Mandukya Upanishad

In "Mandukya Upanishad: A Novel," readers follow the journey of the main character as they explore the concept of Om, the syllable that represents the entire universe. The story is set in a historical context and focuses on the conflict within the main character as they navigate through four different aspects of Atman.

The story begins with the introduction of Atman, which is described as having four different aspects. The first aspect, Vaishvanara, represents the waking state of consciousness. In this state, the main character is turned outward to the external world, experiencing gross objects through seven instruments and nineteen channels. These instruments represent macrocosmic elements like space, air, fire, water, and earth, along with the flow of energy towards breath. The nineteen channels relate to microcosmic functions such as manas, chitta, ahamkara, and buddhi, which operate through the five vayus, five active senses or indriyas, and five cognitive senses or jnanendriyas.

The second aspect of Atman is Taijasa, representing the dreaming state of consciousness. In this state, the main character turns inward towards the inner world and operates through seven instruments and nineteen channels that engage subtle objects of the mental realm.

The third aspect of Atman is Prajna, representing the deep sleep state of consciousness. In this state, there is no desire for gross or subtle objects nor any dream sequences. The main character experiences bliss and gains clearer knowledge of the two preceding states.

The fourth aspect of Atman is Turiya, which represents pure consciousness itself. In this state, the main character's consciousness is neither turned outward nor inward but rather beyond cognition and absence of cognition. It cannot be experienced through senses or known by comparison, deductive reasoning or inference; it is indescribable, incomprehensible, and unthinkable with the mind.

As readers follow the journey of the main character through the four aspects of Atman, they discover that Om is indivisible and pure consciousness itself. The three sounds A-U-M (ah, ou, mm) and the three letters A, U, M are identical with the three states of waking, dreaming, and sleeping. The fourth state, Turiya, is to be realized only in the silence beyond the other three.

Throughout the story, readers are immersed in the rich language and vivid descriptions of each aspect of Atman. They witness the conflict within the main character as they navigate through the different states of consciousness and strive to reach the fourth state of Turiya. Ultimately, readers are left with a sense of fulfillment and understanding as they reach the true Self in the soundless aspect of Om.