The First Khanda of the Fifth Chapter of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the most important and profound sections of the Upanishads. It contains the famous Purnamadah Mantra and deals with the nature of Brahman and the importance of the Pranava (Omkara or Om) in meditation and spiritual practice.
Let’s break it down in detail, expanding on its meaning, symbolism, importance, and relevance to modern life.
The Purnamadah Mantra:
The Khanda begins with the famous Shanti Mantra, known as the Purnamadah Mantra:
Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudachyate |
Purnasya Purnamadaya Purnameva Vashishyate ||
Translation:
- "That (the Brahman or Absolute) is infinite; this (the universe) is infinite. From That Infinite, this infinite has come. Even after the creation of this infinite universe, the Infinite Brahman remains the same."
Meaning and Explanation:
The mantra expresses the relationship between the unconditioned (nirguna) and conditioned (saguna) aspects of Brahman:
- Purnam refers to the completeness, fullness, or infinite nature of Brahman, which is unchangeable and eternal.
- That refers to Brahman in its transcendent, formless state, while This refers to the universe, or the manifest world.
- Even though the world has emerged from Brahman, it does not reduce the infinity or completeness of Brahman.
- This indicates that creation is not a subtraction from Brahman but a manifestation of its infinite nature.
- It symbolizes the unity of all existence, the oneness of the Creator and the Creation.
Importance and Symbolism:
1. Brahman as Infinite and Immutable:
The mantra establishes the nature of Brahman as infinite, formless, and eternal, emphasizing that all of creation is just an appearance of this ultimate reality. It removes the illusion of duality and multiplicity, reinforcing the idea that everything is fundamentally one and rooted in Brahman.
2. The Illusion of Duality:
The universe, though seemingly separate from Brahman, is not independent. The illusory nature of duality between the creator and the creation is dismissed. This understanding is central to the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which teaches that the world and individual self are not separate from Brahman but manifestations of it.
3. Spiritual Practice and Meditation (Pranavopasana):
The second half of the Khanda emphasizes Pranavopasana, or meditation on Brahman through the Pranava (Omkara or Om). Om is considered the sound-symbol of Brahman, representing its essence in both its manifest and unmanifest forms. Chanting Om and meditating upon it is seen as a direct way to connect with Brahman.
Practicality and Usage in Modern Times:
1. Personal Wholeness and Inner Fulfillment:
The concept of Purnam (completeness) has deep psychological and spiritual significance in today's world. Modern life often creates feelings of incompleteness, inadequacy, and separation from the larger whole. Understanding the Purnamadah Mantra can inspire a sense of inner fulfillment and help people realize that they are not separate from the source of life and existence, fostering peace and contentment.
2. Om Meditation and Mental Well-Being:
The practice of meditating on Om (Pranavopasana) remains highly relevant today. Many people are drawn to the mantra Om for its calming and centering effects. Meditating on Om is a scientifically-backed practice that can reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote mental clarity, making it highly useful in today’s fast-paced, high-stress environments.
3. Unity in Diversity:
The Purnamadah Mantra is a reminder of the unity in diversity, a principle that can be applied socially and globally. In a world often divided by cultural, religious, and ideological boundaries, the mantra teaches that, at the core, all beings and objects are part of the same divine, infinite reality. This understanding promotes tolerance, harmony, and empathy.
Lesser-Known Facts:
1. Connection to Advaita Vedanta:
While the Purnamadah Mantra is famous and widely chanted, many are unaware that it is a profound expression of the core philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. The mantra succinctly encapsulates the essence of non-dualism — the idea that only Brahman exists and that the world and individual souls are ultimately unreal, being mere reflections of the one reality.
2. Chanting of the Shanti Mantra:
The Purnamadah mantra is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of study sessions, prayers, and meditations. It acts as a Shanti Mantra (peace chant), invoking peace in the mind, speech, and environment, essential for spiritual inquiry.
3. Relevance in Rituals and Spiritual Gatherings:
In Vedic rituals and Upanishadic studies, chanting this mantra is a form of consecration and purification, preparing the mind to be receptive to the teachings that follow. It has become a cornerstone of Vedic ceremonies and continues to be used in both traditional and contemporary spiritual practices.
Modern-Day Relevance:
1. Om as a Universal Symbol:
The Om symbol has become almost ubiquitous in the modern spiritual and wellness communities, transcending its origins in Hinduism and being embraced by diverse groups worldwide. It’s used in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices as a focal point for achieving inner peace and unity with the cosmos.
2. Non-Dualistic Understanding in Psychology:
The idea that we are not separate from the world, that we are all part of a larger whole, has found resonance in modern psychology and self-help movements. Concepts like interconnectedness, mindfulness, and holistic well-being all echo the themes presented in this mantra.
3. Influence on Modern Philosophy and Ethics:
The unity of all beings as described in the Purnamadah mantra has influenced modern philosophical thought, including environmental ethics, human rights, and the global peace movement. Recognizing that we are all connected can help foster sustainable living, compassion, and a more ethical treatment of all forms of life.
Symbolism in Daily Life:
Holistic Living: The concept of purnam can be applied in daily life by fostering a sense of completeness and balance in all aspects — physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. It encourages a more holistic approach to well-being, urging us to recognize that happiness and fulfillment come from within.
Acceptance of Change: The idea that even after creation, Brahman remains full and unchanged teaches us that even when life changes or appears fragmented, the underlying truth or self remains whole. This can inspire resilience and acceptance of life's fluctuations.
The First Khanda of the Fifth Chapter of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, starting with the Purnamadah Mantra, is a profound and timeless teaching that remains relevant today. It offers spiritual, psychological, and practical wisdom that can help individuals understand their unity with the cosmos, deal with the stresses of modern life, and cultivate inner peace. Through the meditation on Om and the understanding of the infinite nature of Brahman, one can lead a more harmonious and balanced life. The Upanishadic teachings continue to guide modern seekers toward a more enlightened and integrated understanding of themselves and the universe.