VIDYĀ GĪTĀ
Introduction
The Vidyā Gītā is a chapter in the larger Tripura Rahasya, the Secret Doctrine of Tripura and is essentially a summary of the larger work. Tripura literally means “three cities” and refers to the goddess Tripura Sundarī, the personification of the Self, which rules the three states of consciousness (wakeful, dream, and deep sleep). She is described in the Bahvṛca Upaniṣad as follows:
“She pervades the three cities (states) and the three bodies, illuminating both outside and within; the Exalted Tripura Sundarī within, projects outward becoming place, time, and matter. She alone is Self, other than That is unreality and non-self. She is the consciousness of Brahman, free of even a particle of birth or death. The Exalted Tripura Sundarī, the Knowledge of Awareness, Non-dual Brahman-Consciousness, and a wave of Being-Awareness-Bliss. The One, having entered both outside and within, it is only She that shines. That which is absolute being, That which shines as absolute consciousness, and That which is the bliss of love is the form of fullness, the Exalted Tripura Sundarī. The One Reality called 'beautiful' is truly Brahman, the non-dual, whole, supreme goal.”
Bahvṛca Upaniṣad. 4-5
The Vidyā Gītā, or Song of Knowledge, tells the story of a meeting of legendary sages, who, while discussing the doctrine of Self, have a debate as to whose method of practice is the best. In order to settle that debate, they turn to Brahmā and Śiva, neither of whom is able to satisfy their request. They decide to seek the answer from the Self and, after meditating on That, Śrī Tripura agrees to answer the sage's questions. Those answers cover the nature of the Supreme, the difference between dual and non-dual practice, and the benefits of the spiritual path.
“She pervades the three cities (states) and the three bodies, illuminating both outside and within; the Exalted Tripura Sundarī within, projects outward becoming place, time, and matter. She alone is Self, other than That is unreality and non-self. She is the consciousness of Brahman, free of even a particle of birth or death. The Exalted Tripura Sundarī, the Knowledge of Awareness, Non-dual Brahman-Consciousness, and a wave of Being-Awareness-Bliss. The One, having entered both outside and within, it is only She that shines. That which is absolute being, That which shines as absolute consciousness, and That which is the bliss of love is the form of fullness, the Exalted Tripura Sundarī. The One Reality called 'beautiful' is truly Brahman, the non-dual, whole, supreme goal.”
Bahvṛca Upaniṣad. 4-5
The Vidyā Gītā, or Song of Knowledge, tells the story of a meeting of legendary sages, who, while discussing the doctrine of Self, have a debate as to whose method of practice is the best. In order to settle that debate, they turn to Brahmā and Śiva, neither of whom is able to satisfy their request. They decide to seek the answer from the Self and, after meditating on That, Śrī Tripura agrees to answer the sage's questions. Those answers cover the nature of the Supreme, the difference between dual and non-dual practice, and the benefits of the spiritual path.
Go to Vidyā Gītā
