Skip to content

Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad – Sheeksha Valli : Part-1A

Advertisements
GURUKUL

Disclaimer: https://arunsingha.in/disclaimer/

Introduction:

The Taittiriya Upanishad is a part of the Krishna Yajur Veda and placed in the seventh position in the list of Ten Principal Upanishad. The Upanishad has three Chapters.

First chapter of the Upanishad is Sheeksha Valli which gives the essence of the Karma Kanda of the Veda in terms of disciplines, rituals, meditations, values, code of conduct for daily life. Consists of 12 sections, of which the first and the last contain prayers to the deities for the removal of obstacles’ while pursuing spiritual wisdom.

In this blog we will discuss Sheeksha Valli.

This Upanishad deals with the rituals part (Karma kanda~ Lower Knowledge) and Higher Knowledge part (Gyan Kanda~ Brahma Vidya). Hence it is considered to be a complete Upanishad. In this part we will learn Karma Kanda, the Rituals part.

Sheeksha Valli: Science of Vedic Chanting:

शीक्षावल्ली:

Section-1: Peace Invocation from The Yajur Veda:

May the Sun bless us! May the Night bless us! May the Eye bless us! May Might bless us! May speech bless us! May the All-prevalent bless us! Welcome Spirit! Welcome Life, Face of Spirit! Truth shall be on my lips and truth in my thoughts. May Truth protect me; protect my teacher; protect us both. May peace and peace and peace be everywhere.

Section-2: Sheeksha –Vedic Phonetics

We explain what constitutes pronunciation. It comprises letters, accent, quantity, articulation, rhythm and lastly sequence of letters.

Section-3: Significance of Combinations

Teaches how to meditate on combination of words. Mere recitation of the Text may focus the mind only on letters. But, through meditation pupil will understand the symbolic significance which will make the mind pure and one pointed.

Prayer by Teacher and Student

स॒ह नौ॒ यशः । स॒ह नौ ब्र॑ह्मव॒र्चसम् ।

May we both attain Fame together. May we both obtain Spiritual pre-eminence. 

Now therefore Meditation (Upasana) on Sandhees:

This chapter deals with the Universe, Light (Luminosity), Vidya (Knowledge of Upanishad), progeny (maintaining family line), language. (अधिलोकमधिज्यौतिषमधिविद्यमधिप्रज॑मध्या॒त्मम् ।) Adhilokam, Adhijyotisham, Adhividyam, Adhiprajam, Adhyaatmam. These are Maha-Samhitas**, the ” Great Word Junctions (Sandhees)” ***Samhita means conjunction or union.

Meditation-1: What is this, Universe?

Earth below, Heaven above, air between, wind joining them.

Meditation-2: What is Light (Luminosity)?

Fire on one side, Sun on the other side, water between, lightning joining them.

Meditation-3: What is Vidya (Knowledge of Upanishad)?

The Teacher on one side, pupil on the other side, knowledge between, discourse joining them.

Meditation-4: What is progeny (maintaining family line)?

Mother on one side, father on other side, child between, procreation joining them.

Meditation-5: What is language?

The lower jaw on one side, the upper jaw on the other side, words between, tongue joining them.

Summary of Third Section:

Upon these, anyone who meditates as explained, shall have children, cattle**(wealth), food, knowledge and Heavens. [** In the ancient time cattle was treated as wealth.]

Section-4: Teacher’s Prayer for wisdom and fortune:

For the attainment of knowledge of Brahman, one needs good memory, good health, adequate food and clothing which are basic needs. This section describes the process for attainment.

OM! Whose form is manifold and Essence of Vedas, revealed in Vedas, revealed in the world, sprung from immortality! Lord, fill me with intelligence, that I may grasp immortality!

Make my body strong, my tongue sweet, my ears keen. You are the Spirit’s armour, hidden by sensuality. Keep me from forgetting.

May spiritual riches come of their own will. May they increase, then send me Spirit itself. May I never lack clothes. cows, food, drink, that I may serve you the better. May pupils come, may pupils gather round, may pupils listen, that I may serve you the better.

May they in peace, control mind and sense, that they may serve you the better. may I become famous, may I become richer than the richest, that I may serve you the better.

Lord! may I enter into you; may you enter into me! May I merge into your thousands of shapes, for my purification.

As water flows downward, as months mingle with the year, Guardian! may pupils come from everywhere, that I may serve you the better. You are the Fold. Take me, Enlighten me.

Summary of the Fourth Section:

This is a need for the teacher to have a sufficient number of students, not only to expand teaching venture, but also to spread the Vedic culture to the world. This Upanishad teaches about Ethical and Moral life with Self-control (BrahmaCharya) without which a person cannot progress towards Enlightenment.

&& Original Sanskrit sloka is available in the following link: Sanskrit Document

Conclusion:

The first chapter of the Taittiriya Upanishad has 12 sections comprising of different meditation (UPASANA) and ethical rules which a disciple should practice in order to purify his or her mind. Meditation is required to focus mind on the cosmic power or the Supreme Being. This chapter deals with discipline of Sheeksha (academics) which comprises the study of phonetics and pronunciation. It deals with sound, pitch, quantity, force, modulation and combination. Ethical and Moral life with Self-control (BrahmaCharya) is very important, without which a person as well as society cannot progress towards Enlightenment.

Recommended readings:

  1. Back to the Truth: 5000 years of ADVAITA by Dennis Waite.**
  2. THE TEN PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS: Translated by Shree Purohit** Swami and W.B.Yeats
  3. Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracharya: Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.**
  4. Commentary of Taittiriya Upanishad: By Swami Krishnananda.
  5. Taittiriya Upanishad By Swami GuruBhaktananda.
  6. EIGHT UPANISADS -VOL-1 with commentary of Sankaracharya, Translated by SWAMI GAMBHIRANANDA.
  7. THE TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD: SHIKSHAVALLI-ANANDAVALLI-BHRIGUVALLI with Sri Shankara’s Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidanandera Saraswati.
  8. A-U-M Awakening to Reality: By Dennis Waite***
  9. Information available on internet.

 Readers are requested to read all the posts to have continuation of the topic from the beginning. My mail ID is: arun7663@gmail.com

Tags:

28 thoughts on “Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad – Sheeksha Valli : Part-1A”

  1. KK – Kaushal Kishore (KK) is an MBA, MA, and CAIIB with over 35 years of experience in the Banking sector. He has led many technical and commercial teams in delivering project management solutions. He played a key role in the merger of State Bank of Indore and all other Associate Banks, Bharatiya Mahila Bank, and SBICI with SBI. From a solution perspective, Kaushal focuses on best practices and has worked towards risk identification and mitigation, processes, and control improvements. The functions covered by him include wholesale and retail lending, treasury operations, trade finance, cash management services, custody operations, etc. He has also played a key role in merchant acquiring business. Why One More Blog??? This world is full of ideas, ideals, thoughts, stories, anecdotes, and so on, As a tiny creature of this vast universe, I too have, Some unique, Some similar to others, And some probably inspired by my elders, Some sweet, some bitter, Sometimes spicy too, Some close to heart, Some closer to mind, Sharing of the same, May be of some value to others, Most of the targeted audience however, May not possibly come across, But I have to bring the same in black and white, No, no, it’s not कीड़ा Wriggling to come out of me, Neither literary diarrhoea nor mental indigestion, It’s rather my responsibility to share my experiences, What I have received from this great society, What I have felt about it, And how I was dealt with, Will attempt to download what has been uploaded throughout the life, Before, yes before… my memory may start fading away, Before L of YOLO (You Only Live Once) comes to an end, Else, the whole thing will go away, Unsaid, unlettered, unsung…sheer waste, Let others get some ideas, To make their L a bit better, It’s up to them, Let me do my part…
    KK

    A well researched article. A lot of studies have gone into it. Appreciable one ☝️ 🙏🙏

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you Kaushal ji for your comments.
      Thank you for spending your time in this post.
      I will share next part shortly. I always try to make the Sacred Texts of Upanishads very simple, such that people read. Now a days, there are few only who like reading Upanishads/ Vedanta.
      Regards.
      Arun

      1. KK – Kaushal Kishore (KK) is an MBA, MA, and CAIIB with over 35 years of experience in the Banking sector. He has led many technical and commercial teams in delivering project management solutions. He played a key role in the merger of State Bank of Indore and all other Associate Banks, Bharatiya Mahila Bank, and SBICI with SBI. From a solution perspective, Kaushal focuses on best practices and has worked towards risk identification and mitigation, processes, and control improvements. The functions covered by him include wholesale and retail lending, treasury operations, trade finance, cash management services, custody operations, etc. He has also played a key role in merchant acquiring business. Why One More Blog??? This world is full of ideas, ideals, thoughts, stories, anecdotes, and so on, As a tiny creature of this vast universe, I too have, Some unique, Some similar to others, And some probably inspired by my elders, Some sweet, some bitter, Sometimes spicy too, Some close to heart, Some closer to mind, Sharing of the same, May be of some value to others, Most of the targeted audience however, May not possibly come across, But I have to bring the same in black and white, No, no, it’s not कीड़ा Wriggling to come out of me, Neither literary diarrhoea nor mental indigestion, It’s rather my responsibility to share my experiences, What I have received from this great society, What I have felt about it, And how I was dealt with, Will attempt to download what has been uploaded throughout the life, Before, yes before… my memory may start fading away, Before L of YOLO (You Only Live Once) comes to an end, Else, the whole thing will go away, Unsaid, unlettered, unsung…sheer waste, Let others get some ideas, To make their L a bit better, It’s up to them, Let me do my part…
        KK

        It’s my pleasure, Arun ji. In fact what you write about is rare now-a-days. Those interested will find a treat in your articles. Best wishes and regards 🙏

        1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
          Arun Singha

          Best regards Sir for your support and encouragement. Please share the post to your friends if you feel so.
          Together we can establish a peaceful society.
          Namaskar 🙏

  3. ShankySalty – Ramgarh, Jharkhand – I am Ashish Kumar. I am known as Shanky. I was born and brought up in Ramgarh, Jharkhand. I have studied Electronics and Communication Engineering. I have written 10 books. I have come to know so much of my life that life makes me cry as much as death. Have you heard that this world laughs when no one has anything, if someone has everything, this world is longing for what I have, this world. Whatever I am, I belonged to my beloved Mahadev. What should I say about myself? Gradually you will know everything.
    ShankySalty

    Very informative & helpful 👌

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you so much for your encouragement 😊
      Regards 🙏

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you so much for your beautiful comments.To have WISDOM is the ultimate goal

  7. Pingback: Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad- Brahmananda Valli-Part-1A – ARUNSINGHA

  8. Pingback: Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad- Brahmananda Valli-Part-1B – ARUNSINGHA

  9. kinge – Calm and gentleness. These qualities define me, built-in my character and for the past few years, I have been learning to be positive. There is power in kindness and humility, people mistake these for weakness. The qualities help me see life in all its beauty, enable me to rise above situations, be present. I love good food, artful music, sketching, journaling, cycling, calisthenics, and nature; connecting with nature enjoying sunsets, trees, and birds. I am a student of the mind. I read a lot on mind, body, and spirit. I write about the same to the extent of my understanding with a keen interest in personal development. My name is Kinge Kevin. I’m currently a farmer, who writes. Welcome to my blog
    kinge

    I agree with Mr Kaushal, this article is a great. Thank you for simplifying all this lessons into one article and giving direction. Strengthening and improving on my meditations is a continuous learning process for me and this is helpful. I’ve especially loved the prayers and the descriptions above brings perspective. Peace

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      🙏🙏🙏

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you so much for sharing this information. I will watch and report you. Definitely I will gain knowledge. 😊🙏

      1. Vishnupriya – Book Reviewer / Nano Tales Scribbler / AI Art Experimenter / Metaphysics Enthusiast / Introverted Rat with Extroverted Rationale
        vishnupria

        Sir, Thank you 🙏 I will look forward to your insights. 😌

        1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
          Arun Singha

          🙏😊

  13. Pingback: Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad – Bhrigu Valli : – ARUNSINGHA

  14. Anita Vij – Singapore – A caring mother of 2. A loving wife. An aspiring individual who wishes to share her life-long learnings with the rest of the world.
    Anita Vij

    Thank you Arun Ji, for sharing this article. Kudos to you for such articles which need so much research. You present them in such a way that everyone can easily understand it. I really appreciate your efforts to give us these knowledgeable articles😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you so much Anita Ji for your support and encouragement.
      Please share this with your friends 🙂🙏

      1. Anita Vij – Singapore – A caring mother of 2. A loving wife. An aspiring individual who wishes to share her life-long learnings with the rest of the world.
        Anita Vij

        Yes Arun Ji, I share with my friends who are interested in reading Upanishads. You have missed many of my recent posts, please read and share your feedback. Thanks 🙂🙏

        1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
          Arun Singha

          Yes Anita Ji
          I might have missed due to less presence in website and it’s notification. I will find them now. Thank you so much. We are always together. Have a nice time. Regards.🙏😊

          1. Anita Vij – Singapore – A caring mother of 2. A loving wife. An aspiring individual who wishes to share her life-long learnings with the rest of the world.
            Anita Vij

            Yes please find them. 😊There are still a few posts you need to read. If you want I can reblog your post whichever you want.🙏😊

            1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
              Arun Singha

              I have gone through all that I missed.😀😊🙏🙏

              1. Anita Vij – Singapore – A caring mother of 2. A loving wife. An aspiring individual who wishes to share her life-long learnings with the rest of the world.
                Anita Vij

                Did you read Life-A Short Story?

                1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
                  Arun Singha

                  No. I will find it now.

                2. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
                  Arun Singha

                  Please send me the link

    1. Arun Singha – Retired from AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA as Dy. General Manager (CNS). BSc (Mathematics Honours). Age 63years. Studying ancient Indian Philosophy along with modern physics and modern Biology. Write articles on Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta, Cosmology and other ancient Indian Texts. Wish to work for the society to help people through personal guidance, motivation. Self has work experience of 36 years in the field of Air Navigation Service at different Airports in India.
      Arun Singha

      Thank you so much for your comments 😊
      I am happy to see your kind words which inspires me.
      Regards 😊🙏

Comments are closed.

Discover more from ARUNSINGHA

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Discover more from ARUNSINGHA

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Exit mobile version