The individual self, deluded by forgetfulness of his identity with the divine Self, bewildered by his ego, grieves and is sad. But he grieves no more when he recognizes the worshipful Lord as his own true Self and beholds his glory. ~ Mundaka Upanishad ~
Deep
knowledge emerges in the ageless passages of the Mundaka Upanishad,
illuminating the sorrowful human experience and the transforming force of
realising one's own divine Self. The poetry depicts a moving image of the human
self, fooled by its own forgetting of its heavenly identity. Together, we will
examine the Upanishadic teachings and their eternal significance in navigating
the intricacies of the human soul as we journey through these verses.
The Delusion of Forgetfulness
"The
individual self, deluded by forgetfulness of his identity with the divine Self,
bewildered by his ego, grieves and is sad." - Mundaka Upanishad. The Upanishad begins by recognising
the universal state of the human situation, which is a state of illusion and grief
brought on by losing our innate connection to the divine. Bewilderment and
grief arise from the ego, a curtain that hides our true essence.
Beholding the Divine Self
"But
when he recognizes the worshipful Lord as his own true Self and beholds his
glory, he grieves no more." - Mundaka Upanishad. The Upanishad
offers a paradigm-shifting insight that is essential to breaking free from
sadness. Grief fades when the individual self-recognises and experiences the
grandeur of the divine Self within. This realisation is an awakening to the
divine nature that lies at the centre of one's being rather than an external
revelation.
The Eternal Soul
"Weapons
cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it, and the wind cannot
dry it." - Bhagavad
Gita 2.23. The Mundaka Upanishad and the Bhagavad Gita both emphasise the
soul's indestructible nature. The realisation of the divine Self is consistent
with Gita's teachings of the everlasting and unchanging nature that
surpasses the temporal dimensions of life.
The Journey Within
"You
wander from room to room, hunting for the diamond necklace that is already
around your neck!" – Rumi.
The Upanishadic message is exquisitely complemented by Rumi's metaphor.
Realising that the priceless essence is already there within is the journey
towards the holy Self, rather than an external search. The voyage consists of
an introspective examination and an acknowledgement of innate divine beauty.
Liberation through Self-Recognition
The
passages of the Mundaka Upanishad reverberate through the ages, providing a
deep comprehension of the human condition. Understanding the Upanishad's
explanation of the holy Self inside oneself becomes a transformative key to
emancipation from suffering. This insight resonates with Rumi's timeless poetry
and runs parallel to the lessons of the Bhagavad Gita. It challenges us to go
inside, to shave off the layers of forgetting, and to see the heavenly
splendour that is at the centre of who we are.
May the
teachings of the Mundaka Upanishad lead us to self-recognition as we traverse
the difficulties of life. The realisation that frees us from the bonds of
sorrow and brings us to a deep comprehension of our divine identity.
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