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Studies in Indian Philosophy (c) The Kausītaki Upanişad :
So far we have seen that there are the following possiblities. with regard to Brahman and the world of Brahman. Brahman may be masculine or neuter, the world of Brahman may be related to Brahman or Brahmā, this world may be differentiated or undifferentiated, and finally Brahma may be considered to have a higher status than Brahmā. The Kausitaki Upanisad presents a synthesis of several of these elements into a unique vision of the glories of the world of Brahmã (Kau, 1.1-7).
In this Upanisad Citra Gāngyāyani teaches Gautama Āruni about the path which leads to the gods Gautama Aruni is also the name of the priest who received instructions on the same topic from the ruler Pravāhana Jaivali in two other contexts in the earliest Upanişads (Bịh. 6.2.15: Cha. 5.10.1-2) The repeated occurrence of highly similar passages concerning the path which leads to the gods shows the importance of these teachings during the period of the earliest Upanişads.
Citra Gārgyāyani explains that at death all go to the moon wh cb asks who they are. If they can not answer they are reborn again in this world according to their deeds and their knowledge (yathākarma yathāvidyam, Kau. 1.2). If they can trace their birth back to the moon they may proceed. We can see bere the decisive role of profound wisdom as compared to mere deeds and common knowledge. T distinction which pervades the Upanişads.
The individual who answers the moon successfully then passes through various worlds, such as the worlds of Agri, Varuna and Prajāpati. He finally comes to the world of Brahmā which is described as having the lake Ara, the river Vijarā (ageless), the dwelling Aparājita (unconquerabie), celestial nymphs offering flowers, perfumes and so forth. Citra Gārgyāyani states that if an individual knows all this about the the world of Brahmā he comes to it (tam itthamvid agacchati, Kau. 1.3.). Brabmā tells the individual that, “ He, who has come to the river Vijarā (ageless) on account of my glory will not grow old” (Kau.13).
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