Tejobindu Upaniṣad
By Swami Harshananda
Significance of Tejobindu Upaniṣad[edit]
Tejobindu Upaniṣad is one of the minor Upaniṣads assigned to the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda group. It is a fairly long work with 466 verses in the anuṣṭubh meter, divided into six chapters.
Overview of Tejobindu Upaniṣad[edit]
The first chapter is a direct presentation of the teachings by the Upaniṣad. Chapters two, three and four are in the form of a dialogue between Skanda[1] and his father Śiva. The last two are a conversation in the question-answer form between the disciple Nidāgha and his teacher Ṛbhu. The following is a brief synopsis of the contents:
First Chapter[edit]
It has 51 verses which covers the following topics:
- Description of Tejobindu, Brahman as the source of spiritual light
- Some sādhanas that lead to it such as:
- Control over food
- Conquering anger and attachment
- Self-control
- Absence of egotism
- Yoga of fifteen steps comprising of:
- Yama - control of senses
- Niyama - continuous meditation on the Self as consciousness
- Tyāga - renouncing the world-appearance by seeing Brahman in it
- Mauna - observing silence
- Etc.
Second Chapter[edit]
It has 43 verses which delineates that everything that exists is ‘akhaṇḍaikarasa’ or ‘non-dual and part-less essence’.[2]
Third Chapter[edit]
It has 74 verses. The gist of the chapter is that the Ātman is the same as Brahman which is sat-cit-ānanda or existence-consciousness-bliss. This experience can be got by practicing the mantra, aham brahmāsmi, ‘I am Brahman’.
Fourth Chapter[edit]
It has 82 verses which describes in a highly poetical language about the Jīvanmukti[3] and videhamukti.[4]
Fifth Chapter[edit]
It has 105 verses which describes the true nature of the ātman as identified with Paramātman. The world that is grasped through the senses has no permanent and independent existence. Bondage of the individual[5] is due to the mind which is constantly desiring things.
Sixth Chapter[edit]
It has 111 verses which revises the teachings given earlier chapters. Rules are laid down here as to whom this teaching can be given and to whom it should not be imparted. Atheists, ungrateful ones and persons of bad character are unfit to receive it. Only those of a pure mind and endowed with devotion to the guru are fit to be taught.
Epilogue[edit]
The final declaration is that even study of this Upaniṣad is enough to give liberation.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore