The Concept of Brahman Vedic and Upanishadic World View Philosophy

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Understanding Brahman

  • Etymologically, the word Brahman is derived from the root word bruh which means to sprout, to grow or to evolve.
  • So, the ultimate reality is called Brahman.
  • Scriptures on the nature of Brahman
    • Chandogya Upanishad describes Brahman as tajjalan.
    • Taitarya Upanishad, Brahman is defined as that from which all the things are born, live by and into which they return or are reabsorbed.
    • Likewise, Mundaka Upanishad also describes Brahman.
  • The concept of evolution is explained in the in Taitariya Upanishad.
  • The process of evolution
Illustration: Understanding Brahman

The real theory of evolution is given in the doctrine of the five sheaths or koshas.

  • The lowest stage of evolution is matter (annamaya Kosha) .
  • The second stage is of life (pranamaya Kosha) .
  • The third stage of evolution is consciousness or mind to perceptual consciousness (manomaya Kosha) .
  • The fourth stage is self-consciousness or self-reason (vijnanamaya Kosha) .
  • The fifth and the final stage is the stage of evolution is called anandamaya Kosha.
Illustration: Understanding Brahman
  • Annamaya - matter is dead.
  • Pranamaya - inorganic matter is transformed into organic life.
  • Manomaya- evolution of consciousness to perceptual consciousness
  • Vijnanamaya - self-consciousness
  • Anandmaya - Non-dual bliss

MCQs

1. Concept of Evolution is explained in

A. Vedas & Upanishads

B. Advaita Vedanta

C. Taitariya Upanishad

D. Both A and D

Answer: C

Explanation: The concept of evolution is explained in the in Taitariya Upanishad.

2. Bliss body is associated with ________ sheath

A. Annamaya

B. Vijnanamaya

C. Anandmaya

D. None of the above

Answer: C

Explanation: Bliss body is associated with anandmaya Kosha.

Physical body with Annamaya.

Wisdom body with Vijnanamaya.

3. The correct order of evolution as per Taitariya Upanishad is

A. Ether, fire, water, air, and earth.

B. Ether, air, fire, water and earth.

C. Air, fire, water, ether and earth.

D. None of these

Answer: B

Explanation: Ether, air, fire, water and earth is the correct order of evolution as per Taitariya Upanishad.

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Manishika