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Mundak Upanishad - Comments - 3-2-10

Shlok 3-2-10
The knowledge of Brahm should be imparted only to those who are sincere, studious and inclined to receive it, self-disciplined and who have taken a vow to carry fire on their head according to the rules.

Comments
Rig Ved sets some guidelines for the preceptor of Vaidik and Upanishadik knowledge. It is said that it should be imparted to those only who have fulfilled their duties, who are well-versed in scriptural knowledge, who are fully devoted to Brahm, who have firm faith and have offered all that they think is theirs in the Ekarshi Fire (the Fire of knowledge which completely burns the impurities and ignorance).

There is another system discussed in this verse - that is the path of enlightenment through meditation and devotion. The path of enlightenment through Gyaan has also been described, but the path of enlightenment through action (Karm Yog) has not yet been explained.

This verse is devoted to selfless action performed skillfully. The law of Karm is inevitable and without performing one's duties and actions, the heart, mind, intellect, emotions, thoughts and all aspects of Buddhi cannot be purified. The one who has understood this, only he can do Saadhanaa with vigor and delight.

Patanjali says - "It is not the words that are eternal, but the knowledge contained therein, that is eternal." Therefore these scriptures are the best containers of knowledge and are the chief means of gaining self-realization. First the seeker worships only Sa-Gun (with attributes) Brahm, later pure consciousness is attained.

One should have full faith in the spiritual Guru, in scriptures and in the sayings of great sages. Swaadhyaaya (self study) inspires him more to follow them. Without faith the mind refuses to meditate.

There is a sacrifice called Ekarshi. Symbolically one is required to carry fire on one's head. This sacrifice is described in Atharv Ved. This sacrifice aims that the seeker should acquire good concentration of mind and purity of heart. This concentration is that of a woman who carries a water pitcher on her head from a well to her house. Although she talks, walks, laughs, and discusses all sort of things, still her concentration is on her pitcher. In the same way seekers who are followers of Karm Yog should do all their activities, but their concentration should be in Consciousness.

A man cannot liberate himself from the bondage of Karm without performing completely selfless actions. Therefore he should purify his heart and mind through these disciplines: Tap (austerity), Swaadhyaaya (self study of scriptures) and Eeshwar Praan-nidhaan (surrendering to the Lord alone).

There is always a difference between these disciplines and actions performed in the external world. These disciplines do not have binding effect, but instead furnish the means and inspire the seeker on the path of Saadhanaa; while Karm always have some kind of binding with this world.

 

 

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Created by Sushma Gupta on 3/15/05
Contact:  sushmajee@yahoo.com
Updated on 06/09/11