and asks "Revered Sir, by knowing what everything will be known ?"
Angiras replies that Two knowledges should be known, one is Para Vidya and other is Apara Vidya. Knowledge of worldly things is Apara Vidya and that by which Eternal Truth or Akshara
is obtained is Para Vidya. Though Apara Vidya enables one to earn ones bread and helps one to understand each object of universe separately, it does not show the Ultimate Reality (Akshara) or Root Cause of this universe
. While Para vidya doesn't teach objects of this universe but enables one to understand underlying fabric of it. Like by knowing gold
all the gold ornaments could be known, by knowing Akshara, its another manifestation, the universe is known.
This Upanishad expounds the greatness of Para Vidya.
Another important feature of this upanishad is its lauding of Sarva Karma Sannyasa or Renouncement of All Action. Thus encourages the opinion that monkhood is good way for attaining self realization.
verses 1.2.11, 3.2.6 and 3.2.3 aptly support this view.
It teaches that one may be good Yogi
and could have attained yogic powers, or could have been a person doing charities and public welfare, or a learned intellectual man but by all these, illusion of world would not disappear in that person. To attain ultimate salvation (Moksha
), knowledge of supreme reality attained through practice of monk hood is essential. It also teaches that desires cause rebirth in the world and one who renounced all desires (by taking Sannyasa
), all desires end in this life itself, thus implying that there is no rebirth to such person (verse 3.2.2).
Another feature of this Upanishad is the Yoga
prescribed for attaining Self Realization. This spiritual practice has been described beautifully using a bow-arrow simile.
A seeker of The Truth should take the Mantra
Aum
or Pranava told in Upanishad
's as bow, The seeker's Self purified by Upasana
is arrow, Supreme Reality or Brahman
is target. By pulling back the senses from their sensual interests, should meditate
and become as much concentrated like an arrow in flight, and hit the target Brahman. (refer verse 2.2.4).
Mundaka Upanishad also tells the way in which the self realized souls enter supreme reality or Godhead (Brahman) and their state afterwards.
It says they Enter Everything (3.2.5). Just like when pot is broken, the small space inside the pot becomes one with great space outside; cause for the individual identity or separateness would disappear. During Moksha, elements building the body and mind go back to their sources and self becomes one with overself just like rivers lose their name and form once they enter ocean (3.2.7 and 3.2.8).
Since the whole teaching is the conversation between Shaunaka and Angiras, the Upanishad ends with saluting Angiras with deep gratitude.
The Mundaka Upanishad is notable as the source of the phrase Satyameva jayate
(3.1.6), the national motto of India
, appearing in the national emblem
having four lions. Meaning of this phrase is "Truth alone triumphs".
नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो
न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्य-
स्तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम्॥ ३॥
IAST
:
nāyamātmā pravacanena labhyo
na medhayā na bahunā śrutena |
yamevaiṣa vṛṇute tena labhya-
stasyaiṣa ātmā vivṛṇute tanūṁ svām || 3||
You cannot have the knowledge of the Supreme Soul by
means of reasoning, erudition, or studying of the Vedas;
Only through causeless mercy does He reveal His own
person unto him whom He does accept as His own.
Or:
This Atman cannot be attained through study of the Vedas,
nor through intelligence, nor through much learning.
He who chooses Atman—by him alone is Atman attained.
It is Atman that reveals to the seeker Its true nature.
Upanishad
The Upanishads are philosophical texts considered to be an early source of Hindu religion. More than 200 are known, of which the first dozen or so, the oldest and most important, are variously referred to as the principal, main or old Upanishads...
s, a genre of Hindu scripture
Hindu scripture
The Literature regarded as central to the Vedic and Hindu literary tradition was originally predominantly composed in Sanskrit. Indeed, much of the morphology inherent in the learning of Sanskrit is inextricably linked to study of the Vedas and other early texts....
s commented upon by Shankara
Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara Adi Shankara Adi Shankara (IAST: pronounced , (Sanskrit: , ) (788 CE - 820 CE), also known as ' and ' was an Indian philosopher from Kalady of present day Kerala who consolidated the doctrine of advaita vedānta...
. It is associated with the Atharvaveda
Atharvaveda
The Atharvaveda is a sacred text of Hinduism and one of the four Vedas, often called the "fourth Veda"....
. It figures as number 5 in the Muktika
Muktika
The Muktikā refers to the canon of 108 upaniṣadas of the Advaita school enumerated in the Muktikopaniṣad, the 108th of which is the Muktikopaniṣad itself...
canon of 108 Upanishads.
It is a Mantra-upanishad, i.e. it has the form of a Mantra. But, as the commentators observe, though it is written in verse, it is not, like other Mantras, to be used for sacrificial purposes. Its only object is to teach the highest knowledge, the knowledge of Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
, which cannot be obtained either by sacrifices or by worship (Upasana
Upasana
Upasana in Sanskrit literally means "Sitting near" but normally the term is used in Hinduism to denote a prescribed method for approaching a Deity or God or getting close to a deity/deities. In the Vedas, some Upasanas are prescribed whereby one meditates on the all-pervading Brahman as some aspect...
), but by such teaching only as is imparted in the Upanishad.
With its beautiful style, lucid metres, serious wording, and lofty feelings each mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
of this Upanishad gives joyous reading.
It might have derived its name from the word "Munda" meaning "Shaven Head". The assumption is that if the principal thought of this Upanishad is understood, the illusions of material world will be cut like hairs in the process of shaving; or because mostly monks are audience for its teachings, and since usually Hindu monks will have a shaven head, this name might have something to do with that background.
It is the first text to mention the six disciplines of Vedanga
Vedanga
The Vedanga are six auxiliary disciplines traditionally associated with the study and understanding of the Vedas.#Shiksha : phonetics, phonology and morphophonology #Kalpa : ritual#Vyakarana : grammar...
.
It has three chapters and each chapter is divided into sub chapters which are called "Khanda". In total this Upanishad has 64 Mantras.
Traditional Origin of the Upanishad
As described in the beginning of this upanishad, it is said to be first told by BrahmaBrahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
to his son Atharva and Atharva taught it to Satyavaha and Satyavaha passed it to Angiras who in turn passes the knowledge to Shaunaka, dialogue between the two forms the content of this Upanishad.
Key Features
This Upanishad divides all knowledge into two categories.The knowledge that leads to Self Realization is called Para Vidya (Great or Divine Knowledge) and everything else is called Apara Vidya or Knowledge of Material world (wordly knowledge).
Shaunaka approaches sage Angiras and asks "Revered Sir, by knowing what everything will be known ?"
Angiras replies that Two knowledges should be known, one is Para Vidya and other is Apara Vidya. Knowledge of worldly things is Apara Vidya and that by which Eternal Truth or Akshara
Akshara
Akshara may mean:*"letter" in Hindi*"everlasting" or "imperishable"*in Sanskrit grammar, "syllable", see Shiksha*a consonant grapheme, with an inherent vowel, of a script of the Brahmic family....
is obtained is Para Vidya. Though Apara Vidya enables one to earn ones bread and helps one to understand each object of universe separately, it does not show the Ultimate Reality (Akshara) or Root Cause of this universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
. While Para vidya doesn't teach objects of this universe but enables one to understand underlying fabric of it. Like by knowing gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
all the gold ornaments could be known, by knowing Akshara, its another manifestation, the universe is known.
This Upanishad expounds the greatness of Para Vidya.
Another important feature of this upanishad is its lauding of Sarva Karma Sannyasa or Renouncement of All Action. Thus encourages the opinion that monkhood is good way for attaining self realization.
verses 1.2.11, 3.2.6 and 3.2.3 aptly support this view.
It teaches that one may be good Yogi
Yogi
A Yogi is a practitioner of Yoga. The word is also used to refer to ascetic practitioners of meditation in a number of South Asian Religions including Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.-Etymology:...
and could have attained yogic powers, or could have been a person doing charities and public welfare, or a learned intellectual man but by all these, illusion of world would not disappear in that person. To attain ultimate salvation (Moksha
Moksha
Within Indian religions, moksha or mukti , literally "release" , is the liberation from samsara and the concomitant suffering involved in being subject to the cycle of repeated death and reincarnation or rebirth.-Origins:It is highly probable that the concept of moksha was first developed in...
), knowledge of supreme reality attained through practice of monk hood is essential. It also teaches that desires cause rebirth in the world and one who renounced all desires (by taking Sannyasa
Sannyasa
Sannyasa is the order of life of the renouncer within the Hindu scheme of āśramas, or life stages. It is considered the topmost and final stage of the ashram systems and is traditionally taken by men or women at or beyond the age of fifty years old or by young monks who wish to renounce worldly...
), all desires end in this life itself, thus implying that there is no rebirth to such person (verse 3.2.2).
Another feature of this Upanishad is the Yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
prescribed for attaining Self Realization. This spiritual practice has been described beautifully using a bow-arrow simile.
A seeker of The Truth should take the Mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
Aum
Aum
Om or Aum Om or Aum Om or Aum (also , written in Devanāgari as and as , in Sanskrit known as (lit. "to sound out loudly"), ', or ' (also as ') (lit. "Auṃ form/syllable"), is a sacred/mystical syllable in the Dharmic or Indian religions, i.e...
or Pranava told in Upanishad
Upanishad
The Upanishads are philosophical texts considered to be an early source of Hindu religion. More than 200 are known, of which the first dozen or so, the oldest and most important, are variously referred to as the principal, main or old Upanishads...
's as bow, The seeker's Self purified by Upasana
Upasana
Upasana in Sanskrit literally means "Sitting near" but normally the term is used in Hinduism to denote a prescribed method for approaching a Deity or God or getting close to a deity/deities. In the Vedas, some Upasanas are prescribed whereby one meditates on the all-pervading Brahman as some aspect...
is arrow, Supreme Reality or Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
is target. By pulling back the senses from their sensual interests, should meditate
and become as much concentrated like an arrow in flight, and hit the target Brahman. (refer verse 2.2.4).
Mundaka Upanishad also tells the way in which the self realized souls enter supreme reality or Godhead (Brahman) and their state afterwards.
It says they Enter Everything (3.2.5). Just like when pot is broken, the small space inside the pot becomes one with great space outside; cause for the individual identity or separateness would disappear. During Moksha, elements building the body and mind go back to their sources and self becomes one with overself just like rivers lose their name and form once they enter ocean (3.2.7 and 3.2.8).
Since the whole teaching is the conversation between Shaunaka and Angiras, the Upanishad ends with saluting Angiras with deep gratitude.
The Mundaka Upanishad is notable as the source of the phrase Satyameva jayate
Satyameva Jayate
"Satyameva Jayate" is a Hindu mantra from the ancient scripture Mundaka Upanishad. Upon independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India. It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the national emblem. The emblem and words 'Satyameva Jayate' are inscribed on one side...
(3.1.6), the national motto of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, appearing in the national emblem
Emblem of India
The emblem of India is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.- History :Emperor Ashoka the Great erected the capital atop an Ashoka Pillar to mark the spot where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma and where the Buddhist Sangha was founded...
having four lions. Meaning of this phrase is "Truth alone triumphs".
Quotation
The following quotation is from the Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.3:नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो
न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्य-
स्तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम्॥ ३॥
IAST
IAST
The International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration is a transliteration scheme that allows a lossless romanization of Indic scripts as employed by the Sanskrit language.-Popularity:...
:
nāyamātmā pravacanena labhyo
na medhayā na bahunā śrutena |
yamevaiṣa vṛṇute tena labhya-
stasyaiṣa ātmā vivṛṇute tanūṁ svām || 3||
You cannot have the knowledge of the Supreme Soul by
means of reasoning, erudition, or studying of the Vedas;
Only through causeless mercy does He reveal His own
person unto him whom He does accept as His own.
Or:
This Atman cannot be attained through study of the Vedas,
nor through intelligence, nor through much learning.
He who chooses Atman—by him alone is Atman attained.
It is Atman that reveals to the seeker Its true nature.
Primary resources
External links
- Mundaka Upanishad in Devanāgarī
- Sacred Texts – Online
- www.ancienttexts.org Also at ancienttexts.org
- Mundaka Upanishad – A simple translation
- Sri AurobindoSri AurobindoSri Aurobindo , born Aurobindo Ghosh or Ghose , was an Indian nationalist, freedom fighter, philosopher, yogi, guru, and poet. He joined the Indian movement for freedom from British rule and for a duration became one of its most important leaders, before developing his own vision of human progress...
, The Upanishads http://www.sriaurobindoashram.info/Contents.aspx?ParentCategoryName=_StaticContent/SriAurobindoAshram/-09%20E-Library/-01%20Works%20of%20Sri%20Aurobindo/-12_The%20Upanishad_Volume-12. Sri Aurobindo AshramSri Aurobindo AshramThe Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo on the 24 November 1926 . At the time there were no more than 24 disciples in the Ashram...
, Pondicherry. 1972. - Mundaka Upanishad by Dr. Mridul Kirti