Hinduism

Chapter11— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Neti Neti)

◆ About this chapter

Chapter 11 of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, renowned for the Neti Neti ('not this, not this') methodology, offers a rigorous apophatic inquiry into the nature of Atman. By systematically negating all empirical attributes and sensory experiences, the text delineates the transcendental Self as beyond gross or subtle, short or long, and devoid of breath or mind. Situated within the broader Brahmanical tradition, this chapter serves as a pivotal philosophical exercise that guides the seeker toward realizing the formless, imperishable reality underlying all existence.

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

The Self is not this, not this. It is not gross, not subtle, not short, not long, not red, not fluid, not shadow, not darkness, not air, not space, not smell, not taste, not eye, not ear, not speech, not mind, not breath, not mouth, not name, not form, not age, not death, not immortality.The Word, the Way, t… ²It is without breath, without mind, pure, superior to the high Imperishable. It is not this, not this. ³It is not this, not this. It is not gross, not subtle, not short, not long, not red, not fluid, not shadow, not darkness, not air, not space, not smell, not taste, not eye, not ear, not speech, not mind, not breath, not mouth, not name, not form, not age, not death, not immortality. ⁴It is without breath, without mind, pure, superior to the high Imperishable. It is not this, not this. ⁵It is not this, not this. It is not gross, not subtle, not short, not long, not red, not fluid, not shadow, not darkness, not air, not space, not smell, not taste, not eye, not ear, not speech, not mind, not breath, not mouth, not name, not form, not age, not death, not immortality. ⁶It is without breath, without mind, pure, superior to the high Imperishable. It is not this, not this. ⁷It is not this, not this. It is not gross, not subtle, not short, not long, not red, not fluid, not shadow, not darkness, not air, not space, not smell, not taste, not eye, not ear, not speech, not mind, not breath, not mouth, not name, not form, not age, not death, not immortality. ⁸It is without breath, without mind, pure, superior to the high Imperishable. It is not this, not this.

This chapter appears in 1 cross-tradition parallel

Comparative studies that quote one or more verses from this chapter alongside passages from other traditions.

The Word, the Way, the Logos, the Taov1

Verse Discussions…

Every verse has its own thread. Click a verse to read or leave a response.

Chapter Discussion

Discussion

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What in this chapter surprised you, or stopped you?
Where does this passage cut against your expectation?
What questions does it raise that you don't have an answer to yet?

— 11 —sacredatlas.org