नैनं देहि देहाभ्यां न चात्मनं न बाधयेत्।
"Nainaṁ dehi dehābhyāṁ na cātmanam na bādhayet."
(One should not harm the Self, for it is beyond the physical body and transcends all limitations.)
— Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
This verse reveals that the Atman (the true Self) is separate from the physical body. The Atman is eternal, unaffected by birth or death, and cannot be harmed or altered by physical changes. It exists beyond the limitations of time and space, and realizing this truth leads to liberation.
Story from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
In ancient times, Yajnavalkya, a revered sage, decided to leave behind his material wealth and worldly life to pursue deeper spiritual wisdom. Before departing, he spoke to his wife, Maitreyi, and explained that material possessions were fleeting and could not grant immortality or true peace.
Maitreyi, puzzled, asked, "If I inherit all your wealth, will it give me eternal happiness or immortality?"
Yajnavalkya answered wisely, "No, wealth is temporary. Only the knowledge of the Atman, the true Self, can lead to immortality. This Self is beyond the body, unaffected by death or decay. Once you realize this, you will attain peace and freedom."
To help her understand this truth, Yajnavalkya said, "The Atman is not the body, nor is it the mind. It is the essence of your being, eternal and unchanging. Realizing this truth will bring you liberation."
Maitreyi meditated deeply and came to understand that her true nature was the Atman, the eternal Self, and not the physical body. She experienced peace, freed from attachment and the cycle of birth and death.
Moral and Modern Connection
The story of Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi teaches us that true happiness comes not from external possessions or worldly success but from realizing the eternal Atman within us. In today's world, people often chase material wealth, believing it will bring lasting happiness. However, as the Upanishads remind us, the pursuit of the Atman, the unchanging essence within, is the only path to peace and liberation.
In modern life, the pressures to achieve success, wealth, and recognition often make us forget our true nature. By focusing on understanding our Atman, we can find inner peace and fulfillment, regardless of external circumstances.
Bhajan
आत्मा है शाश्वत, नश्वर नहीं, हम सब में बसी है, वही आत्मा रहीं।
वह न जन्म है उसका, न मृत्यु का ग़म, आत्मा से जुड़कर, बढ़े जीवन का कदम।
यज्ञवल्क्य ने बताया, आत्मा का रहस्य, शरीर से परे, अनंत सत्य का दर्शन।
जो जानता है इसे, मुक्त हो जाता है, माया से परे, शांति पा जाता है।
आत्मा है शाश्वत, नश्वर नहीं, हम सब में बसी है, वही आत्मा रहीं।
वह न जन्म है उसका, न मृत्यु का ग़म, आत्मा से जुड़कर, बढ़े जीवन का कदम।
शरीर से परे, जो आत्मा को पहचानें, हर बंधन से मुक्ति, वे ही शांति पाए।
वह अनंत है, वह निरंतर है, आत्मा से जुड़े, जीवन का सार है।
आत्मा है शाश्वत, नश्वर नहीं, हम सब में बसी है, वही आत्मा रहीं।
वह न जन्म है उसका, न मृत्यु का ग़म, त्मा से जुड़कर, बढ़े जीवन का कदम।
