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The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the shortest yet most profound texts in the Upanishadic corpus, consisting of just 12 verses. Despite its brevity, it offers deep insights into the nature of the Self (Atman), the ultimate reality (Brahman), and the path to spiritual liberation.
🕉️ Core Teachings of the Mandukya Upanishad
1. The Four States of Consciousness
The Upanishad delineates four states of consciousness experienced by the Self:(iyogaa.org)
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Waking (Jāgrat): The externalized state where the Self engages with the physical world through the senses.
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Dreaming (Svapna): The inward state where the mind creates its own reality, independent of the external world.(yogajala)
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Deep Sleep (Suṣupti): A state devoid of desires and dreams, where the mind is at rest, and the Self experiences undifferentiated consciousness.
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Turiya (The Fourth): The transcendental state beyond the previous three, characterized by pure consciousness, non-duality, and bliss. It is the true nature of the Self.
These states correspond to the letters of the sacred syllable "AUM": "A" for waking, "U" for dreaming, "M" for deep sleep, and the silence following "AUM" represents Turiya. (vedantastudents.com)
2. Symbolism of AUM (Om)
The syllable "AUM" encapsulates the entirety of existence:
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"A": Represents the waking state and is associated with the beginning of all things.(vedantastudents.com)
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"U": Denotes the dream state and signifies the intermediate realm between the physical and the unmanifested.
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"M": Symbolizes deep sleep, the state of latent consciousness.(Wikipedia)
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Silence after "AUM": Embodies Turiya, the ultimate reality that is beyond description and thought.
Meditation on "AUM" is a means to realize the Self's true nature and attain liberation. (vedantastudents.com)
3. Non-Duality (Advaita Vedanta)
The Upanishad asserts the fundamental non-duality of Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the ultimate reality). It teaches that the apparent multiplicity of the world is an illusion (Maya), and realization of the Self as Brahman leads to liberation (Moksha). (vedantastudents.com)
4. Self-Inquiry and Liberation
The path to liberation involves deep self-inquiry and discernment. By understanding the transient nature of the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, and by identifying with Turiya, one transcends suffering and attains eternal bliss. (vedantastudents.com)
📚 Further Study
For those interested in delving deeper into the Mandukya Upanishad, the following resources offer comprehensive analyses:
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Swami Krishnananda's Commentary: Provides an in-depth exploration of the Upanishad's verses and their philosophical implications.
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Vedanta Students' Summary: Offers a structured overview of the text, including interpretations and thematic discussions. (vedantastudents.com)
The Mandukya Upanishad stands as a testament to the depth of Vedic wisdom, guiding seekers toward the realization of their true, non-dual nature.(vedantastudents.com)
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Here are some powerful and profound quotes from the Mandukya Upanishad, one of the most concise and spiritually dense texts in Indian philosophy. These quotes reflect its central themes: the nature of consciousness, the Self, and ultimate reality.
🕉️ Powerful Quotes from the Mandukya Upanishad
1. On the Self and Consciousness
“Ayam ātmā catuṣpāt.”
"This Self is of four states."
— Verse 2
This foundational line introduces the framework of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendental Turiya state—each a step toward self-realization.
2. On the Symbolism of AUM
“Om is the bow, the Self is the arrow, and Brahman is the target.”
"Sharpen it by meditation, and hit the mark."
— Mandukya Karika (Gaudapada’s commentary)
This metaphor teaches that deep meditation on Om leads the seeker to ultimate union with Brahman, the absolute reality.
3. On Turiya (The Fourth State)
“Turiya is not that which is conscious of the inner or the outer worlds… It is unseen, beyond all empirical dealings, incomprehensible, unthinkable, and indescribable.”
— Verse 7
This quote describes Turiya, the silent, formless awareness that underlies all experience. It is the true Self, beyond all thought and duality.
4. On Realizing the Self
“He who knows this, merges his self in the Self—he becomes the Self.”
— Paraphrase of Verse 12
The Upanishad ends by affirming that true knowledge of the Self is liberation. When the illusion of separateness dissolves, only Brahman remains.
5. On Non-Duality
“All this is verily Brahman. This Self is Brahman.”
— Sarvam khalv idam brahma. Ayam ātmā brahma.
— Chandogya + Mandukya echoes (Verse 1 implications)
Though this exact phrase originates in the Chandogya Upanishad, it resonates through the Mandukya: all is One; Atman and Brahman are not two.
🌟 Summary
The Mandukya Upanishad, though only 12 verses long, is revered as a complete spiritual teaching. Its power lies not in poetic embellishment, but in its radical simplicity and precision.
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Here’s a clear and concise gist of the 12 verses of the Mandukya Upanishad, capturing the core insights from each verse:
🕉️ Mandukya Upanishad – 12 Verses Summarized
Verse 1: Om as Ultimate Reality
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Om (AUM) is all that exists—past, present, and future. It is also that which transcends time.
Verse 2: The Self Has Four Aspects
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The Self (Atman) has four states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and a fourth beyond all three (Turiya).
Verse 3: Waking State (Jagrat)
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In this state, the self is outwardly aware, using the physical senses. This aspect is called Vaishvanara.
Verse 4: Dreaming State (Svapna)
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Here, the self turns inward and perceives mental objects. This aspect is called Taijasa.
Verse 5: Deep Sleep (Sushupti)
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A state of undifferentiated consciousness, where no desires or dreams are experienced. The self here is called Prajna.
Verse 6: Prajna and Omnipresence
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Prajna (deep sleep self) is undivided, blissful, and the gateway to the higher Self (Turiya).
Verse 7: Turiya – The Fourth State
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Beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, Turiya is pure consciousness, formless, peaceful, blissful, and the true Self.
Verse 8: Om and Its Parts
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Om (AUM) symbolizes the entire Self. It is broken into three phonetic parts: A, U, and M.
Verse 9: ‘A’ – Waking
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The sound ‘A’ represents Vaishvanara (waking state). It signifies creation and is the beginning of all.
Verse 10: ‘U’ – Dreaming
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The sound ‘U’ symbolizes Taijasa (dreaming). It represents the intermediate or subtle level of experience.
Verse 11: ‘M’ – Deep Sleep
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The sound ‘M’ represents Prajna (deep sleep), the state of merging and dissolution into undifferentiated consciousness.
Verse 12: The Silence – Turiya
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The silence after AUM is Turiya. It is the unspoken, formless reality—the Self and ultimate truth.
🧘 Summary:
The Mandukya Upanishad teaches that the Self is not confined to body or mind, but is pure, infinite consciousness. By meditating on Om, we transcend all states and realize our identity as Turiya—the silent, eternal witness.
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