Stories from Upaniṣhads and Puranas

Discover the age-old rivalry between the Vashisthas and Vishwamitras in this captivating tale from ancient Indian mythology. Learn about the story of Asi and Baka in the first part of this epic series! #ramayana #mahabharata #Rig Veda #Vasishtha #Vishwamitra #Battle of Ten Kings #Dasarajna WarWelcome to Stories from Upanishads and Puranas – a channel where timeless wisdom meets soulful storytelling. Discover deep spiritual truths, explore the lives of sages, gods, and kings, and uncover the ancient philosophy that continues to guide millions even today.Whether you're here for devotion, reflection, or learning, these sacred stories are meant to awaken the divine within you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for new episodes.Let truth, dharma, and wisdom light your path.Today's story is a precursor to the Story of Asi and Baka, which is mentioned in the Markandeya Purana. The episode deals with three accounts where I confirm some kind of antipathy between two great Sage lineages over the ages. The accounts can be found in Ramayana, Mahabharata and also in the Rg Veda. In this episode, we will find out why Vashishthas and Vishwamitras have always had enmity with each other over the ages. #ramayan #ramayana #mahabharat #mahabharata #rigveda #rigved #rigvedasuktas #dasarajnawar#battleoftenkings#parusuni#vedicindia #kingsudas#BattleofTenKings#Mandala7#upanishads #Puranas #HinduMythology #IndianWisdom#SatyamevaJayate #MundakaUpanishad #TwoBirdsStory #VedanticWisdom #TruthShallPrevail#SpiritualStories #SanatanaDharma #VedicPhilosophy #MythologyExplained #Bhakti#BharataMystery #RishiJaimini #BirdsOfWisdom #MahabharataSecrets #PuranicWisdom#FourBirds #UpanishadicTales #SymbolismInHinduism #SpiritualStories #WhatTheThunderSaid #BrihadaranyakaUpanishad #DaDaDa #SpiritualThunder #VedanticMessages#TSElliot#KenaUpanishad #BrahmanAndTheGods #UpanishadicWisdom #HinduPhilosophy #VedantaEssence#Nachiketa #Yama #KathoUpanishad #DeathAndImmortality #UpanishadicDialogue#KingBrihadratha #MokshaPath #MaitreyaUpanishad #SpiritualRenunciation #VedantaTeachings#AyamAatmaBrahma #MandukyaUpanishad #SelfIsBrahman #AdvaitaVedanta #AUMMeaning#Narada #Sanatkumara #ChandogyaUpanishad #SpiritualKnowledge #SeekersPath#Yajnavalkya #KingJanaka #BrihadaranyakaUpanishad #SpiritualWisdom #VedanticKings#Balaki #SpiritualHumility #ChandogyaUpanishad #VedanticLessons #PrideAndKnowledge#ThreeFriendsStory #UpanishadicDialogue #SpiritualJourney #VedicFriendship #AncientIndiaWisdom#WhatIsAUM #MandukyaUpanishad #AUMExplained #OmMantra #VedanticSymbolism#YajnavalkyaMaitreyi #BrihadaranyakaUpanishad #SpiritualLove #WisdomAndRenunciation #NonAttachment#StoryOfPraana #VitalEnergy #VedicScience #UpanishadicEnergy #LifeForceInHinduism#KingJanashruti #Raikwa #ChandogyaUpanishad #HiddenWisdom #HumbleTeacherStory#Satyakama #TruthSeeker #VedanticInitiation #SpiritualIdentity#PerfectTeacher #Satyakama #Upakosala #GuruShishya #ChandogyaTeachings

What’s the real price of a promise? A piece of gold? A bit of land? For one legendary king, the price of his word was far, far greater. It wasn't his crown or his vast, prosperous kingdom. The ultimate cost of his promise was his beloved wife, his only son, and himself. This is the story of a kingso devoted to truth that he was forced to sell his own family and himself into slavery. It's a story that pushes the very limits of honour, sacrifice, and what a human being can endure. This is the story of the great Ikshvaku King, ancestor of Lord Rama, Raja Harishchandra! This podcast is part 1 of a 2-part story on Raja Harishchandra from Markandeya Purana.We’d love to hear from you in the comments: Do you think one must keep their promise, and to what level one must go to fulfil that in today’s times? Please comment or write to me at arghyathinks@gmail.com! This podcast is available in audio format on all majorpodcast platforms. It is also available in video format on YouTube, and my channel name is “Stories from Upanishads and Puranas”.

This is my first story from the Puranas, and as I told youall last time, in my channel, I will narrate stories from both the Upanishads and the Puranas. So please like, share, and subscribe to my channel if you haven’t done so. Also, if you want to have a direct conversation with me, pleaseemail me at arghyathinks@gmail.com.Rishi Jaimini had a few intriguing questions on the great text named "Bharata", so he asked Sage Markandeya about them. Sage Markendeya redirected Rishi Jaimini to the four birds who knew everything about "Bharata". These birds were learned and could talk in a human voice. Today's podcast is from the Markandeya Purana and the story tells us about the four birds.Who were these four birds who knew everything about the great battle of Kurukshetra?Why were they able to talk in human voice and possess Vedic knowledge?Let's dive deep into this new episode in the channel "Stories from Upanishads and Puranas"

The part 2 of Maandukya Upanishad deals with "AUM". It describes verses 8-12 from the Upanishad. It tells us about "AUM", how do you pronounce it? What happens when you chant "AUM" and many other secrets lying hidden in the syllable "AUM"?How it is connected to Viraat Purush, Hiraanyagarbha, Ishwara and Brahman? Why silence is "Turiya" the fourth quarter of Aatman? How do you perform Aum Kara Dhyaanam?Come with me and dive into a journey full of mysticism and unknowns. This podcast was created on Hubhopper studio. If you wish to start your own podcast for free, visit www.hubhopperstudio.com. Hubhopper is India's leading podcast creation platform. Start your podcast with Hubhopper studio & get your voice heard across platforms like Spotify, Gaana, Google podcasts, Wynk Music and more. Click on the link in the episode description or visit www.hubhopperstudio.com.” Source content collected from various books on Upanishads such as “Messages of the Upanishads” by Swami Ranganathanada, “The Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad” by Swami Madhavananda, “Eight Upanishads” from Advaita Ashrama, Upanishads.org, “Vedas and Upanishads for Children” by Roopa Pai and several other write-ups and thoughts on Upanishads. Background Music is sourced from various royalty-free music sources, Apple Loops and Internet Archives with a Non-Commercial 4.0 International license. Aum Shantih chants are from Youtube - source - Gaiea Sanskrit.The Concept, Script, Narration and Audio Design: Arghya GoswamiYou can listen to all my podcast episodes in my exclusive website: https://www.storiesfromupanishads.comalso, you can read through some of my blogs and shop at ExoticIndia. ExoticIndia has a fabulous collection of rare books, jewellery, art objects and paintings. Spotify link: https://spoti.fi/3DVRcofAmazon Music: https://amzn.to/3qxbaCFGaana link: https://bit.ly/3KC9GxVApple Podcast link: https://apple.co/3ORZrrHGoogle Podcast link: https://bit.ly/3QybEDg#upanishads#upanishad#upanishadstories#upanishadquotes#upanishadganga#upnisads#mahavaakya#mahavaakyas#mandukyaupanishad#mandukya#storiesfromupanishads#storiesfromupnishad#vedic#adwaita#advaitavedanta#advaita#advaitavedānta

Dear friends,I am back with the next part of the story - "What are the paths of liberation". The episode will tell you about types of Vaasanaas or desires, what are the fluctuations of the mind and how to control it, what are jivan mukti and Videha mukti. I hope you will love this episode as you have loved the previous part. Please visit the website, https://www.storiesfromupanishads.com, read the blogs, and listen to the earlier episodes. Also, you can shop from ExoticIndia, which houses a great collection of collectibles, rare books and artefacts. Please click on the button "Shop Now" to access the website. Do write to me in my email arghyathinks@gmail.com as many of my listeners often write to me and discuss with me various topics. Source content collected from various books on Upanishads such as “Messages of the Upanishads” by Swami Ranganathanada, “The Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad” by Swami Madhavananda, “Eight Upanishads” from Advaita Ashrama, Upanishads.org, “Vedas and Upanishads for Children” by Roopa Pai and several other write-ups and thoughts on Upanishads. Background Music is sourced from various royalty-free music sources, Apple Loops and Internet Archives with a Non-Commercial 4.0 International license. Aum Shantih chants are from Youtube - source - Gaiea Sanskrit. Excerpts from the Mangal Bhavan are taken from Ramacharitamanas, sung by Anup Jalota. The Concept, Script, Narration and Audio Design: Arghya Goswami#upanishads#upnisads#upanisads#satyamevajayate#podcasts#StoriesfromUpanishads#MundakaUpanishad#NationalMotto#NationalEmblem#Spotify#GaanaPodcast#podcastshow#podcaster#GaanaPodcast#amazonmusicPodcast#spotifypodcast#podcast#podcasting#podcastshow#podcaster#podcastlife#Hubhopper#podtail#googlepodcasts#applepodcasts#podbeanpodcast#upanishads #upanishad #upanishadquotes #upanishadquotes #indianpodcast #indianscriptures #vedic #indianphilosophy #podcastindia #indiapodcast #indiapodcasters #vedicposts #spiritualpodcast #spiritualpodcasts #spiritualpodcasting #upanishad #upnishads

Satyameva Jayate Na-anrtam - satyena panthaa vitato devayaanah |Yen-aakramanty-rsayo hyaapta-kaamaa - Yatr tat satyasya paramam nidhaanam ||Which means - Truth alone triumphs not untruth. By truth is laid out the divine path, which the seers who are free from desires, reach to the supreme abode of truth”.This is story from Mundaka Upanishad and describes a dialogue between Sage Angiras and his student Shaunaka. What are the two types of knowledge? Which one is the lower and which one is the higher? What is Satyam or Truth? Can Aatman and Brahman reside in the same body?Many questions are answered in this story. So hold on tight and enjoy the story from which our national motto was taken. Visit my website: https://www.storiesfromupanishads.com/Visit ExoticIndia via link:https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/brass/aff11769/Spotify link -https://open.spotify.com/show/7cls2BIlQSD9Suyiikz6moAmazon music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a5296ad4-00c3-453d-9215-a99466971d20/stories-from-upanishadsGaana link - https://gaana.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads-season-1Apple Podcast link - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/id1645159771 Google Podcast link - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5odWJob3BwZXIuY29tLzkxNmQ3NTdiMGUxZjM3NTk3NjQwN2MxN2M2ODFjNTE0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ9sEGahcKEwiwgOjmjJX6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQVgPodcastindex - https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5687603PodTail - https://podtail.com/en/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/id1645159771?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podtail_podcastsPodcast addict - https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4096844Hubhopper - https://hubhopper.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/406300https://www.audacy.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads-ccbb7https://podtail.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27430303/https://www.boomplay.com/podcasts/59201?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=WEBhttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/stories-from-upanishads-4881609/episodes/recenthttps://www.scribd.com/podcast-show/598492571/Stories-from-Upanishadshttps://www.ivoox.com/en/podcast-stories-from-upanishads_sq_f11669529_1.html#upanishads #upanishadquotes #upanishad #upanishadstories #upanishadstudy #upnishads #upnishadganga #vedic #philosophy #vedicphilosophy #sanatandharma #sanatandharma #hinduism #stories #storiesofupanishads#storiesfromupanishads #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #spotifypodcasts #spotifypodcastsindia #googlepodcasts #hubhopper #hubhopperpodcasts #indianpodcast #india #prashnaupanishads #imdb #aum #om

This is the part 1 of Shat Prashna or 6 questions from Prashna Upanishad. Once 6 hermits named Sukeshaa Bharadwaja, the descendant of Sage Bharadwaja, Saibya Satyakama, the grandson of Surya named Sauryaayani, Gaargya from the line of Garga, Kausalya Aasvalaayana the son of Asvala, Vaidarbhi Bhargava from the line of Bhrigu and Kabandhii Kaatyaana, the great grandson of Kaatya asked the great sage Pippalada 6 various questions. This episode will cover 1st 3 questions which is about Origins of Life, How many Gods are there and which one is the greatest god in human body, How is Praana born? Friends, sit back and listen to my latest episode - Shat Prashna or 6 Questions from Prashna Episode Part 1, in you favorite podcast show "Stories from Upanishads" available on ApplePodcasts, Spotify, AmazonMusic, GooglePodcasts and many other podcast platforms. Spotify link -https://open.spotify.com/show/7cls2BIlQSD9Suyiikz6moAmazon music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a5296ad4-00c3-453d-9215-a99466971d20/stories-from-upanishadsGaana link - https://gaana.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads-season-1Apple Podcast link - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/id1645159771 Google Podcast link - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5odWJob3BwZXIuY29tLzkxNmQ3NTdiMGUxZjM3NTk3NjQwN2MxN2M2ODFjNTE0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ9sEGahcKEwiwgOjmjJX6AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQVgPodcastindex - https://podcastindex.org/podcast/5687603PodTail - https://podtail.com/en/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/id1645159771?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podtail_podcastsPodcast addict - https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4096844Hubhopper - https://hubhopper.com/podcast/stories-from-upanishads/406300#upanishads #upanishadquotes #upanishad #upanishadstories #upanishadstudy #prashnaupanishad#upnishads #upnishads #upnishadganga #vedic #philosophy #vedicphilosophy #sanatandharma #sanatan #hinduism #stories #storiesofUpanishads#applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #spotifypodcasts #spotifypodcastsindia #googlepodcasts #hubhopper #hubhopperpodcasts #indianpodcast #india

BU presents most of the stories from the life of the ancient vedic sage Yagnavalkya and many of them also feature King Janaka of Videha. Today's story is part 1 of never ending conversation between the Sage and the King. In this story, the king learns about Speech, Sight, Hearing, Vital Force, Mind and Heart are forms of Supreme Brahman! Hubhopper is India's leading podcast creation platform. Start your podcast with Hubhopper studio & get your voice heard across platforms like Spotify, Gaana, Google podcasts, Wynk Music and more. Click on the link in the episode description or visit www.hubhopperstudio.com.”Source content collected from various books on Upanishads such as “Messages of the Upanishads” by Swami Ranganathanada, “The Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad” by Swami Madhavananda, “Eight Upanishads” from Advaita Ashrama, Upanishads.org, “Vedas and Upanishads for Children” by Roopa Pai and several other write-ups and thoughts on Upanishads. Background Music is sourced from various royalty-free music sources, Apple Loops and Internet Archives with a Non-Commercial 4.0 International license. Ananda Shankar - Subh the Auspicious, - Internet ArchivesBoom - geomorphic Cinematic trailer, - Pixabay.comDark Sad Ambient Piano Pixabay.comAsian Ceremony - Internet ArchivesPrank - Pixabay.comSitar and Tanpura - Internet ArchivesSynth Bass - Apple LoopsIndian Dreams Sitar - Apple LoopsCountry Fun - Pixabay.comAum Shantih chants are from Youtube - source - Gaiea Sanskrit.The Concept, Script, Narration and Audio Design: Arghya GoswamiCo-narrated by : Jiniya Goswami

My dear friends and listeners, it’s been a while I could upload any new episode. The reason being multiple, but here I am with a new story from the Upanishads. Before I begin, my earnest request to you to follow, subscribe, like, share and download my podcast. It will immensely help me to keep going and provide you with these contents. Also please do write to me at my email address arghyathinks@gmail.com. I receive emails from my listeners and we discuss lot of things and often goes into a discovery session on various questions. It’s real fun and interesting. Today’s story is a follow up or continuation stories from three characters on which I have already told you earlier. Pravahana’s story was discussed in Episode 14 i.e. Story of 3 friends - Pravahana, Silaka and Chaikitayana and Uddalaka Aaruni and Shwetaketu’s story was discussed in Episode 15 - Tat Tvam Asi - Story of Uddalaka Aaruni and Shwetaketu. I would highly recommend you to listen to them to understand the continuity.As per the book - The character of the Self in Ancient India by Brian Black brings in portrayal of character contributes in philosophical position of the texts. Such as the character of Shwetaketu, which has been mentioned in the Brihaddarankya Upanishad, Chhandogya Upanishads and Kausitaki Upanishad. As per Upanishadic researcher Patrick Olivelle, there are variations in the character and presentation and different Upanishads present the same story in a different ways. He argues that this variation in presentation is deliberate and that each version has its own narrative logic. So different portrayals of Shwetaketu and Pravahana Jaivali in different Upanishads tells us something about the overall stance. Olivelle concluded that Brihaadaaranyaka Upanishad favors the east and is critical about Kuru-Paanchala Brahmins and presents Shwetaketu as a rude and spoiled brahmin. However in Chhandogya Upanishad the portrayal is more conservative and presents the story of Shwetaketu and Uddalaka Aaruni more positively. Thus portrayal of certain characters in the Upanishads is a part of narrative strategy and political positioning of the texts. If incase you have not listened to my story of Tat Tvam Asi, please do listen to that episode. In Brihaadaaranyaka and Chhandogya Upanishad, Shwetaketu’s story introduces the teachings of five fires and the two paths whereas in Kausitaki Upanishad it introduces the doctrine of the path to heaven. Another important point to note is that in CU seem to emphasize on the formal instructions between the teacher and student more such as Story of Tat Tvam Asi. BU focuses mostly on debates such as stories of Yaagnavalkya. Today’s story is featured in Brihaadaaranyaka Upanishad Chapter 6, section 2. Chronologically this story falls after episode 15, when Shwetaketu gained the knowledge of Tat Tvam Asi from his father Uddalaka Aaruni. As per book - “Political History of Ancient India” by Hemchandra Raychaudhuri, Pravahana Jaivali was a Paanchaala king and contemporary to King Janaka of Videha. We have already heard his story when he and his two other friends exchanged their experiences of Brahman and how he brought out the significance of Om. As a king Pravahana was a good ruler and was ruling his kingdom as per the ancient Hindu Polity as explained by Bheeshma in Shanti Parva of Mahabharata. Pravahana was a man of action, knower of truth and a preceptor of Aatman. As we have seen that courtroom of King Janaka of Videha was filled with scholars and well-versed brahmins, so was King Pravahana’s courtroom. It was also filled with innumerable eminent scholars and brahmins questing for fame, name and money. Today’s story begins from the point when Shwetaketu weaponised with the knowledge of vedas and true knowledge from his father about Brahman comes to King Pravahana’s courtroom. Completely drenched in arrogance about the knowledge of vedas and Brahman, which he used as a means to measure other’s knowledge, asks the guards of the courtroom seeking to see the king.The guards informed the king about Shwetaketu’s arrival. Pravahana knew about the deadly pride, which has coiled Shwetaketu completely like a python. He also knew that this will not bring any fame rather will only aid in his downfall. So he decided to teach him a lesson. He asked the guards to bring him in the courtroom.As Shwetaketu entered boldly, he saw great scholars, wise men and courtmen sitting in the courtroom. They were all looking at him. They were curious to know about what will happen next. Shwetaketu burned with his pride didn’t bother to pay much heed to these great scholars and rather walked up straight to the king. The king smiled and without showing much respect said -“Oh boy! Have you been taught by your father?”King Pravahana being a Kshatriya, addressing a Brahmin in this manner was quite unexpected. This shook Shwetaketu and other brahmins in the court room. Taken a back, Shwetaketu replied -“Yes sir!”“If you have a doubt, please question me!”The king nodded and smiled and thought for a while. Then he asked the brahmin -“Do you know how it is that the beings travel over different paths after death? How they would return to this world?Shwetaketu was not expecting such a question. He had no idea on what he would respond to. So he said -“No sir, I don’t know about it!”The king asked his next question -“How is it that the world of the dead is never filled although many die and pass away?” Before Shwetaketu could answer anything, the king asked his next question -“ How does the water that is offered as oblation rises and speaks with the human voice as it were?”The king continued his next question - “What is Devayana that is access to the way of the gods and Pitriyana or the access to the way of the manes and how does one gain access to them?”Then the king continued, we have heard the words of the mantra from the sages - Dwe suti ashri-na-vam pitrinaa -Maham devaa-naa-mut matyaarnaam,Taabhya-midam vishwa-me-jatsameti,Yadantra Pitram Maatram cha || iti;Naahamat ekanchan vedeti howach||Which means - I have heard of two routes for men, leading to the gods and to then manes. Going along with them all this is united. They lie between the father i.e. heaven and the mother i.e earth. Shwetaketu was completely stumped, he was at the loss of words and could only nod and said “Sir, I dont know them!”These questions pertained to the secret lore of the Kshatriyas, and had been jealously guarded by them as Raajaguhya or royal secret. Completely uprooted Shwetaketu stood there in the courtroom not knowing what to do next. The king invited him to stay. He asked the court ladies to bring water for washing his feet and customary offerings for the respected guests. Shwetaketu rejected the invite and hurried away from the court room. Boiling with anger, he came back to his father the Sage Uddalaka Aaruni. He was so angry that he didn’t even greeted his parents. The sage knew something was cooking up. Shwetaketu asked his father - “Father, how do you say that you have taught me everything, every branch of knowledge?”Sage asked - “What happened my child? You seemed to be hurt by someone”Angry Shwetaketu roared - “That wretched Kshatriya King Pravahana asked me questions and I didn’t know the answers to any one of them! See how I am disgraced in the court room filled with scholars and learned men and women. I could not answer even one question asked by that Kshatriya and it is all because of you!”Then Shwetaketu told his father about the questions which the king had asked!On hearing these questions, the sage told his son - “My child, believe me, I have taught you everything I knew of. As far as Pravahana’s questions unfortunately I too don’t have complete answers to them. That’s why they weren’t taught to you.”Let me propose you something my child, let us both go to the king’s court as a seeker of truth and as students. Shwetaketu was adamant, and refused to go as he thought he was humiliated by the king in the courtroom. He could not bear any single moment in that courtroom. After repeated pleading, the sage failed to convince his son. Uddalaka decided to go alone. He went to the courtroom of the king and with all humility greeted all the scholars and the king. The reception that awaited him was entirely different. The king gave him a seat, washed his feet, and made him the reverential offerings of cattle and horses. With all humility he told the king - “I am grateful to you my king, for all the honour and offer of gifts! But I haven’t come here for the sake of gifts. I have come here to seek the answers to the questions you have asked my son Shwetaketu. Please grant me the treasure of knowledge, which is far superior than any type of treasure or wealth! I approach you as a student my king!The king was deeply touched by the sage’s humility and hunger for his knowledge. He knew that it is this sincerity which qualifies the seeker to the reception of the knowledge of Brahman. With folded hands the King told the sage - “O Sage Uddalaka, please do not take offence with us. This learnings were never shared with the Brahmins in the past. However, your sincerity and humility is pristine as your earnestness is also excellent and which has won my heart, so I shall teach you about it. So please listen to the answers.”The king continued, but he started responding to the fourth question first as this would bring out the solution to the other questions. He started explaining Panchaagni Vidya that is the knowledge of five fires. Friends Panchaagni Vidya is also mentioned in Chhandogya Upanishads in Chapter 5 and also in BU. This knowledge or Vidya presents the symbolic Agni or fire is the object of meditation and has 5 important aspects to it and they are three worlds i.e. heaven, earth and intermediate space, man and woman. This knowledge or Vidya is taught in connection with the ‘Doctrine of Transmigration of Souls’ as the ‘Doctrine of decent’. The Panchaagni Vidya or the Knowledge of the 5 fires explains how the body is linked to the universe and why the mind’s true nature is to manifest its will in the universe. The Five Fires, called the Panchaagnis, are not physical fires but meditation techniques. The Fire, here, is symbolic of a sacrifice which one performs through contemplation. The elemental matter gets converted into life or a person gradually by going through five different stages. These five different stages represent five different sacrifices or Paanchaagni.In CU, it conceives the entire universal activity of creation as a Yagna or Sacrifice, where everything is connected. This sacrifice knowledge is known as Panchaagni Vidya. Coming back to the story, the king began is Panchaagni Vidya with the first fire i.e, Swargaloka-“O sage, that Swarga or heaven is a fire and of that fire , the sun is the fuel or Samit or sacrificial stick, the rays of the sun are its smoke, the days its flames, the four quarters its cinder and the intermediate quarters are its sparks. In this fire the gods offer faith and out of that offering King Moon is born.”Here what is meant is that heaven is the first fire and sun is the fuel to that fire because the sun illuminates the heaven. The rays its smoke because of its similarity of rising from the fuel, for the rays emanate from the sun, and smoke as we know it comes out from the fuel. The day its flame, because both are bright! Due to sun, the day shines brightly so are the flames which shines brightly. The four quarters are its cinder, because both present a pacified state as it is like a space where there is no heat or lustre. The intermediate quarters its sparks, because they are scattered like sparks. In this fire of heaven possess such attributes, the gods i.e. Indra offer faith as oblation. When Agnihotra is performed, the jivas become Soma Raja I,e, King Moon and enter swargaloka or heaven. Thus out of that offering King moon which are king of manes and Brahmins are born. Then the king continued to explain about the second fire which is Parjanya - Parjanya the god of rain is a fire, the year is its fuel, the clouds its smoke, lightening its flame, thunder its cinder, and the rumblings its sparks. In this fire the gods offer Soma Raja or the King Moon. Out of that offering rain is produced.”This means - the second receptacle of the two oblations in the order of their return is Parjanya which is fire. The year is its fuel, for this fire Parjanya is kindled by that as it revolves with its parts commencing with autumn and ending with summer. The clouds its smoke, being produced from smoke, or because of its cloudy appearance. Lightning its flame, since both are luminous. Thunder its cinder, because both represent a pacified state and are hard. The rumblings of the clouds its sparks, because both scatter and are numerous. In this receptacle of the two oblations the gods, those very priests mentioned earlier, offer King Moon, who was produced out of the offering of ‘faith’ in the fire of heaven, he is offered in the second fire, that of Parjanya and out of that offering of the moon, rain is produced. The King now started explaining about the third fire. -“This world is a fire, the earth is its fuel, fire its smoke, the night is its flame, the moon its cinder, and stars its sparks. In this fire the gods offer rain. Out of that offerings, food is produced.In this the king meant is the world where all creatures are born and experience the results of their past deeds, it contains of actions, its factors and its results. This world is the third fire. The earth is the fuel for this fire as it is kindled by the earth which is provided with numerous materials for enjoyment of living beings. Fire is its smoke, as they both rise above from their abode that is the earth. The night is its flame because both are created when they come in contact with the fuel. That means as flame is produced by the contact of fuel with fire, so is the night by the contact of the fuel of the earth, for the earth’s shadow is called the darkness of the night. The moon is the cinder and is created from flames. The cinder produced from the flames and so is the moon in the night because both represents the pacified state. The stars its sparks because both scatter. The food is produced only when there is adequate rain fall so food is produced from rain. Again the king continued to explain about the fourth fire. “The Man is the fourth fire, O sage, the open mouth is its fuel. The

Today I will be telling you a story from Chaandogya Upanishad. It is featured in the 8th Khanda of the book, and it is about 3 young well versed scholars named Pravahana Jivala, Silaka Salavat and Chaikitayana Dalbhya. This is a story which involves a deep curiosity amongst these 3 young men. Our Vedic rishis, sages and scholars always regarded experience or anubhava to be the paramount, next they would regard the scriptures or Shrutis and lastly they would regard the reasoning and logic as most important. So when these 3 young scholars met, were very curious to learn who had what experience of Truth!They were all well versed in Udgita and wanted to have a friendly discussion on it. Friends, if you remember I have explained about Udgitha in the episode “Story of Praana”. I would really request the new listeners to listen to that first before listening to this story. Back to the story, ….3 scholars sat down under a shady Banyan tree, kept their bags beside them. All of them were earnest students of the Vedas, they meditated on Aum, the sound symbol of the Ultimate Reality or God. They followed meditation techniques as per Sama Veda. They decided to exchange their experiences on Udgita, which is the singing hymns of Sama Veda and forms of Vedic sacrifices. After drinking a sip of water, wiping off the sweat from his forehead, Pravahana said -“Dear friends, I think you both must start telling your experiences first. Let me listen to it.” Both Silaka and Chaikitayana agreed happily. They knew that Pravahana was destined to become a king later on. Silaka first questioned Chaikitayana, “May I ask you a question?”Chaikitayana nodded and said - “yes please go ahead!”Silaka smiled and asked -“ What is the origin of the Saman or Udgita?”Chaikitayana smiled and said - “Voice, or Swara. Naturally without swara or voice we cannot chant the Sama veda….and Udgita is a part of this veda!”Then Silaka asked - “What is the origin of voice or swara?”Chaikitayana said promptly - “It is the Praana or Vital Breath. Because when the vital breath or Praana stops functioning, one cannot speak and voice becomes mute.”Silaka immediately asked another question - “Obviously, without Praana one cannot live! So may I ask you, on what Vital Breath or Praana depend on?”Chaikitayana said -“We may say that all life for which the Praana or Vital breath is indispensable depends on the food!”Pravahana was quietly listening to the conversation of his two friends and was making mental notes and silently judging their conversation.Then Silaka asked - “Then what does Food depend on?”Chaikitayana thought for a second as said -“ Ahhhh…..Upon Water, Life itself is depended to water.”Silaka exclaimed - “hmmm…Okay!” He asked again -“Then tell me on what is the origin of Water?”Chaikitayana said - “It is space or Yonder as water comes from the yonder and goes back to it. It falls to earth from space in form of rainfall, fills in rivers and ponds and then again evaporates back as clouds to the space.”Silaka thought for a second and asked again -“ Okay then tell me what is the origin of yonder or Space?”To this question, Chaikitayana said - “Let no man carry the Saman beyond the world of Swarga or Heaven or Yonder. We recognise the Saman in the world of Swarga or Yonder, as Saman is hailed as Swarga!” These three friends were enlarging their kingdom of knowledge. They made a common attempt to share and spread knowledge as they followed a Vedic saying “Do things together!” They realised that they have gone as far as thought can reach. Being aware of the limitations of thought, Silaka told Chaikitayana -“O Chaikitayana, your saman is not firmly established! We cannot tell the origin of Saman! If at this time anyone who knew the origin of Saman, the your head shall surely fall off! I am afraid we cannot confine or delimit the Absolute Truth to any corner, remote or distant, of the cosmos or space. To the extent it is confined, it will stop being a symbol of Universal Truth which is free from the limitations of time and space! Therefore I believe we have to examine again our fundamental views!”Till now Pravahana was watching and listening to his friends. He decided to intervene and said - “Both your views are partial and fragmentary. Silaka is keeping his feet on the earth and Chaikitayana has his head in the skies.”Silaka now quesitoned Pravahana - “Then tell me, what is the origin of this world?”Pravahana said - “Space, as all these things are created from Akaasa or Space and return to the space, Therefore Akaasa is the supreme support!Then after a pause, Pravahana continued - “For comprehensive and complete knowledge, we require both. We need not interpret Aakaasa to mean the sky. It means the space or ether. All objects are in space but space itself is indivisible. It is inside and outside all objects. And what appears to divide space is also space!”Then Silaka asked - “Then, what is the Truth?”Pravahana explained - “Let us then agree to say that the Truth, the Brahman is all in all! We live, move and have our being in Brahman, both here and hereafter. The wise men always sees this Truth!”At the end of this conversation, the three friends got up, packed their belongings. They were enriched with the knowledge and experiences from each other as it was a rare spiritual retreat. After having clarified their ideas, the three friends knelt in common salutation to the Aatman as Pranava. After this the three friends greeted each other and they parted their ways to their individual destinations.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This podcast was created on Hubhopper studio. If you wish to start your own podcast for free, visit www.hubhopperstudio.com. Hubhopper is India's leading podcast creation platform. Start your podcast with Hubhopper studio & get your voice heard across platforms like Spotify, Gaana, Google podcasts, Wynk Music and more. Click on the link in the episode description or visit www.hubhopperstudio.com.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Source content collected from various books on Upanishads such as “Messages of the Upanishads” by Swami Ranganathanada, “The Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad” by Swami Madhavananda, “Eight Upanishads” from Advaita Ashrama, Upanishads.org, “Vedas and Upanishads for Children” by Roopa Pai and several other write-ups and thoughts on Upanishads. Background Music is sourced from various royalty-free music sources, Apple Loops and Internet Archives with a Non-Commercial 4.0 International license. Aum Shantih chants are from Youtube - source - Gaiea Sanskrit.The Concept, Script, Narration and Audio Design: Arghya Goswami

Episode 12 - What the thunder said? Da-Da-Da================================================================================================================My dear listeners and friends, today I am going to move away from Yagnavalkya’s adventures and tell a new story from Brihaadaaranyaka Upanishad. The reason why I am doing this is for a purpose! I want to bring in some variety to my storytelling from Upanishads. Yagnavalkya’s debates were high on philosophy and required extreme attention and mindfulness to understand. Today’s story is lighter although still possess deep inner meanings and philosophy which we will unearth! Today’s story - “What the thunder said” is featured in Chapter 5, section 2 of Brihaadaaranyaka Upanishad. Let’s enjoy the story!Aeons ago, gods, humans and demons who were the children of Prajaapati i.e.Viraaj, the Creator, lived together in the tutelage as his students. When their education was formally coming to an end, the pupils decided to ask their teacher - the Creator a final piece of advise and enlighten them, so that they can march towards their life’s destiny and goal. Before we move on with the story - We must understand few important concepts. The word “Narayana” which we refer to the God himself signifies - Narayam-ayana which means - “the goal of mankind”. To achieve the goal we require a guru. Just like in our modern era, students going to schools to learn academics and life skills are taught by their teachers who are their gurus. The sportsmen and women require coaches who can guide them, train them better so that they can achieve their goal. In professions such as Software or any other, we also have goals and it’s our seniors or leaders who act as our teachers or guru and makes us to realise our goals. Be it education, profession, spirituality or sports we must have goals and which is only be achieved if we have a teacher or a guru. God cannot come down to earth to guide us, and neither we humans can go to God to take his advice. So God takes the form of a Guru to guide us. We have recited a very popular verse -“Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Deva Maheshwara,Guru Shaakshaath param Brahma, Tasmayi Shri Guruvey Namaha.”Now coming back to the Story - Prajaapati was a master psychologist. He could cure all those who approached him. He knew all his pupils and their nature. So he reserved his upadesha or advise until they approached him. Gods were first among the pupils to approach the Creator for his final advise. Prajaapati - the Creator did something marvellous! As he spoke, the thunder roared! The sound which gods could hear was a syllable “Da”. The Supreme Father asked his pupils - the gods - “Dear child did you understand my advise?”The gods looked at each other and with folded hands shook their heads. One of the god said - “Yes O Venerable One, we have understood!”The gods had completed the word from the first syllable as their guru’s advise and said to the Creator“You advised us the syllable “Da” - for us which means - “Daamyata” or “Self Restraint” or “Self Control”! You are telling us to exercise Self-restraint!”The Creator said - “You have understood my child!”Prajaapati was pleased as he could give his final advise to the gods and they could understand and interpreted it as per their temperament. The gods in general are inhabitants of regions of pleasure and happiness, as a reward for their virtuous qualities. However, the pursuit of pleasures is always very risky and just like walking on a tip of a sword! Unless they put in Self Restraint or Self Control in correct places, they may exhaust their virtue and can become slaves of flesh and pleasure! “Daamyata” or Self Restraint will keep them in check and control! Just like a boat responding to an expert captain or navigator, their heart should respond beating obediently to the call, the exhortation to achieve Self-Restraint!When the gods went back to their place, next to ask advise from the Supreme Father were the humans. Humans came to their guru and asked - “O my father, the all powerful and all knowing One! Please give us your final advise!”Pleased Creator when spoke the thunder roared - “Da”The Creator asked humans - “My children, did you understand?”Humans looked at each other and nodded their head and said - “Yes, O almighty One, we have understood! You have advised the first syllable “Da” which means - “Datta” or “The Giver” . You are asking us to Give and give generously!”The Creator smiled and said - “You have understood! I am very pleased”The Creator was pleased because he knew the very nature and temperament of humans. They were suffering from an incurable and chronic disease of greediness. The Creator knew they were greedy and selfish. They always believed in hoarding more than they needed, never letting go of what they considered their own! This advise of “Datta” or giving generously will balance that temperament. The Prajaapati had exhorted them to be selfless! Humans went back to their place with their advise.Last to approach the Creator were the demons. They asked their guru -“ O Guru, our Supreme Father! What advice do you have for us?”As the Creator spoke, the thunder roared - “Da”! The creator asked the demons - “My children did you understand my advise?”The Demons looked at each other and happily said - “ Yes, my father, we understood! You have advised the first syllable “Da” which means - “Dayadhvam” Which is being compassionate. You are asking us to be compassionate. Pleased Creator said - “Yes, you have understood my children!”The Creator was pleased because the demons could understand his advise of being compassionate as he very well knew their temperament. The demons by nature were cruel, bloodthirsty and violent. So the advise - Dayadhvam or being compassionate will balance their temperament. The demons went back to their place. Thus each stormy night, Praajapati’s children never forget the divine advice through the Thunder’s roar as it repeats the Supreme Teachings - “Da - Da- Da” or “Daamyata - Datta and Dayadhvam! The result is peace, Shantih!”Friends some extra information, which you may find very interesting. Did you know the famous poet T.S Elliot was deeply influenced by Upanishads? As Cleo McNelly Kearns has documented, Elliot had his own copy of Upanishads, which was gifted to him by Harward Scholar Charles Lanman, who taught him Sanskrit in the graduate school. Elliot had used the concepts from Brihaadaaranyaka Upanishad’s - “What thunder said” in his poem - The Waste Land. The basic idea of the poem is that - A waste land waits for a rain shower to fertilise it. So does the mind of a man waits for the fertilising shower of liberating ideas. They reveal to us latent possibilities of life. If the faith and hope they inspire in us were lacking, life would be a vale of tears. Philosophy - Tattwa Jnana, lightens the burden of life and throws light on the path of life. I will now read out an excerpt from the poem - The Waste Land” by TS Elliot.Ganga was sunken, and the limp leavesWaited for rain, while the black cloudsGathered far distant, over Himavant.The jungle crouched, humped in silence.Then spoke the thunderDADatta: what have we given?My friend, blood shaking my heartThe awful daring of a moment’s surrenderWhich an age of prudence can never retractBy this, and this only, we have existedWhich is not to be found in our obituariesOr in memories draped by the beneficent spiderOr under seals broken by the lean solicitorIn our empty roomsDADayadhvam: I have heard the keyTurn in the door once and turn once onlyWe think of the key, each in his prisonThinking of the key, each confirms a prisonOnly at nightfall, aethereal rumoursRevive for a moment a broken CoriolanusDADamyata: The boat respondedGaily, to the hand expert with sail and oarThe sea was calm, your heart would have respondedGaily, when invited, beating obedientTo controlling handsThat was all about today’s episode. The three questions -“What is the meaning, which the gods interpreted from the syllable - Da”, Next question - What is the meaning, which the humans interpreted from the syllable “Da”?The last question - “What is the meaning, which the demons interpreted from the syllable “Da”?So please write me your answers to “arghyathinks@gmail.com"Please share, like, subscribe and download my podcast series - “Stories from Upanishads”This podcast was created on Hubhopper studio. If you wish to start your own podcast for free, visit www.hubhopperstudio.com.

Yagnavalkya in King Janaka's Symposium================================================================This is the part 2 from the interesting events and debates which took place during the symposium arranged by King Janaka of Videha. We heard about Yagnavalkya’s decision to take home thousand cows with ten gold coins tied to their horns and how he was stopped and challenged by eminent scholars such as Ashwala and Aartabhaaga. They both got involved in a debate with Yagnavalkya and eventually accepted their defeat. While Yagnavalkya wanted to leave the symposium, he was again challenged by few other eminent scholars. Before I start the today’s story, one point I would like to mention is that in my view this Upanishad was written post Mahabharata era as this mentions Parikshit, who was the grandson of the great pandava, Arjuna. This part 2 of the story is about the various debates between Yagnavalkya and scholars such as Bhujyu, Usasta and Kahola. So sit back and listen to some of the greatest thoughts which are mentioned in the Brihaddaaranyaka Upanishad.Bhujyu the grandson of the scholar Lahya, stopped and challenged Yagnavalkya. Yagnavalkya smiled and greeted Bhujyu with folded palms.Bhujyu asked -“When I was a student and was travelling to the kingdom of Madra, we visited Patanchala’s residence. He was a descent of Kapi. We came to know that his daughter was possessed by a Gandharva. We wanted to help the girl so we started inquiring the Gandharva.”After a pause, Bhujyu continued -“We asked Gandharva who he was?”The Gandharva said his name was Sudhavan who was a descendant of Sage Angiras.“We wanted to test the Gandharva further!”We asked him about the limits of the world so questioned him where were the descendants of Parikshit?”After a pause, Bhujyu looked at Yagnavalkya, and with a serious expression asked him -“Yagnavalkya, now I ask you the same question, Where were the descendents of Parikshit?”Friends, few things to clarify here, firstly Gandharva, means a celestial non-human being who can change its form and shape and possess humans. Gandharvas have been mentioned numerous Indian mythologies and ancient scriptures. Secondly, I want to throw some light on the timeline of this Upanishad. It is very clear that Bhujyu asked the Gandharva and Yagnavalkya about the descendants of Parikshit. As per Mahabharata, Parikshit was the son of Abhhimanyu and grand son of the great Pandava Arjuna. So in all possibility this upanishad was written quite some time after Mahabharata. So it also demonstrates that Mahabharata might not be just an epic or mythology rather might have actually occurred, as we know the documented existence of Yagnavalkya, Gargi and many other characters as mentioned in this Brihaddaaranyaka Upanishad! Well, these are my thoughts based on the logic I just presented. Thirdly we must also understand about the Ashwamedha Yagna or the famous horse sacrifice as this will be one of the response of Yagnavalkya. The chosen horse is left to roam around throughout the kingdom and beyond its borders. Whichever areas or regions the horse wanders into is claimed by the yaajamaana king of the horse sacrifice. If the king or ruler of that land or area doesn’t challenge the king who has arranged Ashwamedha, the Yaajamaana king claims that portion of land as part of his kingdom. As per the scriptures, this sacrifice produces both collective and individual results. Whether combined with meditation or performed exclusively through it, it is the highest of all rites. As per Smritis - there is nothing more heinous than killing a noble Brahmin nor anything more meritorious than the horse sacrifice. So let’s get back to the story. Yagnavalkya thought for a while and then replied -“Parikshit had performed Ashwamedha Yagna during his reign. So the Gandharva had told you that the descendants of Parikshit went to where the performers of horse sacrificers go! Thirty two times the space covered by the sun’s chariot in a day makes this world. Around it, covering twice the area, is the earth, around the earth, covering twice the area, is the ocean. They pass through a very slim opening at the junction of two halves of cosmic shell. The opening is as slim as an edge of a razor or wing of a fly. Fire in form of a falcon, delivered the descendants of Parikshit to the air and the air took them to where previous performers of horse sacrifice were. Thus the Gandharva praised the air as symbolising the cosmic vital force. Therefore the air is the diversity of individuals and also is the aggregate. One who knows this as such conquers further death. So friends, thing to note here that Yagnavalkya actually explained the dimension of cosmic orb. He said that thirty two times the space covered by the sun’s chariot in a day makes this world which is surrounded by the mountain Lokaaloka. This is the world which constitutes the body of Viraaj, and in which people reap the fruits of their past actions. This is the limit of Loka and beyond that is Aloka. The air is vital force as it is the inner self of all beings whether moving or stationary. It is also outside them. The air is the diversity of individuals in forms relating to the body, the elements and the gods. The air is also an aggregate as one cosmic vital force. One who knows this attains identity with the air in its individual and collective form. After dying once he dies no more. After listening to Yagnavalkya’s response, Bhujyu felt satisfied, he decided to sit down and accepted his defeat. Yagnavalkya was again victorious. He was ready to leave the symposium as everyone looked at Yagnavalkya. All of them were quiet as they were quite impressed by his knowledge and wisdom. Yagnavalkya waited for another challenge from the wise men and women gathered in the symposium and his wait was fruitful. Usasta the son of Chakra was inquisitive and eager to question Yagnavalkya! He always wondered about the Self as a distinct entity and wanted to know more on that! He got up, greeted Yagnavalkya and asked him -“Yagnavalkya, explain to me the Brahman that is immediate and direct - the Self that is within all?”The meaning of Usasta’s question is deep. He wanted to know what is that “Self” which is within all! The word “Self” refers to the inner self or Aatman. He wanted to know clearly what is meant by “Self” which is within all.Yagnavalkya was quite surprised to hear such a high philosophical question from Usasta. He thought for a while, and replied -“This is your “Self” that is within all! That which breathes through Praana is your “Self” that is within all! That which moves downwards through Apaana is your “Self” that is within all! That which penetrates through the Vyaana is your “Self” that is within all! That which goes out through Udaana is your “Self” that is within all! This is your “Self” that is within all!”Now dear listeners, before I go on with Yagnavalkya’s explanation to Usasta’s question on the “Self” as a distinct entity, I would like to throw some light on the terms such as Praana, Apaana, Vyaana and Udaana. I hope you have listened to the Story of Praana which is featured as a part of this podcast series. If not please listen to it. Well in short, Praana is the vital life force. As per Nisva-sattva-samhita Nayasutra there are 5 types of vayus or winds and they are Praana, Apaana, Udaana, Vyaana and Samaana and explained as -Praana - Movement is inward and downward, it is the vital life force. Balanced prāṇa leads to a balanced and calm mind and emotions. Its location are - Head, lungs and heartApaana - Movement is outward and downward, it is related to processes of elimination, reproduction and skeletal health (absorption of nutrients). Balanced apāna leads to a healthy digestive and reproductive system. Its location is Lower AbdomenUdaana - Movement is upward, it is related to the respiratory functions, speech and functioning of the brain. Balanced udāna leads to a healthy respiratory system, clarity of speech, healthy mind, good memory, creativity, etc. Its location in the human body is in Diaphragm and throatSamaana - Movement is spiral, concentrated around the navel, like a churning motion, it is related to digestion on all levels. Balanced samāna leads to a healthy metabolism. Its location in human body is in the NavelVyaana - Movement is outward, like the circulatory process. It is related to circulatory system, nervous system and cardiac system. Balanced vyāna leads to a healthy heart, circulation and balanced nerves. Its location in human body is originating from heart and distributed throughout the human body. So here Usasta actually indicated and questioned about the life force within the organism and what is the “Self” within that. Now coming back to explanation of Yagnavalkya’s response to Usasta - The one which is immediate, direct and unobstructed is the Brahman. It is the vastest and self of all and within all. The body and sense organs are immersed in your self i.e it is the Self of the body and sense organs. There is a 3 levels of hierarchy which can be visualised as a body which is the outermost and within it there is another subtle body consisting of the organs and the third one is the Brahman whose existence is doubted. Yagnavalkya then explained the physiology of body using the examples of vayus. He saif “that he breathes through Praana” which means Praana is inhalation through mouth and nose which is unobstructed and direct and also makes Praana breathe. That is the individual self of the body and organs. Similarly Yagnavalkya takes examples of other vayus by which body and organ are made to breathe and do other functions as these vayus are associated with several functions of the body. The body is just like a wooden puppet, which cannot do anything unless it is guided and operated by someone. Similarly the human body and organs must be operated and guided by an intelligent principle without which they cannot perform any function such as breathing. The intelligent principle is the “Individual Self” which aids the body and organs to perform their own functions. Hence that principle distinct from the body and organ exists and makes them functional. On hearing the explanation of Yagnavalkya, Usasta was angry and impatient. He started accusing Yagnavalka to be a trickster as he was not giving him direct answers rather was answering him using different examples and metaphors. He said to the scholar - “Yagnavalkya, you have indicated it as one may propose one thing and then being in doubt will say something else. You too have used various metaphors and examples to explain Brahman just like someone for instance to describe about a cow or a horse may say using certain characteristics of that animal such as ‘a cow that walks’ or ‘a horse that runs’. You too have tried to explain Brahman using certain examples like breathing and praana in similar way. Please provide me a direct and immediate explanation of Brahman - the self that is within all instead of telling me in all these in metaphors? This question irritated Yagnavalkya a bit, as he didn’t expect Usasta to say all these in the symposium which will full of learned men and women. Yagnavalkya stood his ground and said -“I stick to the examples what I said earlier Usasta. You want me to present Self as one would present it in a jar! Unfortunately it is impossible because of the very nature of Self. The Self is the witness of vision. There are two types of vision - ordinary and eternal or real. The “Ordinary” vision is the function of the mind as it is connected with the eye, therefore it is an act which is performed. This has a beginning and an end. It is not eternal. The “Eternal” or “Real” vision is the one which doesn’t have a beginning or an end. This vision belongs to the ‘Self’ and is like the heat and light of fire. This is the very essence of witness. The ordinary vision is an act, affected by the objects seen and reveals only its colour and form but not the inner self that infuses it. Therefore you cannot see that inner self which is the witness of vision. Similarly you cannot hear that which is the hearer of hearing, you cannot think that which is the thinker of the thought, you cannot know that which is the knower of knowledge. This is the Self that is within all and everything else such as the body or the subtle body consisting of organs is perishable. Only Brahman is imperishable and changeless. This is the very nature of the thing and hence it cannot it described as we can describe a cow or a horse.” After listening to this explanation of Brahman, Usasta was speechless and silently accepted his defeat and sat down in his place. The goshti was again buzzing with whispers and wonders. All learned scholars, sages and priests were talking to each other, trying to understand what they heard during all these debates. King Janaka too was in a deep thought on the explanation of Brahman provided by Yagnavalkya. Silently most of the scholars started admiring Yagnavalkya’s knowledge, power of debate and philosophy on Brahman and Self. Then after a while, Yagnavalkya was again called for another debate by the scholar Kahola who was the son of Kaushitkeya. He asked him the same question but from a different angle -“Yagnavalkya, can you please explain to me Brahman that is immediate and direct, the Self that is within all? This is your self that is within all. Which is within all?”Basically it can be debated as both Kahola and Usasta had asked Yagnavalkya the same question. Did they ask about the same Self or different Selves? Although some thinkers and scholars have contemplated it as two different selves, but as per Adi Shankaracharya both of them had asked about one same Self. Both Kahola and Usasta had used the word “your” before Self. The same body and senses cannot have two different selves. If one of the two be Brahman in primary sense, the other must be secondary, similarly with Selfhood and being within all, then these terms become contradictory. If one of the two Brahmans be the Self, Primary and Withinall, then the other must be secondary, Non-self and not within all. Therefore both the scholars inquired about the same Self.Yagnavalkya, thought for a while and replied to Kahola -“Kahola, it is that which transcends hunger and thirst, grief, delusion, decay and death! Knowing this very Self, the learned men and Brahmins renounce the desire for sons, for wealth and for the worlds and lead a saintly life. That which is the desire for sons is the desire for wealth and that which is the desire for wealth is the desire for the worlds, for both these are but desires. Therefore the knower of Brahman having known all about scholarship should try to live upon that strength which comes from knowledge, having known all about this strength and scholarship, he becomes meditative, and having known all about the meditation and its opposite, he becomes a knower of Brahman! The knower of Brahman can