Introduction: (Conceptual):
Generation and procreation is an autonomous system. That is what the essence of this part.
KHANDA-II of AITAREY UPANISHAD
The creation of human body is described in order to inculcate a sense of dispassion by showing the impermanence of the body. Creation continues through procreation. A man is born, he gives birth to a son and he takes rebirth after death. This signifies that a person has really three births. The procreative fluid of a father is said to be the essence of his Self. The mother looks after it during pregnancy as her own Self. After birth, the parents nourish the child so that he can be their substitute for performance of pious deeds.
The importance of natal care and oneness of the father and the son are emphasized.
KHANDA-II (Chapter-4)
Three Births of the Self [ Three incarnations]:
Sloka: 4.1- First Birth :”The Pregnant Father”
This Jiva in the male body of his father first becomes semen. This semen is the vigour extracted and transformed from all the limbs. First the father holds and nourishes it in his own body and rears it which is not different from him. When he injects this in mother’s body he procreates himself in the form of a foetus. This is his first birth.
Sloka: 4.2- :”The Development of the Foetus”
That semen becomes one with the woman-just like a limb of her own. That is why it does not hurt her. She nourishes this self of his that has come into her.
Sloka: 4.3- Second Birth :”The Pregnant Mother”
She, being the nourisher of the child , should be nourished. The woman nourishes the embryo. Immediately after its birth the father nourishes the child. Nourishing the child from birth onward, he thus nourishes himself for the continuation of these worlds. For thus alone are these worlds perpetuated. This is one’s second birth.
Sloka: 4.4- Third Birth :”The Pregnant Son”
Father himself becomes son. When son comes of age, father entrusts him with all the family duties and responsibilities and frees himself from parental debt. As life span of father shortens, father departs from this world and takes birth in another womb according to his Karma. This is his third birth. Thus the cycle of birth and death continues and become a bondage till he does not realize the truth, the reality.
Sloka: 4.5- “Breaking Through Iron Fetters”
Rishi Vamadeva realized the truth while he was in mother’s womb.
Rishi said ” While yet in embryo, I knew all the births of these Deities!, i.e. the inner senses and Indriyas are subjected to birth and death and not the Atman. Before I realized this secret I had to pass through several Births which are compared with cages made of Iron. I was so attached with them that it was very difficult for me to get rid of those iron gates. Now by applying full strength of knowledge I broke all the fetters, became detached. Like a hawk, I escaped, being free and now I have no relation with the body. I am not the Body.”
Sloka: 4.6- ” The Jivanmukti and Videhamukti of Vamadeva”
Having gained the knowledge of Atman, and freedom from Body Consciousness, Vamadeva took his Upward path. He attained the heavenly world of Bliss and fulfilled all his desires. He became immortal, yes He became immortal !!!
” Freedom from Body” : We can understand this in two ways:
- Death: This is applicable to a mortal
- Freedom from Body-Consciousness: Upward path towards Nirvikalpa Samadhi.
For a man, once the highest state of True realization is reached, the attainment of the Heavenly worlds of Bliss accompanies him, while still in the Body. While still in the body, the realized state experiences the Supreme Bliss. He enjoys all he desires.
Self Realization is the only way to come out of the bondage of repetitive cycle of Birth and Death. For that one should have Vairagya.
The three “Aavasthas”(states) and “Swapnas”(Dreams): in relation to Three Births:
Three Aavasthas are three dwelling places occupied by the Supreme Being after HE enters the body. The three Swapna state (Swapna Aavasthas) because of ignorance.
