The fifth Khanda of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is known as the Saptanna Brahmana, or the Brahmana of the seven forms of food (anna). This section delves deeply into the symbolic and metaphysical aspects of food, extending beyond mere sustenance and into philosophical understandings of the world, the self, and the cosmos. It is an important chapter that interweaves the notions of food, sacrifice, and the vital life force with spiritual growth and cosmic order.
Detailed Explanation and Symbolism
The Seven Foods (Saptanna): The central theme of this Khanda is the seven different types of anna (food), which are both literal and symbolic in nature. They represent various layers of sustenance that nourish not only the physical body but also the mind, soul, and the cosmic world.
Physical Food: The first anna is the physical food that all living beings consume for survival. This food is essential for bodily functions and is seen as the fuel that powers the life processes of the physical body. In Vedic times, food was considered sacred, as it provided the energy required to perform religious rituals.
Huta and Prahuta (Sacrificial Oblations): The second and third foods are oblations given during sacrifices, specifically the Darsha and Purnamasa sacrifices. These sacrificial offerings are made to gods and ancestors, symbolizing the cyclical nature of energy exchange between humans, the divine, and the cosmos.
Milk: The fourth anna is milk, which is regarded as a special food for animals. Milk also symbolizes nurturing and life-giving force, sustaining young animals and by extension, the domestic creatures that provide humans with sustenance.
Vak (Speech), Manas (Mind), Prana (Vital Force): The final three foods, vak (speech), manas (mind), and prana (vital force), are reserved by Prajapati (the creator deity) for himself. These elements sustain the universe by enabling creation, communication, and life itself. They are metaphorically described as food, not in a physical sense, but as essential aspects that nourish the universe and the self.
These final three foods are then symbolically linked with broader concepts: they are identified with the three worlds (earth, atmosphere, and heaven), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur, and Sama), and the three beings (gods, ancestors, and humans). In this way, the microcosm (human experience) and macrocosm (the universe) are connected.
Symbolic Meaning
Food as the Essence of Life: The Upanishad elevates the concept of food beyond physical sustenance. Food becomes a metaphor for the vital forces that maintain and create life, linking the physical with the spiritual. The idea that the whole world is nourished by various forms of "food" underscores the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence.
Prajapati (Hiranyagarbha) and Time: Prajapati, identified as the creator and the personification of Hiranyagarbha (the cosmic golden egg), is also equated with time. Time is the underlying force that allows the creation and sustenance of the universe. The organs of speech (vak), mind (manas), and prana (vital force) are manifestations of Prajapati’s energy, sustaining both the individual and the universe.
The Role of Sacrifice: In Vedic cosmology, sacrifice plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between humans and gods. By offering sacrificial food to the divine, humans maintain their connection with cosmic forces. The notion that without these offerings humans are "eating sin" points to the importance of dharma (righteous action) and the need to uphold cosmic order through religious rites.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s context, the teachings of the Saptanna Brahmana offer rich insights that remain relevant, both philosophically and practically.
Interconnection Between Body and Mind: Modern science recognizes the intricate connection between physical sustenance and mental well-being, echoing the Upanishadic teaching that anna (food) influences not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Proper nourishment of the body, coupled with mindful practices (such as meditation and ethical living), leads to holistic well-being.
Environmental Ethics: The idea of sacrifice and offering to gods in the form of food has contemporary implications for sustainability and ecological ethics. The Upanishad reminds us of the importance of recognizing our interdependence with nature. Just as humans rely on food from the earth, the modern world must engage in sustainable practices that honor and give back to the natural world.
Meditation on the Infinite: The Upanishad teaches that if one meditates upon speech, mind, and vital force as infinite, one attains the infinite. This idea finds parallels in modern spirituality and meditation practices that focus on expanding consciousness and connecting with the larger cosmos. It encourages us to look beyond the finite and aspire for a deeper, transcendent understanding of life.
Symbolism of Vital Forces: The identification of prana with the life force, and its association with breath, is foundational to many spiritual traditions today, such as yoga and mindfulness practices. Understanding the importance of breath, speech, and mental clarity is key to personal growth and inner peace.
Practicality and Usage in Modern Times
Health and Wellness: The emphasis on food as a form of sustenance for both body and mind resonates with modern health movements that advocate for mindful eating, nutrition, and the balance between physical and mental health.
Meditation and Yoga: The Saptanna Brahmana’s insights into prana and the vital force are central to the practice of pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation in yoga. By focusing on breath and controlling prana, individuals can improve physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual clarity.
Sacrifice and Charity: The Vedic concept of sacrifice—offering food to gods and ancestors—can be seen today in the form of charitable acts. Feeding the hungry, offering service, and sharing resources are modern expressions of the ancient idea that one must give back to maintain balance and harmony in the world.
Lesser-Known Facts and Symbolism
Immortality of Prana: One of the key takeaways of this Khanda is the immortality of prana. While speech and mind become fatigued and exhausted, prana remains unaffected, symbolizing its supreme status among the life forces. This highlights the fundamental role of breath and life energy in both maintaining life and attaining spiritual liberation.
Connection with Hiranyagarbha: The meditation on speech, mind, and prana as one's own self is not just an intellectual exercise but a deeply transformative practice that allows one to realize their essential oneness with Hiranyagarbha—the cosmic spirit that pervades the entire universe.
The fifth Khanda of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, the Saptanna Brahmana, weaves together profound metaphysical and spiritual insights through the symbolism of seven foods. It underscores the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and cosmic sustenance, and highlights the importance of sacrifice, meditation, and understanding the infinite. Even in the modern world, these teachings continue to offer valuable lessons for personal growth, ethical living, and spiritual understanding. The Upanishad ultimately guides one to a deeper realization of their place within the universe and encourages the pursuit of knowledge and liberation.