In the second section of Anugita, a Brahmana speaks with his anxious wife about her afterlife. She asks, “What kind of salvation awaits me?” He responds by reminding her of the Absolute presence within every being and says:
“The temple is inside me. The temple cannot be smelled, tasted, or touched. It is accessed through the mind.”
He explains that the universe originates and rests in this inner temple, and it is here that the five vital breaths (Prana, Apana, Samana, Vyana, and Udana) come and go. The Brahmana describes an internal fire, Vaishvanara, which has seven tongues (the senses and mind) that consume seven types of fuel (sensory experiences and thoughts). By offering these experiences into the fire within, one performs a spiritual sacrifice (Yajna).
The Brahmana explains the concept of Chaturhotra, where the senses gain knowledge and lead to action. The self must be freed from these sensory perceptions. The process involves the ten organs (senses and actions) offering sensory experiences into the inner fire, with the mind as the ladle. This internal Yajna results in the highest knowledge.
He continues by addressing conflicts between the mind and senses. Each claims to be the most important, but Brahma, the creator, resolves the dispute, emphasizing their mutual dependence and importance within their own spheres.
The discussion shifts to the movement and function of the five vital breaths within the body. Udana and the mind create sensations and desires, while Vyana and Samana produce blood and semen. Prana and Apana move upwards and downwards, while Samana digests food and Vyana distributes nutrients. Udana controls all the breaths and is influenced by penance and Yoga, which ultimately lead to liberation.
The fire symbolizes the Self, and one must offer all conflicts and dualities into this fire for final emancipation. The Brahmana discusses the challenges of understanding knowledge, noting that interpretations of symbols like Om can vary widely.
The section concludes by emphasizing the virtues of non-violence and the existence of multiple paths to liberation. The Brahmana’s wife attains her emancipation. Krishna notes that the Brahmana represents intuition (Manas), and his wife represents intellect (Buddhi), highlighting that not all truths are grasped by intellect alone.
Anugita is spread over 34 chapters (from 16th to 50th) of the Ashvamedha Parva of Mahabharata isa teaching by Sri Krishna to Arjuna.