So, that was the preliminary preparation for the understanding of the Truth. This is something we are not prepared to do and we still want to find the Truth.
So the Saint said, “Live with me here for a year and then ask me questions according to your desire.” Did he say further that he would answer them then? No, he said and he added, “If I know, I shall indeed tell you all that. I will tell you after living with me for a year–so that I have tested you and you have checked me in that time while you have gone through the austerity, chastity and faith required for this enquiry.”
“When you have become qualified to enquire, and then ask me questions, then I may, if I can answer them, if I know the answers to them.” He is not presupposing that there will be answers – he doesn’t have readymade answers to their enquiry.
He said you ask me the questions and if I know the answers, I shall indeed explain them to you. Now you know what the Upanishad is–the Prasna Upanishad, the questioning Upanishad.
So they lived thus for a year. After they had followed all the instructions of the Rishi, Kabandhi, son of Katya, first approached the Rishi and said,
Kuto Ha Va Imah Prajah Prajayanta Iti.
O Lord, Bhagavan, whence, verily from where have all these creatures been born?
The Sun indeed is life, why? It is the Sun that is responsible for photosynthesis; it is the Sun that makes life. If the Sun stops for few days, there will be no agriculture, no growth, nothing! It is the Sun that gives light and heat.
Comments