Introduction
The Aitareya Upanishad, associated with the Rigveda, is a significant Mukhya Upanishad. It consists of the fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters found in the second book of the Aitareya Aranyaka, one of the four layers of the Rigvedic text.
This Upanishad explores three philosophical themes:
- The concept that both the world and humanity are creations of the Atman (Soul or Universal Self).
- The theory that the Atman undergoes a threefold birth.
- The assertion that Consciousness is the essence of the Atman.
Scholars, including Patrick Olivelle, suggest that the Aitareya Upanishad was likely composed in a pre-Buddhist era, possibly around the 6th to 5th century BCE. It is regarded as one of the primary ancient Upanishads and is listed as the 8th Upanishad in the Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads. While the precise date of its composition is uncertain, it is generally believed to have been written around the 6th or 5th century BCE.
The Aitareya Upanishad is divided into three chapters, containing a total of 33 verses:
Chapter 1: In this chapter, the Upanishad asserts that the Atman existed alone before the creation of the universe. It describes the Atman, the inner self, as the creator of all things, generating the universe through heat in successive stages. The text explains the creation of entities such as space, earth, light-atom, and cosmic fluid. It further discusses the emergence of the cosmic self, psyches, and principles, followed by guardians and connective principles like hunger and thirst. The chapter concludes with the birth of humans and their introspective inquiry into the nature of the self, marked by the question, “Who am I?”Breitling Navitimer replica
Chapter 2: This chapter addresses the concept of the threefold birth of the Atman. It explains that the Atman is born first when a child is born, then when the child grows and identifies with the self, and finally, when the parent dies, and the Atman transmigrates. The central idea is that procreation and nurturing of children ensure the immortality of the Atman and its continuity in the universe through the theory of rebirth.
Chapter 3: The third chapter delves into the nature of the Atman, emphasizing the role of consciousness. It proclaims that consciousness defines humans and is the source of all intellectual and moral principles, gods, living beings, and everything in existence. The Upanishad asserts that the key to understanding the universe lies within one’s inner self. To comprehend the universe, one must first know oneself. It encourages individuals to attain immortality by realizing their true nature.
The Aitareya Upanishad’s famous expression, “Prajnanam Brahma” (Knowledge is Brahman), reflects one of its central teachings. It emphasizes the existence of consciousness as the Atman or Self and highlights the interconnectedness of all existence.
The Upanishad also discusses the concept of Prana (Life force) as the true Brahman or God, stating that all deities are various manifestations of this Prana. It underscores that those who attain oneness with Prana attain the deities.
In conclusion, the Aitareya Upanishad is a profound text that explores the nature of the Self, the creation of the universe, and the significance of consciousness. It presents a holistic perspective on the inner and outer worlds and their interconnectedness. Various scholars, including Adi Shankara and Madhvacharya, have provided commentaries on this Upanishad, elucidating its teachings.