Section 7.10 (tenth khaṇḍa) (two texts)

Upaniṣad text:

‘Water indeed is greater than Food. Therefore, when there is not sufficient Rain, the Spirits are in agony (at the thought) that there will be less Food; while, when there is sufficient Rain, the Spirits become joyous (at the thought) that there will be much Food.—It is Water having assumed form that has become Earth, Sky, Heaven, Mountains, Deities and Men, cattle and birds, grasses and trees, beasts down to insects, worms and ants. All these are Water having assumed forms.—Meditate upon Water.’—(1)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

Water indeed is greater than Food. Because it is so, therefore, when,—at which time,—there is not sufficient Rain—enough to benefit the crops,—then the Spirits (of men) are in agony,—in pain;—why?—at the thought that ‘this year there will be less Food for us—less than usual;—while when there is sufficient Rain, then the Spirits become joyous,—all living beings become happy, delighted,—at the prospect that there will be much Food,—Because, solid Food has its source in Water, all these things—that are found to be solidified into various forms, as well as formless—such as Earth, Sky and the rest,—are only Water solidified—assumed forms; all these things with forms are Water itself. Therefore, meditate upon Water.—(1)

Upaniṣad text:

‘One who meditates upon Water as Brahman secures all desires and becomes satisfied; he becomes free to act as he wishes, in the sphere within reach of Water,—one who meditates upon Water as Brahman’.—‘Is there anything greater than Water, Revered Sir?’—‘Certainly, there is something greater than Water.’—‘Explain it to me, Revered Sir.’—(2)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

The reward is as follows:—One who meditates upon Water as Brahman, secures all desires,—i.e. all desirable things with forms. And because satisfaction proceeds from Water, the man becomes satisfied also by meditating upon Water.—The rest is as before.—(2)

End of Section (10) of Discourse VII.