Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
by Arpita Chakraborty | 2013 | 33,902 words
This page relates ‘‘OM’ –In the Katopanishad’ of the study on the Shaiva Upanishads in English, comparing them with other texts dealing with the Shiva cult (besides the Agamas and Puranas). The Upaniṣads are ancient philosophical and theological treatises. Out of the 108 Upanishads mentioned in the Muktikopanishad, 15 are classified as Saiva-Upanisads.
9. ‘OM’ –In the Kaṭopaniṣad
Yama expounds to Naciketa, thus: ‘I shall tell you briefly., the true nature of that, which all the Vedas through primary signification proclaim, to please whom Vedas commend the different observances or rituals, desiring the favour of which the great (souls) lead a continent spiritual life (or listen to discourses that enable them to visualize the Supreme Being) it is Aum.[1]
“(That which was enquired by you) is verily the immortal Brahman. This is Supreme Akṣara. Having understood this Akṣara, one gets whatever he desires.[2] ‘This is the chief support. This is a unique support. Knowing this support (realizing the Truth signified by Aum) one will be honoured in the abode of Brahman” Here ‘Aum’ is identified with Brahman, as proclaimed in the Vedas as the goal, to attain which one is required to scrupulously observe the injunctions given in the Vedas and also to lead a strict life of celibacy, knowing that ‘Aum’, one gets exalted in the realm of the Almighty God.[3]
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
Ibid 1.2.16. [...]
[3]:
Ibid 1.2.17. [...]