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Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad- Brahmananda Valli-Part-1B

Disclaimer: 

  • The article is purely based on my studies, my thoughts, my concept, my beliefs, my experiences and self realization.
  • ☆I found some link between modern science (Quantum mechanics) and teachings of ancient sages as mentioned in Vedanta, regarding Universe, Supreme Consciousness or the Ultimate truth , the Ultimate Reality whatever we say.
  • ☆ The term “MAN” wherever used in this entire text is intended to consider as “HUMAN” irrespective of gender differences.
  • ♡ Having gone through the Vedanta/ancient texts, commentaries, translated by different writers, translators, publishers on the same topic, I have tried my best to share the subject matter as I understood and convinced too. My intention is to reach to you with the topic that I found very useful for human lives. I am not good in English literature. Please give your valuable suggestions for the improvement and valuable inputs to make the text beneficial for mankind.
  • ☆ The Spiritual context is purely based on ancient sacred texts. Sanskrit slokas are taken from books and websites. There may be little variation in the translations and commentaries. I have shared my own views and explanations according to my concept gathered in the subject through experience and intuitions. There is no discrimination against any religion, race, cast or creed.
  • Your feedback will be highly appreciated. I am sure that the subject matter is highly logical and does not bring any conflict. Hope you will enjoy reading. Regards. NAMASTE.

Please read with patience to get the essence !!!

Introduction: 

This Part is known as Brahmananda Valli, second chapter of Taittiriya Upanishad. It has nine Anuvaka ( 9 sections). Anuvaka-1 to Anuvaka-6 (About the Five Sheaths has been discussed in Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad- Brahmananda Valli-Part-1A) . 

Here we will discuss from Anuvaka-7 to Anuvaka-9 and thus the End of Brahmananda Valli.

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 has been published in two parts. Sheeksha Valli: part-1A and Sheeksha Valli: part-1B.  

Key Words
Brahmananda Valli, Ananda, Bliss, Joy, vision of oneness, One unit of Human joy. The knower of Brahman reaches the Supreme

In this section we will discuss in details “What is Bliss” ?( The True Joy~ Ananda)

” Brahmananda Valli-  “ब्रह्मानन्दवल्ली” : The Bliss that is Brahman”

Anuvaka-7: A vision of Oneness is the sole condition that brings fearlessness.

Everything is Self-created. He is that essence. Drinking that essence, man rejoices. If man did not lose himself in that Joy. he could not breath, he could not live. Self is the sole giver of Joy. When man finds invisible, nameless, homeless, shapeless, he is no longer terrified. He becomes free from fear who attains such Oneness. But if the slightest ” Otherness” is allowed to enter then he is smitten with fear. That man, thinking himself wise, becomes terrified. Through fear of Brahman, Sun shines, rain pours, fire burns, wind blows, death speeds.

I have tried to project the concept in the figure drawn below:-

Anuvaka-8: What is JOY (Bliss) ?

Anuvaka has multiple slokas which are to be understood in depth. This article is about “Bliss (Ananda Joy)”. Definition of One unit ofHuman Joy” as mentioned in Taittiriya Upanishad.

We all know that our fundamental aim is to be always happy, joyous in our life. We always think of overcoming sufferings, miseries during different phases of life. We need permanent happiness which ordinarily is never seen. Joys and sorrows come and go like waves’ crest and trough.

According to Vedanta, the goal of Human is ” Attyantika Dukshya Nivritti, Paramananda praptyachya”. Complete cessation of sufferings and attainment of Bliss is the goal of everyone. In the Second part of the Brahmananda Valli, there is one section(section eight), known as Ananda Mimamsa which means an enquiry into the form of Supreme Bliss(Ananda). The Text first defines what is human joy and defines one unit measure, a standard unit of human joy. Then it explains about multiple units of this Joy at different levels and compare those amount of Joys(Bliss) with one revelation.

Part of Sloka starts like this:- 2. seisa ananda mimAMsA bhavati” which means ” This is the enquiry for Joy(Bliss)

3. yuvaasyaatsaadhuyuva aadhoayakaha aashishtho drathistho balishthah tasyeyam pruthvi sarva vittasyapoomasyaat sa eko maanusha aanandah”

1) Above sloka defines measurement of one unit of human joy this way:-Think of a young man, well educated ,ambitious, firm, strong, noble, and poses total wealth of this world. Call his joy as “eko maanusha aanandah” means one unit of human joy” .

So we have now one unit of human joy for further enquiry, further analysis. Before proceeding further, we will analyse the definition of one unit of human joy. The first point to be noted here is that, the first condition is, the Man should be young. Why young? Because youth is the ideal condition in one’s life to enjoy ,since at young age , body holds full strength, vigour and vitality. Looks very attractive, body heals faster and posses all the benefits of physical works. Second condition is that the youth should be well versed, ambitious, firm, strong, noble and have the wealth of the entire world. We may imagine him as the King of this world. The Joy of such a person may be assumed as one unit of human Joy which is maximum possible Joy of any human in this world. According to Vedanta, even more than this Joy is possible, but not in this world ( loka /plane/heavens and also known as Astral Planes ). However we should understand the concept of Joy in actuality.

Sloka continues :-

2) A hundredfold of that Human joy is now unit measure of Human Gandharvas, joy of those brought to the celestial choir (Gandharva loka) by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100)

3) A hundredfold joy of Human Gandharvas is now unit measure of joy of celestial Gandharvas. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000)

4) A hundredfold joy of celestial Gandharvas is now unit measure of joy of manes (fore fathers), living in their eternal paradise (pitri loka). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000)

5) Multiply that one unit of joy of pitri loka hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Heaven born gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000)

6) Multiply that one unit of joy of Heaven born gods hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Gods brought to godhead by their good deeds . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000000000)

7) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of gods brought to godhead by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000000000)

8) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of ruling gods . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000000000)

9) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of god Indra (known as King of Heaven and also known as God of Thunder). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000000000000000)

10) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Brihaspati, who is known to be Guru of gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000000000000000)

11) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Prajapati, who is known to be maker of gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000000000000000)

12) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Spirit. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00=10^22)

Anuvaka-9: Reality in the core of man and the reality in the Sun is One and the same.

He who lives in Man, He who lives in the Sun are one. He who knows this spiritual joy, mind cannot grasp, nor tongue speak, fears nothing. He who knows this, cries goodbye to the world, goes beyond elemental Self, living Self, thinking Self, knowing Self, joyous Self.  ”  

Let us now analyse the amount of human joy which is One unit in this world. More happiness is possible. but not in this world. As we believe, beyond this world, there are higher worlds, higher planes commonly known as Etheric plane, Astral planes of different vibrational frequencies. All the planes are in ascending order according to the energy densities. Commonly we call it as Gandharva loka, Pitri loka, Deva loka, Indra loka, Brihaspati loka, Prajapati loka, Brahma loka etc. All these lokas* are in ascending order. According to description, joy of each loka is multiplied by hundred to that of joy of previous loka. Finally the figure of joy becomes billions of times greater than that of maximum human happiness. {*I will write about the lokas, higher worlds or higher planes separately with full details}

For the time being, let us assume and believe that those higher worlds exist and also believe in the text of the sloka. We may concentrate on the concept. What we have learnt from the above sacred text? We can have discussion over it. In the sloka, every time it has been pointed out that the amount of Joy in the new loka, remains same. The statement is “A man full of revelation, but without desire, has equal joy”.

Conclusion:

What does it mean :  “A man with full revelation, without desire has equal Joy”? 

For that we will go back to beginning of Taittiriya Upanishad book II, sloka 1The knower of Brahman reaches the Supreme”.

According to Vedanta, Brahman is the Truth, the Knowledge and the endless Being. He who knows what is hidden in the cave in the highest heaven, realizes all his desires along with the Omniscient Brahman.

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.

It is my sincere request to the esteemed readers to share their opinion or queries if any. Suggestions to make the site attractive will be highly helpful for me. Readers are requested to read all the posts to have continuation of the topic from the beginning. My mail ID is : arun7663@gmail.com

24 thoughts on “Essence of Taittiriya Upanishad- Brahmananda Valli-Part-1B”

  1. Human joy has been beautifully explained, as also the possibility of more bliss in higher planes. Deep and divine!!

    1. Thank you Kaushal ji for your comments. This Taittiriya Upanishad highly influenced me when I studied first time about 4 years back. Beautifully explained with one unit of Human joy to the amount of joy in Brahma loka.
      Thank you.
      Regards 🙏🙏

  2. I’ve had to refer back to what is joy article to better understand this one and the eradication of ignorance stood out for me on the explanation that ignorance is the cause of all suffering. I now understand this statement better “A man full of revelation, but without desire, has equal joy”.

    1. Exactly my dear friend kinge.
      I also understood that and came out of agony. I was shattered till I found these read. I got transformed. Yes to some extent I have overcome all issues that normally bothers a person. I am very happy to have you my friend.
      Stay blessed always. Stay safe. Grow more inside. Let us grow more inside.
      Namaskar 🙏

      1. You are Blessed to have gone through the journey that you have, leading to your now state of awareness. I’m also glad to be a part of this journey and to learn from you my friend. Indeed, as you mentioned in passing, our outer states are our inner states expressed outwards. I will continue growing from within. Stay Blessed

  3. You’ve also explained the measure of a unit of joy very well. Especially with the youth analogy to capture the constant unit of joy on earth and how it transcends to other higher states in higher planes

    1. This book (Brahmananda Valli exclusively teaches us about the true Joy, with it’s basic unit upto the maximum 10^22
      However A man with revelation has equal joy)
      I was so charmed when I read it first about 4 years back 😊
      Namaskar 🙏

      1. I can only imagine the joys you had on reading it and from its teachings. I’ve noted the book and will purpose to read it 🙏

  4. Also the point of understanding the concept of oneness. ‘That which is in the sun is in us.’ One origin and one source. And everything originates from itself with the beginning and end the same thing. Thank you for this illuminating and educative post plus the work you’ve put into it in terms of your extensive reading, research and summary.

    1. Yes my dear friend. Main concept is Oneness. Source is ONE. Destination is One.
      Once that is understood,then fear can’t come to us. Nothing to fear of.
      Thank you so much for your valuable inputs.
      Stay blessed always.
      Take care.
      Regards 😊🙏

      1. So true. Fear is a man made construct that’s very destructive and limiting but with awareness it becomes weak or dissolves. The depth of your explanation is very good Thanks and welcome my friend.

        1. I have learnt through experiences, pains and pleasures.
          I found pleasures brought me pain. Analyzed and found the truth. Not to run after possession of any thing, whether it is materials or relations.
          Thank you.
          Arun

          1. This is a powerful testimony

            On the same point of not to run after possessions, I’m still learning on this detachment and separation. There are some books i read on tuning and aligning into states and vibrations but more so those elevated ones of gratitude and joy. I also noticed that attachment to materials limits in so many ways and learning to let go is even harder.

            1. Absolutely right. Attachment to materials and relationships brings more pain than pleasure.
              First it gives pleasure and then flexes muscle to grab and chock. So I am trying to continue with man and materials but without attachment.
              What to do?
              To continue life in this human society, I have no option but to digest all odds, keeping in mind that in reality I am not ARUN, but I am That. It is ARUN’s business to choose whether to suffer or go beyond sufferings.
              It is possible to overcome sufferings quite a lot. I am confident.
              Thank you so much my dear friend for being there.🌹😊👍🙏
              Stay blessed always with family and friends 💗🙂

              1. I agree. Connecting and understanding to our true self understanding that the body is our vessel recognizing our awareness and it’s oneness to source changes our perspective on life in this reality/dimension. Yes indeed, we are human and here for a purpose and Therefor bound to earthly laws and principles hence a need of coexistence.

                Welcome and thank you for your profound response. 🙏🏻🙂

                1. Exactly! We are bound to earthly laws of human society.
                  Accordingly we have to balance and proceed.
                  Wish you a wonderful time ahead.
                  Namaskar 🙏

  5. Together we will grow more.
    Together we can grow more.
    Taittiriya Upanishad “Shiksha Valli says” ” LEARN AND TEACH”
    GOD chooses person to help people,to extend hand for others to lift. Like me there may be many who have undergone mental fluctuations, depression, betrayal, and so others. As I was saved by reading books, so I feel I must broadcast those Texts of peace. Eternal peace.
    Thank you.
    Regards 😊🙏

    1. Yeah Shristy!
      I have visited your blog.
      So beautiful.
      Your art works are excellent!
      I was so happy to see your art.
      Stay blessed.
      Regards
      Arun

  6. Sir, I have listened to “Essence of Upanishads” by Arsha Vidya publications 5 years back. Finally, I have bought the Sanskrit to English translation book of the Taittiriya Upanishad by the same publications. It is still sitting on my TBR pile yet to quench my thirst for its wisdom. After reading your article it is provoking me to read it. 🙏

    1. I do follow Arsha Bodha on YouTube.
      I gained enough knowledge.
      I watch and make notes.
      Thank you Vishnupriya for sharing your thoughts.😊🙏

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