Nrisimha-Tapaniya
Upanishad
Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears
what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
The First Upanishad
Bhagawan Narasimha who is partly human and partly lion shines as
Parabrahma with Rutha (discipline of the visible world) and Sathya
(basic truth). He appears with two colours viz. black and golden red.
His nature is to go up and he has a very terrible and fearsome stare but
he is a “Sankara” doing good to people. He is called “Neela Lohitha (He
who is red and black)” because his neck is black and the top of it is
red. In another of his aspects he is Umapathi (husband of Uma) and
Pasupathi (Lord of all beings). He holds the bow called “Pinaka” and has
great luster. He is the god of all knowledge. He is god of all beings.
He is the Lord of all Vedas. He is the boss of Brahma and He is praised
by Yajur Veda. One should know the praise of Sama Veda of him. Those who
know that will attain the deathless state.
The Second Upanishad
Devas were afraid of death, sins and family life. They approached Praja
Pathi. He told them about the Narasimha Mantra which was “the King of
all Mantras” written in Anushtup meter. Because of this, they won
victory over death. They won over all sins and also destroyed the
problems of family life. So any of those who are afraid of death, sins
and family life, should get themselves taught the “Narasimha Mantra”
which is called “the King of Mantras” and which is written in anushtup
meter. They all would win over death and win over sin as well problems
due to family life.
The King of Mantras:
[The following is a simple translation of the King of Mantras of Lord
Narasimha and what follows is an explanation and justification of each
description.)
My salutations to That Nrusimha,
Who is fierce,
Who is heroic,
Who is Maha Vishnu,
Who is burning,
Who has faces every where,
Who is half Lion and half Man,
Who is fearful,
Who is safe,
Who is death and deathlessness.
He is called “Ugra [fierce]” because by his power He creates, looks
after, destroys and elevates without break and also attracts all devas,
all beings, all bhoothas Hey Lord Narasimha, you who is being praised by
me, please give me perennial happiness even when I am in this body which
is not permanent. Let your soldiers kill all my enemies who are
different from me. 1
He is called “Veera [heroic]” because by his power He makes all worlds,
all devas, all beings and all boothas play, and allow them to take rest
and also creates, helps them grow and attracts without any break these
worlds, devas, beings and boothas. He is behind every action, very
capable, mountain like and one who fulfills the desires of devas. 2
He is “Maha Vishnu”, because he pervades in all the worlds and makes all
the world pervade, similar to the fatty gum that spreads in all meat,
from this side to that and also from other side to this side. There is
nothing in the world that is not him. He is pervading in all things in
the world. He is the leader of all souls. Worship of souls is His
worship. He exists in all the three shining things viz. Moon, Sun and
fire. 3
He is called “Jwalantham [burning]”, because he makes the entire world
which includes all devas, all beings and all Bhoothas shine because of
his luster and also shines in them and makes them release flames. He is
the one who created the world and makes it rapidly multiply. He is the
one who shines because of his own luster and also makes others shine. He
spreads heat throughout the world and makes the world swelter. He
spreads his rays everywhere and makes them release rays. He has a
personality which causes only good. He gives only that which is good and
he is good. 4
He is called “Sarvatho Mukham [having faces everywhere]” because he sees
everywhere without having any organs, he is able to hear every thing, he
is able to go every where, he is able to attract everything, and also
because he is spread everywhere and exists every where. In the beginning
he was alone and he has become all these things now. Those who rule over
the world came from him. In the end everything goes back and merges in
him. I salute him who has faces every where. 5
Among all animals the most fear some and also most special is the lion.
That is why God of the Universe took birth as Narasimha. That deathless
form became one which does good to the entire world. That is why he is
called “Narasimham [half man and half lion]”. That Maha Vishnu who has
this fearsome form does not cause fear among his devotees. He is being
worshipped and praised by them. He is the one who travels all over earth
and also one who lives on the mountain top. In his form of Trivikrama,
he measured all the worlds in three steps. 6
He is called "Bheeshanam [fear full]” because all the crowds of devas,
men and Bhoothas and all the worlds run away fearing Him; but he is not
afraid of anything. The wind blows because it is afraid of Him. The Sun
rises above because he is afraid of Him. It is because of fear for Him,
that the God of fire, Indra and the God of death do their work. 7
He is called “Bhadram [safe]’ because he is good things personified,
because he forever shines giving good things, because he makes others
shine, because he is superior and because he does very good things. Hey
Devas, we have to hear with our ears about this “Bhadram”. Hey, those of
you who are fit to be worshipped, we have to see with our eyes that “Bhadram”.
Let us live as much as the Gods live with healthy organs and healthy
bodies praising and singing Him. 8
He is called “Mruthyu-Mruthyum [death and deathlessness]” because just
by mere thought of His devotees, he destroys death and untimely death to
them. He is one who gives the knowledge of the soul and also one who
gives strength. All devas bow before Him and praise Him. Let us satisfy
Him by offering Him “Havis-food” through the fire sacrifice because even
his shadow is nectar and he is the death which destroys death. 9
He is worshipped by the chanting of “Namami [I salute him]”, because he
is being worshipped by all devas, all those who have forsaken his world
and all those who swear by Brahmam and also because the lord of the
Vedas worship him telling these words. Indra, Mithra (Sun), Aryama and
all other devas exist in him. 10
I was born before this world which is pretty and orderly. I existed even
before the devas. I am the central power of that which never dies. He
who gives me (in my form as food for people) in charity, becomes the one
who protects the soul. If given without understanding this, I who am
food, eat the one who eats. I am the one who becomes all the world and
destroys it. My light is like that of a sun, who standing alone gives
light to all the world. This Upanishad says that one who understands
this attains salvation. 11
The Third Upanishad
The devas requested Brahma to teach them the power of Anushtup Mantra
Raja (The king of Chants set to anushtup meter) and also its root.
Brahma told them:
This illusion (Maya) which is the power of Narasimha (which is EEm) is
the one which creates everything, protects them and destroys them.
Therefore you have to realize that this illusion is the power. The one
who understands the power of this illusion, he crosses all sins and also
attains deathlessness. He enjoys the wealth with fame. The experts in
Brahmam argue among themselves whether this is short, long or extra long
(Pronunciation?). One who pronounces this with short ending, will burn
away all sins and would attain deathlessness. He who pronounces this in
long ending, would get wealth with fame and also attain deathlessness.
He who pronounces it with extra long ending would attain ethereal
knowledge and also deathlessness. What follows is the explanation given
by sages:
“Oh power behind EEm who is the personification of the power of
illusion, please protect us. Please bless us so that we are able to
cross easily in a straight forward manner this sea of birth and death.
People who know you, call you also as Sreedevi, Lakshmi, Parvathy,
Bhoodevi (The Goddess of Earth), Sashti Devi, Sree Vidhya and Indra Sena.
Requesting you to give me long life, I submit myself to you who is the
mother of all Vedas.
All the beings and things in the world were produced from the sky
(Ether). All living things were made from the sky. They live in the sky.
They go towards the sky and enter and disappear there. So we have to
understand that the sky is the root (The root word for the sky is Ham).”
The explanation given by sages are as follows:
“That root “Ham” is the Sun God traveling in the pure sky, in “Air” in
the atmosphere, in “Fire” in fire sacrifices, and exists as “Guests” in
homes. That is the only one thing which is with devas and also with men.
It is the truth. It is that thing which is born out of sky, water,
earth, sacrificial fire and mountains. This is the great truth. The
Upanishad says that “only the one who knows this knows the secret
implication of the mantra”.
Fourth Upanishad
The devas approached Brahma and asked him to teach them about the branch
(part) mantras of the Narasimha Mantra Raja. Brahma told them that they
should know that the Pranava, Savithri, Yajur Lakshmi and Narasimha
Gayathri are the four parts (Branches) of Narasimha Mantra and also that
any one who knows this attains deathlessness.
1. Pranavam is nothing but “Om”
2. The Savithri Mantra which protects those who chant it is told in
Yajur Veda. It has spread throughout the world. The Savithri Ashtakshara
(Eight letters) consists of the two letters “Gruni”, the three letters,
“Soorya” and the three letters “Aadhithya”. This is a chant which
increases your stature and your wealth. Great wealth will come in search
of one who knows this.
3. The Yajur Mahalakshmi Mantra is “Om Bhoor Lakshmi, Bhuvar Lakshmi,
Suva Kala Karni, Thanno Lakshmi Prachodayath”. This has 24 letters. All
this universe is in the form of this Gayathri. So the one who knows this
Yajur Maha Lakshmi Mantra, would enjoy great wealth with lot of fame.
4. The Narasimha Gayathri is, “Om Nrusimhaya Vidhmahe Vajra Nakhaya
Deemahi. Thannah Simha Prachodayath”. This is the mantra in which all
the Vedas and Devas reside. The one who knows this would be the one with
whom the Devas and Vedas will live forever.
The devas approached Brahma and asked him, “By chanting which Mantra,
God will take great mercy on us and give us a sight of His form. Please
tell us about that.” Then Brahma told them as follows:
“Om, Um, Om. Yo Vai Nirusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Brahma Thasmai Vo
Namo Namah. Om Kram Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha Vishnu
Thasmai Vai Namo Nama. Om Veem Om. Yo Vai Nrusimho Devo Bhagwan Yascha
Maheswara Thasmai Vai Namo Nama.”
[The 32 gods to whom similar mantra has to be prayed with Um-kram-Veem-Ram
are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara Purusha, Eashwara, Saraswathi, Sree Gowri,
Prakuthi, Vidhya, Omkara, Ardha mathra, Vedhaa, Panchakhya, Saptha
Vyahrudaya, Loka Pala, Vasava, Rudra, Aadhithya, Ashtou Gruha, Maha
Bhootha, Kaala, Manu, Mruthyu, Yama, Kandhaka, Paraana, Soorya, Soma,
Virat Purusha, and Jeeva and in the end chant “Om Ham, Om, Yo Vai
Nrusimho Devo Bhagawan Yascha Sarvam Tasmai Vai Namo Nama.”)
Brahma told, “If One who prays God daily using these 32 mantras, God
will become greatly pleased and would appear personally. So to any one
who prays Bhagawan Narasimha using these mantras, He would appear to him
personally. That devotee would also see everything and attain
deathlessness .Thus tells the great Upanishad.”
Fifth Upanishad
Devas approached Brahma and requested him, “Bhagawan, please tell us
about the famous Chakra called Maha Chakra. The sages tell that ”It is
supposed to fulfill all the wishes and is the gateway to salvation”.
Lord Brahma told them:
“Sudharshana (the holy wheel of Lord Vishnu) is that great Chakra. On
its middle is written, the Taraka mantra (OM) and also the single letter
of Narasimha (Kshroum), on its six petals of the Sudarshana six letters
(Sahasrara Hum Phat) are written, on its eight petals the eight letters
(Om Namo Narayanaya) are written, on its twelve petals is written the
twelve holy letters (Om Namo Vasudevaya), on its sixteen petals, the
mathruka (model) sixteen letters with their roots (Am Aam, Em, EEm….
Aha) is written and on its 32 petals are written the letters of the
“Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja.” This is the Sudarshana Chakra, This
fulfills all ones wishes and is the gateway of salvation. It is a form
of Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Brahmam and Amrutha (nectar).
The one who daily chants this “Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja“ would be
able to control fire, control wind, control Sun, control moon, control
water, control all devas, control all planets and control poison.
Rig Veda tells us about this, “The devotees who practice this would be
able to see Lord Vishnu in the ethereal sky, like an ordinary man is
able to see the sun in the sky. The devotees who are Brahmins would be
able to praise the lighted Vishnu’s form. The Upanishads tell that, this
would be attained only by one who worships without any desire.”
Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
Here ends the Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the
Atharva-Veda.
[Publisher's Note: Nrisimha Tapaniya Upanishad, listed as one of the 108
Upanishads in our version of Muktika Upanishad, has been shown as two
Upanishads (Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad and Nrisimha Uttara
Tapaniya Upanishad) in another version of Muktika Upanishad. Hence their
translations are being provided here separately.]
Nrisimha Uttara Tapaniya Upanishad
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Published by celextel.org
Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
First Chapter
Devas approached Lord Brahma and requested him, “Please teach us about
the soul which is more minute than the atom and also about the letter “Om”.
He said, “So be it” and what he said was:
“All this is the letter “Om”. What is past, what is present and what
will be in future are its interpretations. All these are Om. All these
are Brahmam. This soul also is Brahmam. Joining this Atma (soul) with
the Brahmam called Om and joining together the Brahmam and the soul, and
realizing that the birthless, deathless, nectar drenched and fearless
Brahmam is nothing but the Om, and then putting together the three types
of bodies and all these in to it and then making it our own so as to
become one with that and then destroy it. Continue to meditate that Om
which is the soul with the three types of bodies and also the
Parabrahmam with three types of bodies. This soul which is gross and
enjoys mega pleasures, which is also very minute and enjoys even the
minutest pleasures and which becomes united and enjoys the pleasures of
happiness, has four legs (branches).
When it is awake its feelings are gross. It enjoys gross feelings with
its seven organs and 19 faces (ten sense organs, five pranas, mind,
brain, sensibility and ego). Its name is,Chaturathma Viswan (on the
whole) and Vaisvanaran (partly). This is its first leg.
In the state of dream, its feelings are very minute. It will enjoy this
minute sense with its seven organs and nineteen faces. Its name is
Chaturathma Thaijasan (on the whole) and also Hiranygarbhan (partly).
This is its second leg.
Where there is no desire and also where there are no dreams, that state
is called Sushupthi. In that state, one is single, personification of
knowledge, having an endless form, one who enjoys happiness and
steadfastly concentrates only on knowledge. His name is Chaturathma
Pragnan (knower). This is the third leg (aspect). He alone is Lord of
all beings, one who knows everything, one who resides in everything, one
who is the root cause of everything and one where all beings which were
born meet their end. These three involving Sushupthi and Swapna are only
illusions. Soul is the only form which is real.
The fourth feet (aspect) of this four fold soul is Thureeya. It is
something which make all others act, something which is within
everything and it is the active essence beyond Jagrat (awakening),
Sushupthi (sleep) and Swapna(dream). Something about it is as follows:
It is without macro consciousness. It is without micro consciousness. It
is without medium consciousness. It is the personification of
consciousness. It is not something immobile and it is not immobile
consciousness. It cannot be seen. It cannot be described. It cannot be
understood. It is something without any identification. It is something
which is unimaginable. It is something which cannot be pointed out. It
is something which can be perceived only with the firm belief that there
is only one soul. It is that aspect of Pancha Boothas (Five elements viz
earth, air, fire, water and ether), where the entire universe is crashed
in. It is considered as the fourth state after Shiva (peace), Santha
(inner peace without any negative activity), and Advaita (the concept of
non dualism). It is the soul. It is that thing which has to be
understood. It is that aspect of God, which is the knowledge beyond all
knowledge and is called Thuriya Thuriyam.
Second Chapter
The four branches of Brahmam, which is Shining well, is full of same
essence of happiness, is never aging, is never dying, is full of nectar
and which is providing protection, should be matched with the four
letters (branches) of Om. The one who knows, that the Chaturathma Viswan
(on the whole) and Vaiswanaran (partly) who are awake and have
similarity to the four formed Aakara (letter Aa), are spread inside
everything in the form of Sthoola (macro), Sookshma (micro), Bheeja
(root) and Sakshi (witness) and are the first of everything, would
realize all his wishes. He would be the first among every one.
The Chaturathma Thaijasan (on the whole) and Hiranya Garbhan (partly)
who exist in the state of dreams are similar to the four formed letter
Uu. This Uu has the form of gross, micro, root and witness. Because of
its greatness and because of its double relation, the one who knows this
through gross, micro, root and witness aspects would increase the tide
of knowledge. He would possess equanimity along with pleasure and pain.
The Chaturathma Pragnan (on the whole) and Easwaran (partly), who are in
the state of sleep, are similar to the four formed letter Ma. This
letter Ma also has the forms of gross, micro, root and witness. The one
who knows this in its aspect of its measurability and its capacity to
hide it in itself by macro, micro, root and witness properties, would be
able to measure the entire world by his wisdom and would be able to hide
everything within himself.
Like this we have to pray on the stages of wakefulness, sleep and dream
by the Aa, Uu, and Ma letters of Om. The fourth letter is the one which
has within itself the Easwara. It is that which can rule by itself, it
is itself Easwara and it has a self glitter. This soul which is the
fourth, exists as known and unknown among all beings. Its light is like
the Kalagni Surya (sun who is like a fire causing death) at the time of
the final deluge. It gives to all, itself as soul and would make
everything in to itself. Like the Sun which swallows darkness, this soul
which is the unified power, exists like fire which remains detached
after burning the fuel, beyond word and mind and has a holy divine form
and is the Thuriya. This is the Om. It is within everything which has a
name and form, and is the knowledge and the knower. Because it exists as
Thuriya and has a divine form and is within everything as knowledge and
the knower and is detached and formless, there are no differences within
it. And so the teaching regarding this is as follows:
Because it is without syllable, it is peace (Shiva), it is the place
where universe meets the end, it is indescribable, it has a non
dualistic form and is placed in the fourth position, and it is “Om”
itself. The soul, who understands this in this manner, would attain the
soul himself.
This valorous hero would understand Thuriya using the Narsaimha Anushtup
Mantra Raja. This would make the soul shine. He should deeply meditate
on Brahmam as something which would destroy everything, which cannot be
conquered by any one, which is everywhere, which shines for ever, which
is devoid of ignorance, which is able to cut off his own bondage, which
is non dual, which is personification of happiness, which is the basis
for everything, which exists for ever and which is one without
ignorance, passion and base qualities.
Third Chapter
Meditate deeply on Pranava (Om) in the form of Chidagni (The fire
within) which is in Agni Mandala (Orbit of fire) of the Mooladhara, in
the Maha Peeta (consisting of 4, 7 and 32 petal lotus) with its family
of four worlds (Earth, atmosphere, heavens and moon world) and seven
souls (Loka-Veda-Devatha-Gana-Chanda-Agni-Vyahruthi). Then meditate on
letter Aa which is the Chaturathma (4 souls) and the Sapthathma (seven
souls) as Brahma in the belly (Mani Pooraka), on letter Uu as Vishnu in
the heart (Aanahatha), on letter Ma as Rudra in the middle of eyelids (Aagna),
on the dot which is the happy nectar form of the soul of Omkara (Sound
of Om) in Dwadasantha (just above the eyes) and the soul (Athma) in the
form of sound in Shodasantha. Thus after worshipping with nectar (Ananda
Amrutha) the four fold Brahmas (Devatha, Teacher, Mantra and the soul),
Vishnu, Rudra separately and then together in the form of Linga with
offerings and then unifying the linga forms in the Atma Jyothi (Light of
the soul) and filling up the macro, micro and causal bodies with this
light, we have to unify Atma Jyothi which is their basis with macro,
micro, root and witness properties. Afterwards adjust the very gross
Virat form in the very micro Hiranyagarbha form, and this micro form in
the great causal Iswara form and after arranging the mantras similarly,
and meditating on “Otha-Anuj-Jnathru-Anugna-Avikalpa” stages, and
merging all this in to the Omkara (sound of Om) in Thuriya, we have to
reach the Nirvikalpa Paramathma (formless great truth).
Fourth Chapter
Thus the soul should be meditated upon nine times as the Omkara form of
Para Brahma with thuriya pranava sound. Using anushtup mantra as the
ever happy full Atma starting with the chants “Om Ugram, Sachidananda
Poorna-Prathyag-Sadathmanam, Nrusimham Pramathmanam Param Brahma
Chinthayami” and ending with “Om Mruthyum Mruthyum….”. Then the same
prayer nine times with Chidathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Then the
same prayer 9 times with Anandathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Then the
same prayer 9 times with Poornathmanam instead of Sadathmanam and again
the same prayer with Pratyagathmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Meditating
well on the five forms of Sath, Chit, Ananda, Poorna and Atma and pray
with the Navathmaka mantras and then meditate on the soul using “Aham
(self)”, then salute and then unite yourself with Brahmam. [Example for
mantras of Namaskara (saluting) “Om Ugram Sachidananda Poorna Prathyag
Sadathmanam (substitute Chidathmanam etc) Nrusimham Paramathmanam Param
Brahma Aham Namami.”]
The other alternative is to pray Lord Narasimha using the Anushtup
Mantra. He (Narasimha) who is God exists as a human being and also as
soul of every one for all times and every where, and also as one who
destroys attachments and also as God of the universe. He is the soul of
Thuriya. Believing he is yourself, the one who practices yoga should
meditate on the Omkara Brahmam.
He is the great sage who serves God, who establishes the lion with its
fame, after mutually attracting Viswa, Thaijasa and Pragna who are like
the sons of Atma with Pranava which has been pointed out as the bull of
Vedas, after making them without separate identity and finishing them in
Sakshi Chaithanya and afterwards kill the darkness of ignorance using
the fame of the lion.
That devotee who after saluting Virat, Hiranya Garbha and Easwara who
have been joined in the horns of Pranava and uniting them in the same
Paramatma principle and then saluting Narasimha as described above and
make him personally present by methods like Ugra (Very angry) and Veera
(great hero), would exist in the form similar to Narasimha.
Fifth Chapter
That type of practitioner would not have any desire towards worldly
things, would have all his earlier desires fulfilled and would have
desire only on Atma (soul). His Pranas (soul spirits) do not start and
go any where and would attain their ultimate here itself in Brahmam. He
exists as Brahmam and attains Brahmam. He who worships the exalted Atma
in Omkara (the letter Om), attains Brahmam in the form of Narasimham.
He who meditates and venerates the ultimate God in the form of Aa, Uu
and Ma, which is incomparable, which is the holy spirit, which sees
every thing, which is the witness of everything, which swallows
everything, which is the darling of every body, which is prior to
everything and which makes everything else shine, would understand and
know Para Brahma. One who knows like that would shine as God Para Brahma
Narasimha.
Sixth Chapter
Devas wanted to understand this Atma (soul). The Asura qualities caught
hold of them. To get rid of that effect, they worshipped Narasimha who
is the Thuriya soul which is in the summit of Omkara using the Anushtup
Mantra. Then the sin like Asura qualities itself became the great light
of wisdom which is the prime happiness (like poison becoming medicine).
Those devas became mentally calm, having their sensory organs under
control, became those who were not attracted by worldly desires, became
those having patience, became those whose conduct became stable, became
those who were attracted by the Atma, became those who were having
playfulness, unity and happiness, and became those who realized that
“Om” is “light of Atma which is Para Brahmam”, and felt that all other
places are empty and merged in to the “Om”. So the practitioner should
do penance like devas, stabilize his mind in the Omkara Para Brahmam,
and would make other people see his Atma as Para Brahmam. There is a
holy stanza about this viz. “After meditating on the horns which are the
different parts of Pranava and further meditating on the Thuriya
Paramatma which is a horn but not a part, add the Nrusimha Raja Mantra
to the different parts of Pranava." The three types of Devas(Sathvika,
Rajasa and Thamasa) serve the pranava in which, the first two letters (Aa
and Uu) are merged and fixed in the third letter Ma and make themselves
exalted.
Seventh Chapter
Adding the first half of the Uu with the letter Aa, and making it as the
form of Lord Narasimha, and then using the second half of letter Uu on
Narasimha Brahma because it is macro, because it is shining, because it
is famous, because it is Mahadeva (great God), because he is Maheswara
(Greatest God), because it is the best Sathva (sathvic quality), because
it is the greatest wisdom, because it is the greatest happiness, and
because it is the greatest lord, then unite it with soul which is the
meaning of the letter Ma. One who knows this, would be without a body,
without sensory organs, without soul, without ignorance, with the form
of Sat Chit Ananda (ever lasting bliss) and would become as one who
attained salvation (one who attains Swarajya).
Therefore one has to meditate on Para Brahma with the letter Aa, cross
the mind with letter Ma and search for that state where one is the
witness of the mind. When one pushes out everything, then everything
enters in and when he attains awakening of wisdom, then everything rises
from him. Thus if one meditates, catch it, set fire and swallow, he
would become Narasimha who is of the form of Atma and would establish
himself in his own power. There is a holy stanza about this. Its meaning
is like this: Join Aa the first letter of Pranava, with the first part
of its second letter Uu, and join these together with letter Ma and
merge it with Thuriya Brahma which is the meaning of Pranava and is a
witness beyond the states of waking sleep and dream.
Eighth Chapter
His soul is woven completely from side to side with thuriya. This with
its Narasimha form, and in which every thing pervades and which is the
soul of everything, contains everything. This is the secret and is
without form or seed. This soul is non dualistic and without form or
seed. The word “Om” is non dualistic and is full of wisdom. (Narasimha,
the soul of thuriya and the meaning of Omkara are all the same. They
swallow everything). This is the unique body of Parameshwara (lord of
every thing). This is without form or seed. This which does not have any
form or seed, does not have differences within. The one who thinks that
there is difference between them, breaks into hundred pieces and breaks
in to thousand pieces and attains death from death. This is without a
two, self resplendent and great joy. That soul is the ultimate support.
It is Brahmam. Brahmam is the ultimate support. The one who knows this
becomes Brahmam which is the ultimate support.
Ninth Chapter
Devas approached Prajapathi and requested him, “Oh God, please tell us
about the Omkaratma (the letter Om which is the soul). He agreed and
told them:
Atma stands behind and observes and is with you as a witness. It is
lion, a form beyond thought, a form without feelings and something which
can be attained from every where. There is nothing second to it, which
is separate from that. It is the Atma which is ready everywhere. Due to
the illusion this Atma appears as something different. From Pragna, due
to the cover of ignorance, the world is produced. For the living being,
Atma is the resplendent Paramatma. Because the sensory organs are not
able to feel it, it is not known, even when it is known.
Prajapathi told devas, “see that Atma which is resplendent and without
second, which is before you, as, “I am it and it is me”. Has it been
seen?”
Devas replied, “Yes, it has been seen. It is beyond things which are
known and things which are not known. Where has illusion gone now? How
did illusion disappear?”
Prajapathi told them, “It is not surprising that the illusion has
disappeared. Because you are all people with a wonderful form. There is
nothing surprising even in that. That form of the soul is natural to you
all. Understand that is the form of “Om”. You now tell me what you have
understood.”
They said, “it appears as if we have understood it and also appears as
if that we have not understood it. It also appears as if it is beyond
all description”.
Prajapathi told them, “You have now got the knowledge about the soul”.
They told him, “Oh, God, we are seeing it but we are not seeing it, like
we see other things. We do not have capacity to describe it. Oh, God
salutations to you. Please shower your grace on us.”
Prajapathi told them, “If you want to know any thing more, please ask
me. Ask without fear.”
They told, “This knowledge about the soul is a great blessing. Our
salutations to you.”
Thus Prajapathi taught them. There is a stanza about it: “Understand
that Atma which is spread everywhere by the practice of Om. Understand
that, the Atma which does not have any thing which is different and
which is in you as the knower, is very much within you. After
understanding that stabilize there, as a witness who advises".
Om ! O Devas, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious;
May we see with our eyes what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship !
May we enjoy the term of life allotted by the Devas,
Praising them with our body and limbs steady !
May the glorious Indra bless us !
May the all-knowing Sun bless us !
May Garuda, the thunderbolt for evil, bless us !
May Brihaspati grant us well-being !
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
Here ends the Nrisimha Uttara Tapaniyopanishad, as contained in the
Atharva-Veda.
[Publisher's Note: Nrisimha Tapaniya Upanishad, listed as one of the 108
Upanishads in our version of Muktika Upanishad, has been shown as two
Upanishads (Nrisimha Poorva Tapaniya Upanishad and Nrisimha Uttara
Tapaniya Upanishad) in another version of Muktika Upanishad. Hence their
translations are being provided here separately.] |