The Sariraka Upanishad (the Nature of the Human Body and Consciousness)

 The Sariraka Upanishad  (the Nature of the Human Body and Consciousness)


The Sariraka Upanishad, one of the 21 Samanya Upanishads attached to the Krishna Yajurveda, focuses on the relation between human body and human soul, where and how one relates to the other, and what happens to each at birth and after death. The exact origins and dating of this Upanishad are uncertain bu it is believed to have been composed between 800-200 BC. The text consists of one chapter, which begins with a long prose prologue presenting a theory of human physiology, followed by eight verses. Verses 1 through 4, as well as 6 through 7 are metric, while the 5th verse is longer and presents the theory of three Gunas and four states of consciousness. The last verse asserts that Purusha is supreme. It explores the intricate relationship between the human body and the eternal self (atman), delving into the understanding of consciousness and the nature of existence.

The Upanishad expounds the nature of the physical body as a temporary and perishable entity. It highlights the impermanence of the material form and the transient nature of physical existence while the eternal self (atman) is unchanging and immortal. It emphasizes the importance of identifying with the eternal self rather than the impermanent physical body. By recognizing the atman as one’s true nature, seekers can attain self-realization and liberation. The text explores the interconnectedness of all existence, emphasizing the underlying unity that pervades the entire cosmos. By recognizing this unity, seekers can transcend the sense of individuality and experience the oneness of the universal consciousness. Its exploration of the relationship between the physical body and consciousness has influenced the understanding of human existence and the pursuit of self-realization.

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