Hinduism

Chapter8— Aitareya Upanishad

◆ About this chapter

The eighth chapter of the Aitareya Upanishad, a foundational text within the Vedic corpus, explores the metaphysical origins of the cosmos through the lens of the primordial Self. It posits that the universe emanates from a singular consciousness that initially exists in isolation before creating the gods, elements, and the human faculties of perception. This section serves as a pivotal bridge between ritualistic Vedic practices and the later philosophical inquiries into the nature of Brahman and Atman found in subsequent 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

In the beginning this was Self alone, in the form of a person. He looked around and saw nothing but Himself. He said: 'I am.'Creation ²He feared. But he said: 'What is there to fear? If there is nothing else, what is there to fear?' His fear passed away. ³He was alone. He desired: 'Let there be another.' He created the world. He created the gods. He created the elements. ⁴He entered into the beings. He became the eye. He became the ear. He became the mind. He became the speech. ⁵He became the breath. He became the life. He became the Self. He became the Self. ⁶He who knows this, becomes the Self. He is the Self. He is the Self. ⁷He who knows this, becomes the Self. He is the Self. He is the Self. ⁸He who knows this, becomes the Self. He is the Self. He is the Self.

This chapter appears in 1 cross-tradition parallel

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

Creationv1

Verse Discussions…

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Chapter Discussion

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— 8 —sacredatlas.org