Section 2.5 (fifth khaṇḍa) (two texts)

Upaniṣad text:

One should meditate upon the fivefold Sāma, in reference to the seasons : The Spring is the syllable‘Hiih’; the Summer is the Prastāva; the Rainy season is Udgītha, the Autumn is Pratihāra; and the Winter is Nidhana.—(1)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

One should meditate upon the fivefold Sāma in reference to the seasons; this comes next to the waters, because the seasons ore regulated through the waters.— Spring is the syllable ‘Hiṃ’, because both occupy the first position.—Summer is Prastāva,—because it is in summer that Barley and other grains begin to be stored against the Rains.—The Rainy Season is Udgītha,—because of the great importance of both.—Autumn is Pratihāra,— because it is during this season that the sick and the dead are removed (pratiharaṇāt).—Winter is Nidhana; because during this season, living beings take shelter in places free from draught.—(nivāta).—(1)

Upaniṣad text:

If one, knowing this, thus meditates upon the five-fold Sāma, in reference to the seasons,—the seasons belong to him, and he becomes rich in seasons.—(2)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

The seasons belong to him;—i.e., for such a meditator, the seasons bring up all objects of enjoyment, in due accordance with the sequence of the seasons: and he becomes rich in seasons; i.e., he derives full enjoyment from all pleasures in due accord with various seasons.—(2)

End of Section (5) of Discourse II