Amritabindu-upanishad

Amritabindu-upanishad is one of the very concise Upanishads belonging to the Atharva-veda, and comes under the category of minor. The term ‘minor’ is to indicate that it is not one of the 10 Upanishads upon which Sri Sankaracharya has written a commentary. The knowledge is no way minor, for though brief and concise, this Upanishad is complete in itself for the purpose of Liberation. The term ‘Upanishad’ refers to the highest Knowledge that Liberates one from the world of transmigration.

The Amritabindu-upanishad is divided broadly into three sections:

(1) Analysis of the mind and nature of bondage: The mind is analysed and stated as the cause of bondage as well as Liberation. The mind is of two types – one, which causes bondage; and the other, which leads one to Liberation. The mind that is attached to the world of objects is the cause of bondage and the mind that is free of attachment becomes the means for Liberation. The mind ought to be purified through various paths of karma-, bhakti-, raja-, and jnana-yogas. Such a purified mind must then be absorbed in the Self through the triple means of sravana, manana and nididhyasana.

(2) Method to absorb the mind in the Self: Omkara-upasana is prescribed as a means to absorb the mind in the Self. The obstacles that might come in the way of meditation and the techniques to overcome them are also enumerated.

(3) Nature of the Self: The nature of the Self is enumerated in the last section of the Upanishad through suitable illustrations. This section also is valuable for the advice it offers seekers for successfully walking the path to Liberation.

A total of 8 video sessions by Swami Advayananda divided into 6 lessons are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• An introduction to Vedas and Upanishads
• The nature of the mind and how it must be effectively used as a means for Liberation
• An overview of spiritual practices to be undertaken and methods to overcome the obstacles
• Methodology of the Omkara-upasana
• Nature of a liberated person
• Nature of the Self illustrated with examples and advice to seekers

Why should I do this Course?

Amritabindu-upanishad is brief and concise and yet covers the essential message of the Upanishads. One who is keen to know the message and the teachings of the Upanishads will find this very useful. Also, the study of this Upanishad can serve as a doorway to other major Upanishads.

Requirements

• Keenness to know the wisdom of the Upanishads and walk the path
• Knowledge of Sanskrit is not a prerequisite
• Good internet connection

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 6 lessons covering 9 audio/video sessions and 6 objective type questionnaires.
• The recommended duration for completion of the Amritabindu-upanishad course is 2 months. The suggested maximum duration is 3 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above 'O' Grade
• 60% and above 'A+' Grade
• 50% and above 'A' Grade
• Below 50% 'B' Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. You could collect the ‘Course Completion Certificate’ either during our convocation programme on Adi Sankara Jayanti day (around April - May every year) or opt for postal delivery.

How do I purchase the Text?

Students are recommended to purchase a copy of the entire Amritabindu-upanishad, with the commentary of Swami Tejomayananda, published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT).

You may purchase a copy of the text by clicking the following links:

In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF)
Ph: +91 92077 11138 / WhatsApp: 9207398313 / Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Course Content

The course on Amritabindu-upanishad comprises 6 lessons. A brief description of what is covered in each lesson is given below:

• Lesson 1: Introduction
• Lesson 2: Analysis of the Mind
• Lesson 3: Absorbing the Mind in the Self
• Lesson 4: Omkara-upasana and Nature of the Self
• Lesson 5: The Non-dual Brahman
• Lesson 6: Self-knowledge through Illustrations

Click here for further details

Course Contributors

Chetana Neerchal

Arvind Kannan

Sumedha Kulkarni

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org

For Queries