The Core Teachings of Mandukya Upanishad: Understanding Mantra 7 and Karikas 5–9
The Mandukya Upanishad is a profound text that explores the nature of consciousness through the symbol of Om. Mantra 7 presents the essence of all reality, describing the imperishable Self that transcends the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. The commentary by Gaudapada in Karikas 5 to 9 deepens this understanding by explaining how these three states are mere appearances, while the true Self remains unchanged and beyond them. These verses reveal the ultimate truth that the Self is non-dual, eternal, and the source of all peace and bliss. Through this teaching, seekers are guided towards realizing the supreme reality that lies beyond all mental and sensory experiences. This foundational knowledge paves the way for liberation and inner tranquility. For More Information Click Here
Philosophy of the Self in Mandukya Upanishad: Mantra 7 and Karikas 5-9 Overview
Mantra 7 (The famous one about the states of consciousness):
“Om ity etad akṣaram idaṁ sarvam; tacca yo ‘nyaḥ āvṛṇoti; tadeva śāntiṁ padam prāpya nābhisaṁśritya vijugupsate.”
Meaning:
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The syllable Om is the imperishable (akshara) and encompasses everything.
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Beyond this Om is another reality (the transcendental Self) which is the source of all peace.
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One who realizes that supreme peace and does not long for anything else attains liberation.
Karikas (Gaudapada’s commentary) — Chapter 1, Karikas 5 to 9
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Karika 5:
The reality (Brahman) is beyond the three states (waking, dreaming, deep sleep) and is not affected by their changes. The individual Self is only apparently separate, but the true Self is the unchanging absolute. -
Karika 6:
The three states of consciousness are like a dream — they are transient and not the ultimate reality. The waking state is connected to the external world, the dream state to the inner world of thoughts, and deep sleep is a state without desires and distinctions. -
Karika 7:
The Self in waking and dreaming states appears as different due to the presence of duality but is essentially the same consciousness, unified and non-dual. -
Karika 8:
Deep sleep state is the state of bliss and ignorance because the individual is not aware of the external or internal worlds but remains as pure consciousness, devoid of duality. -
Karika 9:
The supreme Self is beyond all these three states. It is the underlying reality that transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep and remains ever present and unchanging. For More Information Click Here
Adi Shankaracharya’s Insights on Mandukya Upanishad Mantra 7 and Karikas 5–9
Adi Shankaracharya emphasizes the non-dual nature of the Self (Atman/Brahman) as revealed in Mandukya Upanishad Mantra 7, where Om symbolizes the totality of existence, encompassing all three states of consciousness — waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Svapna), and deep sleep (Sushupti) — and transcending them all. He explains that these three states are transient and apparent, while the true Self is changeless, eternal, and beyond any empirical experience.
In his commentary on Gaudapada’s Karikas 5 to 9, Shankaracharya clarifies that the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states are mere modes of consciousness, superimposed upon the one unchanging Reality. The Self is the substratum, untouched by the fluctuations of the mind and senses. This Reality is pure awareness (Chid), bliss (Ananda), and existence (Sat) — the true nature of Atman. For More Information Click Here
Shankara further highlights that ignorance (Avidya) causes us to misidentify with the body and mind, resulting in the illusion of duality and suffering. Realizing the Self’s oneness with Brahman leads to moksha (liberation) — the cessation of all mental modifications and the experience of supreme peace beyond the three states.
Thus, Shankaracharya’s teachings guide seekers to transcend the limited states of consciousness, understand the unity behind apparent diversity, and realize their true, infinite nature.
Conclusion
The Mandukya Upanishad, through Mantra 7 and Gaudapada’s Karikas, reveals the profound truth of the Self beyond all states of consciousness. Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta interpretation clarifies that the true Self is non-dual, eternal, and untouched by worldly illusions. The waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states are temporary phases, while the ultimate reality remains unchanged and blissful. Realizing this supreme Self leads to liberation from ignorance and suffering. This teaching encourages seekers to look beyond the apparent and realize their oneness with Brahman. In this realization lies the path to eternal peace and freedom.
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