The Kena Upanishad is one of the profound texts of the Vedas, belonging to the Sama Veda. Its title, "Kena," derives from the opening question of the text, which begins with "kena" (by whom?), inquiring about the ultimate source of life and consciousness. The first part of this sacred text explores the subtle and ineffable nature of Brahman – the absolute reality, the source from which all existence originates.
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The Fundamental Question: Who Guides Life and Thought?
The text begins with a philosophical inquiry:
> “Who impels the mind to think? Who directs life to breathe? Who gives speech its power? What divine power moves the eyes and ears?”
(Kena Upanishad 1.1)
This profound question reflects humanity's curiosity about the origin of consciousness and vital functions. The sages of the Upanishads seek to uncover the ultimate source that sustains all mental, sensory, and physical processes.
Explanation:
This question is not about natural forces or gods in a conventional sense but about something deeper, beyond ordinary perception – Brahman. This divine source cannot be perceived by the senses, yet without it, the senses would not function.
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The Mystical Answer: Brahman – Beyond Perception
The response is revealed in a mystical manner:
> “It is the hearing of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of speech, the breath of breath, and the sight of the eye. The wise, realizing this, transcend the world and become immortal.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.2)
Explanation:
This verse illustrates that Brahman is the foundation of all sensory and mental functions. For example:
"The hearing of the ear": Hearing is merely an instrument; it is consciousness that makes the perception of sound possible.
"The mind of the mind": Although the mind is incredibly complex, it is driven by a deeper force – Brahman.
The message is profound: Brahman is not an object of perception or thought but the source of all perceptions and thoughts.
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The Transcendence of the Senses
The Upanishad emphasizes the subtle nature of Brahman:
> “That which cannot be perceived by the eye, but by which the eyes perceive; that which cannot be expressed by speech, but by which speech is expressed; that which cannot be thought by the mind, but by which the mind thinks – know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.3-1.5)
Explanation:
These verses highlight the limitations of the senses and the mind in understanding Brahman. Although Brahman is the source of everything, it cannot be conceptualized or objectified. It is "beyond the known" – transcending the material world – yet it is also "beyond the unknown," being omnipresent and accessible only through direct realization.
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The Ineffability of Brahman: Beyond Words
One of the most famous verses from the first part states:
> “That which cannot be expressed by words, but by which words are expressed – know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.6)
Explanation:
Brahman cannot be described through language or symbols because any attempt to define it would limit its infinite nature. Instead, Brahman is what makes language and communication possible. Therefore, it must be experienced directly, rather than understood conceptually.
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The Role of Mind, Eyes, and Ears
The Kena Upanishad continues with more examples to clarify this idea:
> “That which cannot be thought by the mind, but by which the mind thinks – know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.7)
> “That which cannot be seen by the eye, but by which the eyes see – know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.8)
> “That which cannot be heard by the ear, but by which the ears hear – know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.9)
Explanation:
These verses emphasize the paradox of Brahman: it is the source of all perceptions, yet it cannot be directly perceived. It enables thought, sight, hearing, and breath, yet it remains beyond their reach.
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Conclusion: Inner Realization
The first part of the Kena Upanishad concludes with a profound reminder:
> “Know that to be Brahman, not what people worship here.”
(Kena Upanishad 1.10)
This emphasizes that the true realization of Brahman does not come from external worship or material objects but through introspection and direct experience of the supreme consciousness.
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Relevance in Daily Life
The first part of the Kena Upanishad teaches us that:
We should not seek ultimate answers solely in the external world but also within ourselves.
The mind and senses are merely instruments; consciousness is their source.
True knowledge of reality comes from direct experience, not intellectual reasoning.
The Kena Upanishad remains a beacon of wisdom, guiding us toward introspection and the realization of the supreme consciousness that sustains all existence.