Brihadaranayaka Upanishad – Khila Khanda – Chapter 5
Section 1 – The Sacrificial Horse as the Cosmos
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The sacrificial horse (Aavamedha) is identified with the entire universe, symbolizing creation, time, and cosmic forces.
Section 2 – The Body as the Altar
- The human body is symbolized as the sacrificial altar, revealing the inner meaning of ritual as self-offering.
Section 3 – The Vital Forces as Offerings
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Prana (vital force), speech, and senses are presented as offerings in the inner sacrifice within the body.
Section 4 – The Primacy of Prana
- All organs claim superiority, but prana proves essential by withdrawing and sustaining life.
- The gods acknowledge prana as the greatest, deserving the best portion of sacrifice.
Section 5 – The Self as the Support
- All experiences and beings are based on the Self, which supports and transcends everything.
- As the axle supports the wheel, the Self supports all elements and deities.
Section 6 – Food and Life
- Food is the source of life, and prana depends on food; thus, food must be revered.
Section 7 – Meditation on the Cow
- Meditation on the cow as speech and the sacrificial fire grants spiritual merit and inner realization.
Section 8 – The Supreme Brahman
- Brahman is the innermost essence of beings, the eternal light beyond hunger, grief, and fear.
Section 9 – The Gayatri as the Essence
- The Gayatri mantra symbolizes the vital force (prana), which sustains and empowers all life.
Section 10 – The Udgitha and Om
- Om and the Udgitha chant embody prana; meditating on them bestows control over speech and senses.
Section 11 – Mind and Food
- Mind is nourished by food; thus, eating with reverence sustains both body and spiritual clarity.
Section 12 – Prana and the Elements
- Prana is the thread connecting all elements, holding the universe together like pearls on a string.
Section 13 – The Fire and Prana
- Fire is connected with prana; offering into it symbolizes nourishing life.
- The rising and setting of prana mirrors the sun’s movements.
- Knowledge of this inner sacrifice leads to strength and wisdom.
Section 14 – Worship of Brahman through Om
- Om represents the Supreme Brahman and should be meditated upon with devotion.
- Knowing Om leads one beyond sin and sorrow.
- The threefold Om (A–U–M) symbolizes waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
- He who knows Om transcends these states into pure awareness.
- Om leads to unity with Brahman and freedom from rebirth.
- Such a knower becomes immortal and blissful.
Section 15 – The Glory of Prana
- Prana is supreme among gods; everything exists through it.
- It shines as the sun and breathes as life.
- Prana brings strength, knowledge, and illumination.
- Those who honor prana attain greatness.
- Prana is the key to realizing the Self.
- Worshipping prana leads to liberation and unity with Brahman.
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