Hinduism

Chapter10— Chandogya Upanishad (Salt in Water)

◆ About this chapter

Chapter 10 of the Chandogya Upanishad, often titled 'Salt in Water,' serves as a pivotal pedagogical narrative within the broader Chandogya corpus. Through the dialogue between the sage Uddalaka Aruni and his son Svetaketu, the text employs a tangible metaphor to elucidate the abstract concept of Brahman as the subtle essence pervading all existence. This inquiry into the unity of the Self and the ultimate reality anchors the chapter's central thesis, asserting the identity of the individual soul with the universal principle.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

Bring me a lump of salt. Put it in water. Bring it to me in the morning. ²He brought it. His father said: 'Taste the water from the top. What do you see?' He said: 'It is salt.' ³His father said: 'Taste from the middle. What do you see?' He said: 'It is salt.' ⁴His father said: 'Throw it away. It is there still. Believe me, O Svetaketu, that which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁵He said: 'Father, teach me more.' His father said: 'That which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁶He said: 'Father, teach me more.' His father said: 'That which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁷He said: 'Father, teach me more.' His father said: 'That which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.' ⁸He said: 'Father, teach me more.' His father said: 'That which is the subtle essence, in it all that exists has its self. It is the true. It is the Self. Thou art that.'

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Chapter Discussion

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— 10 —sacredatlas.org