What is Mandukya and What it say all about ?

The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the shortest yet most profound Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. It belongs to the Atharvaveda and consists of only 12 verses, but it is considered extremely important in the study of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism).

What is the Mandukya Upanishad?

The Mandukya Upanishad explores the nature of the Self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) using the symbol "Om" (AUM). It presents a deep philosophical analysis of consciousness and the human experience.

 What does it say?

It teaches through four levels of consciousness, using the syllables A-U-M of "Om":

1. A (Vaishvanara) – Waking state

Consciousness turned outward.

Experiences the physical world through the senses.

2. U (Taijasa) – Dream state

Consciousness turned inward.

Experiences mental impressions and dreams.

3. M (Prajna) – Deep sleep state

Undifferentiated consciousness.

No desires or dreams; stillness and bliss.

4. Turiya – The Fourth

Beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

Pure awareness, non-dual, beyond time and space.

The true Self and ultimate Brahman.

Core Teaching:

"Ayam Atma Brahma" – This Self is Brahm.

It declares that the true Self (Atman) is non-different from Brahm, and realizing this leads to liberation (moksha).

 Importance:

It's the foundation text for Gaudapada’s Karika and later Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta.

Despite its brevity, it is considered one of the most powerful and mystically deep Upanishads.