Mandukya Upanisad

In twelve verses, Mandukya unfolds the non-dual vision of reality through an elaborate exposition of the meaning of the sacred syllable Om. As a sound symbol for the entire experience of waking, dream, and sleep-and the truth of all of them-Omkara lends itself to deep inquiry. The waking/dream/sleep states Prakriya (method for unfolding the nature of reality) leads to recognition of the one who is experiencing them and, ultimately, the truth. Mandukya, part of the Atharva Veda, is the source of this important Prakriya. Shankara’s teacher, Gaudapada, wrote a Karika for Mandukya, and Shankarabhasya illuminates both the Upanishad and Gaudapadakarika.