Mysticism -- Hinduism; Religion; Sanskrit literature -- Translations into English
This text proclaims the glory and majesty of the Supreme. The Brahmanas stand
for spiritual strength, the Kshatriyas for physical strength, yet both are
overpowered by His mightiness. Life and death alike are food for Him. As the
light of the great sun swallows up all the lesser lights of the universe,
similarly all worlds are lost in the effulgence of the Eternal Omnipresent
Being.
Part Third
I
There are two who enjoy the fruits of their good deeds in the
world, having entered into the cave of the heart, seated (there)
on the highest summit. The knowers of Brahman call them shadow
and light. So also (they are called) by householders who perform
five fire- sacrifices or three Nachiketa fire-sacrifices.
Here the two signify the Higher Self and the lower self, dwelling in the
innermost cave of the heart. The Seers of Truth, as well as householders who
follow the path of rituals and outer forms with the hope of enjoying the
fruits of their good deeds, both proclaim that the Higher Self is like a light
and the lower self like a shadow. When the Truth shines clearly in the heart
of the knower, then he surmounts the apparent duality of his nature and
becomes convinced that there is but One, and that all outer manifestations are
nothing but reflections or projections of that One.
II
May we be able to learn that Nachiketa fire-sacrifice, which is a
bridge for those who perform sacrifice. May we also know the
One, who is the highest imperishable Brahman for those who desire
to cross over to the other shore which is beyond fear.
The significance of this text is May we acquire the knowledge of Brahman, the
Supreme, in both manifested and unmanifested form. He is manifested as the
Lord of sacrifice for those who follow the path of ritual. He is the
unmanifested, eternal, universal Supreme Being for those who follow the path
of wisdom. The "other shore," being the realm of immortality, is said to be
beyond fear; because disease, death, and all that which mortals fear, cease to
exist there. It is believed by many that these two opening verses were a
later interpolation.
III
Know the Atman (Self) as the lord of the chariot, and the body as
the chariot. Know also the intellect to be the driver and mind
the reins.
IV
The senses are called the horses; the sense objects are the
roads; when the Atman is united with body, senses and mind, then
the wise call Him the enjoyer.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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