Mandukya Upanishad

With just 12 mantras the Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest among the principal Upanishads and yet  possesses the quintessence of the entire Upanishadic teachings. 

It explores the entire range of human consciousness in the three states of waking (jagrat), dream (svapna) and deep sleep (sushupti) that are common to all living beings. Atman, that which shines in all the three states, is Turiya that is transcendental and immanent. It asserts unequivocally that the Absolute Reality is non-dual (advaita) and attributeless (nirguna).

Its unique methodology to the Truth is the exposition of the Omkara upasana and the use of the syllables A, U and M to help seekers reach the Truth – the silence that transcends them.

It is aptly declared by the wise ‘Mandukyam ekam eva alam mumukshunam vimuktaye’ for an ardent aspirant of Liberation the Mandukya Upanishad alone is sufficient.

This Upanishad, that belongs to the Atharva-veda, is known for the Mahavakya “ayam atma brahma” – one among the four prominent Mahavakyas.

 The uniqueness of the Upanishad is explored in that the individuality is totality (the microcosm is the macrocosm) which is revealed by the waking, dreaming and deep sleep states. 

A total of 12 video sessions by Swami Sharadananda Sarasvati divided into 3 lessons, are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• The exposition of OM as Brahman 

• The entire universe as the expansion of OM

• Analysis of mahavakya ‘ayam atma brahma’ from the Atharva-veda

• The nature of the Reality –Turiya, which illumines the waking, dream and deep sleep experiences

• Seventeen indicators that to meditate on the Turiya

• Omkara-upasana and its purpose

Why should I do this Course?

Everyone wants to be himself/herself. This Upanishad helps us to sublate our false nature and reveals our true nature as happiness. 

Even though we know our true nature, some obstacles hinder us from realising it. This Upanishad guides us to overcome our obstacles and experience real happiness.

How do I purchase the Text?

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT) has published Mandukya upanishad with commentary in English by Swami Chinmayananda. 

Please click this link to purchase a copy of Mandukya upanishad: Mandukya upanishad

Or

Contact: Sri M. Jayaraman Nair
In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF)
Ph: +91 92077 11138 / WhatsApp: 92073 98313 /
Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Requirements

• Good knowledge of Vedanta and completion of CIF’s Foundation and Advanced Vedanta Courses or equivalent

• Study of any (at least one) other Upanishad prior to the study of this Course is desirable

• Good internet connection

Course Content

The course on Mandukya Upanishad comprises three lessons. A brief description of what is covered in each lesson is given below:

Lesson 1 : Introduction and Maṅgalācaraṇa
Lesson 2 : Mātrās of OM and pādas of the Self
Lesson 3 : Meditation and Omkāra-upāsanā

Click here for further details

Course Contributors

Brn. Bharati Chaitanya
Sri Prasad Deole
Sri Arvind Kannan
Br Ved Chaitanya