Author: Swami Chinmayananda
Publisher: Chinmaya Mission Trust
Year: 2003
Language: multilingual
Pages: 165
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8175971436
Description
Mundaka removes the superimposed veil of Ignorance obscuring the Atma through direct and penetrating exposition of the Higher Knowledge like a razor removes the hair from the head. This Upanisad contains most famous, oft quoted analogies in language which is picturesque, couched in charming metre and diction.
As the spider projects and withdraws (unto itself) the web, as the herbs, and plants sprout out form the earth, as hairs grow on the head and body of man, so from the Imperishable Being comes out the universe (I-I-7)
The Pranava is the bow, the Atman is the arrow and the Brahman is said to be its mark (goal). It should be hit by one who is self-collected and like the arrow, becomes one with the mark I e Brahman (II-ii-4)
Two birds bound to each other in close friendship, perch on the self-same tree. One of them eats the fruits of the tree with relish, while the other (just) looks on, without eating (III-I-1)
Gurudev’s commentary, on the Upanisad, like on all other Upanisads gives insights to the seeker to understand the subtle language of the Upanisads in a easy and clear manner. His master strokes are very evident in his lucid lectures on the Upanisad.
Contents
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PEACE INVOCATION
CHAPTER I, SECTION-1
Lineage of teachers
Summing up
CHAPTER I, SECTION-2
A Look at the rituals
Instructions to teachers on initiating fit students
CHAPTER II, SECTION-1
Birth of all beings from Brahman, like sparks from fire.
Brahman and the universe are One. Knowing Brahman destroys the knots of Ignorance
CHAPTER II, SECTION-2
Pointers to the nature of Brahman and advice how to know it.
CHAPTER III, SECTION-1
Another method of pointing to Brahman-two birds staying on the same tree.
A desirer of prosperity should worship the Knower of Brahman.
CHAPTER III, SECTION-2
Desireless men get liberated by worshipping a knower of Brahman.
INDEX TO SLOKA-S