Knowledge of the Self

AITAREYA UPANISHAD - With English translation, Sanskrit, Roman transliteration and the original text: Swami Muninarayana Prasad; D.K. Printworld (P) Ltd., ``Srikunj'', F52, Bali Nagar, New Delhi-110015. Rs. 90.

VEDANTA OR the Upanishads form the last part of the Vedas. The Aitareya Upanishad is the eighth of the 10 Upanishads, starting from the Isavasya. This Upanishad of the Rig Veda constitutes the fourth, fifth and the sixth chapters of the second Aranyaka of the Aitareya Brahmana and is concerned with the knowledge of Self, while the earlier chapters deal with Karma associated with meditation. ``Pragnanam Brahma'', one of the four Mahavakyas, is from this Veda.

The portion of Aranyaka preceding the Upanishad deals with rituals for attainment of identity with ``Prana'' i.e., Saguna Brahman whereas the Upanishad has a distinct goal, realisation of identity of individual soul with Nirguna Brahman, state of pure consciousness.

To this goal the methods adopted are assumption (Adhyaropa) and refutation (Apavada) which lead the seeker to truth, Reality. Concludingly, the Upanishad proclaims consciousness (Pragnanam Brahma) as the basis of everything. The Rishi for this Upanishad is Mahidasa Aitareya, who was blessed by Bhudevi for his deep devotion. Swami Muninarayana Prasad is a distinguished exponent of Vedanta. He has authored lucid translations on other Upanishads as well.

P. V. SIVARAMA DIKSHITAR

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