Hinduism

Chapter12— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Lead Me from Unreal to Real)

◆ About this chapter

Chapter 12 of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, often titled the 'Netra Upanishad' or 'Eye Upanishad' in later traditions, serves as a profound meditation on the nature of reality within the broader Vedic corpus. It articulates the central soteriological goal of Hindu philosophy: the transition from the realm of illusion (maya) to the ultimate truth (satya). By framing this inquiry through the metaphor of a guide leading the seeker from darkness to light, the text establishes a universal spiritual trajectory that aligns with the pursuit of immortality found throughout the Upanishadic literature.

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

Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. ²Om, peace, peace, peace. ³Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. ⁴Om, peace, peace, peace. ⁵Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. ⁶Om, peace, peace, peace. ⁷Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from darkness to light. Lead me from death to immortality. ⁸Om, peace, peace, peace.

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— 12 —sacredatlas.org