Nrsimha-tapini Upanishad (Nrsimha-purva-tapini Upanishad and Nrsimha-uttara-tapini Upanishad)

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Nrsimha-tapini Upanishad

(Nrisimha-purva-tapini Upanishad and

Nrsimha-uttara-tapini Upanishad)

Atharvaveda, a group of Upanishads – Vaishnava

The title of this Upanishad means "worship (or surrender) to Nrisimha/Narasimha.

Om! O devas, let our ears listen to what is auspicious;
May our eyes see what is auspicious, O ye worthy of worship!
May we enjoy the life span allotted to us by the devas,
Praising them unwaveringly with our bodies and limbs!
May the glorious Indra bless us!
May the omniscient Sun bless us!
May Garuda, the thunderstorm of the evil and wicked, bless us!
May Brihaspati grant us prosperity and good fortune!
Om! Let peace be in me!
May peace be in my surroundings!
Let there be peace in those forces that act upon me!

Nrisimha-purva-tapini-upanishad

(The First/Initial Upanishad on the Practice of Worship of Nrisimha)

First Upanishad

Bhagavan Narasimha, who is partly a man and partly a lion, shines as Parabrahma with rutha (discipline of the visible world) and satya (truth). He appears in two colours, namely, black and golden red. His nature is to rise upward and he has a very terrible and terrifying look, but he is 'Shankara', 'the doer of good' to men. He is called 'Nila-lohita (He who is red and black/dark blue)' because his neck is black/dark blue and the top of it is red. In his other aspect he is Umapati (the husband of Uma) and Pashupati (the Lord of all beings). He holds a bow called 'pinaka' and shines brilliantly. He is the god of all knowledge. He is the god of all beings. He is the Lord of all the Vedas. He is the head of Brahma and is praised by the Yajur Veda. One should know the praise of the Sama Veda about him. Those who know this will attain the immortal state.

Second Upanishad

The Devas were afraid of death, sins and family life. They approached Prajapati. He told them about the Narasimha Mantra, which was the "king of all mantras" written in the anushtup meter. By this they gained victory over death. They conquered all sins and also destroyed the problems of family life. Therefore, any of those who are afraid of death, sins and family life should learn the "Narasimha Mantra", which is called the "king of mantras" and is written in the anushtup meter. They will all conquer death and conquer sin and also the problems related to family life.

The King of Mantras:

[The following is a simple translation of the king of mantras of Lord Narasimha, followed by an explanation and rationale for each description.]

My greetings to Tom Nrisimha,

Who is fierce

Who is heroic,

Who is Maha Vishnu,

Who is burning,

Who has faces everywhere,

Who is half lion and half man,

Who is scary,

Who is safe,

Who is death and immortality.

He is called "Ugra [fierce]" because by His power He creates, maintains, destroys and uplifts without ceasing, and He also attracts all the devas, all the beings, all the bhutas (ghosts). Hey, Lord Narasimha, you whom I praise, please grant me eternal happiness even while I am in this body, which is impermanent. Let your soldiers kill all my enemies who are different from me. 1

He is called "Vira [heroic]" because by his power he makes all the worlds, all the devas, all the beings and all the bhutas play and lets them rest, and creates, helps them grow and attracts without ceasing these worlds, devas, beings and bhutas. He is behind every action, very capable, like a mountain and the one who fulfills the desires of the devas. 2

He is "Maha Vishnu" because he permeates all the worlds and causes the whole world to permeate, like the greasy tar that spreads throughout all the meat, from this side to that and also from the other side to this. There is nothing in the world that is not him. He permeates all things in the world. He is the leader of all souls. The worship of the souls is the worship of Him. He exists in all the three shining things, namely, the moon, the sun and fire. 3

He is called "Jwalantham [the burning one]" because he makes the whole world, including all the devas, all the beings and all the bhutas, shine due to his effulgence and also shines in them and makes them emit flames. He is the one who created the world and makes it multiply rapidly. He is the one who shines due to his own effulgence and also makes others shine. He spreads heat all over the world and makes the world languish. He spreads his rays everywhere and makes them emit rays. He has a personality that brings only good. He gives only what is good and he is good. 4

He is called "Sarvato-mukham [having faces everywhere]" because he sees everywhere without having any organs, he can hear everything, he can go everywhere, he can attract everything, and also because he is spread everywhere and exists everywhere. In the beginning he was one, and now he has become all these things. Those who rule the world have come from him. In the end everything returns and merges into him. I salute him who has faces everywhere. 5

Among all the animals, the lion is the most feared and the most special. That is why the God of the Universe took birth as Narasimha. This immortal form became the one who brings goodness to the entire world. That is why he is called "Narasimha [half man, half lion]". That Maha Vishnu who has this fearsome form does not cause fear in his devotees. He is worshipped and praised. He is the one who travels all over the earth and also the one who lives on the top of the mountain. In his Trivikrama form, he measured all the worlds in three steps. 6

He is called 'Bhishanam [full of fear]' because all the crowds of devas, men and bhutas and all the worlds run away in fear of Him; but He fears nothing. The wind blows because He fears Him. The sun rises because He fears Him. It is because of fear of Him that the fire-god Indra and the god of death do their work. 7

He is called 'Bhadram [safe]' because he is goodness personified, because he is eternally shining, giving goodness, because he makes others shine, because he is superior to others and because he does very good things. Hey Devas, we should hear with our ears about this 'Bhadram'. Hey, those of you who are worthy of worship, we should see with our eyes this 'Bhadram'. Let us live as the Gods live with healthy organs and healthy bodies, praising and singing His praises. 8

He is called 'Mrityu-mrityu [death of death]' because simply by thinking of His devotees He destroys death and untimely end for them. He is the giver of knowledge of the soul, and also the giver of strength. All the devas bow down to Him and praise Him. Let us please Him by offering Him 'havis food' through fire sacrifice, for even His shadow is nectar, and He is the death that destroys death. 9

He is worshipped by repeating 'namami [I salute him]' because he is worshipped by all the devas, by all those who have left his world and by all those who swear by Brahman, and also because the lord of the Vedas worships him by saying these words. Indra, Mitra (the Sun), Aryama and all other devas exist in him. 10

I was born before this world, which is beautiful and orderly. I existed even before the devas. I am the central force of that which never dies. He who gives me (in my form as food for men) in charity becomes the protector of the soul. If given without understanding this, I, being food, eat the one who eats. I am he who becomes the whole world and destroys it. My light is like the light of the sun, which, standing alone, gives light to the whole world. In this Upanishad it is said that he who understands this attains salvation. 11

The Third Upanishad

The Devas asked Brahma to teach them the power of the anushtup-mantra-raja (the king of mantras in the anushtup meter) and also the root of this mantra. Brahma told them:

This illusion (maya), which is the power of Narasimha (which is Om), is the one who creates everything, protects and destroys them. Therefore you should realize that this illusion is a power. He who understands the power of this illusion, he crosses all sins and also attains immortality. He enjoys wealth with fame. The experts of Brahman argue among themselves whether this is short, long or super long (pronunciation?). He who pronounces it with the short ending will burn away all sins and attain immortality. He who pronounces it with the long ending will get wealth with fame and also attain immortality. He who pronounces it with the super long ending (beyond human speech?) will attain ethereal knowledge and also immortality. Following is the explanation given by the sages:

"O power behind 'Him', who is the personification of the power of illusion, please protect us. Please bless us so that we can cross this sea of birth and death easily and directly. People who know you also call you Sridevi, Lakshmi, Parvati, Bhudevi (Goddess of Earth), Sashti Devi, Sri Vidya and Indra Sena. Begging you to grant me long life, I submit to you, who is the mother of all the Vedas.

All beings and things in the world were created from the sky (ether). All living beings were created from the sky. They live in the sky. They go to the sky, enter and disappear there. Therefore, we must understand that the sky is the root (The root word for the sky is "Ham").

The sages give the following explanation:

"This root 'Ham' is the Sun God, who travels in the clear sky, in the 'air' in the atmosphere, in the 'fire' in the fire sacrifices and who exists as 'guests' in houses. This is the only thing that devas and humans have. This is the truth. This is what is born from the sky, water, earth, sacrificial fire and mountains. This is the great truth. The Upanishads say that 'only he who knows this knows the secret meaning of the mantra.'"

The Fourth Upanishad

The Devas approached Brahma and requested him to teach them the limbs of the Narasimha Mantra Raja mantras. Brahma told them that they should know that Pranava, Savitri, Yajur-Lakshmi and Narasimha-Gayatri are the four limbs of the Narasimha mantra and that anyone who knows this attains immortality.

1. Pranavam is nothing but "Om".

2. The Savitri mantra, which protects those who chant it, is narrated in the Yajurveda. It has spread throughout the world. Savitri Ashtakshara (Eight letters) consists of two letters (syllables, letters in Sanskrit) "Ghrini", three letters "Surya" and three letters "Aditya". It is a chant that increases your status and your wealth. Great wealth will come in search of one who knows this.

3. Yajur-Mahalakshmi Mantra: "Om Bhur Lakshmi, Bhuvar Lakshmi, Suva Kala Karni, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat." It consists of 24 letters. This entire universe is in the form of this Gayatri. Therefore, one who knows this Yajur-Maha-Lakshmi Mantra will enjoy great wealth and great fame.

4. Narasimha Gayatri Mantra: "Om Nrisimhaya Vidmahe Vajra Nakhaya Dimahi. Tannah Simha Prachodayat." This is the mantra in which all the Vedas and devas reside. He who knows this will be the one with whom the devas and the Vedas will live forever.

The devas approached Brahma and asked him, "By chanting this mantra, God will show us great mercy and give us the opportunity to see His form. Please tell us about this." Then Brahma told them the following:

“Om, Um, Om. Yo Wai Nrisimho Devo Bhagawan Yasha Brahma Tasmai Wo Namo Namah. Om Kram Om. Yo Wai Nrisimho Devo Bhagwan Yasha Vishnu Tasmay Wai Namo Nama. Om Vim Om. Yo Wai Nrisimho Devo Bhagwan Yashcha Maheshwara Tasmay Wai Namo Nama.”

[The 32 gods who should be prayed to with this mantra with Um-kram-Vim-Ram are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara Purusha, Iashwara, Saraswati, Sri Gowri, Prakuti, Vidhya, Omkara, Ardha-matra, Vedha, Panchakya, Saptha Vyahridaya, Loka Pala, Vasava, Rudra, Aaditya, Ashtu Griha, Maha Bhuta, Kaala, Manu, Mrityu, Yama, Kandhaka, Paraana, Surya, Soma, Virat Purusha and Jiva and at the end repeat "Om Ham, Om, Yo Vai Nrisimho Devo Bhagavan Yasha Sarvam Tasmai Vai Namo Nama".]

Brahma said, "God will be very pleased with one who daily prays to God using these 32 mantras and will appear to him personally. Therefore, anyone who prays to Bhagavan Narasimha using these mantras, He will appear to him personally. That devotee will also see everything and attain immortality. This is what the great Upanishad says."

Fifth Upanishad

The Devas approached Brahma and requested him, "Bhagavan, please tell us about the famous Chakra called Maha-chakra. The sages say that "It is supposed to fulfill all desires and is the door to salvation."

Lord Brahma told them:

"Sudarshana (the holy wheel of Lord Vishnu) is the great Chakra. In its middle is written the Taraka mantra (OM) and also one letter of Narasimha (Kshrim), on its six petals of Sudarshana are written six letters (Sahasrara Hum Phat), on its eight petals are written eight letters (Om Namo Narayanaya), on its twelve petals are written twelve sacred letters (Om Namo Vasudevaya), on its sixteen petals is written the mathrika (pattern) of sixteen letters with their roots (Am Aam, Em, EEm..... Aha) and on its 32 petals are written the letters "Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja". This is the Sudarshana Chakra, it fulfills all desires and is the gate of salvation. It is the form of Yajurveda, Rigveda, Samaveda, Brahman and Amrita (nectar).

One who recites this "Narasimha Anushtup Mantra Raja" daily will be able to control fire, wind, sun, moon, water, all devas, all planets and poison.

The Rig Veda tells us about this: "Devotees who practice this will be able to see Lord Vishnu in the ethereal sky, just as an ordinary person can see the sun in the sky. Devotees who are brahmins will be able to praise the bright form of Vishnu. The Upanishads say that this can be achieved only by one who worships without any desire."

Thus ends the Nrisimha-purva-tapini Upanishad, which belongs to the Atharva Veda.

Note: The Nrisimha-tapini Upanishad, listed as one of the 108 Upanishads in one version of the Muktika Upanishad, has been shown as two Upanishads (Nrisimha-purva-tapini Upanishad and Nrisimha-uttara-tapini Upanishad) in another version of the Muktika Upanishad.

The following is the text of the Nrisimha Uttara Tapini Upanishad.

Nrisimha-uttara-tapini-upanishad

(The Second/Extreme Upanishad on the Practice of Worshipping Nrisimha)

Chapter One

The Devas approached Lord Brahma and asked him, "Please tell us about the soul, which is smaller than an atom, and also about the letter 'Om.' He said, 'So be it,' and this is what he said:

"All this is the letter 'Om'. What was in the past, what is in the present, and what will be in the future are its interpretations. All this is Om. All this is Brahman. This soul is also Brahman. By uniting this Atma (soul) with Brahman called Om, and by joining together Brahman and soul (Atma/Atman is the view of Brahman from below, from the standpoint of the individual; Brahman is the view of Brahman from the side, from the standpoint of Brahman itself), and realizing that the unborn, immortal, nectar-saturated and fearless Brahman is nothing but Om, and then uniting the three types of bodies and all this in it, and then making it yours to become one with it, and then destroying it, go on meditating on that Om which is the soul with three types of bodies, and also on Para-Brahman with three types of bodies. This soul which is gross and enjoys mega-pleasures, which is also very small and enjoys even the smallest pleasures, and which becomes one and enjoys the pleasures of happiness, has four legs (branches).

When she is awake, her feelings are rough. She enjoys the gross senses with her seven organs (limbs/anga; sapta-anga) and 19 faces (5 karmendriyas or organs of action: vak – mouth/speech, hasta – hands, pada – feet, payu – anus, upastha – genitals; 5 jnanedriyas or organs of perception: caksu – eyes, srotra – ears, ghrana – nose/smell, rasana – tongue/taste, tvak – skin/touch; five pranas: prana, apana, udana, vyana, samana (there are also five subsidiary pranas: naga, kurma, devadatta, krikala, dhananjaya; manas/mind, chitta/mirror or state of mind, buddhi – intuitive insight and ahamkara – ego principle – “inner instrument”). Her name is Chaturatma (four "I's") Vishva (as a whole; "universe") and Vaishvanara (partially). This is her first leg.

In the state of sleep (svapna; dream sleep) her (Atma's) senses are very insignificant. She will enjoy this petty sense with her seven organs (limbs/anga) and nineteen faces (see above). Her name is Chaturatma Taijasa (in general) and also Hiranya-garbha (in part). This is her second leg.

Where there is no desire and also where there are no dreams, that state is called sushupti (deep sleep without dreams). In that state one is alone, the personification of knowledge, having an infinite form, one who enjoys happiness and steadily concentrates on knowledge alone. His name is Chaturatma Prajna (the knower). This is the third leg (aspect). He alone is the Lord of all beings, the one who knows everything, the one who abides in everything, the one who is the root cause of everything and the one where all beings that have been born meet their end. These three, including sushupti and swapna, are only illusions. The soul is the only form that is real.

The fourth leg (aspect) of this fourfold soul is turiya. It is that which makes all the others act, that which is within everything, and it is the active entity beyond jagrat (wakefulness), sushupti and swapna. Here are some things about it: It is without macroconsciousness. It is without microconsciousness. It is without middle consciousness. It is the personification of consciousness. It is not something motionless and it is not motionless consciousness. It cannot be seen. It cannot be described. It cannot be understood. It is something without any identification. It is something unimaginable. It is something which cannot be pointed to. It is something which can be perceived only with the firm belief that there is only one soul. It is that aspect of the "pancha-bhuta" (five elements, namely earth, water, fire, air and ether) in which the entire universe collapses. This is considered the fourth state after Shiva (peace), Shanta (inner peace without any negative activity) and Advaita (the concept of non-duality). This is the soul. This is what needs to be understood. This is that aspect of God which is knowledge beyond all knowledge and is called Turiya-Turiyam.

Chapter two

The four branches of Brahman, which is brilliantly shining, full of the same essence of happiness, never ages, never dies, full of nectar and provides protection, should be compared with the four letters (branches) of Om. He who knows that Chaturatma Vishwa (in general) and Vaishvanara (in part), which are awake and resemble the four formed Aa-kara (letter Aa), are distributed within everything in the form of sthula (macro), sukshma (micro), bhija (root) and sakshi (witness) and are the first of everything, will fulfill all his desires. He will be the first among all.

Chaturatma Taijasa (in general) and Hiranya Garbha (in part) which exist in the dream state are like the four formed letters Uu. This Uu has the form of gross, micro, root and witness. Because of its greatness and because of its double connection, one who knows it through the gross, micro, root and witness aspects will increase the flow of knowledge. He will have equanimity along with pleasure and pain.

Chaturatma Prajna (in general) and Ishvara (in part), which are in the state of sleep, are like the four-shaped letters Ma. This letter Ma also has the forms of gross, micro, root and witness. He who knows this in the aspect of its measurability and its ability to hide it within itself in macro, micro, root and witness properties, will be able to measure the whole world with his wisdom and will be able to hide everything within himself.

Thus we should pray in the stages of waking, sleeping and dreaming with the letters Aa, Uu and Ma of the word Om. The fourth letter is the one which has Ishvara within itself (the anusvara dot in the Sanskrit letter OM). It is that which can control itself, it is Ishvara itself and has self-effulgence. This soul, which is the fourth, exists as known and unknown among all beings. Its light is like Kalagni Surya (the sun which is like fire causing death) during the last deluge. It gives itself to all as soul and transforms everything into itself. Like the sun which consumes darkness, this soul which is the unified force exists as fire which remains detached after burning the fuel, is beyond word and mind and has a holy divine form and is turiya. This is Om. It is in everything that has name and form and is knowledge and the knower. Because he exists as turiya and has a divine form and is in everything as knowledge and the knower, and is detached and formless, there is no difference within him. And therefore the teaching regarding this is:

Because he is without a syllable, he is peace (Shiva), it is the place where the universe meets its end, he is indescribable, he has a non-dualistic form and is in the fourth position, and he is 'Om' itself. The soul that understands it in this way will itself attain the soul (Atman/Brahman).

This valiant hero will understand turiya by using the Narasimha-anushtup-mantra-raja. This will make the soul shine. He should deeply meditate on Brahman as that which will destroy everything, which cannot be defeated by anyone, which is everywhere, which shines eternally, which is devoid of ignorance, which is capable of breaking his own bonds, which is non-dual, which is the personification of happiness, which is the basis of everything, which exists eternally and which is one without ignorance, passion and base qualities.

Chapter Three

Meditate deeply on Pranava (Om) in the form of chidagni (inner fire) which is in the agni mandala (fire orbit) of muladhara, in the maha pitha (consisting of 4, 7 and 32 petaled lotus) with its family of four worlds (Earth, atmosphere, heaven and lunar world) and seven souls (Loka Veda Devata Gana Chanda Agni Vyahriti). Then meditate on the letter Aa, which is the chatur-atma (four souls) and sapta-atma (seven souls) as Brahma in the abdomen (mani-puraka), on the letter Uu as Vishnu in the heart (anahata), on the letter Ma as Rudra in the middle of the eyelids (ajna), on the point which is the happy nectarean form of the soul of Omkara (the Sound of Om) in the dvadashanta (just above the eyes; "the end/completion of twelve") and on the soul (Atma) in the form of sound in the shodasanta ("the end of sixteen"). Thus, after worshipping with nectar (ananda-amrita; "blissful nectar") the four Brahmas (devata-deity, teacher, mantra and soul), Vishnu, Rudra separately and then together in the form of Linga with offerings, and then uniting the linga forms into Atma-jyoti (light of the soul) and filling the macro, micro and causal bodies with this light, we have to unite the Atma-jyoti, which is their basis, with the macro, micro, root and witness properties. After this establish the very gross (gross) form of Virata in the very micro form of Hiranyagarbha, and this micro form in the great causal form of Ishvara, and after similar arrangement of mantras and meditation at the stages of “Ota-anu-jnatranujna-avikalpa”, and merging all this into Omkara (the sound of Om) in turiya, we should attain nirvikalpa-paramatma (the formless great truth).

Chapter Four

Thus the soul should meditate nine times as the Omkara form of Parabrahma with the sound of turiya pranava. Using the anushtup mantra as the ever-blissful full Atma, beginning with the repetitions of "Om Ugra, Sat-cid-ananda Purna-Pratyag-Sadatmanam, Nrsimham Pramatmanam Param Brahma Chintaiami" and ending with "Om Mrityum Mrityum ...." Then the same prayer nine times with Chidatmanam instead of Sadatmanam. Then the same prayer 9 times with Anandatmanam instead of Sadatmanam. Then the same prayer 9 times with Purnatmanam instead of Sadatmanam and again the same prayer with Pratyagatmanam instead of Sadathmanam. Meditate well on the five forms of Sat, Chit, Ananda, Purna and Atma and pray with the Navatmaka mantras and then meditate on the soul using 'Aham (I)' then salutation and then unite with Brahman. [Example of Namaskara (salutation) mantras 'Om Ugra Satchidananda Purna Pratyag Sadatmanam (replace Chidatmanam etc.) Nrsimham Paramatmanam Param Brahma Aham Namami'.]

Another alternative is to pray to Lord Narasimha using the Anushtup mantra. He (Narasimha), who is God, exists as a human being and also as the soul of everyone at all times and everywhere and also as the destroyer of attachments and also as the God of the universe. He is the soul of the turiyas. Believing that he is you, one who practices yoga should meditate on Omkara-Brahman.

He is the great sage who serves God, who establishes the lion with his glory, after mutually attracting Vishva, Taijasa and Prajna, who are like the sons of Atma with Pranava, who was indicated as the bull (an epithet of majesty in ancient Hinduism) of the Vedas, after they became without a separate identity and completed them in Sakshi Chaitanya, and then killed the darkness of ignorance using the glory of the lion.

That devotee who after saluting Virata, Hiranya Garbha and Ishvara, who have been joined in the horns (Sanskrit letter OM – ॐ) of Pranava and uniting them in the same principle of Paramatma, and then saluting Narasimha as described above and making him personally present by methods like Ugra (Very angry) and Vira (great hero), will exist in a form like Narasimha.

Chapter Five

Such a type of practitioner will have no desire for worldly things, all his previous desires will be fulfilled and he will desire only Atma (soul). His pranas (energies of the soul) do not begin and go anywhere and reach their end point here in Brahman. He exists as Brahman and attains Brahman. One who worships the sublime Atma in Omkara (letter Om) attains Brahman in the form of Narasimha.

He who meditates and worships the supreme God in the form of Aa, Uu and Ma, who is incomparable, who is the holy spirit, who sees everything, who is the witness of everything, who absorbs everything, who is the darling of every body, who precedes everything and who makes everything else shine, will understand and know Para Brahma. He who knows this will shine as God Para Brahma Narasimha.

Chapter Six

The Devas wanted to understand this Atma (soul). The qualities of the Asuras captivated them. To get rid of this effect, they worshipped Narasimha, who is the soul of the Turiya, which is at the top of Omkara, using the mantra Anushtup. Then the sin, like the qualities of the Asuras, itself became the great light of wisdom, which is the supreme happiness (like poison becoming medicine). These Devas became mentally calm, keeping their sense organs under control, became those who were not attracted by worldly desires, became those who had patience, became those whose behavior became stable, became those who were attracted to the Atma, became those who had playfulness, unity and happiness, and became those who realized that “Om” is “the light of the Atma, which is Para Brahman” and felt that all other places are empty and merged in “Om”. Therefore, the practitioner should do penance like the devas, stabilize his mind in Omkara Para Brahman and make other people see his Atma as Para Brahman. There is a sacred verse about this, namely, "After meditating on the rogs, which are the different parts of Pranava, and further meditating on the turiya of Paramatma, which is a 'horn' but not a part, add the Nrsimha Raja Mantra to the different parts of Pranava." The three types of devas (sattvic, rajasic and tamasic) serve the Pranava in which the first two letters (Aa and Uu) merge and are fixed in the third letter Ma and ascend.

Chapter Seven

Adding the first half of the letter Uu with the letter Aa and making it the form of Lord Narasimha and then using the second half of the letter Uu on Narasimha-Brahma because it is macro, because it is shining, because it is famous, because it is mahadeva (great deity), because it is Maheshwara (the greatest deity), because it is the best sattva (sattvic, auspicious quality), because it is the greatest wisdom, because it is the greatest happiness, and because it is the greatest lord, then combining it with the soul, which is the meaning of the letter Ma. He who knows this will be without body, without sense organs, without soul, without ignorance, with the form of Sat-Chit-Ananda (eternal abiding in bliss) and will become like one who has attained salvation (one who attains swarajya).

Therefore one should meditate on Parabrahma with the letter Aa, cross the mind with the letter Ma and seek that state in which one is the witness of the mind. When one pushes everything out, then everything enters, and when one attains the awakening of wisdom, then everything rises from him. Thus if one meditates, catches it, kindles and absorbs it, one will become Narasimha, who has the form of Atma, and will be established in his own power. There is a sacred verse about this. Its meaning is: Join Aa, the first letter of Pranava, with the first part of its second letter Uu, and join them together with the letter Ma and merge it with the turiya of Brahma, which is the meaning of Pranava and is the witness beyond the states of waking, dreaming and deep dreamless sleep.

Chapter Eight

His soul is completely woven from beginning to end by turiya. It is with the form of Narasimha, by whom everything is permeated and who is the soul of everything, contains everything. It is mysterious and has no form or seed. This soul is non-dual and has no form or seed. The word 'Om' is non-dual and full of wisdom. (Narasimha, the soul of turiya and the meaning of Omkara are all one and the same. They absorb everything.) It is the unique body of Parameshwara (the lord of everything). It is without form and seed. It, being formless and seedless, has no internal difference. He who thinks that there is a difference between them, breaks into a hundred parts (a hundredfold) and breaks into a thousand parts (a thousandfold). It is the death of death. It is secondless, self-effulgent and great bliss. This soul is the supreme support. It is Brahman. Brahman is the supreme support. He who knows this becomes Brahman, which is the supreme support.

Chapter Nine

The Devas (deities) approached Prajapati and requested him, "O Bhagavan (Lord), please tell us about Omkar-atma (the letter Om, which is the soul)." He agreed and told them:

The Atma stands behind and watches, and is with you as a witness. It is the lion, the form beyond thought, the form without senses, and something that can be reached from everywhere. There is nothing second to it, which is separate from it. It is the Atma that is present everywhere. Due to illusion, this Atma appears to be something else. Due to the veil of ignorance, the universe is created from prajna. For the living being, the Atma is the effulgent Paramatma. Since the senses cannot perceive it, it is not known, even when it is known.

Prajapati said to the devas: "Look at this Atma which is shining and has no second, which is before you as 'I am this and this is I'. Have you seen it?"

The Devas replied, "Yes, we have. It is beyond the known and unknown. Where has the illusion gone now? How did the illusion disappear?"

Prajapati told them, "It is not surprising that the illusion has disappeared. Because you are all in noble/elevated (arya) bodies/sheaths (rupa). There is nothing surprising in this. This form of the soul is natural to you all. Understand that this is the form of 'Om'. Now you tell me what you have understood."

They said, "It seems that we have understood it, and it also seems that we have not understood it. It also seems that it is beyond all description."

Prajapati told them, "Now you have received knowledge of the soul."

They said to him, "O Bhagavan, we see this, but we do not see it as we see other things. We have no way of describing it. O Bhagavan, salutations to you. Please shower your grace on us."

Prajapati told them, "If you want to know anything more, please ask me. Ask without fear."

They said: "This knowledge of the soul is a great blessing. Our greetings to you."

Prajapati taught them this. It is written about it thus: "Realize that Atma which is spread everywhere by the practice of Om. Realize that Atma which has nothing that is different from you and which is in you as the knower, is deep within you. After realizing this, establish yourself there as the witness who instructs."

Thus ends the Nrisimha-uttara-tapini Upanishad, which belongs to the Atharvaveda.