This post is the sixth of the Upanishad series.
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PHASES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
May we hear only what is good for all.
May we see only what is good for all.
May we serve you, Lord of Love, all our life.
May we be used to spread your peace in earth.
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति
QUESTION I
1. ॐ stands for the supreme Reality.
It is a symbol for what was, what is,
And what shall be. ॐ represents also
What lies beyond past, present, and future.
2. Brahman is all, and the Self is Brahman.
This Self has four states of consciousness3. The first is called Vaishvanara, in which
One lives with all the senses turned outward,
Aware only of the external world.
4. Taijasa is the name of the second,
The dreaming state in which, with the senses
Turned inward, one enacts the impressions
Of past deeds and present desires.
5. The third state is called Prajna, of deep sleep,
In which one neither dreams nor desires.
There is no mind in Prajna, there is no
Separateness; but the sleeper is not
Conscious of this. Let him become conscious
In Prajna and it will open the door
To the state of abiding joy.
6 Prajna, all-powerful and all-knowing,
Dwells in the hearts of all as the ruler
Prajna is the source and end of all
7. The fourth is the superconscious state called
Turiya, neither inward nor outward,
Beyond the senses and the intellect
In which there is none other than the Lord.
He is the supreme goal of life. He is
Infinite peace and love. Realize him!
8. Turiya is represented by ॐ.
Though indivisible, it has three sounds.
9. A stands for Vaishvanara. Those who know this,
Through mastery of the senses, obtain
The fruit of their desires and attain greatness.
10. U indicates Taijasa. Those who know this,
By mastering even their dreams, become
Established in wisdom. In their family
Everyone leads the spiritual life.
11. M corresponds to Prajna. Those who know this,
By stilling the mind, find their true stature
And inspire everyone around to grow.
12. The mantram ॐ stands for the supreme state
Of turiya, without parts, beyond birth
And death, symbol of everlasting joy.
Those who know ॐ as the Self become the Self;
Truly they become the Self.
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति
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NOTES
2024.08.08
Now I’m starting to understand [Prashna 5.3-5].
From this I also see the four life stages form.
This one I will dwell on often.
Will meditate tonight on ॐ.