Katha Upanishad 1.2.14
अन्यत्र धर्मादन्यत्राधर्मादन्यत्रास्मात्कृताकृतात् ।
अन्यत्र भूताच्च भव्याच्च यत्तत्पश्यसि तद्वद ॥ १४ ॥
"Tell me that which is beyond righteousness and unrighteousness, beyond what is done and not done, beyond what is past and future."
This verse is a profound inquiry by Nachiketa to Yama, the god of death, in the Katha Upanishad. Nachiketa seeks Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth that transcends dualities and temporal limitations.
The phrase "beyond righteousness and unrighteousness" (धर्मादन्यत्र अधर्माद) signifies a realm that surpasses moral dichotomies. This points to the State of Absolute Reality or Brahman, which is not subject to human constructs of right and wrong. It suggests that Ultimate liberation (moksha) is beyond the scope of ethical judgments that operate within the phenomenal world.
The mention of "beyond what is done and not done" (अस्मात्कृताकृतात्) indicates liberation from the bondage of karma (action) and its fruits. Actions performed or left undone bind the individual to the cycle of birth and death. The seeker aims for a state where karma ceases to have relevance, achievable only through Self-Realization.
Finally, "beyond the past and future" (भूताच्च भव्याच्च) refers to a dimension beyond time, emphasizing the timeless nature of Brahman. Time is a product of the mind and the material universe, but the Ultimate Reality is Eternal and unchanging. This verse underscores the Upanishadic teaching that Self-Realization leads one to this Timeless State, which is the True Essence of Existence.
Comparative Verses from Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.45
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन।
निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान् ॥
"The Vedas deal with the three gunas (qualities). Be free from the triad of gunas, O Arjuna. Be free from dualities, ever firm in Purity, independent of possessions, and centered in the Self."
This verse complements Katha Upanishad 1.2.14 in urging the seeker to rise above dualities and the qualities (gunas) of nature, moving toward Self-Realization.
Yoga Vashishta Chapter 6.1.1
चित्तकालमयं सर्वं चित्तेत्यन्तं प्रशाम्यति।
निर्विकल्पं तदा यान्ति जीवन्मुक्ता महामतिः ॥
"All that exists is shaped by the mind and time; when the mind dissolves, all resolves into Stillness. At that moment, the great soul attains liberation while still living."
This verse resonates with the Katha Upanishad by emphasizing the transcendence of time and mental constructs to achieve liberation, a state of Timeless Stillness akin to Nachiketa’s quest.
These verses collectively elucidate the universal Vedic principle of transcending dualities, karma, and temporality to Realize the Ultimate Truth, highlighting the harmony between various texts on the path to Self-Realization.
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