Subramanian

1. Reflect the fruit of the Knowledge of īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam as per verses 6 and 7. The idea is that when the unconditioned state of Atman Is Realized, it is the same that is prevailing Universally. When the unity of self is Realized, there is no room for hatred.

2. Reflect which terms in verse 8 negate the Self being free of the gross, subtle and causal bodies.

     akayam, means ‘bodiless,’ i.e., having no linga sarira or subtle, body. Avranam means ‘scatheless.’   ‘Asnaviram’ means ‘having no muscles.’ The adjuncts Avranam and Asnaviram show that the Atman has no  sthula sarira or gross body. By the word suddha, pure or free from the taint of ignorance, it is shown that it has no karana  sarira or causal body.

3. Why does the upaniṣad begin the discussion of karma and upāsanā? What does the upaniṣad want to show by this discussion?

   Path of karma eventually leads to jnana yoga. One who has desire for performing action should take up the path of karma yoga.A person without self knowledge is selfish in nature. His actions are selfish. Selfish actions and results of action (karma phala) binds the person to cycle of birth and death. However a person desiring for freedom from bondage of karma, acts without selfish motives – unselfish act. Dedicating all his actions to Isha and not getting attached to fruits of action, such a person leads unselfish life. With SELF knowledge, he realizes he is SELF of all – Brahman. He becomes free from egoistic self. All his actions are self-less Actions. Jnana Yoga is the superior path.

1.Reflect the apparent contradictions made by the upaniṣad in verse 4? What are the reasons the upaniṣad presents these contradictions?
He is the innermost existence, the wonder of wonders. He acts and is at the same time actionless. He moves and yet moves not. He is inside and outside. All these contradictions are reconciled in the Lord.

2.How is the Self faster than the mind? Which components of the mind does the Self overtake?
The word devatas in this context also means the indriyas even which cannot beat Him in speed, for, He reaches much earlier than they. Know that the ātman’s speed is greater than that of the mind, It being in fact the pre-supposition of even the thought. This is so because It pervades all.

1. Who is referred to as ‘Mātariśva’ in verse 4 and how? What is its function?The ātman, this śloka says, is mātariśva or air. The meaning of this word is that which moves in space. This is also interpreted to mean the same as hiraṇyagarbha, also as māhapraṇa or Atman.

1. How and why is karma-yoga the bridge between pravṛtti and nivṛtti-margas?Pravṛtti-mārga refers to sense enjoyment, and nivṛtti-mārga refers to spiritual advancement. In the life of animals and demons, there is no conception of nivṛtti-mārga or pravṛtti-mārga.Karma yoga is the yoga of action or work; specifically, karma yoga is the path of dedicated work and renouncing the results of our actions as a spiritual offering. This path is useful for people who do not have the tendencies to follow other paths and serves as a bridge to attain jnana marga.

2.What is meant by killing the Self and what is its result? Why are asura-loka said to be in blinding darkness?
There are the worlds of the Asuras (gods) covered with blind darkness. Those who have destroyed their self (who perform works, without having arrived at a knowledge of the true Self), go after death to those worlds.
This perhaps is in contrast to certain exceptions where enlightened yogis renounce their bodies when they find it is no longer useful . I think Jabala Upanishad gives further insight, according to some philosophers.