Krishjan

Chapter 6 — Sixth Question

Prashna

8 Shloka • Translation Only

Then Sukeśa Bhāradvāja approached and asked: “Revered Sir, Hiranyanābha, the prince of Kosala, once came to me and asked: ‘O Bhāradvāja, do you know the Person who possesses sixteen parts?’ I replied to the prince: ‘I do not know Him. If I knew Him, how could I fail to tell you?’ For one who speaks falsehood with regard to such a matter is uprooted and withers away from the very root. Therefore, I could not speak what was untrue. The prince then mounted his chariot and departed in silence. Now I ask you: Where is that Person with sixteen parts?”

To him, the sage replied: “O dear one, that Person is here indeed, within this very body. It is from Him that these sixteen parts (kalās) arise and proceed forth.”

He reflected within Himself: “Upon whose departure shall I depart? And in whose presence and establishment shall I remain established?”

He created Prāṇa (the vital force). From Prāṇa arose faith (Śraddhā), space (Ākāśa), air (Vāyu), light (Jyotis/Fire), water (Āpas), earth (Pṛthivī), the senses, the mind, and food. From food came vigor (Vīrya); from vigor, austerity (Tapas); from austerity, the mantras; from the mantras, actions (Karma); from actions, the worlds (Lokas); and in those worlds, names and identities.

Just as these flowing rivers, moving toward the ocean, upon reaching the ocean lose themselves in it, and their individual names and forms disappear, being known simply as “the ocean,” so too do these sixteen parts, which proceed from the Person (Puruṣa), return to Him. Having reached the Puruṣa, they become absorbed into Him, and their separate names and forms disappear. Then He alone is spoken of as the Puruṣa. Thus, one becomes partless (akala) and immortal. Concerning this, the following verse is declared:

Just as the spokes of a wheel are fixed in its hub, so are all the parts established in Him. Know that Puruṣa, who is worthy of realization. Know Him, so that death may not trouble or overcome you.

The sage said to them: “This much alone do I know of the Supreme Brahman. There is nothing higher than This.”

They honored him and said: “You are indeed our father, for you have carried us across to the farther shore beyond ignorance.” Salutations to the great seers. Salutations to the great seers. Om. Peace. Peace. Peace.