Mandukya Upanishad – Chapter 1

Overview of Chapter 1 – Mandukya Upanishad

Chapter 1 of the Mandukya Upanishad introduces the essence of the Self (Atman) through the sacred syllable Om (Aum), which symbolizes the totality of existence. It explains that all of reality and consciousness can be understood through this syllable. The Upanishad identifies three primary states of consciousness: waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Svapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti). Each state corresponds to a different experience of reality and aspects of the mind. Beyond these three lies Turiya, the fourth, transcendent state, which is pure consciousness and the ultimate reality. The chapter emphasizes that realization of Turiya leads to liberation (moksha). It concludes that knowledge of Om and its relation to consciousness is the key to understanding the non-dual Self. For More Information Click Here

Verse-by-Verse Summary – Chapter 1 (12 Mantras)

1. Mantra 1: The Upanishad opens by stating that Om (Aum) is the syllable that represents the entire universe.
2. Mantra 2: Om is described as comprising three letters, A, U, and M, corresponding to different states of consciousness.
3. Mantra 3: The waking state (Jagrat) is symbolized by ‘A’, where one experiences the external world.
4. Mantra 4: The dreaming state (Svapna) is symbolized by ‘U’, representing the inner world of dreams.
5. Mantra 5: The deep sleep state (Sushupti) is symbolized by ‘M’, where the mind is in unmanifested rest.
6. Mantra 6: Beyond these three states exists Turiya, the fourth state, which is pure consciousness and unchanging reality.
7. Mantra 7: Turiya is characterized as tranquil, blissful, and non-dual, beyond all mental modifications.
8. Mantra 8: The Self is independent, free from suffering, and identical with the ultimate reality (Brahman).
9. Mantra 9: The individual soul (Atman) appears in waking, dream, and deep sleep, but its true nature is Turiya.
10. Mantra 10: Liberation comes from realizing one’s identity with Turiya and transcending the three ordinary states.
11. Mantra 11: The practice of meditation on Om leads to direct knowledge of the Self.
12. Mantra 12: The chapter concludes by affirming that Om is the eternal reality, the supreme Self, and the essence of all beings.

Note on Karikas: Gaudapada’s 29 Karikas expand these mantras, explaining the nature of A, U, M, and Turiya, and emphasizing Advaita (non-dual) philosophy, the illusory nature of the waking, dream, and deep sleep states, and the identity of Atman with Brahman.

Summary of 29 Karikas – Gaudapada on Mandukya Upanishad Chapter 1

1. Reality is non-dual; all multiplicity is an appearance of one consciousness.
2. The world is unreal (Maya); only the Self is real and eternal.
3. Ignorance (Avidya) creates the illusion of duality in the waking state.
4. The dream state shows the mind projecting inner experiences as reality.
5. Deep sleep represents undifferentiated consciousness, free from duality but unmanifest.
6. Turiya, the fourth state, transcends waking, dream, and deep sleep.
7. Turiya is pure, immutable, blissful, and beyond subject-object distinctions.
8. The Self (Atman) is identical in all beings and is Brahman.
9. Realizing the Self leads to liberation (Moksha) from all suffering.
10. The letters of Om (A-U-M) symbolize waking, dream, and deep sleep states.
11. Om as a whole represents Turiya, the ultimate reality beyond letters.
12. Knowledge of Turiya removes the illusions created by the three ordinary states.
13. Meditation on Om leads to direct experience of the non-dual Self.
14. The world’s apparent reality is superimposed on the one underlying consciousness.
15. The Self is ever-present, untouched by birth, death, and worldly changes.
16. Dualities of pleasure and pain exist only in the three mundane states.
17. Turiya is beyond all dualities and mental modifications.
18. Liberation is attained when one abides in the realization of Turiya.
19. The knower of Turiya sees all as his own Self.
20. The Self is tranquil, free, and blissful, independent of worldly conditions.
21. The letters of Om should be understood as symbolic of mental states and transcendence.
22. The three states (waking, dream, deep sleep) are mere appearances over the Self.
23. The Self alone is the witness of all states and remains unchanging.
24. Meditation and discrimination remove ignorance and reveal the Self.
25. The Self is beyond time, space, and causation; it is the eternal reality.
26. Realizing non-duality dispels fear, attachment, and sorrow.
27. All actions and experiences belong to the illusory phenomenal world.
28. Turiya is to be known through intuitive wisdom and self-inquiry.
29. The Upanishad concludes that the knowledge of Turiya is the supreme truth and the path to liberation.

Shankaracharya’s Insights on Chapter 1 – Mandukya Upanishad

Adi Shankaracharya emphasizes that Chapter 1 of the Mandukya Upanishad reveals the non-dual nature of reality through the symbol of Om (Aum). He explains that the three letters of Om—A, U, and M—correspond to the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, which are the apparent, transient modes of consciousness. Beyond these is Turiya, the fourth state, which is eternal, blissful, and beyond all distinctions, representing the true Self (Atman). Shankara interprets Turiya as pure consciousness, untainted by the phenomenal world and unaffected by dualities of pleasure and pain. He highlights that the realization of Turiya is not intellectual but experiential, attained through self-inquiry and meditation on Om, leading to liberation (moksha). The waking, dream, and deep sleep states are considered illusory projections, and only through knowledge of Turiya does one recognize the identity of Atman and Brahman. Shankara’s commentary also stresses that Om is not just a sacred syllable but a practical means for experiencing the non-dual Self, guiding aspirants from the transient to the eternal reality. For More Information Click Here

Importance of Chapter 1 – Mandukya Upanishad

Chapter 1 of the Mandukya Upanishad is foundational for understanding Advaita Vedanta because it succinctly presents the nature of the Self through the sacred syllable Om (Aum). It introduces the three ordinary states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—and emphasizes that these are temporary and illusory. The chapter reveals the fourth state, Turiya, as the eternal, blissful, and non-dual reality, which is the true Self (Atman) identical with Brahman. By meditating on Om and discerning the distinction between transient states and the eternal Self, seekers are guided toward self-realization and liberation (moksha). This chapter establishes the philosophical framework for all subsequent teachings in the Upanishad, providing a concise yet profound insight into the nature of consciousness and ultimate reality. It is a critical text for both intellectual understanding and practical spiritual practice. For More Information Click Here

Conclusion

Chapter 1 of the Mandukya Upanishad lays the groundwork for understanding the true nature of the Self. By analyzing the states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, it guides the seeker to recognize their impermanent and illusory nature. The introduction of Turiya, the fourth state, points to the eternal, blissful, and non-dual reality that underlies all existence. The sacred syllable Om (Aum) serves as both a symbol and a practical tool for realizing this ultimate truth. Knowledge of Turiya leads to liberation (moksha), freeing one from all dualities and suffering. This chapter thus serves as a concise yet profound entry point into Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing self-inquiry, meditation, and experiential realization. Ultimately, it affirms that the Self and Brahman are one, providing the foundation for spiritual wisdom.

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