The Doctrine of Non-Duality and Non-Origination in Mandukya Upanishad Chapter 4 Karika 11–22
In verses 11 to 22 of Chapter 4 of the Mandukya Karika, Gaudapada presents a profound exposition of non-duality through the doctrine of Ajati Vada—the idea that nothing is ever truly born. He uses vivid analogies like the firebrand and mirage to illustrate how the mind projects multiplicity onto the one changeless Self. These verses emphasize that all dualistic experiences are illusions born of ignorance. Once mental activity ceases, the distinction between seer and seen vanishes, revealing the non-dual Atman. Scriptures, while using dualistic language, ultimately point to this absolute truth. Realizing this leads to fearlessness and liberation from sorrow. For More Information Click Here
Gaudapada’s Non-Origination Doctrine Explained (Verses 11–22, Chapter 4)
Verse 11
Meaning:
The mind imagines duality in the form of perceiver and perceived, but in truth, there is no duality. Like a magician creates illusions, the Self appears as many.
Point:
Duality is only mental projection; the Self remains non-dual.
Verse 12
Meaning:
Just as from a firebrand whirled in circles many forms are seen but the firebrand is one, so is the Self imagined as manifold by delusion.
Point:
The One appears as many, like illusion from movement.
Verse 13
Meaning:
When the movement ceases, only the single firebrand remains. Similarly, when delusion ends, only the non-dual Self is known.
Point:
Ending illusion reveals the unchanging Self.
Verse 14
Meaning:
When the mind ceases its projections, there is no perceiver or perceived; only the non-dual Self exists.
Point:
No seer-seen duality exists without mental activity.
Verse 15
Meaning:
The mind, out of ignorance, creates subjects and objects. But the wise see only the Atman, beyond all concepts.
Point:
Creation of multiplicity is due to ignorance.
Verse 16
Meaning:
All scriptures speak within duality, but the ultimate reality is non-dual. Knowledge arises by removing this duality.
Point:
Scriptures point to non-duality through negation of duality.
Verse 17
Meaning:
Like dreams and illusions, all dualistic experiences are unreal. The Self alone is real and unborn.
Point:
Duality is as unreal as dreams.
Verse 18
Meaning:
The Self is birthless, motionless, and without any attribute. It is pure consciousness and changeless.
Point:
The Self is beyond action and change.
Verse 19
Meaning:
There is no dissolution, no creation, no bondage or liberation; this is the absolute truth realized by the wise.
Point:
Ultimate reality transcends all concepts of change.
Verse 20
Meaning:
The Atman, though perceived in diverse ways, is without distinctions. Wise people see the same truth beyond names and forms.
Point:
Distinctions are false; the Self is one and the same.
Verse 21
Meaning:
As in mirage or magic, diversity appears real to the ignorant but not to the wise who have discrimination.
Point:
The wise see through the illusion of multiplicity.
Verse 22
Meaning:
Understanding the truth of non-origination and non-duality, the sage lives free from fear and sorrow.
Point:
Realization of non-duality leads to liberation. For More Information Click Here
Adi Shankaracharya’s Insights on Mandukya Karika 4.11–22
-
Illusion of Multiplicity:
Shankara explains that the apparent plurality of the world is a superimposition (Adhyasa) on the one Self (Atman). Just like a rope mistaken for a snake, the many forms and dualities are due to ignorance (Avidya). -
Mind’s Role in Duality:
He emphasizes that the mind alone creates the subject-object division. When the mind ceases its projections, there is only the undivided Self, which is pure consciousness. -
Ajati Vada (Non-Origination):
Shankara affirms that the world never truly originates or dissolves. Birth and death apply only to the empirical level (Vyavaharika), not to the ultimate reality (Paramarthika). -
Beyond Concepts of Time and Change:
The Self is beyond all temporal categories—birth, death, creation, or destruction. It is immutable and eternal, pure sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss). -
Scriptural Support:
He references Upanishadic teachings that negate all dualistic distinctions, asserting that the Self is indivisible and free from attributes or modifications. -
Liberation through Knowledge:
For Shankara, the direct realization of this non-dual truth through Jnana (knowledge) dispels fear and sorrow, leading to liberation (Moksha). For More Information Click Here
Conclusion
The verses 11 to 22 of Chapter 4 in the Mandukya Karika beautifully reveal the essence of Advaita Vedanta as taught by Adi Shankaracharya. They emphasize that the apparent world of duality is merely an illusion created by the mind’s projections. The true Self is unborn, changeless, and beyond all distinctions of time and space. Realizing this non-dual reality dissolves all fears and sorrow, leading to ultimate liberation. Shankara’s insights guide seekers to look beyond surface appearances and recognize the ever-present, indivisible consciousness within. This knowledge is the key to freedom and lasting peace.
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