Translated by Prof. A. A. Ramanathan
Published by The Theosophical Publishing House, Chennai
Om ! May my speech be based on (i.e. accord with) the mind;
May my mind be based on speech.
O Self-effulgent One, reveal Thyself to me.
May you both (speech and mind) be the carriers of the Veda to me.
May not all that I have heard depart from me.
I shall join together (i.e. obliterate the difference of) day
And night through this study.
I shall utter what is verbally true;
I shall utter what is mentally true.
May that (Brahman) protect me;
May That protect the speaker (i.e. the teacher), may That protect me;
May that protect the speaker – may That protect the speaker.
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
1. Now we shall expound the Nirvanopanishad.
2. The Paramahamsa: I am He.
3. The mendicant monks who wear marks of renunciation inwardly. [They are the ascetics entitled to study this Upanishad.]
4. (They are) the protectors of the field in which I-ness (indicative of the separateness of the Self) is destroyed.
5. Their settled conclusion is partless like ether.
6. (Their heart) is the river of immortal waves.
7. (Their heart) is imperishable and unconditioned.
8. (Their preceptor) is the (realized) sage free from doubts.
9. The divine being (they adore is) final beatitude.
10. Their activity is free of family (and other) ties.
11. Their knowledge is not isolated.
12. (They study and/or teach) the higher scripture.
13. (They constitute) the propless monastic centre.
14. Their dedication (is to reveal Brahman) to a group (of worthy disciples).
15. The instruction is the non-existence (of things other than Brahman).
16. This dedication brings joy and purification (to the disciples).
17. Their sight is (like) seeing the twelve suns.
18. Discrimination (of the real from the unreal) is (their) protection.
19. Their compassion aloe is the sport.
20. (They wear) the garland of bliss.
21. In the cave of one seat (is) their audience of happiness, free from restrictions of yoga-postures.
22. (They) subsist on food not prepared (specially for them).
23. Their conduct is in consonance with the realization of the oneness of the Self and Brahman (Hamsa).
24. They demonstrate to disciples (by their conduct) that Brahman is present in all beings.
25. True conviction is their patched garment. Non-alignment is their loin-cloth. Reflection (of the truths of the Vedanta) is their (emblematic-)staff. The vision of Brahman (as non-different from the Self) is their yoga-cloth. Sandals (consist in avoiding contact with worldly) wealth. Activity (for bare living) at the behest of others. Their bondage (is only in the desire to direct) the Kundalini (into the Susumna). Liberated while alive, as they are freed from denial of the highest (Brahman). The oneness with Siva is their sleep. True knowledge (by denying joy in Avidya) or the Khechari-mudra is their supreme bliss.
