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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Ultimate goal of human existence

 

CHENNAI, FEB. 6. The Upanishads form the concluding part of the

Vedas which are the primary scriptures of Sanatana dharma

(Hinduism). The teachings of the Vedas reach their culmination in

these texts which are marked for their earnestness of search of

truth. These texts have therefore come to be termed as Vedanta

and the philosophical systems derive their name from the

standpoint from which the Upanishads have been interpreted. The

other sections of the Vedas are the Samhita, Brahmana and the

Aranyaka.

 

The term ``Upanishad'' gives an insight into the significance of

these texts. It means besides the literal meaning of ``sitting

close to'' the teacher to learn the esoteric truth, that which

dispels ignorance about the Absolute Reality thereby pointing to

the way truth can be experienced. This helps to get rid of sorrow

which human beings face in worldly life. So in essence this term

means spiritual knowledge though it has come to refer to the

texts themselves commonly. Among the Upanishads found in the Sama

Veda, the Kena is a brief one. Kena is one of the principal

Upanishads and belongs to the Talavakara recension of the Sama

Veda.

 

Its importance can be gauged from the fact that Sankara has

written two commentaries on this Upanishad. The Kena Upanishad

has four chapters and each contains a few mantras and the

uniqueness of this text is its subject matter which addresses the

common doubts which assail human minds. It derives its name from

the questions it raises right at the outset, ``By whom (Kena)

urged does the mind alight on its objects? By whom directed does

the first breath go forth? By whom urged do men utter speech? The

eye and the ear, which god indeed directs?''

 

In his discourse, Sri K. Prasanth said that these questions paved

the way for gaining spiritual knowledge by pointing to a reality

behind that which is perceived through the sensory organs and the

mind. The following verses explain that the paradox of this truth

is that though it is beyond the grasp of the senses and the mind,

it is because of this truth that knowledge is gained through

these organs. Hence the ultimate truth can be grasped only by

experience and cannot be demonstrated to others. Another verse

explains the infinite nature of the Absolute Reality.

 

The aim of this Upanishad like all others is to show that by

realising the truth the spiritual aspirant attains immortality -

liberation from the shackles of bondage which causes rebirths.

This is the goal of human existence according to these scriptural

texts. This knowledge bestows one with the insight to see God

everywhere.

 

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