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Sarvasara Upanishad Teachings

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A collection of teachings from Sarvasara Upanishad.

Atma falsely superimposing the body and others which are not Self upon Himself, and identifying Himself with them – this identification forms the bondage of the Self.

The freedom from false identification of Self is Moksha.

Avidya is that which causes the false identification of Self.

Vidya is that which removes the false identification.

The idea of pleasure is that modification of the mind known as love. The idea of pain is that modification of the mind known as hate. The cause of pleasure and pain are sound, touch, form, taste and odor.

....the master of Self looks upon the body and such like things other than the Self as Itself: this egoism is the bondage of the soul. The cessation of that (egoism) is Moksha, liberation. That which causes that egoism is Avidya, nescience. That by which this egoism is completely turned back is Vidya, knowledge.


… the Infinite, (remaining in the same manner) as (does) clay in modifications of clay, as gold in modifications of gold, as thread in fabrics of thread, the antecedent, all-pervading Consciousness, that is in all phenomena of creation beginning with the Unmanifested, is called the Infinite.

.... which is permanent in all space, time, substance, and causation, is called the Entity of “That” (Tat) Paramatman, Supreme Self, and Para-Brahman, or the Highest Brahman. Distinguished from the Entity of “Thou” (when it appears to be) possessed of attributes, as well as from the Entity of “That” (when it appears to be) possessed of attributes, that which is all-pervading like the sky, subtle, whole by itself, pure Existence, the Entity of “Art” (Asi).

Explanation And Additional Teachings:

The Freedom from False Identification of Self is Moksha

Meaning and Importance

Moksha, derived from the Sanskrit root "muc", meaning "to free," signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), which is driven by ignorance (avidya). False identification of the Self refers to the ego-driven misperception that our identity is limited to the body, mind, emotions, or material possessions. Moksha is achieved when one realizes their true nature as the eternal, unchanging, and infinite consciousness (Atman), which is beyond physical and mental confines.

This teaching is fundamental in Hindu philosophy, particularly within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, which emphasizes the non-duality of Atman (Self) and Brahman (the Absolute). The realization of this oneness dissolves all illusions of separateness, bringing about ultimate freedom, peace, and bliss (ananda).

Deep Symbolism

The journey to Moksha can be likened to:

  1. The Sun and the Clouds: The Self is like the ever-shining sun, and false identification is the cloud obscuring its brilliance. Moksha occurs when the clouds of ignorance dissipate.

  2. The Wave and the Ocean: The individual ego is a wave mistakenly identifying itself as separate from the vast ocean. Realizing its unity with the ocean is Moksha.

  3. The Rope and the Snake: A classic analogy in Vedanta. Mistaking a rope for a snake in dim light represents ignorance. Understanding it as a rope symbolizes liberation from illusion.

A Universal Teaching Across Time

The principle of realizing one’s true nature transcends cultural and temporal boundaries:

  • Past Relevance: In ancient times, Moksha was a spiritual goal pursued by sages who sought liberation through meditation, austerities, and study of scriptures.

  • Present Relevance: In today’s era of materialism and stress, identifying with transient aspects like wealth, success, and appearance leads to anxiety and discontent. Moksha offers a way to transcend these limitations and find inner peace.

  • Future Relevance: As humanity evolves, the realization of interconnectedness is essential for harmonious living and survival, aligning with the essence of Moksha.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Not Bound by Death: Moksha can be experienced while living (jivanmukti), where one remains liberated despite engaging in worldly activities.

  2. Degrees of Liberation: Some schools describe gradations of Moksha, such as salokya (living in the same realm as the Divine) and kaivalya (absolute isolation in pure consciousness).

  3. Different Paths: Hinduism offers various paths to Moksha, including Jnana Yoga (knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), and Raja Yoga (meditation).

Simple Explanation with Examples

Imagine a mirror covered in dust. The dust represents false identifications (ego, labels, desires). Cleaning the mirror to reveal its true reflective nature is akin to achieving Moksha. For instance:

  • A student overwhelmed by academic pressure may identify solely as their grades. Understanding that their worth is beyond external achievements can liberate them from stress.

  • A person entangled in material pursuits might realize that happiness doesn’t depend on possessions, fostering contentment.

Modern-Day Relevance and Application

Moksha’s essence holds significant relevance in addressing global and individual challenges:

Overcoming Climate Change and Global Warming

  1. Realizing Interconnectedness: Moksha teaches that all life is one. Recognizing humanity’s shared identity with nature can inspire collective action to protect the environment.

  2. Detachment from Consumerism: False identification with material wealth drives overconsumption, leading to environmental degradation. Moksha fosters sustainable living by reducing attachment to possessions.

  3. Ego Dissolution: Many ecological problems stem from human ego’s dominance over nature. Liberation from ego allows harmonious coexistence.

Influence on Modern Life

  1. Mental Health: Moksha dissolves anxiety and depression rooted in false identifications, bringing peace.

  2. Work-Life Balance: Recognizing that identity is not tied to a job title enables healthier work dynamics.

  3. Conflict Resolution: Seeing others as reflections of the same universal Self reduces divisions and fosters empathy.

Stories and Quotes from Scriptures

Quotes

  1. Bhagavad Gita 2.16: “The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be. The truth about both has been seen by the seers of reality.”

    • This verse emphasizes discerning the eternal Self from transient phenomena.

  2. Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7: “Tat Tvam Asi” (You Are That)

    • A profound declaration that the individual Self is identical with the universal Brahman.

Stories

  1. The Sage and the Elephant: A sage sees an elephant charging toward him but refuses to move, declaring that the elephant and he are one. The elephant’s mahout intervenes, explaining that wisdom lies in respecting practical reality while understanding unity.

  2. King Janaka’s Dream: King Janaka dreams he is a beggar and wakes up confused about whether he is a king dreaming of being a beggar or a beggar dreaming of being a king. A sage clarifies that both are illusions; he is beyond both.

Practical Exercises

  1. Meditation: Regular mindfulness meditation helps disidentify from thoughts and emotions.

  2. Self-Inquiry: Asking, “Who am I?” as taught by Ramana Maharshi, leads to profound realizations.

  3. Service: Engaging in selfless service (seva) dissolves ego and fosters unity.

The teaching that freedom from false identification of Self is Moksha is a timeless, universal truth. It addresses fundamental human dilemmas, fosters personal growth, and inspires solutions to global issues like climate change. By embracing this wisdom, individuals can transcend suffering, live in harmony, and contribute meaningfully to the world’s well-being. Moksha, therefore, is not just an esoteric ideal but a practical and transformative path relevant for all of humanity, past, present, and future.