Turiya

[Guest guest]

After posting recently about Turiya, I came across this version of the

Mandukya Upanishad

trans. Eknath Easwaran

(whose translation style is "poetic" rather than "technically accurate")

 

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Mandukya Upanishad

 

AUM stands for the supreme Reality.

It is a symbol for what was, what is,

And what shall be. AUM represents also

What lies beyond past, present and future.

 

Brahman is all, and the Self is Brahman.

This Self has four states of consciousness.

 

The first is called Vaishvanara, in which

One lives with all the sense turned outward,

Aware only of the external world.

 

Taijasa is the name of the second,

The dreaming state in which, with the sense

Turned inward, one enacts the impressions

Of past deeds and present desires.

 

The third state is called Prajna, of deep sleep,

In which one neither dreams nor desires.

There is no mind in Prajna, there is no

Separateness; but the sleeper is not

Conscious of this. Let him become conscious

In Prajna and it will open the door

To the state of Abiding joy.

 

Prajna, all powerful and all knowing,

Dwells in the hearts of all as the ruler.

Prajna is the source and end of all.

 

The fourth is the superconscious state called

Turiya, neither inward or outward,

Beyond the senses and the intellect,

In which there is none other than the Lord.

He is the supreme goal of life. He is

Infinite peace and love. Realize him!

 

Turiya is represented by AUM.

Though indivisible, it has three sounds.

 

A stands for Vaishvanara. Those who know this,

Through mastery of the senses, obtain

The fruit of their desires and attain greatness.

 

U indicates Taijasa. Those who know this,

By mastering even their dreams, become

Established in wisdom. In their family

Everyone leads the spiritual life.

 

M corresponds to Prajna, Those who know this,

By stilling the mind, find their true stature

And inspire everyone around to grow.

 

The mantram AUM stands for the supreme state

Of Turiya, without parts, beyond birth

And death, symbol of everlasting joy.

Those who know AUM as the Self become the Self;

Truly they become the Self.

-------------------

 

In the interests of the estate of the Author, I give the link to purchase the

book quoted from:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0915132397/qid=1013854304/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1\

_2/103-6043148-1606238

 

Brian