The third Khanda of the second chapter of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is known as the Murtamurta Brahmana (Mūrta-Amūrta Brahmana). This section is particularly focused on distinguishing the two primary aspects of Brahman (the Supreme Reality) – the mūrta (gross, visible, or manifest) and the amūrta (subtle, invisible, or unmanifest). The concept of Brahman in these two forms is fundamental to understanding its nature, how it is perceived by human beings, and how one can transcend the limited understanding of reality.
Meaning of the Murtamurta Brahmana
Mūrta (Gross Form):
- The term mūrta refers to that which is perceptible by the senses. It represents the gross, physical, or material aspects of Brahman, such as the physical universe, bodies, and objects that can be perceived.
- In this form, Brahman is identified with the world of forms and names – the jagat. It is mortal, finite, subject to decay, and bound by time and space. This form is known to the mind through sensory perception.
Amūrta (Subtle Form):
- Amūrta refers to the unmanifest, subtle, or formless aspect of Brahman. It is beyond sensory perception, infinite, eternal, and imperceptible.
- This subtle form of Brahman encompasses concepts like pure consciousness, energy, space, and the essence of reality that underlies the manifest world.
- While the mūrta is subject to time and death, the amūrta is immortal and unchangeable.
Neti, Neti (Not This, Not This):
- The famous phrase "Neti, Neti" from this section of the Upanishad emphasizes that Brahman is beyond any specific description or attributes. Neither the gross nor the subtle form can fully encapsulate the essence of Brahman.
- "Neti, Neti" means Brahman is neither this (gross form) nor that (subtle form). It is a way of transcending duality and going beyond all conceptualizations.
- This negation leads one to realize that Brahman is beyond all limiting concepts, characteristics, or forms.
Importance and Symbolism
Reconciliation of Duality:
- The Murtamurta Brahmana reconciles the seeming duality between the manifest and unmanifest forms of Brahman. It teaches that the gross and subtle, the mortal and immortal, are not two separate realities but different expressions of the same ultimate truth. Brahman encompasses both.
- This dual aspect of Brahman also signifies the Saguna (Brahman with attributes) and Nirguna (Brahman without attributes) forms. The former is Brahman seen through the lens of ignorance and perceived attributes, while the latter is its formless and attribute-less essence.
Metaphysical Symbolism:
- The gross form (mūrta) symbolizes the world of matter, forms, and experience. It is transient and changeable, representing our everyday reality, while the subtle form (amūrta) symbolizes the eternal, unchangeable reality of Brahman.
- This duality reflects a deeper understanding of the human experience, where we are bound by the world of forms but aspire to understand the formless truth of existence.
Spiritual Significance:
- For spiritual seekers, this section emphasizes the need to transcend sensory knowledge to grasp the ultimate truth. One must move beyond the perception of the world as it appears and enter the realm of formless, infinite Brahman.
Practicality and Usage in Modern Times
Concept of Duality and Non-duality:
- In modern times, the Murtamurta Brahmana offers profound insights into understanding the relationship between the physical world and consciousness. In a world dominated by material pursuits, this Upanishadic teaching helps remind individuals that the ultimate reality lies beyond sensory experiences and material possessions.
- It encourages us to see the world as interconnected aspects of the same reality, thus fostering a more holistic and spiritual perspective in life.
Contemporary Relevance of "Neti, Neti":
- The "Neti, Neti" approach is valuable for philosophical inquiry in modern times. It teaches that ultimate truth cannot be defined by categories or labels, a lesson applicable to scientific exploration, metaphysics, and even psychology.
- In a world of information overload, the idea of "Neti, Neti" invites individuals to question assumptions and not limit their understanding of truth to predefined forms or ideologies. This approach resonates with contemporary seekers who explore ideas like mindfulness and the quest for meaning beyond materialism.
Influence on Psychology and Self-Inquiry:
- The concept of the gross and subtle forms of Brahman aligns with modern psychological approaches to self-inquiry and self-awareness. The recognition of the amūrta aspect of Brahman as formless consciousness parallels practices in mindfulness and meditation, which emphasize connecting with a deeper sense of being beyond the ego and physical self.
- Additionally, modern self-realization movements draw from this idea to help people transcend identification with the body and mind to reach a state of higher awareness.
Metaphor for Technology and Reality:
- In a modern context, the distinction between the gross and subtle forms of Brahman can be metaphorically related to virtual reality or digital simulations. The physical world we experience (mūrta) may be compared to the perceptible forms in a simulation, while the underlying code (amūrta) is invisible yet governs everything. This analogy can offer a modern explanation of how the seen and unseen aspects of reality operate.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Philosophical Depth:
- The Murtamurta Brahmana is part of a larger discourse on Brahman in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which is one of the most detailed and extensive Upanishads. This section provides a transition from understanding Brahman through descriptions to realizing its true, indescribable nature.
- Influence on Advaita Vedanta:
- This part of the Upanishad significantly influenced the development of Advaita Vedanta, particularly the philosophy of neti, neti. Adi Shankaracharya, a proponent of Advaita Vedanta, used this text to argue for the non-dual nature of reality, where Brahman alone is real, and the world of forms is illusory or temporary.
- Relation to the Process of Creation:
- Some interpretations suggest that the mūrta and amūrta forms of Brahman reflect the creative process of the universe, where the unmanifest Brahman becomes manifest as the physical world, only to return to its unmanifest state in cycles of creation and dissolution.
The Murtamurta Brahmana of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad provides a foundational understanding of the nature of Brahman and the reality we perceive. It highlights the importance of transcending the limitations of form and realizing the formless, infinite essence of existence. Its relevance continues to be profound in modern times, providing insight into philosophical, spiritual, and psychological questions. The principles of this text invite individuals to contemplate the nature of reality beyond the material world and lead a life aligned with higher truth, embracing both the manifest and unmanifest aspects of existence.