What is Mandukya Upanishad?
The Mandukya Upanishad is the shortest yet one of the most profound Upanishads, consisting of just 12 verses. It explores the nature of the Self (Atman) through the symbol of Om, breaking it into its components – A, U, M – representing the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness. Beyond these three is the fourth state, Turiya, which transcends all experience and represents pure, undivided awareness. This Upanishad is foundational in Advaita Vedanta and was extensively commented on by Adi Shankaracharya. It emphasizes that realizing Turiya leads to liberation (moksha). Despite its brevity, it offers a complete roadmap to understanding ultimate reality. For more information Click Here
The Mandukya Upanishad Key Teachings are:
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Four States of Consciousness:
It describes the Self (Atman) as experiencing four states –-
Waking (Jāgrat): Engaged with the external world.
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Dreaming (Svapna): Engaged with the inner world of thoughts and images.
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Deep Sleep (Suṣupti): A state of unawareness, where desires and ego are dormant.
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Turiya: The transcendent fourth state, pure consciousness beyond all dualities.
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Symbolism of Om (AUM):
The syllable Om is the essence of all existence. Its three parts – A, U, and M – correspond to the three states, while the silence after Om represents Turiya, the Absolute. -
Non-Dual Reality (Advaita):
The ultimate truth is that the Self (Atman) and the Absolute (Brahman) are one. There is no real separation between the individual and the cosmos. -
Self-Knowledge Leads to Liberation:
By understanding and abiding in Turiya, one transcends suffering and attains moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. -
Negation of the Unreal:
The Upanishad uses neti-neti (not this, not this) logic to discard the impermanent states and arrive at the changeless reality.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Perspective on the Mandukya Upanishad
Adi Shankaracharya regarded the Mandukya Upanishad as one of the most authoritative texts for understanding the non-dual nature of the Self (Advaita Vedanta). Here’s a summary of his perspective:
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Supreme Authority of the Mandukya:
Shankaracharya held that the Mandukya Upanishad alone, when properly understood, is sufficient for liberation. Its concise yet profound content encapsulates the entire essence of Advaita. -
Emphasis on Turiya:
He highlighted Turiya—the fourth state—as the true Self, which is beyond the waking, dream, and deep sleep states. Unlike the other three, Turiya is changeless, eternal, and non-dual. -
Unity of Atman and Brahman:
Shankara taught that the Self (Atman) experienced in Turiya is identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality. There is no duality between the individual soul and the universal spirit. -
Role of Om (AUM):
He interpreted Om not just as a sound, but as a profound symbol of the Self’s journey through various states of consciousness, culminating in realization of the formless Absolute. -
Negation for Realization:
He used the method of neti neti (not this, not this) to dismiss the three apparent states as not the true Self, guiding seekers toward the realization of Turiya. -
Jñāna (Knowledge) as the Path:
For Shankara, knowledge of the Self through deep inquiry and contemplation of the teachings in the Mandukya Upanishad leads directly to moksha (liberation), without the need for rituals or external practices.
His commentary, along with Gaudapada’s Karika, forms the core textual foundation for Advaita Vedanta.
Summary of Mandukya Upanishad Verses
The Mandukya Upanishad, comprising 12 succinct verses, explores the nature of the Self through the symbolism of Om and the four states of consciousness. It begins by defining the Self as Om and outlines the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states, leading to the realization of Turiya, the transcendent fourth state. The verses emphasize that true liberation lies in identifying with Turiya, beyond all mental activity. It teaches that Atman and Brahman are one, and knowledge of this unity ends all suffering. The Upanishad uses negation and introspection to strip away illusion. In essence, it offers a direct path to Self-realization. For more information Click Here
Verses
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Om is the all-pervading sound and the Self; it represents the past, present, and future.
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The Self has four states: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendent fourth (Turiya).
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In waking state, the Self is outwardly aware, identified with gross objects.
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In dreaming, the Self turns inward and experiences subtle impressions.
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In deep sleep, the Self rests without desires or dreams—blissful but unconscious.
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These three states are temporary manifestations of the Self.
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Turiya is beyond mind and language—pure consciousness and the real Self.
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Om represents the Self in its entirety—each syllable (A, U, M) linked to a state.
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‘A’ symbolizes the waking state—beginning, expansion, and consciousness of the outer world.
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‘U’ symbolizes the dream state—mid-point and subtle inner experience.
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‘M’ symbolizes deep sleep—merging and unconscious bliss.
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The silence after Om is Turiya, the ultimate Self, beyond all experience and duality.
Theme of Mandukya Upanishad
The central theme of the Mandukya Upanishad is the realization of the Self (Atman) as identical with the Absolute (Brahman) through the understanding of the four states of consciousness and the symbol Om. It teaches that the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states are not the true Self, but merely its expressions. The real Self is Turiya—pure, non-dual awareness, beyond time, space, and thought. By meditating on Om and transcending all mental activity, one can realize this Turiya state. The Upanishad ultimately points toward liberation (moksha) through self-knowledge, emphasizing non-duality (Advaita) as the highest truth.
Why Mandukya Upanishad Important?
The Mandukya Upanishad is important because it offers the most concise and direct path to Self-realization in all of Vedantic literature. Despite having only 12 verses, it explains the entire nature of the Self through the analysis of the syllable Om and the four states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya (pure awareness). It is a foundational text for Advaita Vedanta, asserting the non-dual truth that Atman is Brahman. Adi Shankaracharya and Gaudapada regarded it as sufficient for liberation when properly understood. Its clarity, depth, and brevity make it a spiritual masterpiece in the quest for ultimate truth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mandukya Upanishad stands as a profound and timeless guide to self-realization and inner awakening. With just 12 verses, it distills the essence of Vedantic wisdom, revealing the nature of the Self through the symbolism of Om and the analysis of consciousness. It emphasizes that beyond the changing states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep lies Turiya—the unchanging, eternal reality. By understanding and abiding in this fourth state, one transcends illusion and attains liberation. The Upanishad’s clarity, depth, and spiritual power make it a beacon for seekers of truth and ultimate freedom.
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