The Self: Source, Sustainer, and Supreme Goal – Prashna Upanishad 6.4–8
In these verses, the Upanishad describes the Self (Ātman) as the supreme ruler, protector, and inner controller of all beings. Like a spider that spins its web, or sparks that emerge from fire, all life forces and the entire universe arise effortlessly from the Self. Despite manifesting as countless beings, the Self remains one and undivided, residing within all. It is eternal, untouched by sin, aging, death, or sorrow. This Self is the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit. Knowing it liberates the seeker from grief and the cycle of birth and death, leading to immortality and lasting peace. For More Information Click Here
Prashna Upanishad – Chapter 6: Verses 4–8
Verse 4
“This Self is the controller of all beings, their ruler, and the protector of all beings.”
Explanation:
The Self (Ātman) is not merely a passive witness but the sovereign principle behind all existence. It governs, supports, and sustains all beings, even though it appears invisible and silent. It is the unseen intelligence guiding all activity.
Verse 5
“Just as a spider moves along its thread, or as small sparks fly out from a fire, so from this Self emerge all prāṇas and all worlds.”
Explanation:
A beautiful metaphor: the Self is like a spider, projecting and withdrawing the web (creation) from itself. From this immortal Self, all prāṇas (vital forces), beings, and the entire universe emanate effortlessly, as sparks arise from fire. All diversity originates from one source. For More Information Click Here
Verse 6
“He is the inner controller of all, the one reality in all creatures.”
Explanation:
This verse affirms the non-dual nature of the Self. It dwells within all beings, yet remains one and undivided. The diversity we see is only apparent—the inner controller (antaryāmin) is the same Self in everyone.
Verse 7
“He is eternal, free from sin, ageless, deathless, sorrowless—He is the supreme goal.”
Explanation:
Here, the qualities of the Self are listed. It is beyond time and decay, untouched by karma, sorrow, or death. This is the true goal of life—realizing this eternal, pure Self is liberation.
Verse 8
“By knowing this Self, the wise transcend all grief, are freed from rebirth, and attain immortality.”
Explanation:
Knowledge of the Self leads to freedom from sorrow, release from the cycle of birth and death, and attainment of immortality. This is the culmination of spiritual inquiry. For More Information Click Here
Shankaracharya’s Commentary: The Self as the Supreme Reality
Shankaracharya, in his commentary, highlights that all multiplicity and motion in the universe are superimpositions on the one non-dual Self. The Self does not act, yet from it all actions seem to arise—like a fire emitting sparks or a spider weaving a web. He emphasizes that the Self is nitya (eternal), śuddha (pure), buddha (conscious), and mukta (free). He explains that by meditating on this Self as identical with Brahman, the seeker burns away ignorance and karma. The wise realize that the same undivided Self exists in all beings, and with that realization, they attain moksha—freedom from bondage, grief, and rebirth. For More Information Click Here
Conclusion
These verses provide a powerful vision of the Self as both the source and inner controller of the universe. It is the unseen reality from which life and creation emerge and to which they return. Though hidden, it dwells in every being as the unchanging witness. By understanding the nature of this pure, eternal, and sorrowless Self, the seeker transcends the illusions of separation, change, and suffering. The Upanishad asserts that only by knowing this Self can one attain liberation from rebirth and become truly immortal. This knowledge is not merely intellectual, but a direct inner realization of one’s own eternal nature.
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