Prashna Upanishad In English
The Prashna Upanishad is one of the important Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. It is classified as a Mukhya Upanishad (Principal Upanishad) and belongs to the Atharva Veda. The text is written in the form of a dialogue and contains deep philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, creation, the soul, and the Supreme Being.
The Prashna Upanishad is composed in a question-answer format, where six seekers approach a sage named Pippalada with profound spiritual inquiries. The term “Prashna” means “question,” and the Upanishad is structured around six fundamental questions about life and the cosmos.
The Upanishad follows the Guru-Shishya Parampara, where students seek knowledge from a guru through questions. The answers given by Pippalada reveal important aspects of Vedic philosophy, particularly concerning Brahman (the ultimate reality), Prana (life force), and the connection between the individual soul (Jiva) and the Supreme Soul (Paramatma).
Structure and Content of Prashna Upanishad
The text consists of six questions, each dealing with a crucial aspect of spiritual inquiry.
Origin of Creation
The first question is asked by Kabandhi Katyayana, who inquires about the origin of the universe.
- Pippalada explains that Brahman (Supreme Reality) is the source of creation.
- From Brahman, Prana (life force) and Rayi (matter) emerge, leading to the creation of living beings.
- Sun and Moon symbolize Prana and Rayi, representing the active and passive principles of creation.
Nature of Prana (Vital Force)
The second question is asked by Bharadwaja, who seeks knowledge about Prana (life force) and its role in sustaining the body.
- Pippalada states that Prana is the essence of life. It enters the body at birth and departs at death.
- Prana is divided into five functions: Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana, which regulate different bodily processes.
- The proper balance of Prana is essential for health and longevity.
The Role of the Senses and Mind
The third question is posed by Kausalya Ashvalayana, who asks how Prana distributes itself in the body.
- The sage explains that Prana controls the senses, mind, and intellect.
- Each sense functions because of Prana, just as the sun supports all life on Earth.
- The Upanishad highlights that self-discipline and meditation can strengthen Prana.
The Nature of Dream and Deep Sleep
The fourth question is asked by Gargya, who inquires about what remains active during sleep.
- Pippalada teaches that the mind and senses withdraw in deep sleep, but Prana remains active.
- The soul experiences dream states and deep sleep, influenced by its past actions (karma).
- He compares the soul to a king and his attendants, where the king (soul) rests, and his servants (senses) become inactive.
Meditation on Om (Aum)
The fifth question is raised by Satyakama, who seeks knowledge about meditation on Om (Aum).
- Pippalada explains that Om is the symbol of Brahman, and meditating on Om leads to spiritual liberation.
- Those who meditate on Aum with full devotion attain higher realms after death.
- The three sounds of Om (A-U-M) represent the waking, dream, and deep sleep states.
The Nature of the Supreme Self (Atman)
The final question is asked by Sukesha Bharadvaja, who inquires about the supreme self (Atman).
- The sage describes Atman as the imperishable, all-pervading consciousness.
- The soul (Jivatma) is like a ray of the sun, connected to the Supreme Being (Paramatma).
- Knowledge of the Self leads to freedom from birth and death (Moksha).
