Katha Upanishad 2.1.9
(Brahman)
यतश्चोदेति सूर्योऽस्तं यत्र च गच्छति ।
तं देवाः सर्वे अर्पितास्तदु नात्येति कश्चन । एतद्वैतत् ॥ ९ ॥
"From where the sun rises and where it sets, to that (Supreme Reality) all the gods are dedicated. That (Reality) no one ever transcends. This, verily, is That (Supreme Truth)."
This verse from the Katha Upanishad conveys the Omnipresence and Supreme Authority of the Ultimate Reality,
Brahman. It highlights that the sun, which is often regarded as the giver of life and light, emerges from and dissolves into this Supreme Being. The phrase "तं देवाः सर्वे अर्पिताः" (to that, all gods are dedicated) indicates that even the celestial deities, often perceived as powerful forces governing nature, are subservient to Brahman. This establishes Brahman as the foundational Existence that governs all Cosmic processes, beyond which nothing exists.
Furthermore, the verse proclaims that "तदु नात्येति कश्चन" (none can transcend it). This suggests that
Brahman is the Highest and most Absolute State, beyond which there is nothing to be known or attained.
In the Upanishadic context, liberation (mokṣa) is not about reaching a different realm but realizing this unchanging, ever-present essence. The concluding phrase "एतद्वैतत्" (This, verily, is That) is a powerful affirmation, reinforcing the core Vedantic idea that this Reality is the same one that seekers yearn for — it is not different from one's own essential nature.
This verse resonates deeply with the central theme of non-duality (Advaita), where all perceived multiplicity ultimately merges into the one Absolute Truth. The rising and setting of the sun are metaphors for the cyclical nature of existence, governed by a Supreme Force that remains unaffected by creation and dissolution. This verse encourages the aspirant to seek the changeless Reality amidst the ever-changing phenomena, leading to Self-Realization and liberation.
Comparison with Similar Verses from Other Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10:
दिव्यो ह्यमूर्तः पुरुषः स बाह्याभ्यन्तरो ह्यजः।
अप्राणो ह्यमनाः शुभ्रो ह्यक्षरात्परतः परः ॥
"The Divine, formless Purusha is both within and without. He is unborn, without prana (life-force), without mind, pure, and beyond the imperishable."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad complements Katha Upanishad 2.1.9 by describing Brahman as Formless, Pure, and beyond all attributes. Just as the Katha Upanishad establishes that none can transcend Brahman, this verse emphasizes its transcendence over both the mutable and the immutable aspects of existence.
Bhagavad Gita 15.6:
न तद्भासयते सूर्यो न शशाङ्को न पावकः।
यद्गत्वा न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम ॥
"Neither the sun, nor the moon, nor fire illumines That; having reached which, one does not return—That is My Supreme Abode."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the Katha Upanishad in emphasizing Brahman as the Ultimate Reality beyond all Cosmic elements, including the sun and moon. While Katha Upanishad speaks of the sun rising and setting within Brahman, this verse clarifies that Brahman is beyond the need for any external illumination, signifying its self-luminous and Eternal Nature.
Yoga Vashishta 3.118.18:
यत्रेदं भाति विश्वं त्रिभुवनं सच्चेतनं चैतन्यसारं।
यत्तत्र भाति नो भानं तत्तत्त्वं ब्रह्म तत्सत्यं ॥
"That in which this entire Universe, including the three worlds and all sentient beings, shines forth — that, wherein there is no external illumination — that alone is the Supreme Truth, Brahman."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta aligns closely with the Katha Upanishad by reinforcing the idea that all existence emanates from Brahman and remains within it. Like the sun rising and setting within Brahman, this verse affirms that the entire Universe manifests within the Supreme Consciousness, which remains self-effulgent and independent.
These verses together strengthen the Upanishadic teaching that Brahman is the Ultimate substratum of Existence. The comparisons illustrate how different scriptures reiterate the same fundamental truth: everything, including the celestial bodies, gods, and the entire Cosmos, exists within Brahman, which remains beyond all dualities and limitations.
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