The Aitareya Upanishad, an ancient Hindu scripture, provides a profound philosophical discourse on the creation of the universe and the human body. Here's an expanded version with additional details and context:
The Primordial Existence
The Upanishad begins with the assertion that in the
beginning, the Atman (the Self) alone existed. The Atman is the supreme,
unchanging reality, the essence that underlies all existence. It is pure
consciousness, eternal, and self-luminous.
Creation of the Worlds
Reflecting upon itself, the Atman decided to create the
worlds. Thus, it manifested four primary realms:
- Ambholoka
(Supercelestial Region of Waters): This is the highest realm, often
associated with the cosmic waters or the ethereal sphere.
- Mariciloka
(The Heavens): This realm is characterized by celestial lights,
encompassing the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies.
- Maraloka
(The Mortal Earth): This is the physical world where humans and other
mortal beings reside.
- Apoloka
(The Subterranean Region of Waters): This realm lies beneath the
earth, representing the underworld or the watery depths below.
Creation of the Protectors
Desiring to protect these worlds, the Atman created the Virat
Purusha or the 'World-Person'. The Virat Purusha is an intermediate
cosmic entity, representing the universal form that bridges the Atman and the
manifested universe. This entity was fashioned from the primordial waters,
signifying the origin of life and creation.
Emergence of the Senses and Cosmic Powers
From the Virat Purusha emerged the organs of the senses and
their corresponding functions. These senses include:
- Eyes
(sight)
- Ears
(hearing)
- Nose
(smell)
- Tongue
(taste)
- Skin
(touch)
Each sensory function is governed by specific deities or
cosmic powers, representing the universal principles that control and animate
these senses in the cosmos.
Hunger and Thirst
The Atman, now referred to as Ishvara (the Lord),
endowed the Virat Purusha with the attributes of hunger and thirst.
Consequently, the deities associated with the senses also became subject to
these limitations. This symbolizes the intrinsic needs and desires that drive
living beings.
Creation of the Human Body
In response to the deities' request for a suitable locus of
action, Ishvara created the human body. This body became the vessel through
which the deities could operate and interact with the material world. Hunger
and thirst, initially external, were integrated into the human form,
symbolizing the physiological needs that sustain life.
Provision of Food
Recognizing the necessity of sustenance, Ishvara created
food, encompassing grains, plants, and animals. The Virat Purusha, representing
the collective consciousness of all beings, could grasp this food through apanavayu
(the pranic energy responsible for digestion and excretion), highlighting the
vital role of the digestive system in maintaining life.
The Entry of the Atman
The body of the Virat Purusha, and by extension, all human
bodies, required the presence of the Atman or Ishvara to be truly alive.
Therefore, the Atman entered the human body through the brahmarandhra
(the aperture in the crown of the head). This entry signifies the infusion of
divine consciousness into the physical form, animating and enlivening it.
The Aitareya Upanishad thus provides a detailed
account of the metaphysical process of creation, emphasizing the
interconnection between the divine consciousness (Atman), the cosmic order, and
the human body. It underscores the belief that the physical and the spiritual
are deeply intertwined, with the Atman being the ultimate source and sustainer
of all life and existence.