Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

 ========================================================================= Friday, May 05, 2023. 07:00. Introduction-3. ========================================================================= The Upanishad begins with a startling exposition of the very methodology adopted in the Upanishads. The method of the Upanishad is secret, esoteric and intended to go into the meaning of an action which is otherwise exoteric. The Vedas have one aspect, namely, the ritual aspect, the aspect of sacrifice, performance of religious ceremony, by the application of the Mantras of the Samhitas, as expounded in the section known as the Brahmanas. The Aranyakas go to the contemplative side of the Brahmanas, and tell us that a sacrifice need not necessarily be outward. It can also be inward; and the inward is as powerful as the outward. It can even be more powerful than the outward ritual. The ritual that is performed by the mind, say the Aranyakas, is more powerful in the production of effect than the ri

======================================================================== Monday, April 24, 2023. 07:30. Introduction-2. ======================================================================== The seers of the Upanishads were bent upon entering into the kernel of Reality by casting off all vestures which condition human life, and attaining a kind of attunement with it. The unconditioned was plumbed and experienced. So, in a way, we may say that the Upanishadic texts are records of exclamations and experiences of Masters who set themselves in tune with the ultimate Truth. Such are the Upanishads. It is a very strange word, —‘Upanishad,'—which is supposed to mean a secret knowledge, not to be imparted to uninitiates or the common public who are wedded to the exoteric approach only, who are totally conditioned in their life, and who cannot rise above the bias of sense-life and social regulations. Hence, the Upanishadic wisdom was kept very secret. It was never given to anyone except t

========================================================================= Tuesday, April 11, 2023. 07:00. Introduction-1. ========================================================================= In all principles which guide human life, there are two aspects known as the ‘exoteric' and the ‘esoteric'. The routine of daily life is mostly guided by what we call the exoteric principles which have a working value and a validity within the realm of human action. In this sense, we may say, the values which are called exoteric are relative, inasmuch as every activity in life is relative to circumstances. But, this exoteric mode of living, religious or secular, is based on another principle which is known as the esoteric value of life, because there must be some rationality behind our conduct in life, whatever be that conduct—religious or otherwise. Why do we go to the temple? Why do we go to the church? Why do we worship any god? Why should there be any kind of attitude at all? This

======================================================================== Sunday, March 26, 2023. 07:45. Chapter- III : FIRST BRAHMANA: SACRIFICIAL WORSHIP AND ITS REWARDS Mantras-7,8,9,10. Post-26. ========================================================================= Mantram-7. "In this sacrifice, how many Ṛg verses are used, and what types of verses are used? Can you tell me?" Yājñavalkya, iti hovāca, katibhir ayam adya ṛgbhir hotāsmin yajñe kariṣyatīti: "The Hotr, the Ṛg Vedic priest, performs the sacrifice by the recitation of a set of Ṛg Vedic Mantras." "What are those Mantras? Can you tell?" Tisṛbhir iti: "Three types are there," says Yājñavalkya. "These are used by the Hotr, the Ṛg Vedic priest." Katamas tas tisra iti: "Which are those three?" again Aśvala asks. Puro'nuvākyā ca yājyā ca śasyaiva tṛtīyā:  "The introductory verses which precede the principal chant, the Mantras that are connected directly with

========================================================================= Monday, March 13, 2023. 07:45. Chapter- III : FIRST BRAHMANA: SACRIFICIAL WORSHIP AND ITS REWARDS Mantras - 5&6 : Post-25. =========================================================================  Mantram-5.  "There is a difference of the bright fortnight and the dark fortnight in the lunar month, and everything is involved in the movement of the moon causing the distinction between the bright half and the dark half of the month. How can one free oneself from this involvement?  Answer this question. Can we be free from the connection with the moon?" "Yes, you can. You can free yourself with the meditation that you have to conduct together with the sacrifice." "And who is to conduct this meditation?"   The Sāma Vedic priest should conduct the meditation. The Sāma is, in a very esoteric way, connected with Soma, the divine element that is invoked, as connected with the moon. And w

Chinmaya Mission : Swami Swaroopananda, the Global head of Chinmaya Mission, recently visited Chinmaya Mission Delhi for a week-long event called "Soar to Success."  Swamiji elucidated the Hanuman Chalisa and emphasized that while chanting the Hanuman Chalisa is very beneficial, its teaching and guidance must be followed and imbibed.  Through Hanuman Chalisa one can learn about the qualities and virtues we must develop within ourselves which is the true secret to soar to success. During this week additional sessions conducted by Swamiji were Corporate Seminar on Exceeding Excellence and inspired youth with a talk on the secret to soaring from being a Human to Hanuman.   Swamiji left the Bala Vihar children mesmerized with his sweet story telling session.  All in all Swamiji left the members, devotees and Yagna attendees of Chinmaya Mission Delhi rejuvenated. ======================================================================== Tuesday, February 28, 2023. 07:00. Chapter- II