Subaala Upanishad

Last post we were discussing about the paramahamsa Upanishad, in which we described the qualities and qualifications of a paramahamsa yog. Now we can try to understand the content of the Subaala Upanishad, which is the 5th Upanishad of the Yajurveda. ThisUpanishad has 16 parts known as khandaas given as a discussion
between the divine power and Maharshi Rayikwa..

The description starts with how the formation of the absolute (truth/fact/essence) from nothingness (soonya), then the creation of pancha bhootha: – pruthwi-ap-theja- vaayu- and –aakaasa, respectively from one another. Finally the formation of the life
force – jeevaathma chaitanya and prapancha purusha. Then the creation of jnaana / awareness and consciousness on various subjects from nature.This part is given in detail particularly connected with the knowledge available in Vedas and related literature.

Further description goes to the formation/creation of all materials from pancha bhootha. The description of devaas-gandharvaas-yakshaas-kinnaraas- asuraas-raakshasaas-etc and all those what we read in puranas are described with definition of each word. Three principles in each messages: aadhyaathamika- aadhi bhouthika and adhidaivatha meanings/ messages are further described. And related three types of dharmas of pancha indriyas come next. These are the contents given in the first six khandas.

When we go through this Upanishad, the correct definition of what is meant by raakshasaas, asuraas, devaas etc are described in such a way that it makes easy to understand the puranas and itihasas. In fact we will know that they are various types of human beings, differing in the behavioral pattern and temperament. Those
who have divine qualities are known as devas, those who have demonic qualities are asuras, and people who are very attractive feminine qualities are gandharvas and so on…

From the 7th khanda of subaala Upanishad we shall explain now. The description starts from the glory of Lord Sree Narayana, followed by the explanation of aathma thathwam, the creation of living and non-living beings from pancha bhootha, the creation of material world, and final dissolution in the brahma chaitanya.

In the next khanda explanation of Bhoo loka, bhuvarloka, swarloka, maharloka, jana loka, thapoloka and sathya loka and the meaning of each of the word have been given. In the rest six khandas, again the description goes to the soul and its relation with pancha bhootha, the glory of the food / annam, how the annam contributes to the life force of living beings.

The description of a jnaana yogi, who has reached the state of realization of the absolute truth. In the final three khandas the detailed description of the words like aksharam, mruthyu, sath, asath, etc are given. Unless we know the real meaning and message of these words understanding the Indian spirituality is impossible.

The inherent and intrinsic awareness and consciousness present in every living beings are described scientifically. It is also described that when this consciousness and awareness of each cells and tissue ceases the body becomes dead., says the last part of the Upanishad.

In fact the second part of this Upanishad really gives an insight of the pure spirituality of sanathana dharma. For a common man understanding the above explanation needs commentaries and further simplification with examples. How ever one should try to understand this Upanishad and similar Upanishads with the background of science.