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ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya (derived from the [[Sanskrit (संस्कृत)|संस्कृत || Sanskrit]] words :  [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]] and विद्या || vidya (knowledge) ) is that branch of scriptural knowledge that gives the integral experience of everything from the standpoint of मोक्षम् || mokhsham (Liberation of आत्मा || Atma (soul) from birth and death cycle).

ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya (derived from the [[Sanskrit (संस्कृत)|संस्कृत || Sanskrit]] words :  [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|ब्रह्मा || Brahma]] and विद्या || vidya (knowledge) ) is that branch of scriptural knowledge that gives the integral experience of everything from the standpoint of मोक्षम् || mokhsham (Liberation of आत्मा || Atma (soul) from birth and death cycle).

==    परिचय || Introduction  ==

==    परिचय || Introduction  ==

The Upanishads are Vedanta, the storehouse of knowledge in a higher degree even than the Vedas, with knowledge in the profounder Indian sense of the word, Jnana. Not a mere thinking and interpretation by the intelligence, the pursuit and grasping of a mental form of truth by the intellectual mind, but a 'seeing of it with the soul' and a total living in it with the power of the inner being,by a kind of identification with the object of knowledge is Jnana.   

The Upanishads are Vedanta, the storehouse of knowledge in a higher degree even than the Vedas, with knowledge in the profounder Bharat's sense of the word, Jnana. Not a mere thinking and interpretation by the intelligence, the pursuit and grasping of a mental form of truth by the intellectual mind, but a 'seeing of it with the soul' and a total living in it with the power of the inner being, by a kind of identification with the object of knowledge is Jnana.   

And because it is only by an integral knowing of the self that this kind of direct knowledge can be made complete, it was the self that the Vedantic sages sought to know, to live in and to be one with it by identity.  The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge (Ref 5). In other countries philosophers try to apprehend the Truth on an intellectual plane. The Upanisadic inquiry is different, the purpose being to realize inwardly the Truth perceived by the mind or the intellect.    

And because it is only by an integral knowing of the self that this kind of direct knowledge can be made complete, it was the self that the Vedantic sages sought to know, to live in and to be one with it by identity.  The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge (Ref 5). In other countries philosophers try to apprehend the Truth on an intellectual plane. The Upanisadic inquiry is different, the purpose being to realize inwardly the Truth perceived by the mind or the intellect.    

The primary question that is often referred to in Upanishads or Vedanta is that of [[Prakrti (प्रकृति)|Origin of Creation]]. This is explained through the [[Shruti (श्रुति)|श्रुति || Shrutis]], which is directly heard or experienced by intuition. The dharmic perspective views every action as Yagya, unlike the Western's who view action as Labour. [[Yagya (यज्ञ)|Yagya]] means प्रीणनम् || prinanam (to satisfy). Performance of Yagna brings about complete mental, physical and spiritual development of a human being. It is a continuous activity that living beings offer to the दिव्य || divya (divine).   

The primary question that is often referred to in Upanishads or Vedanta is that of [[Prakrti (प्रकृति)|Origin of Creation]]. This is explained through th'''e [[Shruti (श्रुति)|श्रुति || Sh]]'''[[Shruti (श्रुति)|rutis]], which is directly heard or experienced by intuition. The dharmic perspective views every action as Yagya, unlike the Western's who view action as Labour. [[Yagya (यज्ञ)|Yagya]] means प्रीणनम् || prinanam (to satisfy). Performance of Yagna brings about complete mental, physical and adhyatmik development of a human being. It is a continuous activity that living beings offer to the दिव्य || divya (divine).   

The royal sages - like Rama and Janaka were kings and at the same time rajarshi's or sages.  They were engaged in activities of Material world as rulers and because of their austerities and wisdom knew this Yoga of the Spiritual world. The teachings of this yoga were lost by falling into the hands of selfish and unrighteous people. In the Bhagavadgeeta Srikrishna's divine word brings to light the brahmavidya yoga to the world. The leaders of a country possessing this knowledge of Yoga i.e. moral values of life, will percolate such values down the line into the society irrespective of the present day communities.  <blockquote>''Here, in the Vedas - in the karmakanda - a way of life is prescribed for the seeker with actions and duties calculated to discipline and purify him. After leading such a life and eventually forsaking all action, all Vedic karma, he meditates on the truths of the Upanisads. Instead of being mere ideas of intellectual perception, these truths will then become a living reality. The highest of these truths is that there is no differnce between the individual self and the Brahman.''</blockquote>

The royal sages - like Rama and Janaka were kings and at the same time rajarshi's or sages.  They were engaged in activities of Material world as rulers and because of their austerities and wisdom knew this Yoga of the Spiritual world. The teachings of this yoga were lost by falling into the hands of selfish and unrighteous people. In the Bhagavadgeeta Srikrishna's divine word brings to light the brahmavidya yoga to the world. The leaders of a country possessing this knowledge of Yoga i.e. moral values of life, will percolate such values down the line into the society irrespective of the present day communities.  <blockquote>''Here, in the Vedas - in the karmakanda - a way of life is prescribed for the seeker with actions and duties calculated to discipline and purify him. After leading such a life and eventually forsaking all action, all Vedic karma, he meditates on the truths of the Upanisads. Instead of being mere ideas of intellectual perception, these truths will then become a living reality. The highest of these truths is that there is no differnce between the individual self and the Brahman.''</blockquote>

== ब्रह्मविद्या के अभिरक्षक || Custodians of Brahmavidya ==

== ब्रह्मविद्या के अभिरक्षक || Custodians of Brahmavidya ==

A [[Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय)|क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya]] could teach vedanta to a Brahmana or vice versa.  An example is [[Uddalaka (उद्दालक)|Uddalalaka]] and [[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]], both from the Brahmana [[Varna (वर्ण)|वर्ण || Varna]] (social or economic status) learning ब्रह्मविद्या || BrahmaVidya (spiritual knowledge) from the  [[Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय)|क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya]] King [[Pravahana Jaivali (प्रवाहन जेवली)|Pravahana Jaivali]]. Chapter 6 of the छान्दोग्य उपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad of सामवेद (Sama Veda, 5-3) is the most important section where the Atman or Brahman is explained through the Uddalaka and Shvetaketu samvaada or dialogue.

A [[Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय)|क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya]] could teach vedanta to a Brahmana or vice versa.  An example is [[Uddalaka (उद्दालक)|Uddalalaka]] and [[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]], both from the Brahmana [[Varna (वर्ण)|वर्ण || Varna]] (social or economic status) learning ब्रह्मविद्या || BrahmaVidya (adhyatmik knowledge) from the  क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya King [[Pravahana Jaivali (प्रावहन जैवली)|Pravahana Jaivali]]. Chapter 6 of the छान्दोग्य उपनिषद् ॥ Chandogya Upanishad of सामवेद (Sama Veda, 5-3) is the most important section where the Atman or Brahman is explained through the Uddalaka and Shvetaketu samvaada or dialogue.

A similar event King Janaka of Videha also imparted the Agnihotra ritual to his spiritual teacher.     

A similar event King Janaka of Videha also imparted the Agnihotra ritual to his adhyatmik teacher.     

In Bhagavad Geeta Chap 4 Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna about the parampara of Brahmavidya or Jnaanavidya thus,<blockquote>इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम्  |</blockquote>

In Bhagavad Geeta Chap 4 Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna about the parampara of Brahmavidya or Jnaanavidya thus,<blockquote>इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम्  |</blockquote>

<blockquote>विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्  || (4.1)</blockquote><blockquote>imaṃ vivasvate yogaṃ proktavānahamavyayam |<br>vivasvānmanave prāha manurikṣvākave'bravīt || (4.1)</blockquote>Meaning : I taught this eternal Yoga to Vivasvan (Sun-God); he taught it to Manu (the ancient law maker) and Manu proclaimed it to Ikshvaku (ancestor of Kshatriyas or Royal lineage of Rama).  <blockquote>एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः |</blockquote>

<blockquote>विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्  || (4.1)</blockquote><blockquote>imaṃ vivasvate yogaṃ proktavānahamavyayam |<br>vivasvānmanave prāha manurikṣvākave'bravīt || (4.1)</blockquote>'''Meaning''' : I taught this eternal Yoga to Vivasvan (Sun-God); he taught it to Manu (the ancient law maker) and Manu proclaimed it to Ikshvaku (ancestor of Kshatriyas or Royal lineage of Rama).  <blockquote>एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः |</blockquote>

<blockquote>स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप  || (4.2)</blockquote><blockquote>evaṃ paramparāprāptamimaṃ rājarṣayo viduḥ |<br>sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣṭaḥ parantapa || (4.2)</blockquote>Meaning : This knowledge was handed down in regular succession and known to the royal sages राजर्षयः . This yoga due to long lapse of time has been lost to the world, O Arjuna.  

<blockquote>स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप  || (4.2)</blockquote><blockquote>evaṃ paramparāprāptamimaṃ rājarṣayo viduḥ |<br>sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣṭaḥ parantapa || (4.2)</blockquote>'''Meaning''' : This knowledge was handed down in regular succession and known to the royal sages राजर्षयः . This yoga due to long lapse of time has been lost to the world, O Arjuna.  

== Brahmavidya In मुण्डकोपनिषद || Mundakopanishad ==

== Brahmavidya In मुण्डकोपनिषद || Mundakopanishad ==

This Upaniṣad speaks about Ātmā and Brahma and also about the paths for attaining thereto; but the exposition herein is rather direct and precise. The postulations in the Upaniṣad are presented in the form of instructions imparted to one शौनक || Śaunaka, a great householder, by Sage Angiras.

This Upaniṣad speaks about Ātmā and Brahma and also about the paths for attaining thereto; but the exposition herein is rather direct and precise. The postulations in the Upaniṣad are presented in the form of instructions imparted to one शौनक || Śaunaka, a great householder, by Sage Angiras.

Śaunaka approaches and asks Angiras, “Lord, what having known does all this become known?” <blockquote>भगवो, कस्मिन् विज्ञाते सर्वमिदं विज्ञातं भवति  || (4.1.1.3)'''</blockquote>

Śaunaka approaches and asks Angiras, Lord, what having known does all this become known?” <blockquote>भगवो, कस्मिन् विज्ञाते सर्वमिदं विज्ञातं भवति  || (4.1.1.3)</blockquote>

<blockquote>Bhagavo, kasmin vijñāte sarvamidaṃ vijñātaṃ bhavati || (4.1.1.3)</blockquote>

<blockquote>Bhagavo, kasmin vijñāte sarvamidaṃ vijñātaṃ bhavati || (4.1.1.3)</blockquote>

Rushi Angirasa declares that mere knowledge of Vedas is not adequate to elevate a man to higher levels of awareness culminating in immortality. The superior knowledge that teaches about the transcendent entity knowing which leads to attainment of immortality. <blockquote>यत्तदद्रेश्यमग्राह्यमगोत्रमवर्णंमचक्षुःश्रोत्रं तदपाणिपादम्  |</blockquote>

Rushi Angirasa declares that mere knowledge of Vedas is not adequate to elevate a man to higher levels of awareness culminating in immortality. The superior knowledge that teaches about the transcendent entity knowing which leads to attainment of immortality. <blockquote>यत्तदद्रेश्यमग्राह्यमगोत्रमवर्णंमचक्षुःश्रोत्रं तदपाणिपादम्  |</blockquote>

<blockquote>yattadadreśyamagrāhyamagotramavarṇamacakṣuḥśrotraṃ tadapāṇipādam |</blockquote>

<blockquote>yattadadreśyamagrāhyamagotramavarṇamacakṣuḥśrotraṃ tadapāṇipādam |</blockquote>

<blockquote>nityaṃ vibhuṃ sarvagataṃ susūkṣmaṃ tadavyayaṃ yadbhūtayoniṃ paripaśyanti dhīrāḥ || (1.1.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>nityaṃ vibhuṃ sarvagataṃ susūkṣmaṃ tadavyayaṃ yadbhūtayoniṃ paripaśyanti dhīrāḥ || (1.1.6)</blockquote>

Meaning : That which is invisible, inconceivable, without lineage, without Varṇa, without eyes and ears, without hands and feet, and that which is eternal, all-pervasive, omnipresent, extremely subtle and undecaying – that is what the wise behold as the source of all beings. (As given in Ref 3)   

'''Meaning''' : That which is invisible, inconceivable, without lineage, without Varṇa, without eyes and ears, without hands and feet, and that which is eternal, all-pervasive, omnipresent, extremely subtle and undecaying – that is what the wise behold as the source of all beings. (As given in Ref 3)   

This Upanishad makes a difference between ‘Para Vidya’ and ‘Apara

This Upanishad makes a difference between ‘Para Vidya’ and ‘Apara

The 6th chapter of Chandogya Upanishad begins with a view to show that the Self in all is One. The dialogue between Svetaketu and Uddalaka is for the purpose of showing the gravity of the philosophy. After twelve years of Vedic studies Shvetaketu returns home thinking himself to be a ब्रह्मज्ञानिन् ''||'' brahma jnanin (knowledgeable about the Brahman). But Uddalaka seeing his son's pride asked him:  <blockquote>तमादेशमप्राक्ष्यः येनाश्रुतं श्रुतं भवति अमतं मतं अविज्ञातं विज्ञातं इति  || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.2 & 6.1.3)</blockquote>

The 6th chapter of Chandogya Upanishad begins with a view to show that the Self in all is One. The dialogue between Svetaketu and Uddalaka is for the purpose of showing the gravity of the philosophy. After twelve years of Vedic studies Shvetaketu returns home thinking himself to be a ब्रह्मज्ञानिन् ''||'' brahma jnanin (knowledgeable about the Brahman). But Uddalaka seeing his son's pride asked him:  <blockquote>तमादेशमप्राक्ष्यः येनाश्रुतं श्रुतं भवति अमतं मतं अविज्ञातं विज्ञातं इति  || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.2 & 6.1.3)</blockquote>

<blockquote>tamādeśamaprākṣyaḥ yenāśrutaṃ śrutaṃ bhavati, amataṃ mataṃ avijñātaṃ vijñātaṃ iti || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.2 & 6.1.3)</blockquote>

<blockquote>tamādeśamaprākṣyaḥ yenāśrutaṃ śrutaṃ bhavati, amataṃ mataṃ avijñātaṃ vijñātaṃ iti || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.2 & 6.1.3)</blockquote>

Meaning : “Dear son, did you ask for that instruction by which the unheard becomes heard, the unperceived becomes perceived and the unknown becomes known?"

'''Meaning''' : Dear son, did you ask for that instruction by which the unheard becomes heard, the unperceived becomes perceived and the unknown becomes known?"

What the father asks about is the knowledge of the ultimate principle that cannot be grasped by the ordinary faculties of cognition. The implication of the phrase ‘unheard becomes heard, etc.’ is that this particular knowledge cannot be acquired by physical faculties of cognition. It is also indicated here that knowledge of Vedas is fruitless if, with it, one is not able to know the ultimate principle.

What the father asks about is the knowledge of the ultimate principle that cannot be grasped by the ordinary faculties of cognition. The implication of the phrase ‘unheard becomes heard, etc.’ is that this particular knowledge cannot be acquired by physical faculties of cognition. It is also indicated here that knowledge of Vedas is fruitless if, with it, one is not able to know the ultimate principle.

[[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]] was unaware of such a type of knowledge, though he had studied the Vedas properly. So he desired to know what kind of instruction that was. The father explains thus:<blockquote>“यथा सोम्यैकेन मृत्पिण्डेन सर्वं मृन्मयं विज्ञातं  | </blockquote>

[[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]] was unaware of such a type of knowledge, though he had studied the Vedas properly. So he desired to know what kind of instruction that was. The father explains thus:<blockquote>यथा सोम्यैकेन मृत्पिण्डेन सर्वं मृन्मयं विज्ञातं  | </blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं मृत्तिकेत्येव सत्यम्” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.4)</blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं मृत्तिकेत्येव सत्यम्” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.4)</blockquote>

<blockquote>“yathā somyaikena mṛtpiṇḍena sarvaṃ mṛnmayaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>yathā somyaikena mṛtpiṇḍena sarvaṃ mṛnmayaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ mṛttiketyeva satyam” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.4)</blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ mṛttiketyeva satyam” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.4)</blockquote>

<blockquote>“यथा सोम्यैकेन लोहमणिना सर्वं लोहमयं विज्ञातं  | </blockquote>

<blockquote>यथा सोम्यैकेन लोहमणिना सर्वं लोहमयं विज्ञातं  | </blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं लोहमित्येव सत्यम्” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.5)</blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं लोहमित्येव सत्यम्” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.5)</blockquote>

<blockquote>“yathā somyaikena lohamaṇinā sarvaṃ lohamayaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>yathā somyaikena lohamaṇinā sarvaṃ lohamayaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ lohamityeva satyam” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.5)</blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ lohamityeva satyam” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.5)</blockquote>

<blockquote>“यथा सोम्यैकेन नखनिकृन्तनेन सर्वं कार्ष्णायसं विज्ञातं  |</blockquote>

<blockquote>यथा सोम्यैकेन नखनिकृन्तनेन सर्वं कार्ष्णायसं विज्ञातं  |</blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं कृष्णायसमित्येव सत्यं एवं सोम्य स अदेशो भवतीति” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>स्यात्वाचारम्भणं विकारो नामधेयं कृष्णायसमित्येव सत्यं एवं सोम्य स अदेशो भवतीति” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>“yathā somyaikena nakhanikṛntanena sarvaṃ kārṣṇāyasaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>yathā somyaikena nakhanikṛntanena sarvaṃ kārṣṇāyasaṃ vijñātaṃ syāt | </blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ kṛṣṇāyasamityeva satyaṃ evaṃ somya sa adeśo bhavatīti” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>vācārambhaṇaṃ vikāro nāmadheyaṃ kṛṣṇāyasamityeva satyaṃ evaṃ somya sa adeśo bhavatīti” || (Chan. Upan. 6.1.6)</blockquote>

Meaning: ‘That instruction, my dear, is just as:

'''Meaning''': ‘That instruction, my dear, is just as:

(i) by a single lump of earth, all that is earthen becomes known as mere modifications expressed in names based on words, the truth being that all is earth only;

(i) by a single lump of earth, all that is earthen becomes known as mere modifications expressed in names based on words, the truth being that all is earth only;

Uddālaka Āruṇi demonstrates to his son Śvetaketu without annam the mind does not work properly. Śvetaketu was asked not to take food for fifteen days; he did so and then, he was unable to remember the Vedas he studied. Later he ate and was able to remember all. Uddālaka concludes by asserting that mind consists in annam, prāṇa consists in water and speech consists in energy :<blockquote>अन्नमयं हि मन, आपोमयः प्राणः, तेजोमयी वाक्  || (Chan. Upan. 6.7.6)</blockquote>

Uddālaka Āruṇi demonstrates to his son Śvetaketu without annam the mind does not work properly. Śvetaketu was asked not to take food for fifteen days; he did so and then, he was unable to remember the Vedas he studied. Later he ate and was able to remember all. Uddālaka concludes by asserting that mind consists in annam, prāṇa consists in water and speech consists in energy :<blockquote>अन्नमयं हि मन, आपोमयः प्राणः, तेजोमयी वाक्  || (Chan. Upan. 6.7.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>annamayaṃ hi mana, āpomayaḥ prāṇaḥ, tejomayī vāk || (Chan. Upan. 6.7.6)</blockquote>

<blockquote>annamayaṃ hi mana, āpomayaḥ prāṇaḥ, tejomayī vāk || (Chan. Upan. 6.7.6)</blockquote>

Uddālaka continues his teaching as in verse 6.8 by explaining what sleep means. In sleep one is fully possessed by SAT which is his origin :<blockquote>स्वं अपीतो भवति, तस्मात् एनम्स्व पितीत्याचक्षते  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.1)'''</blockquote>

Uddālaka continues his teaching as in verse 6.8 by explaining what sleep means. In sleep one is fully possessed by SAT which is his origin :<blockquote>स्वं अपीतो भवति, तस्मात् एनम्स्व पितीत्याचक्षते  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.1)</blockquote>

<blockquote>svaṃ apīto bhavati, tasmāt enam svapitītyācakṣate || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.1)</blockquote>

<blockquote>svaṃ apīto bhavati, tasmāt enam svapitītyācakṣate || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.1)</blockquote>

<blockquote>प्राणबन्धनं हि मन  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.2)'''</blockquote>

<blockquote>प्राणबन्धनं हि मन  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.2)</blockquote>

<blockquote>prāṇabandhanaṃ hi mana || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.2)</blockquote>

<blockquote>prāṇabandhanaṃ hi mana || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.2)</blockquote>

Meaning : In deep sleep, even the mind ceases to work and rests on prāṇa. When mind does not work, it is obvious that speech also will not work. So, in sleep, only prāṇa is active, apart from SAT, the origin.

'''Meaning''' : In deep sleep, even the mind ceases to work and rests on prāṇa. When mind does not work, it is obvious that speech also will not work. So, in sleep, only prāṇa is active, apart from SAT, the origin.

In the 6.8.7 verse, it is clarified that that this highest entity is Ātmā which is subtleness itself and therefore, SAT, which, as we have seen, as the source of energy, prāṇa and annam, is implied to be a constituent of Ātmā. The declaration that on leaving from

In the 6.8.7 verse, it is clarified that that this highest entity is Ātmā which is subtleness itself and therefore, SAT, which, as we have seen, as the source of energy, prāṇa and annam, is implied to be a constituent of Ātmā. The declaration that on leaving from

here or, in other words, on shedding this body, every being merges into Ātmā, is a very important one. It scotches all talks about rebirth of the same individual. Personal identity is lost on merging with Ātmā which is an incessant, all-pervading entity, without a second.<blockquote>स य एषोഽणिमा ऐतदात्म्यमिदम् सर्वं तत् सत्यम् स आत्मा तत्त्वमसि श्वेतकेतो  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.7)'''</blockquote>

here or, in other words, on shedding this body, every being merges into Ātmā, is a very important one. It scotches all talks about rebirth of the same individual. Personal identity is lost on merging with Ātmā which is an incessant, all-pervading entity, without a second.<blockquote>स य एषोഽणिमा ऐतदात्म्यमिदम् सर्वं तत् सत्यम् स आत्मा तत्त्वमसि श्वेतकेतो  || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.7)</blockquote>

<blockquote>sa ya eṣo’ṇimā aitadātmyamidam sarvaṃ tat satyam sa ātmā tattvamasi śvetaketo || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.7)</blockquote>

<blockquote>sa ya eṣo’ṇimā aitadātmyamidam sarvaṃ tat satyam sa ātmā tattvamasi śvetaketo || (Chan. Upan. 6.8.7)</blockquote>

Meaning: ‘He (that Great Being mentioned in the previous verse) is absolute subtleness (subtle essence) which inheres in all that is here; that (all that is here) is Satyam, He (the Great Being) is Ātmā; you are that (Satyam), O, Śvetaketu.

'''Meaning''': ‘He (that Great Being mentioned in the previous verse) is absolute subtleness (subtle essence) which inheres in all that is here; that (all that is here) is Satyam, He (the Great Being) is Ātmā; you are that (Satyam), O, Śvetaketu.

This fact finds expression in Bṛhadāraṇyaka 2.4.12 also; again it is seen in 6.9 and 6.10 also. This sentence is seen repeated in verses 6.9.4, 6.10.3, 6.11.3, 6.12.3, 6.13.3, 6.14.3 and 6.15.3.Incidentally, it is the very phrase ''तत्त्वमसि || tattvamasi'' appearing here, that is designated as one of the four Mahāvākya(s) in the Upanishads.  

This fact finds expression in Bṛhadāraṇyaka 2.4.12 also; again it is seen in 6.9 and 6.10 also. This sentence is seen repeated in verses 6.9.4, 6.10.3, 6.11.3, 6.12.3, 6.13.3, 6.14.3 and 6.15.3.Incidentally, it is the very phrase ''तत्त्वमसि || tattvamasi'' appearing here, that is designated as one of the four Mahāvākya(s) in the Upanishads.  

In all humility, both [[Uddalaka (उद्दालक)|Uddalaka]] and [[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]] go to King Pravahna’s assembly to seek knowledge. Offering all hospitality, the King humbly addresses Uddalaka thus: "Bhagavan (as a brahmin usually was addressed), you can ask for any kind of wealth that is within the means of a human being". But Shvetaketu and his father requested the  क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya to impart ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya to them and accordingly the King lays down the rules or अधिकार || adhikaar (aptitude) to acquire knowledge.   

In all humility, both [[Uddalaka (उद्दालक)|Uddalaka]] and [[Shvetaketu (श्वेतकेतु)|Shvetaketu]] go to King Pravahna’s assembly to seek knowledge. Offering all hospitality, the King humbly addresses Uddalaka thus: "Bhagavan (as a brahmin usually was addressed), you can ask for any kind of wealth that is within the means of a human being". But Shvetaketu and his father requested the  क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya to impart ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya to them and accordingly the King lays down the rules or अधिकार || adhikaar (aptitude) to acquire knowledge.   

Here the implication is that the ruler, Kshatriya, according to his dharma is bound to provide material wealth to a Brahmana for Yagnas but ब्रह्मविद्या as per the prevailing वर्णव्यवस्था || varna-vyavastha (social order) was usually respected to be in the brahmana’s domain. Notably, this is view is contrary to the presently continuing popular perception invented by the East India Company Indologists and their Indian Sepoys, Varna (translated wrongly as caste) was determined by संस्कार and not parentage.  

Here the implication is that the ruler, Kshatriya, according to his dharma is bound to provide material wealth to a Brahmana for Yagnas but ब्रह्मविद्या as per the prevailing वर्णव्यवस्था || varna-vyavastha (social order) was usually respected to be in the brahmana’s domain. Notably, this is view is contrary to the presently continuing popular perception invented by the East India Company Indologists and their Bharat's Sepoys, Varna (translated wrongly as caste) was determined by संस्कार and not parentage.  

Through the explanation of [[Panchagni Vidya (पञ्चाग्नि विद्या)|Panchagni vidya]], which included explanations of  [[Devayana and Pitrayana (देवयान मार्ग और पित्रयान मार्ग)|devayan (journey to the deva loka post death)]] and  [[Devayana and Pitrayana (देवयान मार्ग और पित्रयान मार्ग)|pitruyan (journey to Pitr loka post death)]] as well as of [[पञ्च महा यज्ञ|panca maha yajna]] the king imparted the essence of ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya.  As an introduction to पञ्चाग्निविद्या, the  क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya King told Uddalaka, "You are the first one amongst the Brahmans to receive the knowledge of this ब्रह्मविद्या, up until now it was known only to Kshatriyas".  Within the Bharatiya tradition, everyone irrespective of their Varna (social or economic status) had access to Divine Knowledge.     

Through the explanation of [[Panchagni Vidya (पञ्चाग्नि विद्या)|Panchagni vidya]], which included explanations of  [[Devayana and Pitrayana (देवयान मार्ग और पित्रयान मार्ग)|devayan (journey to the deva loka post death)]] and  [[Devayana and Pitrayana (देवयान मार्ग और पित्रयान मार्ग)|pitruyan (journey to Pitr loka post death)]] as well as of [[Panchamahayagna (पञ्चमहायज्ञ)|panca maha yajna]] the king imparted the essence of ब्रह्मविद्या || Brahmavidya.  As an introduction to पञ्चाग्निविद्या, the  क्षत्रिय || Kshatriya King told Uddalaka, "You are the first one amongst the Brahmans to receive the knowledge of this ब्रह्मविद्या, up until now it was known only to Kshatriyas".  Within the Bharatiya tradition, everyone irrespective of their Varna (social or economic status) had access to Divine Knowledge.     

Hence "Brahmavid brahmana" was the definition given, One who knows Brahmavidya is a brahmana irrespective of the varna or gender.   

Hence "Brahmavid brahmana" was the definition given, One who knows Brahmavidya is a brahmana irrespective of the varna or gender.   

# Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji. (). ''[http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part5/chap30.htm Hindu Dharma, Part 5 ,Chapter 30.]'' Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.  

# Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji. (). ''[http://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part5/chap30.htm Hindu Dharma, Part 5 ,Chapter 30.]'' Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.  

# Ganganatha, Jha. (1923). ''The Chandogya Upanishad and Sri Sankara's Commentary'', Fourth Volume, Madras: The India Printing Works

# Ganganatha, Jha. (1923). ''The Chandogya Upanishad and Sri Sankara's Commentary'', Fourth Volume, Madras: The India Printing Works