2022/02/10

Chandogya Upanishad - Wikipedia

Chandogya Upanishad - Wikipedia

Chandogya Upanishad

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Chandogya
Chandogya Upanishad verses 1.1.1-1.1.9, Samaveda, Sanskrit, Devanagari script, 1849 CE manuscript.jpg
The Chandogya Upanishad verses 1.1.1-1.1.9 (Sanskrit, Devanagari script)
Devanagariछान्दोग्य
IASTChāndogya
Date8th to 6th century BCE
TypeMukhya Upanishad
Linked VedaSamaveda
ChaptersEight
PhilosophyOneness of the Atman
Popular verseTat tvam asi

The Chandogya Upanishad (Sanskritछान्दोग्योपनिषद्IASTChāndogyopaniṣad) is a Sanskrit text embedded in the Chandogya Brahmana of the Sama Veda of Hinduism.[1] It is one of the oldest Upanishads.[2] It lists as number 9 in the Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads.[3]

The Upanishad belongs to the Tandya school of the Samaveda.[1] Like Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, the Chandogya Upanishad is an anthology of texts that must have pre-existed as separate texts, and were edited into a larger text by one or more ancient Indian scholars.[1] The precise chronology of Chandogya Upanishad is uncertain, and it is variously dated to have been composed by the 8th to 6th century BCE in India.[2][4][5]

It is one of the largest Upanishadic compilations, and has eight Prapathakas (literally lectures, chapters), each with many volumes, and each volume contains many verses.[6][7] The volumes are a motley collection of stories and themes. As part of the poetic and chants-focussed Samaveda, the broad unifying theme of the Upanishad is the importance of speech, language, song and chants to man's quest for knowledge and salvation, to metaphysical premises and questions, as well as to rituals.[1][8]

The Chandogya Upanishad is notable for its lilting metric structure, its mention of ancient cultural elements such as musical instruments, and embedded philosophical premises that later served as foundation for Vedanta school of Hinduism.[9] It is one of the most cited texts in later Bhasyas (reviews and commentaries) by scholars from the diverse schools of Hinduism. Adi Shankaracharya, for example, cited Chandogya Upanishad 810 times in his Vedanta Sutra Bhasya, more than any other ancient text.[10]

Etymology[edit]

The name of the Upanishad is derived from the word Chanda or chandas, which means "poetic meter, prosody".[6][11] The name implies that the nature of the text relates to the patterns of structure, stress, rhythm and intonation in language, songs and chants.

The text is sometimes known as Chandogyopanishad.[12]

Chronology[edit]

Chandogya Upanishad was in all likelihood composed in the earlier part of 1st millennium BCE, and is one of the oldest Upanishads.[4] The exact century of the Upanishad composition is unknown, uncertain and contested.[2] The chronology of early Upanishads is difficult to resolve, states Stephen Phillips, because all opinions rest on scanty evidence, an analysis of archaism, style and repetitions across texts, driven by assumptions about likely evolution of ideas, and on presumptions about which philosophy might have influenced which other Indian philosophies.[2] Patrick Olivelle states, "in spite of claims made by some, in reality, any dating of these documents (early Upanishads) that attempts a precision closer than a few centuries is as stable as a house of cards".[4]

The chronology and authorship of Chandogya Upanishad, along with Brihadaranyaka and Kaushitaki Upanishads, is further complicated because they are compiled anthologies of literature that must have existed as independent texts before they became part of these Upanishads.[13]

Scholars have offered different estimates ranging from 800 BCE to 600 BCE, all preceding Buddhism. According to a 1998 review by Olivelle,[14] Chandogya was composed by 7th or 6th century BCE, give or take a century or so.[4] Phillips states that Chandogya was completed after Brihadaranyaka, both probably in early part of the 8th millennium CE.[2]

Structure[edit]

The text has eight Prapathakas (प्रपाठक, lectures, chapters), each with varying number of Khandas (खण्ड, volume).[7] Each Khanda has varying number of verses. The first chapter includes 13 volumes each with varying number of verses, the second chapter has 24 volumes, the third chapter contains 19 volumes, the fourth is composed of 17 volumes, the fifth has 24, the sixth chapter has 16 volumes, the seventh includes 26 volumes, and the eight chapter is last with 15 volumes.[7]

The Upanishad comprises the last eight chapters of a ten chapter Chandogya Brahmana text.[15][16] The first chapter of the Brahmana is short and concerns ritual-related hymns to celebrate a marriage ceremony[17] and the birth of a child.[15] The second chapter of the Brahmana is short as well and its mantras are addressed to divine beings at life rituals. The last eight chapters are long, and are called the Chandogya Upanishad.[15]

A notable structural feature of Chandogya Upanishad is that it contains many nearly identical passages and stories also found in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, but in precise meter.[18][19]

The Chandogya Upanishad, like other Upanishads, was a living document. Every chapter shows evidence of insertion or interpolation at a later age, because the structure, meter, grammar, style and content is inconsistent with what precedes or follows the suspect content and section. Additionally, supplements were likely attached to various volumes in a different age.[20]

Klaus Witz[18] structurally divides the Chandogya Upanishad into three natural groups. The first group comprises chapters I and II, which largely deal with the structure, stress and rhythmic aspects of language and its expression (speech), particularly with the syllable Om (ॐ, Aum).[18] The second group consists of chapters III-V, with a collection of more than 20 Upasanas and Vidyas on premises about the universe, life, mind and spirituality. The third group consists of chapters VI-VIII that deal with metaphysical questions such as the nature of reality and Self.[18]

Content[edit]

First Prapāṭhaka[edit]

The chant of Om, the essence of all[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad opens with the recommendation that "let a man meditate on Om".[21] It calls the syllable Om as udgitha (उद्गीथ, song, chant), and asserts that the significance of the syllable is thus: the essence of all beings is earth, the essence of earth is water, the essence of water are the plants, the essence of plants is man, the essence of man is speech, the essence of speech is the Rig Veda, the essence of the Rig Veda is the Sama Veda, and the essence of Sama Veda is udgitha.[22]

Rik (ऋच्, Ṛc) is speech, states the text, and Sāman (सामन्) is breath; they are pairs, and because they have love and desire for each other, speech and breath find themselves together and mate to produce song.[21][22] The highest song is Om, asserts volume 1.1 of Chandogya Upanishad. It is the symbol of awe, of reverence, of threefold knowledge because Adhvaryu invokes it, the Hotr recites it, and Udgatr sings it.[22]

Good and evil may be everywhere, yet life-principle is inherently good[edit]

Om symbol
Om symbol.svg
Bali Omkara Red.png
Tamil Om.svg
Om in telugu.png
The significance of Om syllable is discussed in the Chandogya Upanishad, as well as other Principal Upanishads. Chandogya's exposition of syllable Om in its first chapter combines etymological speculations, symbolism, metric structure and philosophical themes.[23][24]

The second volume of the first chapter continues its discussion of syllable Om (ॐ, Aum), explaining its use as a struggle between Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) – both being races derived from one Prajapati (creator of life).[25] Max Muller states that this struggle between deities and demons is considered allegorical by ancient scholars, as good and evil inclinations within man, respectively.[26] The Prajapati is man in general, in this allegory.[26] The struggle is explained as a legend, that is also found in a more complete and likely original ancient version in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's chapter 1.3.[25]

The legend in section 1.2 of Chandogya Upanishad states that gods took the Udgitha (song of Om) unto themselves, thinking, "with this [song] we shall overcome the demons".[27] The gods revered the Udgitha as sense of smell, but the demons cursed it and ever since one smells both good-smelling and bad-smelling, because it is afflicted with good and evil.[25] The deities thereafter revered the Udgitha as speech, but the demons afflicted it and ever since one speaks both truth and untruth, because speech has been struck with good and evil.[26] The deities next revered the Udgitha as sense of sight (eye), but the demons struck it and ever since one sees both what is harmonious, sightly and what is chaotic, unsightly, because sight is afflicted with good and evil.[27] The gods then revered the Udgitha as sense of hearing (ear), but the demons afflicted it and ever since one hears both what is worth hearing and what is not worth hearing, because hearing is afflicted with good and evil.[25] The gods thereafter revered the Udgitha as Manas (mind), but the demons afflicted it and therefore one imagines both what is worth imagining and what is not worth imagining, because mind is afflicted with good and evil.[27] Then the gods revered the Udgitha as Prāṇa (vital breath, breath in the mouth, life-principle), and the demons struck it but they fell into pieces. Life-principle is free from evil, it is inherently good.[25][26] The deities inside man – the body organs and senses of man are great, but they all revere the life-principle because it is the essence and the lord of all of them. Om is the Udgitha, the symbol of life-principle in man.[25]

Space: the origin and the end of everything[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad, in eighth and ninth volumes of the first chapter, describes the debate between three men proficient in Udgitha, about the origins and support of Udgitha and all of empirical existence.[28] The debaters summarize their discussion as,

What is the origin of this world?[29]
Space, said he. Verily, all things here arise out of space. They disappear back into space, for space alone is greater than these, space is the final goal.
This is the most excellent Udgitha [Om, ॐ]. This is endless. The most excellent is his, the most excellent worlds does he win, who, knowing it thus, reveres the most excellent Udgitha.

— Chandogya Upanishad 1.9.1-1.9.2[28]

Max Muller notes that the term "space" above, was later asserted in the Vedanta Sutra verse 1.1.22 to be a symbolism for the Vedic concept of Brahman.[29] Paul Deussen explains the term Brahman means the "creative principle which lies realized in the whole world".[30]

A ridicule and satire on egotistic nature of priests[edit]

The tenth through twelfth volumes of the first Prapathaka of Chandogya Upanishad describe a legend about priests and it criticizes how they go about reciting verses and singing hymns without any idea what they mean or the divine principle they signify.[31] The 12th volume in particular ridicules the egotistical aims of priests through a satire, that is often referred to as "the Udgitha of the dogs".[31][32][33]

The verses 1.12.1 through 1.12.5 describe a convoy of dogs who appear before Vaka Dalbhya (literally, sage who murmurs and hums), who was busy in a quiet place repeating Veda. The dogs ask, "Sir, sing and get us food, we are hungry".[32] The Vedic reciter watches in silence, then the head dog says to other dogs, "come back tomorrow". Next day, the dogs come back, each dog holding the tail of the preceding dog in his mouth, just like priests do holding the gown of preceding priest when they walk in procession.[34] After the dogs settled down, they together began to say, "Him" and then sang, "Om, let us eat! Om, let us drink! Lord of food, bring hither food, bring it!, Om!".[31][35]

Such satire is not unusual in Indian literature and scriptures, and similar emphasis for understanding over superficial recitations is found in other ancient texts, such as chapter 7.103 of the Rig Veda.[31] John Oman, in his review of the satire in section 1.12 of the Chandogya Upanishad, states, "More than once we have the statement that ritual doings only provide merit in the other world for a time, whereas the right knowledge rids of all questions of merit and secures enduring bliss".[35]

Structure of language and cosmic correspondences[edit]

The 13th volume of the first chapter lists mystical meanings in the structure and sounds of a chant.[36] The text asserts that hāuhāiīathaihaūehiṅ among others correspond to empirical and divine world, such as moon, wind, sun, oneself, Agni, Prajapati, and so on. The thirteen syllables listed are Stobhaksharas, sounds used in musical recitation of hymns, chants and songs.[37] This volume is one of many sections that does not fit with the preceding text or text that follows.

The fourth verse of the 13th volume uses the word Upanishad, which Max Muller translates as "secret doctrine",[37][38] and Patrick Olivelle translates as "hidden connections".[39]

Second Prapāṭhaka[edit]

The significance of chant[edit]

The first volume of the second chapter states that the reverence for entire Sāman (साम्न, chant) is sādhu (साधु, good), for three reasons. These reasons invoke three different contextual meanings of Saman, namely abundance of goodness or valuable (सामन), friendliness or respect (सम्मान), property goods or wealth (सामन्, also समान).[39][40][41] The Chandogya Upanishad states that the reverse is true too, that people call it a-sāman when there is deficiency or worthlessness (ethics), unkindness or disrespect (human relationships), and lack of wealth (means of life, prosperity).[41][42]

Everything in universe chants[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad describes natural phenomena such as a thunderstorm as a form of chant.

Volumes 2 through 7 of the second Prapathaka present analogies between various elements of the universe and elements of a chant.[43] The latter include Hinkāra (हिङ्कार, preliminary vocalizing), Prastāva (प्रस्ताव, propose, prelude, introduction), Udgītha (उद्गीत, sing, chant), Pratihāra (प्रतिहार, response, closing) and Nidhana (निधन, finale, conclusion).[44] The sets of mapped analogies present interrelationships and include cosmic bodies, natural phenomena, hydrology, seasons, living creatures and human physiology.[45] For example, chapter 2.3 of the Upanishad states,

The winds blow, that is Hinkāra
A cloud is formed, that is Prastāva
It rains, that is an Udgītha
The lightning that strikes and thunder that rolls, that is Pratihāra
The rains stop and clouds lift, that is Nidhana.

— Chandogya Upanishad 2.3.1[43][46]

The eighth volume of the second chapter expands the five-fold chant structure to seven-fold chant structure, wherein Ādi and Upadrava are the new elements of the chant. The day and daily life of a human being is mapped to the seven-fold structure in volumes 2.9 and 2.10 of the Upanishad.[47] Thereafter, the text returns to five-fold chant structure in volumes 2.11 through 2.21, with the new sections explaining the chant as the natural template for cosmic phenomena, psychological behavior, human copulation, human body structure, domestic animals, divinities and others.[48][49] The metaphorical theme in this volume of verses, states Paul Deussen, is that the universe is an embodiment of Brahman, that the "chant" (Saman) is interwoven into this entire universe and every phenomenon is a fractal manifestation of the ultimate reality.[48][50]

The 22nd volume of the second chapter discusses the structure of vowels (svara), consonants (sparsa) and sibilants (ushman).[49]

The nature of Dharma and Ashramas (stages) theory[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad in volume 23 of chapter 2 provides one of the earliest expositions on the broad, complex meaning of Vedic concept dharma. It includes as dharma – ethical duties such as charity to those in distress (Dāna, दान), personal duties such as education and self study (svādhyāya, स्वाध्याय, brahmacharya, ब्रह्मचर्य), social rituals such as yajna (यज्ञ).[51] The Upanishad describes the three branches of dharma as follows:

त्रयो धर्मस्कन्धा यज्ञोऽध्ययनं दानमिति प्रथम
स्तप एव द्वितीयो ब्रह्मचार्याचार्यकुलवासी तृतीयो
ऽत्यन्तमात्मानमाचार्यकुलेऽवसादयन्सर्व एते पुण्यलोका भवन्ति ब्रह्मसँस्थोऽमृतत्वमेति ॥ १ ॥[52]

There are three branches of Dharma (religious life, duty): Yajna (sacrifice), Svādhyāya (self study) and Dāna (charity) are the first,
Tapas (austerity, meditation) is the second, while dwelling as a Brahmacharya for education in the house of a teacher is third,
All three achieve the blessed worlds. But the Brahmasamstha – one who is firmly grounded in Brahman – alone achieves immortality.

— Chandogya Upanishad 2.23.1[51][53][54]

This passage has been widely cited by ancient and medieval Sanskrit scholars as the fore-runner to the asrama or age-based stages of dharmic life in Hinduism.[54][55] The four asramas are: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (renunciation).[56][57] Olivelle disagrees however, and states that even the explicit use of the term asrama or the mention of the "three branches of dharma" in section 2.23 of Chandogya Upanishad does not necessarily indicate that the asrama system was meant.[58]

Paul Deussen notes that the Chandogya Upanishad, in the above verse, is not presenting these stages as sequential, but rather as equal.[54] Only three stages are explicitly described, Grihastha first, Vanaprastha second and then Brahmacharya third.[55] Yet the verse also mentions the person in Brahmasamstha – a mention that has been a major topic of debate in the Vedanta sub-schools of Hinduism.[53][59] The Advaita Vedanta scholars state that this implicitly mentions the Sannyasa, whose goal is to get "knowledge, realization and thus firmly grounded in Brahman". Other scholars point to the structure of the verse and its explicit "three branches" declaration.[54] In other words, the fourth state of Brahmasamstha among men must have been known by the time this Chandogya verse was composed, but it is not certain whether a formal stage of Sannyasa life existed as a dharmic asrama at that time. Beyond chronological concerns, the verse has provided a foundation for Vedanta school's emphasis on ethics, education, simple living, social responsibility, and the ultimate goal of life as moksha through Brahman-knowledge.[51][54]

The discussion of ethics and moral conduct in man's life re-appears in other chapters of Chandogya Upanishad, such as in section 3.17.[60][61]

Third Prapāṭhaka[edit]

Brahman is the sun of all existence, Madhu Vidya[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad presents the Madhu Vidya (honey knowledge) in first eleven volumes of the third chapter.[62] Sun is praised as source of all light and life, and stated as worthy of meditation in a symbolic representation of Sun as "honey" of all Vedas.[63] The Brahman is stated in these volume of verses to be the sun of the universe, and the 'natural sun' is a phenomenal manifestation of the Brahman, states Paul Deussen.[64]

The simile of "honey" is extensively developed, with Vedas, the Itihasa and mythological stories, and the Upanishads are described as flowers.[64] The Rig hymns, the Yajur maxims, the Sama songs, the Atharva verses and deeper, secret doctrines of Upanishads are represented as the vehicles of rasa (nectar), that is the bees.[65] The nectar itself is described as "essence of knowledge, strength, vigor, health, renown, splendor".[66] The Sun is described as the honeycomb laden with glowing light of honey. The rising and setting of the sun is likened to man's cyclic state of clarity and confusion, while the spiritual state of knowing Upanishadic insight of Brahman is described by Chandogya Upanishad as being one with Sun, a state of permanent day of perfect knowledge, the day which knows no night.[64]

Gayatri mantra: symbolism of all that is[edit]

Gayatri mantra[67] is the symbol of the Brahman - the essence of everything, states volume 3.12 of the Chandogya Upanishad.[68] Gayatri as speech sings to everything and protects them, asserts the text.[68][69]

The Ultimate exists within oneself[edit]

The first six verses of the thirteenth volume of Chandogya's third chapter state a theory of Svarga (heaven) as human body, whose doorkeepers are eyes, ears, speech organs, mind and breath. To reach Svarga, asserts the text, understand these doorkeepers.[70] The Chandogya Upanishad then states that the ultimate heaven and highest world exists within oneself, as follows,

अथ यदतः परो दिवो ज्योतिर्दीप्यते विश्वतः पृष्ठेषु सर्वतः पृष्ठेष्वनुत्तमेषूत्तमेषु लोकेष्विदं वाव तद्यदिदमस्मिन्नन्तः पुरुषो ज्योतिस्तस्यैषा

Now that light which shines above this heaven, higher than all, higher than everything, in the highest world, beyond which there are no other worlds, that is the same light which is within man.

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7[71][72]

This premise, that the human body is the heaven world, and that Brahman (highest reality) is identical to the Atman (Self) within a human being is at the foundation of Vedanta philosophy.[70] The volume 3.13 of verses, goes on to offer proof in verse 3.13.8 that the highest reality is inside man, by stating that body is warm and this warmth must have an underlying hidden principle manifestation of the Brahman.[71] Max Muller states, that while this reasoning may appear weak and incomplete, but it shows that Vedic era human mind had transitioned from "revealed testimony" to "evidence-driven and reasoned knowledge".[71] This Brahman-Atman premise is more consciously and fully developed in section 3.14 of the Chandogya Upanishad.

Individual Self and the infinite Brahman is same, one's Self is God, Sandilya Vidya[edit]

The Upanishad presents the Śāṇḍilya doctrine in volume 14 of chapter 3.[73] This, states Paul Deussen,[74] is with Satapatha Brahmana 10.6.3, perhaps the oldest passage in which the basic premises of the Vedanta philosophy are fully expressed, namely – Atman (Self inside man) exists, the Brahman is identical with Atman, God is inside man.[75] The Chandogya Upanishad makes a series of statements in section 3.14 that have been frequently cited by later schools of Hinduism and modern studies on Indian philosophies.[73][75][76] These are,

This whole universe is Brahman. In tranquility, let one worship It, as Tajjalan (that from which he came forth, as that into which he will be dissolved, as that in which he breathes).

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1[73][74]

Man is a creature of his Kratumaya (क्रतुमयः, will, purpose). Let him therefore have for himself this will, this purpose: The intelligent, whose body is imbued with life-principle, whose form is light, whose thoughts are driven by truth, whose self is like space (invisible but ever present), from whom all works, all desires, all sensory feelings encompassing this whole world, the silent, the unconcerned, this is me, my Self, my Soul within my heart.

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1 - 3.14.3[73][77]

This is my Self in the innermost heart, greater than the earth, greater than the aerial space, greater than these worlds. This Self, this Self of mine is that Brahman.

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.3 - 3.14.4[74][77]

Paul Deussen notes that the teachings in this section re-appear centuries later in the words of the 3rd century CE Neoplatonic Roman philosopher Plotinus in Enneades 5.1.2.[74]

The universe is an imperishable treasure chest[edit]

The universe, states the Chandogya Upanishad in section 3.15, is a treasure-chest and the refuge for man.[78] This chest is where all wealth and everything rests states verse 3.15.1, and it is imperishable states verse 3.15.3.[79] The best refuge for man is this universe and the Vedas, assert verses 3.15.4 through 3.15.7.[78][80] Max Muller notes that this section incorporates a benediction for the birth of a son.[79]

Life is a festival, ethics is one's donation to it[edit]

Ahimsa - non-violence in action, words and thoughts - is considered the highest ethical value and virtue in Hinduism.[81] The Chandogya Upanishad makes one of the earliest mentions of this ethical code in section 3.17.[82] Above: non-violence sculpture by Carl Fredrik Reutersward.

The section 3.17 of Chandogya Upanishad describes life as a celebration of a Soma-festival, whose dakshina (gifts, payment) is moral conduct and ethical precepts that includes non-violence, truthfulness, non-hypocrisy and charity unto others, as well as simple introspective life.[83] This is one of the earliest[84] statement of the Ahimsa principle as an ethical code of life, that later evolved to become the highest virtue in Hinduism.[85][86]

अथ यत्तपो दानमार्जवमहिँसा सत्यवचनमिति ता अस्य दक्षिणाः ॥ ४ ॥[87]

Now Tapas (austerity, meditation), Dāna (charity, alms-giving), Arjava (sincerity, uprightness and non-hypocrisy), Ahimsa (non-violence, don't harm others) and Satya-vacanam (telling truth), these are the Dakshina (gifts, payment to others) he gives [in life].

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.17.4[82][88]

The metaphor of man's life as a Soma-festival is described through steps of a yajna (fire ritual ceremony) in section 3.17.[82][83] The struggles of an individual, such as hunger, thirst and events that make him unhappy, states the Upanishad, is Diksha (preparation, effort or consecration for the ceremony/festival).[89] The prosperity of an individual, such as eating, drinking and experiencing the delights of life is Upasada (days during the ceremony/festival when some foods and certain foods are consumed as a community).[83] When an individual lives a life of laughs, feasts and enjoys sexual intercourse, his life is akin to becoming one with Stuta and Sastra hymns of a Soma-festival (hymns that are recited and set to music), states verse 3.17.3 of the text.[82][89] Death is like ablution after the ceremony.[82]

The volumes 3.16 and 3.17 of the Chandogya Upanishad are notable for two additional assertions. One, in verse 3.16.7, the normal age of man is stated to be 116 years, split into three stages of 24, 44 and 48 year each.[90] These verses suggest a developed state of mathematical sciences and addition by about 800-600 BCE. Secondly, verse 3.17.6 mentions Krishna Devakiputra (Sanskrit: कृष्णाय देवकीपुत्रा) as a student of sage Ghora Angirasa. This mention of "Krishna as the son of Devaki", has been studied by scholars[91] as potential source of fables and Vedic lore about the major deity Krishna in the Mahabharata and other ancient literature. Scholars have also questioned[91] whether this part of the verse is an interpolation, or just a different Krishna Devikaputra than deity Krishna,[92] because the much later age Sandilya Bhakti Sutras, a treatise on Krishna,[93] cites later age compilations such as Narayana Upanishad and Atharvasiras 6.9, but never cites this verse of Chandogya Upanishad. Others[94] state that the coincidence that both names, of Krishna and Devika, in the same verse cannot be dismissed easily and this Krishna may be the same as one found later, such as in the Bhagavad Gita.

The verse 3.17.6 states that Krishna Devikaputra after learning the theory of life is a Soma-festival, learnt the following Vedic hymn of refuge for an individual on his death bed,[91]

Thou art the Aksitamasi (indestructible, imperishable),
Thou art the Acyutamasi (imperturbable, unchangeable),
Thou art the Prana-samsitamasi (fountainhead, crest of life-principles).

— Chandogya Upanishad 3.17.6[82][95]

Fourth Prapāṭhaka[edit]

Samvargavidya[edit]

The fourth chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad opens with the story of king Janasruti and "the man with the cart" named Raikva. The moral of the story is called, Samvarga (Sanskrit: संवर्ग, devouring, gathering, absorbing) Vidya, summarized in volume 4.3 of the text.[96] Air, asserts the Upanishad, is the "devourer unto itself" of divinities because it absorbs fire, sun at sunset, moon when it sets, water when it dries up.[97] In reference to man, Prana (vital breath, life-principle) is the "devourer unto itself" because when one sleeps, Prana absorbs all deities inside man such as eyes, ears and mind.[98] The Samvarga Vidya in Chandogya is found elsewhere in Vedic canon of texts, such as chapter 10.3.3 of Shatapatha Brahmana and sections 2.12 - 2.13 of Kaushitaki Upanishad. Paul Deussen states that the underlying message of Samvarga Vidya is that the cosmic phenomenon and the individual physiology are mirrors, and therefore man should know himself as identical with all cosmos and all beings.[96]

The story is notable for its characters, charity practices, and its mention and its definitions of Brāhmaṇa and Ṡūdra. King Janasruti is described as pious, extremely charitable, feeder of many destitutes, who built rest houses to serve the people in his kingdom, but one who lacked the knowledge of Brahman-Atman.[97] Raikva, is mentioned as "the man with the cart", very poor and of miserable plight (with sores on his skin), but he has the Brahman-Atman knowledge that is, "his self is identical with all beings".[98] The rich generous king is referred to as Ṡūdra, while the poor working man with the cart is called Brāhmaṇa (one who knows the Brahman knowledge).[96][97] The story thus declares knowledge as superior to wealth and power. The story also declares the king as a seeker of knowledge, and eager to learn from the poorest.[97] Paul Deussen notes that this story in the Upanishad, is strange and out of place with its riddles.[96]

Satyakama's education[edit]

The Upanishad presents another symbolic conversational story of Satyakama, the son of Jabala, in volumes 4.4 through 4.9.[99] Satyakama's mother reveals to the boy, in the passages of the Upanishad, that she went about in many places in her youth, and he is of uncertain parentage.[100] The boy, eager for knowledge, goes to the sage Haridrumata Gautama, requesting the sage's permission to live in his school for Brahmacharya. The teacher asks, "my dear child, what family do you come from?" Satyakama replies that he is of uncertain parentage because his mother does not know who the father is. The sage declares that the boy's honesty is the mark of a "Brāhmaṇa, true seeker of the knowledge of the Brahman".[100][101] The sage accepts him as a student in his school.[102]

The sage sends Satyakama to tend four hundred cows, and come back when they multiply into a thousand.[101] The symbolic legend then presents conversation of Satyakama with a bull, a fire, a swan (Hamsa, हंस) and a diver bird (Madgu, मद्गु), which respectively are symbolism for VayuAgniĀditya and Prāṇa.[99] Satyakama then learns from these creatures that forms of Brahman is in all cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), world-bodies (earth, atmosphere, sky and ocean), sources of light (fire, sun, moon, lightning), and in man (breath, eye, ear and mind).[102] Satyakama returns to his teacher with a thousand cows, and humbly learns the rest of the nature of Brahman.[100]

The story is notable for declaring that the mark of a student of Brahman is not parentage, but honesty. The story is also notable for the repeated use of the word Bhagavan to mean teacher during the Vedic era.[100][103]

Penance is unnecessary, Brahman as life bliss joy and love, the story of Upakosala[edit]

The volumes 4.10 through 4.15 of Chandogya Upanishad present the third conversational story through a student named Upakosala. The boy Satyakama Jabala described in volumes 4.4 through 4.9 of the text, is declared to be the grown up Guru (teacher) with whom Upakosala has been studying for twelve years in his Brahmacharya.[104]

Upakosala has a conversation with sacrificial fires, which inform him that Brahman is life, Brahman is joy and bliss, Brahman is infinity, and the means to Brahman is not through depressing, hard penance.[105] The fires then enumerate the manifestations of Brahman to be everywhere in the empirically perceived world.[100][106] Satyakama joins Upakosala's education and explains, in volume 4.15 of the text,[107]

The person that is seen in the eye,[108] that is the Atman (Self). The Atman is the immortal one, the fearless one, the Brahman.

— Chandogya Upanishad 4.15.1[104][106]

The Upanishad asserts in verses 4.15.2 and 4.15.3 that the Atman is the "stronghold of love", the leader of love, and that it assembles and unites all that inspires love.[100][104] Those who find and realize the Atman, find and realize the Brahman, states the text.[106]

Fifth Prapāṭhaka[edit]

The noblest and the best[edit]

The fifth chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad opens with the declaration,[109]

यो ह वै ज्येष्ठं च श्रेष्ठं च वेद ज्येष्ठश्च ह वै श्रेष्ठश्च भवति

Indeed, he who knows the noblest and the best, becomes the noblest and the best.

— Chandogya Upanishad 5.1.1[110]

The first volume of the fifth chapter of the text tells a fable and prefaces each character with the following maxims,

He who knows excellence,[111] becomes excellent.
He who knows stability,[112] becomes stable.
He who knows success,[113] becomes successful.
He who knows home,[114] becomes home for others.

— Chandogya Upanishad 5.1.1[115][116]

The fable, found in many other Principal Upanishads,[117] describes a rivalry between eyes, ears, speech, mind.[116] They all individually claim to be "most excellent, most stable, most successful, most homely".[115] They ask their father, Prajapati, as who is the noblest and best among them. Prajapati states, "he by whose departure, the body is worst off, is the one".[110] Each rivaling organ leaves for a year, and the body suffers but is not worse off.[116] Then, Prana (breath, life-principle) prepares to leave, and all of them insist that he stay. Prana, they acknowledge, empowers them all.[115]

The section 5.2 is notable for its mention in a ritual the use of kañsa (goblet-like musical instrument) and chamasa (spoon shaped object).[118][119][120]

The five fires and two paths theory[edit]

The volumes 5.3 through 5.10 of Chandogya Upanishad present the Pancagnividya, or the doctrine of "five fires and two paths in after-life".[121][122] These sections are nearly identical to those found in section 14.9.1 of Sathapatha Brahmana, in section 6.2 of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, and in chapter 1 of Kaushitaki Upanishad.[121][123] Paul Deussen states that the presence of this doctrine in multiple ancient texts suggests that the idea is older than these texts, established and was important concept in the cultural fabric of the ancient times.[121][122] There are differences between the versions of manuscript and across the ancient texts, particularly relating to reincarnation in different caste based on "satisfactory conduct" and "stinking conduct" in previous life, which states Deussen, may be a supplement inserted only into the Chandogya Upanishad later on.[121]

The two paths of after-life, states the text, are Devayana – the path of the Devas (gods), and Pitryana – the path of the fathers.[124] The path of the fathers, in after-life, is for those who live a life of rituals, sacrifices, social service and charity – these enter heaven, but stay there in proportion to their merit in their just completed life, then they return to earth to be born as rice, herbs, trees, sesame, beans, animals or human beings depending on their conduct in past life.[124][125] The path of the Devas, in after-life, is for those who live a life of knowledge or those who enter the forest life of Vanaprastha and pursue knowledge, faith and truthfulness – these do not return, and in their after-life join unto the Brahman.[121]

All existence is a cycle of fire, asserts the text, and the five fires are:[123][124] the cosmos as altar where the fuel is sun from which rises the moon, the cloud as altar where the fuel is air from which rises the rain, the earth as altar where the fuel is time (year) from which rises the food (crops), the man as altar where the fuel is speech from which rises the semen, and the woman as altar where the fuel is sexual organ from which rises the fetus.[121][125] The baby is born in the tenth month, lives a life, and when deceased, they carry him and return him to the fire because fire is where he arose, whence he came out of.[121][125]

The verse 5.10.8 of the Chandogya Upanishad is notable for two assertions. One, it adds a third way for tiny living creatures (flies, insects, worms) that neither take the Devayana nor the Pitryana path after their death. Second, the text asserts that the rebirth is the reason why the yonder-world never becomes full (world where living creatures in their after-life stay temporarily). These assertions suggest an attempt to address rationalization, curiosities and challenges to the reincarnation theory.[121][124]

Who is our Atman (Self), what is the Brahman[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad opens volume 5.11 with five adults seeking knowledge. The adults are described as five great householders and great theologians who once came together and held a discussion as to what is our Self, and what is Brahman?[126]

The five householders approach a sage named Uddalaka Aruni, who admits his knowledge is deficient, and suggests that they all go to king Asvapati Kaikeya, who knows about Atman Vaishvanara.[116] When the knowledge seekers arrive, the king pays his due respect to them, gives them gifts, but the five ask him about Vaisvanara Self.

The answer that follows is referred to as the "doctrine of Atman Vaishvanara", where Vaisvanara literally means "One in the Many".[18] The entire doctrine is also found in other ancient Indian texts such as the Satapatha Brahmana's section 10.6.1.[115] The common essence of the theory, as found in various ancient Indian texts, is that "the inner fire, the Self, is universal and common in all men, whether they are friends or foe, good or bad". The Chandogya narrative is notable for stating the idea of unity of the universe, of realization of this unity within man, and that there is unity and oneness in all beings.[126] This idea of universal oneness of all Selfs, seeing others as oneself, seeing Brahman as Atman and Atman as Brahman, became a foundational premise for Vedanta theologians.[126][127]

Sixth Prapāṭhaka[edit]

Atman exists, Svetaketu's education on the key to all knowledge - Tat Tvam Asi[edit]

The sixth chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad contains the famous Tat Tvam Asi ("That Thou art") precept, one regarded by scholars[128][129][130] as the sum-total or as one of the most important of all Upanishadic teachings. The precept is repeated nine times at the end of sections 6.8 through 6.16 of the Upanishad, as follows,

स य एषोऽणिमैतदात्म्यमिदँ सर्वं तत्सत्यँ स आत्मा तत्त्वमसि श्वेतकेतो

Translation 1: This universe consists of what that finest essence is, it is the real, it is the Self, that thou art, O Śvetaketu![128]
Translation 2: That which is the finest essence – this whole world has that as its Self. That is Reality. That is Atman (Self). That art thou, Śvetaketu.[131]
Translation 3: That which is this finest essence, that the whole world has as its self. That is the truth. That is the self. In that way are you, Śvetaketu.[132]

— Chandogya Upanishad, 6.8 - 6.16

The Tat Tvam Asi precept emerges in a tutorial conversation between a father and son, Uddalaka Aruni and 24-year-old Śvetaketu Aruneya respectively, after the father sends his boy to school saying "go to school Śvetaketu, as no one in our family has ever gone to school", and the son returns after completing 12 years of school studies.[133][134] The father inquires if Śvetaketu had learnt at school that by which "we perceive what cannot be perceived, we know what cannot be known"? Śvetaketu admits he hasn't, and asks what that is. His father, through 16 volumes of verses of Chandogya Upanishad, explains.[135]

Uddalaka states in volume 1 of chapter 6 of the Upanishad, that the essence of clay, gold, copper and iron each can be understood by studying a pure lump of clay, gold, copper and iron respectively.[133][135] The various objects produced from these materials do not change the essence, they change the form. Thus, to understand something, studying the essence of one is the path to understanding the numerous manifested forms.[134]

The text in volume 2, through Uddalaka, asserts that there is disagreement between people on how the universe came into existence, whether in the beginning there was a Sat (सत्, Truth, Reality, Being) without a second, or whether there was just A-sat (असत्, Nothingness, non-Being) without a second.[135] Uddalaka states that it is difficult to comprehend that the universe was born from nothingness, and so he asserts that there was "one Sat only, without a second" in the beginning.[136] This one then sent forth heat, to grow and multiply. The heat in turn wanted to multiply, so it produced water. The water wanted to multiply, so it produced food.[133][135]

In the verses of volume 3, Uddalaka asserts that life emerges through three routes: an egg, direct birth of a living being, and as life sprouting from seeds.[134] The Sat enters these and gives them individuality, states the Upanishad. Heat, food and water nourish all living beings, regardless of the route they are born. Each of these nourishment has three constituents, asserts the Upanishad in volumes 4 through 7 of the sixth chapter. It calls it the coarse, the medium and the finest essence.[135] These coarse becomes waste, the medium builds the body or finest essence nourishes the mind. Section 6.7 states that the mind depends on the body and proper food, breath depends on hydrating the body, while voice depends on warmth in the body, and that these cannot function without.[133][134]

After setting this foundation of premises, Uddalaka states that heat, food, water, mind, breath and voice are not what defines or leads or is at the root (essence) of every living creature, rather it is the Sat inside. This Eternal Truth is the home, the core, the root of each living being.[133][134] To say that there is no root, no core is incorrect, because "nothing is without a root cause", assert verses 6.8.3 through 6.8.5 of the Upanishad. Sat (Existence, Being[137]) is this root, it is the essence (atman), it is at the core of all living beings. It is True, it is Real, it is the Self (atman), and Thou Art That, Śvetaketu.[133][138]

The "Tat Tvam Asi" phrase is called a Mahavakya.[139][140]

Oneness in the world, the immanent reality and of Man[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad in volume 6.9, states that all Selfs are interconnected and one. The inmost essence of all beings is same, the whole world is One Truth, One Reality, One Self.[133][134]

Living beings are like rivers that arise in the mountains, states the Upanishad, some rivers flow to the east and some to the west, yet they end in an ocean, become the ocean itself, and realize they are not different but are same, and thus realize their Oneness. Uddalaka states in volume 6.10 of the Upanishad, that there comes a time when all human beings and all creatures know not, "I am this one, I am that one", but realize that they are One Truth, One Reality, and the whole world is one Atman.[134][135]

Living beings are like trees, asserts the Upanishad, that bleed when struck and injured, yet the tree lives on with its Self as resplendent as before. It is this Atman, that despite all the suffering inflicted on a person, makes him to stand up again, live and rejoice at life. Body dies, life doesn't.[133][135][141]

The Self and the body are like salt and water, states the Upanishad in volume 6.13. Salt dissolves in water, it is everywhere in the water, it cannot be seen, yet it is there and exists forever no matter what one does to the water.[142] The Sat is forever, and this Sat is the Self, the essence, it exists, it is true, asserts the text.[133][134]

Man's journey to self-knowledge and self-realization, states volume 6.14 of Chandogya Upanishad, is like a man who is taken from his home in Gandharas, with his eyes covered, into a forest full of life-threatening dangers and delicious fruits, but no human beings.[133] He lives in confusion, till one day he removes the eye cover. He then finds his way out of the forest, then finds knowledgeable ones for directions to Gandharas.[134][142] He receives the directions, and continues his journey on his own, one day arriving home and to happiness.[133][135] The commentators[133] to this section of Chandogya Upanishad explain that in this metaphor, the home is Sat (Truth, Reality, Brahman, Atman), the forest is the empirical world of existence, the "taking away from his home" is symbolism for man's impulsive living and his good and evil deeds in the empirical world, eye cover represent his impulsive desires, removal of eye cover and attempt to get out of the forest represent the seekings about meaning of life and introspective turn to within, the knowledgeable ones giving directions is symbolism for spiritual teachers and guides.[134][141]

Seventh Prapāṭhaka[edit]

From knowledge of the outer world to the knowledge of the inner world[edit]

The seventh chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad opens as a conversation between Sanatkumara and Narada.[143] The latter asks, "teach me, Sir, the knowledge of Self, because I hear that anyone who knows the Self, is beyond suffering and sorrow".[144] Sanatkumara first inquires from Narada what he already has learned so far. Narada says, he knows the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Atharva Veda, the epics and the history, the myths and the ancient stories, all rituals, grammar, etymology, astronomy, time keeping, mathematics, politics and ethics, warfare, principles of reasoning, divine lore, prayer lore, snake charming, ghosts lore and fine arts.[144][145] Narada admits to Sanatkumara that none of these have led him to Self-knowledge, and he wants to know about Self and Self-knowledge.[146]

Sanatkumara states that Narada, with the worldly knowledge, has so far focussed on name. Adore and revere the worldly knowledge asserts Sanatkumara in section 7.1 of the Upanishad, but meditate on all that knowledge as the name, as Brahman.[147] Narada asks Sanatkumara to explain, and asks what is better than the worldly knowledge. In volumes 2 through 26 of the seventh chapter, the Upanishad presents, in the words of Sanatkumara, a hierarchy of progressive meditation, from outer worldly knowledge to inner worldly knowledge, from finite current knowledge to infinite Atman knowledge, as a step-wise journey to Self and infinite bliss.[147] This hierarchy, states Paul Deussen, is strange, convoluted possibly to incorporate divergent prevailing ideas in the ancient times. Yet in its full presentation, Deussen remarks, "it is magnificent, excellent in construction, and commands an elevated view of man's deepest nature".[147]

Narada's education on progressive meditation[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad in 7th chapter discusses progressive meditation as a means to Self-knowledge.

In its exposition of progressive meditation for Self-knowledge, the Chandogya Upanishad starts by referring to the outer worldly knowledges as name.[145][147] Deeper than this name, is speech asserts verse 7.2.1, because speech is what communicates all outer worldly knowledge as well as what is right and what is wrong, what is true and what is false, what is good and what is bad, what is pleasant and what is unpleasant.[145] Without speech, men can't share this knowledge, and one must adore and revere speech as manifestation of Brahman.[144][146]

More elevated than Speech, asserts section 7.3 of the Upanishad, is Manas (मनस्, mind) because Mind holds both Speech and Name (outer worldly knowledges).[146] One must adore and revere Mind as Brahman.[145] Deeper than Mind, asserts section 7.4 of the Upanishad, is Sankalpa (सङ्कल्प, will, conviction) because when a man Wills he applies his Mind, when man applies his Mind he engages Speech and Name. One must adore and revere Will as manifestation of Brahman.[143] Higher than Will, states section 7.5 of the Upanishad, is Chitta (चित्त, thought, consciousness) because when a man Thinks he forms his Will.[146] One must adore and revere Thought as manifestation of Brahman. Greater than Thought, asserts section 7.6 of the Upanishad, is Dhyanam (ध्यान, meditation, reflection) because when a man Meditates he Thinks.[145] One must adore and revere Meditation as the manifestation of Brahman. Deeper than Meditation, states section 7.7 of the Upanishad, is Vijñana (विज्ञान, knowledge, understanding) because when a man Understands he continues Meditating. One must adore and revere Understanding as the Brahman.[144][146]

Thereafter, for a few steps, states Paul Deussen,[147] the Upanishad asserts a hierarchy of progressive meditation that is unusual and different from the broader teachings of the Upanishads. The text states in section 7.8, that higher than Understanding is Bala (बल, strength, vigor) because a Strong man physically prevails over the men with Understanding.[145][146] "By strength does the world stand", states verse 7.8.1 of Chandogya Upanishad.[143][144] One must adore and revere Strength as the manifestation of Brahman.[145] Higher than Strength, states section 7.9 of the Upanishad, is Anna (अन्नं, food, nourishment) because with proper Food, man becomes Strong. One must adore and revere Food as manifestation of Brahman.[144] Greater than Food, states section 7.10 of the Upanishad, is Āpah (आप, water) because without Water one cannot grow Food, famines strike and living creatures perish. One must adore and revere Water as the Brahman.[145] Higher than Water, asserts section 7.11 of the Upanishad, is Tejas (तेजस्, heat, fire) because it is Heat combined with Wind and Atmosphere that bring Rain Water. One must adore and revere Heat as the manifestation of Brahman.[143] Higher than Heat, states section 7.12 of the Upanishad, is Ākāsa (आकाश, space, ether) because it is Space where the sun, moon, stars and Heat reside. One must adore and revere the Space as the Brahman.[144][146]

The Upanishad thereafter makes an abrupt transition back to inner world of man.[147] The text states in section 7.13, that deeper than Space is Smara (स्मरो, memory) because without memory universe to man would be as if it didn't exist.[145] One must adore and revere Memory as the manifestation of Brahman, states the text. Deeper than Memory is Asha (आशा, hope), states section 7.14 of the Upanishad, because kindled by Hope the Memory learns and man acts.[143] One must adore and revere Hope as the Brahman.[144] Still deeper than Hope is Prāna (प्राणो, vital breath, life-principle), because life-principle is the hub of all that defines a man, and not his body. That is why, asserts the text, people cremate a dead body and respect a living person with the same body.[145][146] The one who knows life-principle, states the Upanishad, becomes Ativadin (speaker with inner confidence, speaker of excellence).[147]

From ativadin to self-knowledge[edit]

The Chandogya Upanishad, in sections 7.16 through 7.26 presents a series of connected statements, as follows[148]

He who speaks with excellence is one who speaks of Truth, therefore one must desire to understand[149] the Truth (Satya, सत्य),
He who Understands the Truth speaks the Truth, therefore one must desire to understand what is Understanding (Vijñana, विज्ञान),
He who Thinks understands Understanding, therefore one must desire to understand Thought (Mati, मति),
He who has Belief[150] is the one who Thinks, therefore one must desire to understand why one Believes (Śraddhā, श्रद्दधा),
He who Grows Forth[151] is the one who Believes, therefore one must desire to understand what yields Growing Forth (Nististhati, निस्तिष्ठति),
He who is Creatively Active is the one who Grows Forth, therefore one must desire to understand why one pursues Creative Activity (Krti, कृति),
He who experiences Joy for Oneself is the one who engages in Creative Activity, therefore one must desire to understand what is Joy (Sukham, सुखं),
Joy is a sense of Unlimitedness and Infinite potential within, therefore one must desire to understand what is Unlimitedness (Bhuman, भूमानं),
Unlimitedness is when one sees nothing else, hears nothing else, aware of nothing else,
when one is founded on its own greatness or not greatness at all,
when one is not established upon another,
when one's Self, indeed, is this whole world,
when one understands this, one loves the Self, delights in the Self, revels in the Self, rejoices in the Self,
He who is thus autonomous (Svaraj, स्वराज्), it is he who has unlimited freedom in all the worlds.
He sees, thinks, understands and knows everything as his Self. This whole world is his Self.

— Chandogya Upanishad 7.16-7.26[152][153][154]

To one who sees, perceives and understands Self as Truth, asserts the Upanishad in section 7.26, the life-principle springs from the Self, hope springs from the Self, memory springs from the Self, as does mind, thought, understanding, reflection, conviction, speech, and all outer worldly knowledges.[154][155][156]

Eighth Prapāṭhaka[edit]

The nature of knowledge and Atman (Self)[edit]

The eight chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad opens by declaring the body one is born with as the "city of Brahman", and in it is a palace that is special because the entire universe is contained within it. Whatever has been, whatever will be, whatever is, and whatever is not, is all inside that palace asserts the text, and the resident of the palace is the Brahman, as Atman – the Self, the Self.[157] Those who do not discover that Self within themselves are unfree, states the text, those who do discover that Self-knowledge gain the ultimate freedom in all the worlds.[158][159] The Upanishad describes the potential of self-knowledge with the parable of hidden treasure, as follows,

[Where Brahman-Atman dwells], there are all our true desires, but hidden by what is false. As people who do not know the country, walk again and again over undiscovered gold that is hidden below inside the earth, thus do people live with Brahman and yet do not discover it because they do not seek to discover the true Self in that Brahman dwelling inside them.

— Chandogya Upanishad 8.3.2[158][159][160]

Man has many desires of food and drink and song and music and friends and objects, and fulfillment of those desires make him happy states the Chandogya Upanishad in sections 8.2 and 8.3; but those desires are fleeting, and so is the happiness that their fulfillment provides because both are superficial and veiled in untruth.[159] Man impulsively becomes a servant of his unfulfilled superficial desires, instead of reflecting on his true desires.[159] Serenity comes from knowing his true desire for Self, realizing the Self inside oneself, asserts the text.[159][161]

Theosophist Charles Johnston calls this section to be a Law of Correspondence, where the macrocosm of the universe is presented as microcosm within man, that all that is infinite and divine is within man, that man is the temple and God dwells inside him.[160]

The means to knowledge and Atman[edit]

The Upanishad in section 8.5 and 8.6 states that the life of student (Brahmacharin, see Brahmacharya) guided by a teacher is the means to knowledge, and the process of meditation and search the means of realizing Atman.[162][163] The verse 8.5.1 asserts that such life of a student is same as the yajna (fire ritual), the istam (oblations offered during the fire ritual), the sattrayanam (community fire ritual festival), the maunam (ritual of ascetic silence), the anasakayanam (fasting ritual), and the aranyayanam (a hermit life of solitude in the forest).[164] The section thus states all external forms of rituals are equivalently achievable internally when someone becomes a student of sacred knowledge and seeks to know the Brahman-Atman.[162]

The section is notable for the mention of "hermit's life in the forest" cultural practice, in verse 8.5.3.[162][164]

The false and true Atman[edit]

The sections 8.7 through 8.12 of the Chandogya Upanishad return to the question, "what is true Self, and what is not"?[165] The opening passage declares Self as the one that is eternally free of grief, suffering and death; it is happy, serene being that desires, feels and thinks what it ought to.[166] Thereafter, the text structures its analysis of true and false Atman as four answers.[165] The three Self, which are false Self, asserts the text are the material body,[108] corporeal self in dreams, individual self in deep sleep, while the fourth is the true Self – the self in beyond deep sleep state that is one with others and the entire universe.[167][168]

This theory is also known as the "four states of consciousness", explained as the awake state, dream-filled sleep state, deep sleep state, and beyond deep sleep state.[156][169][170]

A paean for the learning, a reverence for the Self[edit]

With the knowledge of the Brahman, asserts the text, one goes from darkness to perceiving a spectrum of colors and shakes off evil.[171] This knowledge of Self is immortal, and the one who knows his own self joins the glory of the Brahman-knowers, the glory of Rajas (kings) and the glory of the people.[171] The one who knows his Self, continues to study the Vedas and concentrates on his Self, who is harmless towards all living beings, who thus lives all his life, reaches the Brahma-world and does not return, states Chandogya Upanishad in its closing chapter.[171]

Reception[edit]

Several major Bhasyas (reviews, commentaries) on Chandogya Upanishad have been written by Sanskrit scholars of ancient and medieval India. These include those by Adi Shankaracharya, Madhvacharya, Dramidacharya, Brahmanandi Tankacharya, and Ramanujacharya.

Max Muller has translated, commented and compared Chandogya Upanishad with ancient texts outside India.[9] For example, the initial chapters of the Upanishad is full of an unusual and fanciful etymology section, but Muller notes that this literary stage and similar etymological fancy is found in scriptures associated with Moses and his people in their Exodus across the Red Sea, as well as in Christian literature related to Saint Augustine of 5th century CE.[172]

Klaus Witz in his review of the Chandogya Upanishad states, "the opulence of its chapters is difficult to communicate: the most diverse aspects of the universe, life, mind and experience are developed into inner paths. (...) Chapters VI-VII consist of vidyas of great depth and profundity".[173]

John Arapura states, "The Chandogya Upanishad sets forth a profound philosophy of language as chant, in a way that expresses the centrality of the Self and its non-duality".[174]

The philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer admired and often quoted from Chandogya Upanishad, particularly the phrase "Tat tvam asi", which he would render in German as "Dies bist du", and equates in English to “This art thou.”[175][176] One important teaching of Chandogya Upanishad, according to Schopenhauer is that compassion sees past individuation, comprehending that each individual is merely a manifestation of the one will; you are the world as a whole.[177][178] Each and every living creature is understood, in this Chandogya Upanishad-inspired fundamental doctrine of Hinduism, to be a manifestation of the same underlying nature, where there is a deep sense of interconnected oneness in every person and every creature, and that singular nature renders each individual being identical to every other.[175][178]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Jump up to:a b c d Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University PressISBN 978-0195124354, page 166-169
  2. Jump up to:a b c d e Stephen Phillips (2009), Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy, Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231144858, Chapter 1
  3. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 2, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814691, pages 556-557
  4. Jump up to:a b c d Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, page 12-13
  5. ^ Rosen, Steven J. (2006). Essential Hinduism. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. p. 125. ISBN 0-275-99006-0.
  6. Jump up to:a b Klaus Witz (1998), The Supreme Wisdom of the Upaniṣads: An Introduction, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120815735, page 217
  7. Jump up to:a b c Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 177-274
  8. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 2, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814691, pages 61-65
  9. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages LXXXVI-LXXXIX, 1-144 with footnotes
  10. ^ Paul Deussen, The System of Vedanta, ISBN 978-1432504946, pages 30-31
  11. ^ M Ram Murty (2012), Indian Philosophy, An introduction, Broadview Press, ISBN 978-1554810352, pages 55-63
  12. ^ Hardin McClelland (1921), Religion and Philosophy in Ancient India, The Open Court, Vol. 8, No. 3, page 467
  13. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, page 11-12
  14. ^ Olivelle, Patrick (1998), Upaniṣads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-282292-6, pages 10-17
  15. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 63-64
  16. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages LXXXVI-LXXXIX
  17. ^ for example, the third hymn is a solemn promise the bride and groom make to each other as, "That heart of thine shall be mine, and this heart of mine shall be thine". See: Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page LXXXVII with footnote 2
  18. Jump up to:a b c d e Klaus Witz (1998), The Supreme Wisdom of the Upaniṣads: An Introduction, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120815735, pages 217-219
  19. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, pages 166-167
  20. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 64-65
  21. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 1-3 with footnotes
  22. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 68-70
  23. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 4-19 with footnotes
  24. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, page 171-185
  25. Jump up to:a b c d e f Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 70-71 with footnotes
  26. Jump up to:a b c d Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 4-6 with footnotes
  27. Jump up to:a b c Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 178-180
  28. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 1.8.7 - 1.8.8, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 185-186
  29. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 1.9.1, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 17 with footnote 1
  30. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, page 91
  31. Jump up to:a b c d Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 80-84
  32. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 1.12.1 - 1.12.5, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 188-189
  33. ^ Bruce Lincoln (2006), How to Read a Religious Text: Reflections on Some Passages of the Chāndogya Upaniṣad, History of Religions, Vol. 46, No. 2, pages 127-139
  34. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 1.12.1 - 1.12.5, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 21 with footnote 2
  35. Jump up to:a b John Oman (2014), The Natural and the Supernatural, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-1107426948, pages 490-491
  36. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 1.13.1 - 1.13.4, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 189-190
  37. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 1.13.1 - 1.13.4, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 22
  38. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 85
  39. Jump up to:a b Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, page 185
  40. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 70-72
  41. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 2.1.1 - 2.1.4, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 190
  42. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 85-86 Second Chapter First Part
  43. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 2.2.1 - 2.7.2, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 191–193
  44. ^ Monier-Williams, Sanskrit English Dictionary, Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon, search each word and SAman
  45. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 86–88
  46. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, page 187 verse 3
  47. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 2.8.1 - 2.9.8, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 193–194
  48. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 91-96
  49. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 2.11.1 - 2.22.5, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 28-34
  50. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, pages 191–197
  51. Jump up to:a b c Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 103-116
  52. ^ Chandogya Upanishad (Sanskrit) Wikisource
  53. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad Twenty Third Khanda, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 35 with footnote
  54. Jump up to:a b c d e Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 97-98 with preface and footnotes
  55. Jump up to:a b Patrick Olivelle (1993), The Āśrama System: The History and Hermeneutics of a Religious Institution, Oxford University Press, OCLC 466428084, pages 1-30, 84-111
  56. ^ RK Sharma (1999), Indian Society, Institutions and Change, ISBN 978-8171566655, page 28
  57. ^ Barbara Holdrege (2004), Dharma, in The Hindu World (Editors: Sushil Mittal and Gene Thursby), Routledge, ISBN 0-415-21527-7, page 231
  58. ^ Patrick Olivelle (1993), The Āśrama System: The History and Hermeneutics of a Religious Institution, Oxford University Press, OCLC 466428084, page 30
  59. ^ Patrick Olivelle (2014), The Early Upanishads, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0195124354, pages 197-199
  60. ^ PV Kane, Samanya Dharma, History of Dharmasastra, Vol. 2, Part 1, page 5
  61. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, page 115 with preface note
  62. ^ Klaus Witz (1998), The Supreme Wisdom of the Upaniṣads: An Introduction, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120815735, page 218
  63. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 122-138
  64. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 101-106 with preface and footnotes
  65. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.1.1 - 3.11.1, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 203-207
  66. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 3.1.1 - 3.11.5, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 38-44 with footnotes
  67. ^ 3 padas of 8 syllables containing 24 syllables in each stanza; considered a language structure of special beauty and sacredness
  68. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 106-108 with preface
  69. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.12.1 - 3.12.9, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 207-208
  70. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 108-110 with preface
  71. Jump up to:a b c Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 46-48 with footnotes
  72. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 208-209
  73. Jump up to:a b c d Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1-3.14.4, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 209-210
  74. Jump up to:a b c d Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 110-111 with preface and footnotes
  75. Jump up to:a b Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 150-157
  76. ^ For modern era cites:
    • Anthony Warder (2009), A Course in Indian Philosophy, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120812444, pages 25-28;
    • DD Meyer (2012), Consciousness, Theatre, Literature and the Arts, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, ISBN 978-1443834919, page 250;
    • Joel Brereton (1995), Eastern Canons: Approaches to the Asian Classics (Editors: William Theodore De Bary, Irene Bloom), Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231070058, page 130;
    • S Radhakrishnan (1914), The Vedanta philosophy and the Doctrine of Maya, International Journal of Ethics, Vol. 24, No. 4, pages 431-451
  77. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 48 with footnotes
  78. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.15.1-3.15.7, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 210-211
  79. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 3.15, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, page 49 with footnotes
  80. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 111-112 with preface and footnotes
  81. ^ Stephen H. Phillips et al. (2008), in Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Second Edition), ISBN 978-0123739858, Elsevier Science, Pages 1347–1356, 701-849, 1867
  82. Jump up to:a b c d e f Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 3.17, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 212-213
  83. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 114-115 with preface and footnotes
  84. ^ Henk Bodewitz (1999), Hindu Ahimsa, in Violence Denied (Editors: Jan E. M. Houben, et al), Brill, ISBN 978-9004113442, page 40
  85. ^ Christopher Chapple (1990), Ecological Nonviolence and the Hindu Tradition, in Perspectives on Nonviolence (Editor: VK Kool), Springer, ISBN 978-1-4612-8783-4, pages 168-177
  86. ^ S Sharma and U Sharma (2005), Cultural and Religious Heritage of India: Hinduism, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8170999553, pages 9-10
  87. ^ Chandogya Upanishad (Sanskrit) Verse 3.17.4, Wikisource
  88. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 165-166
  89. Jump up to:a b Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 164-166
  90. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 113-114 with preface and footnotes
  91. Jump up to:a b c Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 3.16-3.17, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 50-53 with footnotes
  92. ^ Edwin Bryant and Maria Ekstrand (2004), The Hare Krishna Movement, Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231122566, pages 33-34 with note 3
  93. ^ Sandilya Bhakti Sutra SS Rishi (Translator), Sree Gaudia Math (Madras)
  94. ^ WG Archer (2004), The Loves of Krishna in Indian Painting and Poetry, Dover, ISBN 978-0486433714, page 5
  95. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 166-167
  96. Jump up to:a b c d Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 118-122 with preface and footnotes
  97. Jump up to:a b c d Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 4.1 - 4.3, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 215-217
  98. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 4.1 - 4.3, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 55-59 with footnotes
  99. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 4.4 - 4.9, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 218-221
  100. Jump up to:a b c d e f Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 122-126 with preface and footnotes
  101. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 4.4 - 4.9, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 60-64 with footnotes
  102. Jump up to:a b Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 189-198
  103. ^ for example, verse 4.9.2 states: ब्रह्मविदिव वै सोम्य भासि को नु त्वानुशशासेत्यन्ये मनुष्येभ्य इति ह प्रतिजज्ञे भगवाँस्त्वेव मे कामे ब्रूयात् ॥ २ ॥; see, Chandogya 4.9.2 Wikisource; for translation, see Paul Deussen, page 126 with footnote 1
  104. Jump up to:a b c Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 4.10 - 4.15, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 221-224
  105. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 126-129 with preface and footnotes
  106. Jump up to:a b c Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 4.10 - 4.15, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 64-68 with footnotes
  107. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 198-212
  108. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen explains the phrase 'seen in the eye' as, "the seer of seeing, the subject of knowledge, the soul within"; see page 127 preface of Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684
  109. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 5.1 - 5.15, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 226-228
  110. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 134-136
  111. ^ variSTha, वरिष्ठ
  112. ^ pratiSThA, प्रतिष्ठां
  113. ^ sampad, सम्पदं
  114. ^ ayatana, आयतन
  115. Jump up to:a b c d Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 5.1, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 72-74 with footnotes
  116. Jump up to:a b c d Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 5.1, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 226-228
  117. ^ See Brihadaranyaka Upanishad section 6.1, Kaushitaki Upanishad section 3.3, Prasna Upanishad section 2.3 as examples; Max Muller on page 72 of The Upanishads Part 1, notes that versions of this moral fable appear in different times and civilizations, such as in the 1st century BCE text by Plutarch on Life of Coriolanus where Menenius Agrippa describes the fable of rivalry between stomach and other human body parts.
  118. ^ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 81.
  119. ^ Rājendralāla Mitra, The Chhándogya Upanishad of the Sáma Veda, p. 84, at Google Books
  120. ^ However, this is not unusual, as musical instruments are also mentioned in other Upanishads, such as the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad's section 5.10 and in the Katha Upanishad's section 1.15; See E Roer, The Brihad Āraṇyaka Upanishad at Google Books, pages 102, 252
  121. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 138-146 with preface
  122. Jump up to:a b David Knipe (1972), One Fire, Three Fires, Five Fires: Vedic Symbols in Transition, History of Religions, Vol. 12, No. 1 (Aug 1972), pages 28-41
  123. Jump up to:a b Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 124-128
  124. Jump up to:a b c d Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 5.1, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 76-84 with footnotes
  125. Jump up to:a b c Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 5.3-5.10, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 230-234
  126. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 146-155 with preface
  127. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 273-285
  128. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 155-161
  129. ^ Raphael, Edwin (1992). The pathway of non-duality, Advaitavada: an approach to some key-points of Gaudapada's Asparśavāda and Śaṁkara's Advaita Vedanta by means of a series of questions answered by an Asparśin. Iia: Philosophy Series. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0929-1., p.Back Cover
  130. ^ AS Gupta (1962), The Meanings of "That Thou Art", Philosophy East and West, Vol. 12, No. 2 (Jul 1962), pages 125-134
  131. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 5.1, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 240-250
  132. ^ Joel Brereton (1986), Tat Tvam Asi in Context, Zeitschrift der deutschen morgenlandischen Gesellschaft, Vol, 136, pages 98-109
  133. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k l Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 6.1-6.16, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 92-109 with footnotes
  134. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 162-172
  135. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 6.1 - 6.16, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 240-240
  136. ^ Mehta, p.237-239
  137. ^ Shankara, Chandogya Upanisha Basha, 6.8.7
  138. ^ Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 136-137
  139. ^ MW Myers (1993), Tat tvam asi as Advaitic Metaphor, Philosophy East and West, Vol. 43, No. 2, pages 229-242
  140. ^ G Mishra (2005), New Perspectives on Advaita Vedanta: Essays in Commemoration of Professor Richard de Smet, Philosophy East and West, Vol. 55 No. 4, pages 610-616
  141. Jump up to:a b Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 342-356
  142. Jump up to:a b Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 139-141
  143. Jump up to:a b c d e Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 176-189
  144. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 7.1 - 7.16, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 250-262
  145. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 7.1-7.16, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 109-125 with footnotes
  146. Jump up to:a b c d e f g h Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 141-151
  147. Jump up to:a b c d e f g Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 172-176
  148. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 7.16-7.26, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 120-125 with footnotes
  149. ^ Max Muller translates as "know", instead of "understand", see Max Muller, The Upanishads Part 1, page 121, verse 7.16.1, Oxford University Press
  150. ^ in self, see Max Muller, page 122
  151. ^ rises, succeeds, learns
  152. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 7.16 - 7.26, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 259-262
  153. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 185-189
  154. Jump up to:a b Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 149-152
  155. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 7.25-7.26, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 124-125 with footnotes
  156. Jump up to:a b Chandogya Upanishads S Radhakrishnan (Translator), pages 488-489
  157. ^ Dominic Goodall (1996), Hindu Scriptures, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520207783, pages 152-153
  158. Jump up to:a b Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 8.1, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 125-127 with footnotes
  159. Jump up to:a b c d e Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 189-193
  160. Jump up to:a b Charles Johnston, Chhandogya Upanishad, Part VIII, Theosophical Quarterly, pages 142-144
  161. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 8.1-8.3, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 262-265
  162. Jump up to:a b c Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 190-196
  163. ^ Chandogya Upanishads S Radhakrishnan (Translator), pages 498-499
  164. Jump up to:a b Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 8.5-8.6, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 266-267
  165. Jump up to:a b Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 196-198
  166. ^ Chandogya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya Ganganath Jha (Translator), pages 447-484
  167. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 8.7 - 8.12, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 134-142 with footnotes
  168. ^ Paul Deussen, Sixty Upanishads of the Veda, Volume 1, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120814684, pages 198-203
  169. ^ PT Raju (1985), Structural Depths of Indian Thought, State University New York Press, ISBN 978-0887061394, pages 32-33
  170. ^ Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad - Eighth Prathapaka, Seventh through Twelfth Khanda, Oxford University Press, pages 268-273
  171. Jump up to:a b c Robert Hume, Chandogya Upanishad 8.13 - 8.15, The Thirteen Principal Upanishads, Oxford University Press, pages 273-274
  172. ^ Max Muller, Chandogya Upanishad 1.3.7, The Upanishads, Part I, Oxford University Press, pages 8-9 with footnote 1
  173. ^ Klaus Witz (1998), The Supreme Wisdom of the Upaniṣads: An Introduction, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120815735, page 218-219
  174. ^ JG Arapura (1986), Hermeneutical Essays on Vedāntic Topics, Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-8120801837, page 169
  175. Jump up to:a b DE Leary (2015), Arthur Schopenhauer and the Origin & Nature of the Crisis, William James Studies, Vol. 11, page 6
  176. ^ W McEvilly (1963), Kant, Heidegger, and the Upanishads, Philosophy East and West, Vol. 12, No. 4, pages 311-317
  177. ^ D Cartwright (2008), Compassion and solidarity with sufferers: The metaphysics of mitleid, European Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 16, No. 2, pages 292-310
  178. Jump up to:a b Christopher Janaway (1999), Willing and Nothingness: Schopenhauer as Nietzsche's Educator, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0198235903, pages 3-4

Sources[edit]

Primary sources[edit]

Secondary sources[edit]

External links[edit]

Recitation

Resources

몰록 - 위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전

몰록 - 위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전

몰록

위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전.
몰록 숭배 의식.

몰록(고대 그리스어Μόλοχ), 또는 몰렉(히브리어מֹלֶךְ)은 고대 근동의 신이다. 가나안과 페니키아에서 숭배되었으며, 북아프리카 및 레반트 문화와 연관이 있다. 바빌로니아 지방에서는 명계의 왕으로, 가나안에서는 태양과 천곡의 신으로 알려졌다.[1]

소의 머리를 가지고 있으며, 어린아이를 불태워 바치는 인신공양 제의가 행해졌다고 한다.[2] 신명기와 레위기[3]에서 몰록이 언급되며, 유대교 및 기독교에서는 이방신 우상으로 취급되었다.

2022/02/09

Jesus and Buddha by Marcus Borg (Author) - Ebook | Scribd Start reading

Jesus and Buddha by Jack Kornfield - Ebook | Scribd

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Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings 
by Marcus Borg (Author)
By Jack Kornfield

4.5/5 (4 ratings)
149 pages
2 hours


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Description

Discover the teachings of Jesus and Buddha with over 100 examples presented side by side to reveal striking similarities. A perfect book for anyone interested in Christianity, Buddhism, mindfulness, meditation, and all ways of seeking enlightenment.

This stunning collection is perfect for those curious about the influential teachers, Jesus and Buddha, and their lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness. Witness as two of the most holy beings meet in a thought-provoking encounter of the spirit.

Compare the Bible verse: “Jesus knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (John 2.24-25) to the Buddhist scripture: “He was expert in knowing the thoughts and actions of living beings” (Vimalakirtinirdesha Sutra 2).

Jesus and Buddha is a timeless testament to what makes us similar rather than different. This enlightening book also makes a great gift.
===
Top reviews from other countries

Lee K. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2013
-
This book is exactly what I was looking for and is exactly what it says. There are many books out there that faff about with reams of dissemination and discourses on things regarding these sayings, but all I wanted was the sayings without any judgement. I wanted to decide (lol). I am sick and tired of a persons' considered opinion on the parallel sayings, I just wanted to see them side by side.

This book would be ideal for anyone seeking parallel Buddhist & Christian daily devotions due to its format.

All in all a superb little book
6 people found this helpful
==
Christine Hacklett
3.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully presented book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2009
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully done, but a little large for handling easily. The content is interesting, but I didn't persevere to the end. I had seen the close parallels between the two faith founders, and felt I had seen enough examples before I got anywhere near the end of it. A coffee table book, perhaps.
10 people found this helpful


Claudette Rochon-Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Compare similarities in different religions and philosophy
Reviewed in Canada on 24 December 2018
Verified Purchase
Compare the similarities in the writings of different prophets and philosophers


John Polacok
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Purchase
Reviewed in Canada on 21 August 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my partner who was curious as to how Jesus and the Buddha's teachings compared. She absolutley loves it and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful photographs that accompany each set of sayings.


mac
5.0 out of 5 stars キリスト教は仏教が起源か。
Reviewed in Japan on 13 February 2011
Verified Purchase
仏教がキリストの言説に影響を与えたのではないか、ということについては、もちろんいろいろな説があります。しかし、福音書と仏説がよく似ているところがあるのは間違いがないと思います。本文は右のページに1ページにキリストの言葉がひとつ、左のページにお釈迦様の言葉がひとつで、ページがもったいないくらいの使い方ですが、これがじっくりと考えながら読めてよいと思います。小形の本で、持ち歩くにも便利です

One person found this helpful

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===
Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings
by Marcus J. Borg (Editor),
Jack Kornfield (Goodreads Author) (Introduction)
 4.02  ·   Rating details ·  1,089 ratings  ·  85 reviews
JESUS & BUDDHA
THE PARALLEL SAYINGS

This remarkable collection reveals how Jesus and Buddha—whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism—were guiding along the same path. Jesus & Buddha also delves into the mystery surrounding their strikingly similar teachings and presents over one hundred examples from each.
As a Christian, I grew up with Jesus and have lived with him all my life. I have not lived with the Buddha. Similarly my work on this book was from the vantage point of a Jesus scholar. But my experience has led me to the conclusion that their teachings about ‘the way’ are virtually identical and that together they are the two most remarkable religious figures who ever lived.”
—Marcus Borg
You hold in your hand a remarkable and beautiful book. Jesus and Buddha are now meeting in an encounter of the spirit. When we listen deeply to their words we find that in many ways, they speak with one heart. If we could enact even one verse from these teachings, it would have the power to illuminate our hearts, free us from confusion and transform our lives.”
—Jack Kornfield
--
Paperback, 160 pages
Published December 8th 2004 by Ulysses Press (first published 1997)
==
 Average rating4.02  ·  Rating details ·  1,089 ratings  ·  85 reviews
Write a review
===
Lee Harmon
Feb 01, 2011Lee Harmon rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Three thousand miles from where Jesus was born, another miraculous birth occurred: the Buddha. As the Buddha walked on water, passed through walls, and raised the dead, so did Jesus in his day. As the Buddha fed 500 with a few small cakes, so did Jesus work with loaves and fishes. Five hundred years after a terrible earthquake marked the death of the Buddha, the earth shook again when Jesus breathed his last.

Given the eerie parallels between these two lives, one naturally wonders if their teachings were also similar. In a book that is probably best read as a daily devotional, Borg provides a “Jesus” saying on the left side of each page, and a parallel “Buddha” saying on the right side. Here are some of my favorites:

Jesus: “There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” Buddha: “Stealing, deceiving, adultery; this is defilement. Not the eating of meat.”

Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in a steal.” Buddha: “Let the wise man do righteousness: A treasure that others cannot share, which no thief can steal; a treasure which does not pass away.”

Jesus: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.” Buddha: “Do not let there be a schism in the order, for this is a serious matter. Whoever splits an order that is united will be boiled in hell for an aeon.”

What is going on, here? Were Jesus and Buddha spiritual masters inspired by a single cosmic source? Is the Christian “very God of very God” one with the Buddhist “God of gods?” You can’t help but be inspired as you contemplate the similarities of these two great religious leaders. (less)
flag8 likes · Like  · comment · see review

Kristal
Jul 25, 2011Kristal rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: reviewed, tag-it-to-the-max, 2011-reads, theology
A selection of sayings taken from the Bible and from the teachings of Buddha, showing how these two holy men were very similar in their teachings of kindness and good will toward all mankind.

The mystery lies in the fact that how does Jesus, born five hundred years after Buddha and three thousand miles away, share the same underlying message in his teachings? To what degree, if any, did Jesus know of Buddha or are they simply sharing a universal message: that as humans, we should love each other, turn the other cheek and not judge someone else?

I have found myself on the outskirts of most all major regions, yet I would recommend this book for just about anyone, as the universal messages it brings are so profound for just living a good life. (less)
flag8 likes · Like  · comment · see review
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Carla
May 04, 2013Carla rated it really liked it
I bought this book because I had developed a list of Buddhist sayings which were the same message as I have heard from Jesus. I have been pondering why so many people think that somehow being a Buddhist is wiser and more peaceful (and preferred) to being a Christian when the wisdom is the same. I fear it's because too many Christians are basically ignorant of the true Jesus. The USA style of Might-Makes-Right or the Fire-and-Brimstone style of religion has overshadowed the love, peace, joy and the other fruit of the Holy Spirit which Jesus brings to humanity. This book was refreshing to read because someone else out there - Jack Kornfield - reveals publicly what I have only pondered to be true! I personally would not say Buddha is equal to Jesus because I still believe Jesus is The Son of God - The Messiah. Buddha was a child of God but not The Son: my belief...but At least now Jesus can be seen in a more positive light where Buddhists are concerned! (less)
flag7 likes · Like  · comment · see review
==
Robert
Jun 07, 2009Robert rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
This is a great idea for a book, but the execution wasn't what I had hoped for. It was as if Kornfield was matching on words rather than meaning. Many of the "parallel sayings" have similar words but appear to be expressing very different ideas. Moreover, missing from the book are some profound teachings that, though worded very differently, are present in Buddhist and Christian scriptures.

I suggest skipping Kornfield's take and read the source material yourself. The Dhammapada and the Book of John in the New Testament are a great place to start. See for yourself what teachings they have in common and what teachings are unique to one or the other.
(less)
flag4 likes · Like  · 1 comment · see review
==
Jason
Nov 06, 2007Jason rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

I've often been struck on how similar all the Salvationist religions seem to be. It's unfortunate that most of the world chooses to ignore the similarities and instead wishes to hate each other based on doctrinal differences. Just look at the current Middle Eastern situation. No doubt there are many points of difference but it appears that all the major world religions share many common points as well.

This little book is a nice reminder of how the moral and ethical systems of all major world religions run sort of parallel to each other when compared. For instance, in Buddhism as well as Christianity there are admonishments such as: do unto others as you would want them to do to you, practice compassion, contentment, do not worry about material riches, practice kindness and so forth.

In this book each chapter starts with a short commentary on the material that will follow. These are divided into headings like compassion, wisdom, salvation, etc. Then on opposite sides of the pages sayings of Jesus are put up against sayings of the Buddha. These sayings sit alone on the white page so you can read them slowly and savor them. Many people in America are probably pretty familiar with the messages of Jesus but will be surprised to find many of the Buddha's teaching use parables like we find with Jesus and contain the same messages that we find in Christianity.

Some people have bashed this book for its supposed lack of great scholarship. I believe these people are missing the point. The point of this book is to emphasize the universal element that all experiences of the sacred seem to promote. It doesn't matter if you are studying mystical Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity-they all point to the same Truth. That is, the untalkable, unthinkable Beingness that everything comes from and is a part of. Call it Godhead or God but it's the nonduality and Oneness of everything. It makes no difference if these sayings actually came from a real person with the title of Buddha or not. What matters is the path to freedom and liberation that they express. Does not being a work of great scholarship detract from the value people can gain by reading these sayings?

For these reasons I highly recommend the book. Anyone can pick it up and read these little quips and experience a better mood right off. What greater source of inspiration and enlightenment than to read sayings from two of the greatest men that ever lived and their commitment to serve and better humanity all of their lives? Their timeless messages and teachings will continue to live on and change those that embrace them. (less)
flag3 likes · Like  · 1 comment ·


Jill
May 20, 2010Jill rated it it was amazing
I read this entire book in an hour on the elliptical.

The intro to the book and chapter intros were more interesting than the actual quotes.

Act on truth.
Be compassionate.
flag2 likes ·


Trey Nowell
Jan 04, 2015Trey Nowell rated it it was amazing
An excellent fast read you can reflect on and contemplate. I've hear many try to argue Jesus and Buddha were vastly different. If you read the quotes here and the intro's to each chapter, that can easily be refuted. I continue to be amazed with how far ahead of the time their knowledge was beyond others, and if they existed today, it would still be far beyond. I would encourage anyone to read this book and see how much both had to offer, where both were movement initiators of their time....so many parallels. (less)
flag1 like ·


Andrew
Dec 28, 2007Andrew rated it really liked it
Shelves: religion
Why are so many Americans (read cultural Christians) drawn to Buddhism? Well, because it sure seems like Jesus was exposed to Buddhist teachings and incorporated them into his own ministry. Gasp! Something today's fundamentalists could never imagine or conceed, even after seeing how closely the wisdom teachings match.

The "Sermon on the Mount" was beautiful, both when Jesus gave it, and when the Buddha gave it 300 years earlier. (less)
flag1 like · Like 


Kevin Orth
Dec 30, 2018Kevin Orth rated it it was amazing
I love when authors mash up two systems and demonstrate how parallel and similar in many regard spiritual paths are. Truly there are many paths to the garden and what is most important is we invest in a path that resonates most sincerely and welcome others to do the same.
flag1 like ·


Kurt
Jul 15, 2015Kurt added it
Brilliant explains a lot.
flag1 like · Like  · comment · see review
Michael
Mar 20, 2021Michael rated it it was amazing
Shelves: life-lessons, nonfiction, buddhism, religion, the-examined-life
Brief book; I read in a little more than an hour, but very good. Buddha predates Jesus by half a millennia, but it's pretty astonishing how many of their teachings, and the stories told about them, are so similar. I guess it makes sense, right? Two human beings living in antiquity would have the same sort of stuff to draw on: the natural world, metaphors using agricultural tropes, and--most important of all--human behavior. Even 2,500 year ago, the rich dominated the poor, violence caused terrible suffering, people struggled with the 'right' way to live, and people got sick, died, and otherwise...did the same things as us.

Buddha, of course, did not depend on god for his insights, while Jesus did. There are--or so it seems to me--many more supernatural accretions associated with Jesus than Buddha. Buddha was the son of a king, Jesus was a poor man born to poor people in a conquered land. Christianity is predicted on the belief that Jesus died and returned to life, initiating some kind of metaphysical algorithm where your sin is processed through his suffering, and is changed into salvation. Not so much with Buddha.

Still, compassion is the name of the game, and both Jesus and Buddha made that their primary teaching. Good stuff. I loved Marcus Borg, and I miss his insights. (less)


 
Will Thorpe
Jul 05, 2020Will Thorpe rated it really liked it
Shelves: christianity, religion, buddhism
An easy and eye opening read. I am an atheist and former evangelical (20+ years in the faith) and found the connections quite interesting. I still study the Bible historically and textually and this side by side gave me some motivation to study Buddhism further.

I did find some of the connections to be quite a stretch though. Knowing the biblical text very well (I was one of those Christians who actually studied their bible) I found the supposed connection disingenuous at times but this was rare, forgivable and worth another look from a different perspective whether I agreed with it or not.

The miracles section was probably my favorite but mostly because I work with former Christians deconstructing their faith. Knowing the Buddha was famous for similar miracles 500 years before Jesus is quite handy... (less)


 
Enrique 
Jul 13, 2021Enrique rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Excellent and short book.

It is a simple read of parallel sayings, of course, the similitudes between Jesus and Buddha words are striking.

Is beyond chance: there is no way to say that is a coincidence that they said the same words and did similar miracles, and used similar parables.

The research is still small, but if almost 9000 years before Jesus and Buddha there was a way that connected the lapis lazuli from India to Egypt, is pretty sure that the Buddhist writings and teachings reached the Mediterranean.

How was it possible? Is not clear, and we don't know much about this path, but is possible that some Buddhist text reached old Persia, and some jews master carefully take with them some of the teachings.

Excellent introduction.
==


Janis
Sep 04, 2021Janis rated it really liked it
Jesus and the Buddha: The Parallel Sayings compares the lives of Jesus and Buddha as well as their teachings. As the title suggests, there are many parallels. “The path of which they both speak is a path of liberation from our anxious grasping, resurrection into a new way of being, and transformation into the compassionate life.” This book is a high-level comparison, but provides plenty to ponder.
==

Bob
Sep 22, 2020Bob rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
500 years and 3000 miles apart, they had the same message. As the author writes "...if the Buddha and Jesus were to meet, neither would try to convert the other - not because they would regard such an effort as hopeless, but because they would recognize one another." This is a wonderful book for daily meditation and contemplative prayer. (less)
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Trisha Georgiou
May 13, 2017Trisha Georgiou rated it it was amazing
I picked this book up on a whim for .25 cents at my library's bookshop, I am so glad I did.
It was fascinating. Marcus J. Borg wrote an exceptional editor's preface. The parallel sayings
of these two great religious leaders are remarkable. (less)
==

Erika Powers
Mar 28, 2018Erika Powers rated it it was ok
Meh. The argument or parallels drawn are made in the first 2 chapters. The rest is verses taken from bible and whatever buddah books juxtapositioned for comparison. I thought it would be more exciting/interesting.
==
Jason Comely
Nov 18, 2017Jason Comely rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: jesus-in-books
I review this book (and speculate on whether Jesus learned from Buddha) in my Jesus in Books podcast: http://jesusinbooks.com/episode-5-jes... .


==
Cate
Jan 28, 2019Cate rated it liked it
Side by side selections from the sacred texts of both Christianity and Buddhism. Interesting, but I’ve seen and read far more compelling comparisons of the two.
==

Linda
Oct 09, 2019Linda rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spirituality
Very interesting comparison of Jesus and Buddha, seems reasonable that Jesus could reasonably have been influenced by Buddha’s teachings.
==

One
Dec 04, 2021One rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: 2021
Well worth reading!
==

Toby
Mar 15, 2017Toby rated it it was amazing
What a beautiful read!
flagLike  · see review
ms.petra
Apr 29, 2020ms.petra rated it liked it
so many parallels between two holy men. a good little book to remind us we have more in common than we usually want to believe.
==

Glen Schroeder
May 20, 2020Glen Schroeder rated it really liked it
An absolute syncretic delight.

“When we compare the attributes of the Godhead as they are understood by the more mystical tradition of Christian thought with those of Nirvana, we find no difference at all.” —Edward Conze
==
Chanita
Oct 22, 2007Chanita marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction, spirituality, to-read-own, the-historical-jesus, progressive-theology, the-jesus-seminar, post-christian, buddhism, world-religions, comparative-religion
"A fascinating anthology of key beliefs within two of the world's great religions. ... If Jesus and Buddha were to meet, they would recognize one another as fellow prophets because they were teaching the same truths. This is the spirit conveyed, both in words and images, by this lavishly illustrated gift book.

Readers will cherish both the book's message and presentation. Here are two great spiritual teachers from two very different traditions guiding us - whether talking about love, wisdom, or materialism - along the same path.

Using meditative color photos to complement the universal truths these two charismatic figures proclaimed, this - the first trade paper edition of the illustrated edition - is an important and illuminating oracle of wisdom for all who believe that the spiritual outweighs the material."
(adapted from Amazon)

From Mom's bookshelf (less)
===

Keith
Jan 06, 2017Keith rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Marcus Borg sets up the parallel sayings by order of category. It's rather surprising when you see the shared wisdom and teachings of both of these wisdom teachers side-by-side. You actually get a deeper sense of the meaning of both by hearing them say many of the same principles in similar yet varied ways. One tends to help interpret the other. It is a marvel when you consider the similarities of these two teachers who were separated by five hundred years and lived worlds apart. At one point Gautama Buddha looks forward and says that one is coming after him who will be the embodiment of light and life. While Christianity is highly suspect of any tradition apart from it's own, i think most Christians would be amazed that five hundred years before Christ, there was a man who both adhered to and taught much of the same wisdom Jesus himself declared. (less)
==

Benjamin
Feb 23, 2014Benjamin rated it really liked it
Walk where there may be life ahead. Fix your eyes on that hope and then see all that is living come before your glance as a gift - the eternal and perfect come to you in this moment, now.

This is the Way. It is to see God and Life as we are meant to see them - freed from distraction and self-preoccupation.

This book is a meditative collection of that sort of seeing. Though stripped from their greater stories of faith and wisdom, what's here is entirely livable, entirely freeing, yet it must be chosen to be lived.

And, what is here is only a beginning. As a practicing journeyman with Christ, this wisdom anchors me to Jesus' story and the hope of God's Kingdom being fully present. I do not know what story a practicing Buddhist would be sent toward - at least I don't know yet.

===
Ruth
Feb 05, 2017Ruth rated it really liked it
Shelves: the-copious-family-bookshelves, religion
When the proselytizers come to our door, the boys know to come get me. I tend to speak to the preachers long enough that THEY are the ones looking at their watches... gee, look at the time...

This is one of the books I show them to counter the books they show me. I thought I'd give it another complete read-through this year.

On the left page is what Jesus said. On the right page is what Buddha said about 500 years earlier. They are rather astonishingly similar.

==

Christopher
Feb 11, 2008Christopher rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Recommends it for: the ghost of martin luther king jr.
While this book was a little different than what i was expecting it is still excellent.
I was expecting an analysis of Jesus and Buddha's sayings. A book that explored the similar teachings of these two men and placed them in context to their lives, times and other sayings. However, this book is more of a reference book. Each facing page contains one Jesus quote and one Buddha, with no commentary or analysis, except briefly in the introduction.
Still, this book is excellent and valuable to have and study, and had I not been expecting it to be as i explained above I likely would have awarded it five stars. five stars of david no doubt. (less)
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EunSung
Oct 16, 2008EunSung rated it it was ok
i think the editor devalues the differences in jesus and buddha. if we are looking specifically at the text, some instances do correspond, but the context in which the texts of buddha and jesus arose from were not really talked about. also, you cannot abstract the teachings from the life of the people who have applied them. it is not so clear cut to reduce message of Christ and Buddha to mere ethics. there has been justification on both fronts for using their beliefs to justify oppression and violence. yes, buddhists have been violent too and not just Christians. look at zen buddhism and world war 2 and the role of thai monks as military advisers.

(less)
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2022/02/06

알라딘: [전자책] 김경림 나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다

알라딘: [전자책] 나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다
[eBook] 나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다 - 엄마는 편안해지고 아이는 행복해지는 놀라운 육아의 기술 34 
김경림 (지은이)메이븐2018-07-30 
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편집장의 선택
"육아, 너무 열심히 하지 맙시다!"
저자 김경림은 육아지 기자로 일하던 시절 첫 아이를 낳았다. 그동안 쌓은 전문지식을 유감없이 발휘해 누구보다 아이를 잘 키울 거라 자신했다. 아이는 영재 판정을 받았고, 이대로 아이의 앞날은 탄탄대로일 거라고도 여겼다. 그러나 아이는 아홉 살이 되던 해에 희귀암에 걸렸고, 완치와 재발을 반복하며 10년 동안 힘겨운 투병의 시간을 보내게 된다. 아픈 아이를 돌보면서 저자는 이제야 '엄마 노릇'을 배웠다고 한다.

아이가 아프면 당장 엄마는 '내가 무엇을 잘못했을까?'라는 질문과 함께, 죄책감과 불안에 시달린다. 보통의 엄마들도 마찬가지다. 아이의 미래가 엄마 손에 달렸다고 믿고, 몸이 두 개라도 부족하리만치 노력하면서도 본인들은 60점이라고 말하는 엄마들. 저자는 엄마란 아이의 운명을 바꾸는 사람이 아니라, 아이가 제 운명을 감당할 때 그저 옆에 있어 주는 사람일 뿐이라고 말한다. 엄마가 자신의 삶을 힘껏 살아갈 때 아이도 인생의 소중함을 알게 될 것이다. 엄마들이 스스로 평가한 60점 엄마, 딱 그만큼이 아이에게는 최고로 좋은 엄마이다.
- 좋은부모 MD 강미연 (2018.08.03)


제공 파일 : ePub(31.42 MB)
TTS 여부 : 지원 
종이책 페이지수 328쪽

책소개

영재 판정을 받은 아홉 살 아들이 생존율 5% 희귀암에 걸린 후 건강을 되찾기까지 10년 동안 극한의 엄마 수업을 받으며 깨달은 소중한 육아의 지혜가 담겨 있다. 더불어, 10년간 육아 전문 기자와 편집자로, 11년간 언어치료사이자 상담사로 일하며 쌓아 온 전문가로서의 지식도 함께 담겨 있다.

엄마들이 가장 먼저 실천해야 하는 자기 돌봄의 기술부터 아이를 위한 놀이법, 대화법, 훈련법까지, 고단한 육아의 현장에서 고군분투하는 엄마들에게 필요한 육아의 철학과 실질적인 솔루션을 골고루 찾아볼 수 있다.


목차
Prologue 엄마들이여, 더 뻔뻔해져라
‘60점 엄마’가 ‘100점 엄마’보다 아이에게 더 좋은 이유
육아, 너무 열심히 하지 마라, 대세에 지장 없다
‘좋은 엄마’가 아니라 ‘아이가 좋아하는 엄마’가 되자

1장 나를 완전히 바꿔 놓은 10년간의 엄마 수업
1. ‘엄마 노력이 부족해서’라는 말은 틀렸다
2. 아이 걱정의 대부분이 아이에게 결코 도움이 안 되었다
3. 무엇이든 해 주는 ‘좋은 엄마’가 오히려 아이를 망친다
4. 아이를 위한다면 차라리 아무것도 하지 않는 게 나았다
5. 엄마가 슬프면 아이는 더 슬프다
6. 엄마도 엄마이기 이전에 서툰 한 사람일 뿐이다
7. 아이보다 내 감정을 돌보는 데 더 신경을 써야 했다
8. 육아에 ‘결정적 시기’란 없으며, 아이들은 훨씬 강하고 슬기로웠다

육아가 너무 힘들어서 자꾸 화가 나는 엄마들을 위한 맘 편한 육아 상담소
① 버릇처럼 아이 앞에서 신세를 한탄하고 있다면
② 해도해도 끝이 없는 노동에 짓눌려 버렸다면
③ 힘들고 외롭고 우울하기만 하다면
④‘엄마라면 당연히 이 정도는 해야지’라고 생각한다면
⑤ 아이 때문에 ‘나’를 잃어버렸다는 생각이 든다면

2장 나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다
1. 아이의 미래를 걱정하느라 가족의 오늘을 망치지 않는다
2. 어쨌든 아이는 잘 자랄 거라고 믿어 의심치 않는다
3. 할 수 없는 일은 과감히 포기하고, 기꺼이 순응한다
4. ‘엄마라면 당연히 이 정도는 알아야 한다’는 생각을 버린다
5. ‘세상이 그러니까, 남들도 다 하니까’라는 논리에 휘둘리지 않는다
6. 불안한 마음을 잔소리로 풀지 않는다
7. 남들의 인정과 칭찬으로부터 엄마가 먼저 자유로워진다
8. 잘못된 일에 대해선 결코 좋게좋게 넘어가지 않는다
9. 아이가 오롯이 짊어져야 할 삶의 숙제들을 함부로 들어주지 않는다

아이의 미래가 불안한 엄마들을 위한 맘 편한 육아 상담소
① 육아에 확신이 없고 자꾸 불안하다면
②‘아이 속은 내가 다 알아’라고 착각하고 있다면
③ 아이의 미래가 걱정된다면
④ 아이가 너무 느려서 답답하다면
⑤ 아이가 아픈 게 내 잘못이라는 죄책감에서 벗어날 수 없다면

3장 엄마가 가장 먼저 아끼고 사랑해야 할 사람은 자기 자신이다
1. 엄마가 가장 먼저 아끼고 사랑해야 할 사람은 자기 자신이다
2. 우울한 엄마보다 게으른 엄마가 훨씬 낫다
3. ‘나’를 잃지 않는 엄마가 아이와의 관계도 좋다
4. 눈치 보지 않고 도와달라고 말하는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 된다
5. 트라우마, 물려주고 싶지 않다면 어떻게든 정리하고 넘어가야 한다
6. 유머러스한 엄마는 절대로 아이와 틀어지지 않는다
7. 앞이 보이지 않을 땐, 그저 아이의 생명력을 믿는다
8. 세상이 뭐라 하든, 엄마로서의 자신감은 잃지 않는다

모든 걸 완벽하게 해내야 한다고 생각하는 엄마들을 위한 맘 편한 육아 상담소
① 할 일이 너무나 많은데 도와달라는 말을 못 하겠다면
② 아이의 문제를 직접 해결해 줘야 한다는 생각이 든다면
③ 아이에게 진짜 도움이 되는 말을 해 주고 싶다면
④ 친정이나 시댁에 아이를 맡겼다면
⑤ 현재 경력 단절 상태라면

4장 그 누구도 희생하지 않고 엄마와 아이가 함께 행복해지는 육아의 기술
1. [놀이] 아이를 위해 놀아 줘야 한다는 생각을 버린다
2. [칭찬] 백 마디 억지 칭찬보다 아이를 향한 감탄 어린 눈길 한 번이 낫다
3. [학습] 아이의 단점을 고치려고 애쓰기보다 장점을 더욱 키운다
4. [훈련] 떼쓰는 아이도 실은 잘하고 싶어 한다는 점을 기억한다
5. [대화법] 말 몇 마디로 아이를 바꾸겠다는 욕심을 버린다
6. [자율성] 먼저 나서지 않고, 웬만한 일은 아이 스스로 해결하게 한다
7. [태도] 천천히 느긋하게 아이를 대하는 연습을 한다
8. [교육] 아이가 학교에 들어가기 전, 한 번쯤은 교육관을 정립한다
9. [믿음] 어떤 삶을 살든, 무조건 아이를 응원한다

후회 없이 아이를 사랑하고 싶은 엄마들을 위한 맘 편한 육아 상담소
① 아이와 어떻게 대화해야 하는지 모르겠다면
② 자존감 높은 아이로 키우고 싶다면
③ 생활 습관을 들이는 훈련에 자꾸만 실패한다면
④ 아이가 많이 아프다면
⑤ 아이를 더 낳을까, 말까를 고민하고 있다면

======

책속에서
첫문장
지금으로부터 12년 전인 2006년, 우리 가족은 장밋빛 꿈에 부풀어 있었다. 오랜 전셋집 생활을 청산하고 드디어 내 집으로 이사를 간 것이다.
책을 쓰는 도중에 ‘좋은 엄마’에 대해 생각하다가, 아이들은 나를 어떻게 보는지 궁금하여 중학교 2학년인 작은아이에게 “네 생각에 엄마는 좋은 엄마니?”라고 물어보았다. 아이는 눈을 껌벅이더니 고개를 끄덕였다. “엄마가 뭘 잘했기에 좋은 엄마야?”라고 다시 물었다. 아이는 “뭘 잘해서 좋은 엄마가 아니라, 내가 엄마를 좋아하니까 좋은 엄마지”라고 답했다. 그러면서 “엄마, ‘좋다’라는 건 사람마다 기준이 다 다르잖아. 그러니까 ‘좋은 엄마’라는 건 없고, 그냥 ‘내가 좋아하는 엄마’가 있는 거 아니겠어?”라고 말했다.
-‘좋은 엄마’가 아니라 ‘아이가 좋아하는 엄마’가 되자  접기
엄마들은 늘 피곤에 시달립니다. 한 생명체를 24시간 먹이고, 입히고, 재우고, 씻기고, 놀아 주는 게 어디 보통 일인가요? 육아와 가사 노동은 ‘이만큼 하면 된다’고 하는 상한선이 없고, ‘이만하면 다했다’는 종결 시점이 없어서, 자칫 잘못하다가는 점점 빨라지는 컨베이어 벨트를 타게 됩니다.
그러니 먼저 혼자만의 시간을 뚝 떼어 놓으세요. 그렇지 않으면 오롯이 나로 존재하는 시간이 저절로 오지 않습니다. 나로 존재하는 시간이 많아질수록 엄마 노릇도 잘할 수 있습니다.
-아이 때문에 ‘나’를 잃어버렸다는 생각이 든다면  접기
엄마는 아이가 사랑스러울 때도 있고, 미울 때도 있다. 감정은 영원히 하나의 색으로 지속하지 않는다. 상황은 매 순간 바뀌고, 그에 따라 감정도 일어났다가 사라진다. 아이가 미워지는 순간에도 사랑을 거두는 것은 아니며, 아무리 아이가 사랑스러워도 아이의 똥 냄새까지 향기롭지는 않다.
-엄마가 가장 먼저 아끼고 사랑해야 할 사람은 자기 자신이다  접기
매일 배달 음식만 먹여도, 청소를 안 해도, 육아 정보를 뒤지지 않아도, 누군가가 혀를 끌끌 찰 정도로 게을러도, 그렇게 해서 마음이 편해질 수 있다면 그것도 괜찮다. 엄마가 우울한 것보다는 게으른 게 아이에게도 엄마에게도 훨씬 낫다. 쉴 때는 누구의 눈치도 보지 말고 당당히 쉬어야, 개운하고 떳떳하게 다시 ‘육아 전선’으로 돌아올 수 있기 때문이다.
-우울한 엄마보다 게으른 엄마가 훨씬 낫다  접기
아이를 키우면서 엄마들이 가장 많이 빠지는 함정이 바로 ‘결정적 시기’라는 이름의 덫이다. 세 살까지 일관된 양육자가 없으면 아이에게 애착 트라우마가 생겨서 인생이 송두리째 망가질 것 같고, 학교 들어가기 전에 한글을 읽지 못하면 영영 뒤처질 것만 같다. 영어는 아이의 뇌가 말랑말랑할 때 교육해야 효과가 있을 것 같다. 그래서 어떻게든 ‘적기’에 교육시켜 결함을 남기지 않으려고, 상처를 주지 않으려고 애쓴다. 하지만 인생은 길고, 생명의 힘은 강인하다. ‘결정적 시기’를 놓친다 해도, 아이는 얼마든지 배워야 할 것을 배울 수 있다. 어른들도 몇 년의 상담과 분석을 통해 자신의 삶을 근본부터 바꾸어 내는데, 배우고 회복하는 일이라면 아이들이 누구보다 전문가 아니던가.
-육아에 ‘결정적 시기’란 없으며, 아이들은 훨씬 강하고 슬기로웠다  접기
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저자 및 역자소개
김경림 (지은이) 

연세대학교 사학과를 졸업하고, 이화여자대학교에서 언어병리학 석사 학위를 받은 후, 현재 조선대학교에서 상담심리학 박사과정을 밟고 있다. 두 아이의 엄마인 그녀는 〈앙팡〉을 비롯한 육아 잡지 기자로 5년, 육아서 전문 프리랜서 편집자로 5년을 일했고, 11년째 언어치료사이자 상담사로 아이들과 부모들을 만나 오고 있다. 현재는 이연언어심리상담센터의 대표로 활동 중이다.
육아지 기자로 일하던 시절에 첫 아이를 낳았다. 아이에게 좋다는 온갖 육아 정보를 섭렵하다 보니, 누구보다 똑똑하게 아이를 잘 키울 거라 자신했다. 그래서인지 아이는 어려서 영재 판정을 받았고, 이대로 앞서 달려가기만 하면 성공과 행복은 따 놓은 당상일 거라 여겼다. 그러나 아이는 아홉 살이 되던 해에 5년 생존율이 5%밖에 안 되는 ‘중추신경계 림프종’이라는 희귀암에 걸렸고, 완치와 재발을 반복하며 10년 동안 힘겨운 투병의 시간을 보냈다.
아픈 아이를 돌보는 엄마는 남들보다 더 희생하고 인내해야 할 거라는 통념과 달리, 저자는 오히려 그와 반대되는 ‘엄마 노릇’을 배웠다. 엄마는 아이의 운명을 좌우할 전지전능한 힘이 없으며, 그저 아이가 제 운명을 견딜 때 곁을 지켜주는 사람이라는 것이다. 엄마로서 할 수 없는 일을 과감히 포기하자, 쓸데
없이 애쓰지 않게 되었고, 죄책감과 불안감으로 가득했던 엄마 노릇도 편안하고 즐거워졌다. 그랬더니 아이와의 관계는 더 좋아졌고, 아이도 씩씩하게 제 삶을 살아가게 되었다. 다행히 아이는 건강을 되찾고 올해 스무 살이 되었다. 아픈 형 때문에 신경을 덜 쓸 수밖에 없었던 둘째도 벌써 중학교 2학년이 되었다.
저자는 과거에 자신이 그랬듯, ‘아이의 미래가 엄마 손에 달렸다’는 생각에 몸이 두 개라도 부족하리만치 엄마 역할을 열심히 해내면서도 늘 불안하고 초조한 후배 엄마들을 위해 이 책을 썼다. 부디 세상이 강요하는 ‘좋은 엄마’ 노릇에 파묻혀 안달복달하느라 눈앞에 놓인 ‘내’ 삶의 즐거움과 행복을 놓치지 않기를 바라는 마음을 이 책에 담았다. 접기
최근작 : <나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다>,<대한민국에서 일하는 엄마로 산다는 것> … 총 5종 (모두보기)

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출판사 제공 책소개


“육아, 너무 열심히 하지 맙시다!”
아이를 위해 모든 것을 희생하는 ‘100점 엄마’보다
자기 자신을 사랑하는 ‘60점 엄마’가 아이에게 더 좋은 이유
육아 스트레스에서 벗어나 편안하고 즐겁게 아이를 키우는 법! 아이를 위해 매일 최신 육아 정보를 뒤지고, 아이에게 상처 주지 않는 ‘좋은 엄마’가 되려고 노력하지만, 정작 아이 키우는 일은 불안하고 재미없는 엄마들, 아이 때문에 ‘나’를 잃어버린 것 같은 엄마들이 놓치고 있는 34가지 육아의 비밀.
세상은 ‘엄마 역할’이 얼마나 중요한지를 한목소리로 강조한다. 그러나 그 ‘엄마 역할’을 잘 해내려고 노력할수록 엄마들이 스스로 느끼는 ‘부족함’은 더 커질 뿐이다. 결국 엄마의 불안은 잔소리와 간섭으로 아이에게 전달되고, 아이와의 관계는 더욱 악화하고 만다. 저자는 육아의 악순환을 반복하는 엄마들에게 정반대의 ‘엄마 노릇’을 권하며 이렇게 말한다.
“100점짜리 엄마가 되려고 너무 애쓰지 마세요. 60점짜리 엄마면 충분합니다. 더 뻔뻔해져도 돼요. 좀 게으르면 어떻고, 좀 부족하면 어떻습니까. 가끔은 이기적이어도 괜찮습니다. 중요한 것은 아이의 삶만큼 자신의 삶을 소중히 여기는 엄마가 되는 것입니다. 엄마가 자기 몸에 맞는 편안한 ‘엄마 옷’을 입어야 엄마의 삶이 즐겁고, 그래야 아이의 인생도 편안하게 흘러갑니다. 엄마가 여유로워야 아이가 그 빈 공간에 자기 자신을 펼칩니다. 엄마가 자기 삶을 힘껏 살아갈 때 아이도 자기 인생이 소중하다고 느낍니다. 엄마 스스로 만족스러운 삶을 살면 그 자체로 아이에게 훌륭한 본보기가 됩니다. ‘뻔뻔한 엄마’가 아이도 잘 키우는 이유입니다.”
이 책에는 영재 판정을 받은 아홉 살 아들이 생존율 5% 희귀암에 걸린 후 건강을 되찾기까지 10년 동안 극한의 엄마 수업을 받으며 깨달은 소중한 육아의 지혜가 담겨 있다. 더불어, 10년간 육아 전문 기자와 편집자로, 11년간 언어치료사이자 상담사로 일하며 쌓아 온 전문가로서의 지식도 함께 담겨 있다. 엄마들이 가장 먼저 실천해야 하는 자기 돌봄의 기술부터 아이를 위한 놀이법, 대화법, 훈련법까지, 고단한 육아의 현장에서 고군분투하는 엄마들에게 필요한 육아의 철학과 실질적인 솔루션을 골고루 찾아볼 수 있을 것이다.

“좀 게을러도, 좀 부족해도, 가끔은 이기적이어도 괜찮습니다”
‘좋은 엄마’가 되어 보겠다고 애쓸수록 죄책감과 불안감만 커지는 육아의 함정에서 빠져나오는 법
엄마들에게 자신의 엄마 노릇에 점수를 매겨 보라고 했을 때, 가장 많이 나온 점수는 몇 점일까? 바로 60점이다. 엄마들은 100점은 바라지도 않고, 80점만 되어도 좋겠는데, 현실에선 고작 60점 정도밖에 안 된다면서, 늘 아이에게 미안해 한다. 엄마들은 상상에서나 가능할 법한 ‘엄마 틀’에 맞추어 사느라, 자신이 하는 모든 일을 평가절하한다. 즉 먹을 것도 야무지게 챙기고, 살림은 살림대로 하면서, 아이에게 절대로 부정적인 감정을 표현하지 않고 큰소리도 내지 않으면서, 무리하지 않는 교육으로 아이를 똑소리 나게 키워야 하는데, 현실의 엄마인 ‘나’는 밥도 제대로 못 해 주고, 일하랴 살림하랴 늘 피곤한 상태고, 공감은커녕 본의 아니게 아이에게 짜증을 내고 마는 ‘많이 부족한 엄마’라는 것이다.
그러나 60점은 결코 부족한 점수가 아니다. 자격증 시험에서 합격 점수는 평균 60점이다. 한 과목이라도 40점 밑으로 받아서는 안 되지만, 모든 과목을 합친 평균이 60점만 넘으면 ‘자격’이 주어지며, 나머지는 경험으로 채우라는 것이 자격증 시험의 취지다. 엄마 노릇도 이와 비슷하다. 엄마로서 넘어서는 안 될 최저선만 지킨다면, 거기에 조금만 노력을 기울여 ‘평균 60점’만 넘는다면, 나머지는 각자의 기준에 따라 각자의 형편과 능력껏 엄마 노릇을 해 나가면 된다. 세상에 만인이 인정하는 ‘완벽한 엄마’란 존재하지 않으며, 우리는 모두 각자의 경험과 가치관을 반영하여 ‘좋은 엄마’의 기준을 세우고, 그 기준에 따라 나름대로 최선을 다하며 살아가고 있기 때문이다. 그러므로 60점 엄마로도 충분하다. 이만큼 아이를 사랑하고 돌보는 일도 결코 쉽지 않은데, 남이 정해 놓은 기준 혹은 있지도 않은 상상 속 기준에 따라 100점 엄마가 되어야 할 아무런 이유가 없다.

“엄마가 가장 먼저 아끼고 사랑해야 할 사람은 자기 자신입니다”
영재 판정받은 아홉 살 아들이 생존율 5% 희귀암에 걸린 후
건강을 되찾기까지 10년 동안 극한의 엄마 수업을 받으며 깨달은 것들
그럼에도 불구하고 엄마들이 ‘100점 엄마’를 꿈꾸는 이유는 ‘아이의 미래가 엄마 손에 달렸다’라고 믿기 때문이다. 저자도 마찬가지였다. 저자는 육아지 기자로 일하던 시절에 첫 아이를 낳았는데, 아이에게 좋다는 온갖 정보를 섭렵하다 보니 누구보다 똑똑하게 아이를 잘 키울 거라 자신했다. 그래서인지 아이는 어려서 영재 판정을 받았고, 엄마의 정보력과 지원이 받쳐 준다면 아이의 인생은 탄탄대로일 게 분명했다. 하지만 아이는 아홉 살이 되던 해에 5년 생존율이 5%밖에 안 되는 희귀암에 걸렸고, 완치와 재발을 반복하며 10년 동안 힘겨운 투병의 시간을 보냈다.
아이가 큰 병에 걸리자 저자는 ‘내가 무엇을 잘못했을까?’ 하는 죄책감과 ‘아이가 잘못되면 어떻게 하나?’ 하는 불안의 늪에 빠져들어 갔다. 죄책감과 불안감이 거세질수록 엄마로서 부족한 자신을 끊임없이 닦달했고, 아이를 향한 간섭과 잔소리는 늘어갔다. 그럴수록 아이와의 관계는 악화되었고, 엄마 자신도 소진되어 갔다.
결국 저자는 엄마로서 할 수 있는 모든 노력을 했는데도 아이가 재발하자, ‘엄마는 아이의 운명을 바꿀 수 없다’는 뼈아픈 진실을 받아들이게 되었다. 엄마가 어떤 노력을 기울여도 아이에게 닥치는 일들을 막을 수 없으며, 엄마는 아이의 인생을 좌우하는 강력한 힘을 행사하는 사람이 아니라, 아이가 제 운명을 감당할 때 그저 옆에 있어 줄 수밖에 없는 사람이라는 사실을 말이다.
그 다음부터 저자는 엄마로서 할 수 없는 일들은 과감히 포기했다. 그랬더니 기적이 일어났다. 쓸데없이 애쓰지 않게 되자 죄책감과 불안감으로 가득했던 엄마 노릇도 편안하고 즐거워졌다. 엄마가 여유로워지자 아이는 그 빈 공간에 자기 자신을 펼치기 시작했다. 비로소 엄마와 아이를 둘러싼 어두운 그림자가 걷히고, 아이도 씩씩하게 제 삶을 살아가게 되었다.
그래서 저자는 ‘100점 엄마’가 되기 위해 안달복달하며 힘든 하루하루를 보내는 엄마들에게 말한다. ‘좋은 엄마’가 되려고 하지 말고, ‘멋있는 어른’이 되라고. 엄마가 스스로를 아끼고 사랑할 때 아이도 자기 자신을 아끼고 사랑하게 된다. 엄마가 자기 인생을 소중히 여길 때 아이도 힘껏 제 인생을 살아가게 된다. 그렇게 열심히 자신의 삶을 살면서 아이에게 ‘이런 삶도 있단다’를 보여 주는 것만이, 엄마와 아이가 함께 숨 쉬며 성장해 나가는 유일한 길이다.

“뻔뻔한 엄마는 아이를 이렇게 키웁니다”
10년간 육아 전문 기자와 편집자로, 11년간 언어치료사이자 상담사로 일해 온 저자가
고단한 육아 앞에서 자꾸만 화가 나는 엄마들을 위해 정리한 34가지 육아의 기술
이 책에는 ‘이유 없이 아이에게 미안해 하지 않는다’, ‘쉴 시간 먼저 뚝 떼어 낸다’, ‘아이의 미래를 걱정하느라 가족의 오늘을 망치지 않는다’, ‘엄마의 정보력보다 아이의 생명력을 믿는다’, ‘필요하면 누구에게든 당당하게 도와달라고 요청한다’, ‘우울한 엄마보다 게으른 엄마가 훨씬 낫다’, ‘세상이 뭐라 하든, 엄마로서의 자신감은 절대로 잃지 않는다’ 등 엄마는 편안해지고 아이는 행복해지는 육아의 기술 34가지가 담겨 있다. 뿐만 아니라 자존감 높은 아이로 키우고 싶다면 어떻게 해야 하는지, 생활 습관을 들이는 훈련은 어떻게 해야 하는지, 남들보다 느린 내 아이는 어떻게 키워야 하는지 등 엄마들이 자주 묻는 궁금증에 대한 답과 육아의 현장에 바로 적용할 수 있는 20가지 육아 솔루션도 담겨 있다. 육아 스트레스에서 벗어나 편하고 즐겁게 아이를 키우고 싶은 엄마들, 아이와 함께하는 순간순간을 짜증과 잔소리가 아닌 기쁨으로 채우고 싶은 엄마들에게 도움이 될 것이다. 접기
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평점 분포
    9.4
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구매자 (7)
전체 (16)
공감순 
     
얄팍한 트렌드 느낌의 책 제목 보고 지금의 게으른 내 상태를 합리화하기 위해 고른 책이었는데, 한 대 얻어맞았다. 부모자식 관계의 본질이랄까..울림이 상당히 강한 책.  구매
거스 2018-08-06 공감 (9) 댓글 (0)
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공감
     
책 제목에 뻔한 내용이겠거니, 하다 댓글들 보고 구입했습니다. 제목이 책 한 권의 내용을 다 담지 못한다는 느낌이 들 정도로 마음이 꽉꽉 들어차는, 생각을 많이 하게 한 책이네요. 정말 꼭꼭 씹는다는 느낌으로 읽었습니다. 알라딘에 한번도 리뷰쓴적 없는데 쓰게 만드는 감사한 책입니다.  구매
꽉찬달 2018-09-02 공감 (7) 댓글 (0)
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공감
     
육아 부담을 덜어내기 위해 읽었는데, 오히려 마음을 가득 채워주네요. 자존감도 높이고 아이에 대한 사랑도 다시금 다지는 계기가 된 책입니다. 정말정말 추천합니다^^  구매
melipion 2018-09-28 공감 (6) 댓글 (0)
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공감
     
내게 최고의 육아서였던 <믿는만큼 자라는 아이들>을 제치고, 이 책이 최고의 육아서로 등극. 육아서라는 말로 부족하다. 이 책은 제목에서 느껴지는 것과 달리, 아주 깊고 숭고한 책이다. 강추한다.  구매
맑은신심 2018-11-27 공감 (2) 댓글 (0)
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공감
     
제목을 누가지었을까...... 궁금하다.
정말 많은 사람들이 읽어야 마땅한 책인데, 도대체 제목을 누가 이렇게 지었을까........
최고의 책이다. 몇번째 다시읽는데도 눈물이 또 난다. 슬픔이 아니라 감동때문에 눈물이난다.  구매
nadia 2019-12-18 공감 (1) 댓글 (0)
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마이리뷰
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나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다 새창으로 보기
워킹맘이 된 후부터 다른사람들이 육아 힘들지 않냐고 물어볼 때마다 나는 이렇게 말하곤 했다.
'나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다' 라며 말이다. 그래서 이 책 제목을 받을 때 나의 마음을 대변해주는 놀라운 기운, 일종의 텔레파시가 느껴지는 것 같은 느낌이었다.

                
똘망이가 태어나기 전 무척이나 욕심 많았던 예비엄마였다. 수 많은 산모교실과 태교에 좋다는 책, 음악, 요가 등 못하는건 빼고 모든 하는 열혈엄마였으니 말이다.
하지만...
똘망이가 태어난 후부터 그 열정이 시베리아만큼 차갑게 식어갔고, 아이가 내 의지대로 커가는게 아니라는 사실을 하나, 둘 깨닫기 시작했을 때 '나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다' 라고 하며 다시 복직했다.

                
이 책은 주옥같은 문장들이 뇌리에 남는 100점 엄마보다는 60점 엄마를 지향하며,
엄마가 더 행복하고, 만족감을 높여 그 영향이 고스란히 아이에게 간다는 내용을 담고 있다.
'나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다'  역설적이지만 뻔뻔한 엄마가 아이에게는 더 사랑받고, 존경받는 엄마, 부모가 될 수 있다는 사실!!

                
영재 판정을 받은 아홉 살 아들이 생존율 5% 희귀암에 걸린 후 건강을 되찾기까지 10년 동안 극한의 엄마 수업을 받으며 깨달은 이야기가 담겨 있다. 우리 엄마들이 가장 먼저 실천해야 하는 자기 돌봄의 기술부터 아이를 위한 놀이법, 대화법, 훈련법까지, 고단한 육아의 현장에서 고군분투하는 엄마들에게 필요한 내용들로 구성되어 있어 첫 장부터 마지막 장까지 눈을 뗄 수 없다.

                
저자는 ‘100점 엄마’가 되기 위해 안달복달하며 힘든 하루하루를 보내는 엄마들에게 말한다. ‘좋은 엄마’가 되려고 하지 말고, ‘멋있는 어른’이 되라고. 엄마가 스스로를 아끼고 사랑할 때 아이도 자기 자신을 아끼고 사랑하게 된다. 엄마가 자기 인생을 소중히 여길 때 아이도 힘껏 제 인생을 살아가게 된다는 것, 이 얼마나 멋진 깨달음인지 아이에게 쏟은 관심이 집착이 되어 나를 힘들게 되어 비로소 내려 놓으니 저자의 말이 와 닿음을 느꼈다.

                
남들보다 느린 내 아이는 어떻게 키워야 하는지 등 엄마들이 자주 묻는 궁금증에 대한 답과 육아의 현장에 바로 적용할 수 있는 20가지 육아 솔루션도 담겨져 있는  '나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다' 자녀의 교육에 있어서도 엄마의 내려놓음이 얼마나 중요한지 세상의 모든 엄마들이 읽어봤으면 하는 책,
'나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다' 였습니다.

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똘망이엄마 2018-08-01 공감(8) 댓글(0)
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60점짜리 엄마가 되라고 말하지만 결코 60점짜리 엄마가 아니었다. 새창으로 보기 구매
이 책은 거친 제목과 저자의 직업이 나와 같다는 이유로 주저없이 주문을 하게 되었다.

저자는 육아잡지사 기자로 근무를 하다가
언어치료사라는 직업을 알게 되었고
다시 공부를 해서 언어치료사가 되었다.
그리고 두 아이의 엄마로 살고 있었는데
잘 자라던 첫째가 9살에 소아암에 걸리면서
10년이라는 긴 세월동안 아이와 생사를 오가는 긴 투병 생활을 하며 엄마의 역할을 해 왔다.
그 힘든 세월을 보내서 살아낸 경험을 바탕으로
어떤 엄마가 행복한 엄마인지에 대해
솔직하고 담담하게 이야기하고 있다.

이 책의 제목을 보는 순간
예전에 읽었던 책 제목이 떠올랐다.
아주 이기적인 제목이라고 생각했으나
막상 펼쳐서 읽어보며
고개를 끄덕였던 그 책!
‘현명한 부모는 자신의 행복을 먼저 선택한다’
몇 년 후 이 책은 제목을 부드럽게 바꿔서 다시 출판되었다.
‘나는 아이보다 나를 더 사랑한다’로
이 책에서는 80점 부모가 되라고 했던 내용이 잊혀지지 않았다.
그런데 ‘나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가....’에서는 60점 부모가 되라고 말한다*^^*
ㅎㅎㅎ그리고 80점 부모가 되라고 했던 그 분이 이 책을 추천하고 있다^^

이 책을 읽으며 저자는 이 시대 엄마들에게 아이와 엄마를 위해 60점 부모가 되라고 말하고 있지만
저자는 결코 60점짜리 부모가 아니었다.
100+@를 주어도 충분한!!!!!

춘기녀 둘을 키우고 있는 나는
‘좋은 엄마’가 아니라
‘아이들이 좋아하는 엄마’가 되어보자고 다짐해본다ㅠㅠ
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온맘 2018-08-02 공감(6) 댓글(0)
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나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다. 새창으로 보기


 

 

 

 

이 책의 부제는 '엄마는 편안해지고 아이는 행복해지는 놀라운 육아 기술 34'이다. 어떤 엄마가 또 자신의 육아 노하우를 공개하나 하는 가벼운 마음으로 책장을 넘겼다가 '허걱~' 이건 육아 노하우가 아니라 무슨 병상 일기 같았다. 그것도 생존율 5%밖에 되지 않은 희귀암에 걸린 아들을 키우며 깨달은 소회? 내 아이가 희귀암에 걸려서 내일을 알 수 없는 상황에서 눈 밖에 난 별것 아닌 행동으로 혼내고 훈육할 수 있을까. 생명보다 중한 것이 무엇이라고... 작은 것으로 우리 아이들 훈육한답시고 혼낸건 아닌가 싶다. 이 책을 보고 아이를 바라보는 시선이 확장된 듯하다. 더 큰 틀에서 보게 된다. 중요한 것은 행복하게 보낸 오늘, 바로 지금인데...

 

저자는 육아 잡기 기자로 아이에게 좋다는 온갖 육아 정보를 섭렵했다. 아이를 낳아 누구보다 잘 키우려는 욕심이 있었고 엄마의 바람대로 아들은 어려서부터 영재 판정을 받았다. 아이의 장래를 생각하면 밝은 미래가 펼쳐질 것으로만 생각했던 어느 날, 아홉 살 되던 해 그러니까 우리 딸램과 같은 나이에, 생존율 5%밖에 안되는 '중추 신경계 림프종'이라는 희귀암에 걸렸다. 완치 판정을 받고 서울 생활을 버리고 지리산으로 들어갔는데 또 한 번 백혈병으로 재발한다. 얼마나 좌절되었을까. 책을 보면서 마음이 너무 아팠다. 엄마는 강했다. 멘탈이 강했다. 슬프지만 너무 슬퍼하지 않고 외롭고 두렵지만 특히 아이 앞에서는 감정을 드러내지 않아야한다고 한다. 아이의 기준은 엄마니까. 아이 앞에서 중심을 잡아 주는 엄마의 역할이 중요하다. 엄마는 형을 돌보느라 둘째에게 신경을 잘 쓰지 못쓰는 상황이었는다. 엄마와의 애착관계가 잘 되어야 상처로 남지 않는다고 알고 있다. '결정적 시기'라는 것을 놓치면 어쩌나 걱정을 저자도 했다고 한다. 그 문제를 전문가와 상담해보니 나중에 다 회복된다고 첫째에게만 집중하라고 했다고 한다. 우리 아이의 상처가 평생 갈 것 같지만 관계만 좋으면 언제든 회복이 가능하니 걱정하지 말라고 한다. 지금 둘째는 건강하게 잘 자라 중학생이 되었다.

 

병상일기를 보면서 정말 가슴에 아픈 부분이 있었다. 저자도 인생을 통째로 쥐고 흔들었던 트라우마였다고 말한다. 2007년 어느 날 신촌 세브란스 병동에 파업이 시작되었다. 소문일 거라 생각했는데 소아병동까지 파업을 한 것이다. 어렴풋이 뉴스로 접한 기억이 난다. 그 사건이 병원과 관계가 없고 자녀도 없었던 나에게는 큰 이슈가 되지 못했다. 하지만 생사를 넘나드는 환자들과 보호자는 달랐다. 항암치료를 받고 아슬아슬하게 생명의 끈을 붙잡고 있는 아이들과 그것을 바라보는 보호자의 마음은 어떠했을까. 노동운동에 관심을 가졌던 저자는 대학시절부터 노조의 편에서 구호를 외치기도 했다. 하물며 연대생이었던 터라 세브란스병원에서 노조의 입장에서 구호를 외치기도 했었다. 그들이 피해자라고 생각했기 때문이다. 건전한 사회, 더 나은 사회를 위해 목소리를 높이는 것이라고 했지만 알아버렸다. 어느 진영이든 '돈' 때문이라는 것을,,, 돈과 권력 앞에서는 생명도 뒷전이라는 것을... 그들의 진짜 관심사는 바로 그것이 최우선이었다.

다 그런 것은 아니겠지만 많은 부분 노동운동은 변질되었다. 노동자의 인권을 위해 몸을 태운 전태일 열사는 현재의 노동운동을 어떻게 평가할까. 내가 그 상황에 처했더라면... 지극히 공감하고도 남을 부분이다.

 

아이의 모든 미래가 엄마 손에 달려 있다며 '좋은 엄마'노릇 하느라 자신의 삶은 어디론가 사라져버린 우리 엄마들에게 선배엄마는 말한다. 내 삶에 즐거움과 행복을 놓지 말라고. 엄마가 더 중요하다고. 조금은 육아에 힘을 빼도 된다고 위로의 말을 전한다. 잡지사 기자였던 저자는 아이를 낳고 아이가 아픈 중에도 언어치료사의 공부를 다시 시작했다. 지금은 현재 자신과 같이 아픔이 있는 장애 아이들을 상담하고 치료하며 엄마로서의 삶뿐 아니라 자신이 필요한 곳에서 최선을 다하며 살아가고 있다.

 

엄마들에게 말한다. 100점을 위해 노력하지 말고 60점만 되어도 잘 하고 있는 것이라고... 아내에게 물었다. 당신은 몇 점 정도 되겠냐고 90점 정도? 나도 공감한다. 아내는 육아에 큰 스트레스 없이 아이와 잘 지내고 있다. 우리 나름대로 우리 방식대로 잘 키우고 싶었으나 초등학교에 들어가니 비교가 되기도 했다. 아내도 그때 약간 흔들렸다. 남들보다 아이에게 덜 해주고 있다는 생각이 들었나 보다. 이내 우리는 다시 마음을 다 잡았다. 비교하지 말고 행복한 아이로 키우자고... 오늘 하루가 행복한 일상이길 바라면서 건강한 것에 감사하며 욕심부리지 않고 살고 싶다.

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stria 2018-08-22 공감(4) 댓글(0)
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엄마든 아니든 모두에게 추천 새창으로 보기
너무 끔찍했다.
엄마라는 존재가 읽기에는 바탕에 깔린 아픈 아이 이야기가 살갗에 바로 닿아서 책장을 넘길 때 마다 아팠다.
육아 중 틈틈이 육아 퇴근 후 틈틈이 읽느라 감정의 흐름이 끊길만 한데도 책장을 열면 바로 울음...
라면 한 젓가락 먹으며 행복해 하는 아이가 눈앞에 있어 가슴이 미어졌고 오롯이 스스로 성장해내는 아이가 만져지는 듯 가슴이 벅찼다.
책을 읽었다기 보다 스며들었다는 표현이 적합할 것 같다.
너무 솔직해서 그랬을 것이다.
또 나와 닮았기에 그랬을 것이다.

엄마라는 사람이 이런 마음을 먹어도 되나 싶어 겁먹고 내 자신에게도 쉬쉬했던 감정들이 있었다.
잘 숨겨둬야지 혹시나 들키는 순간 세상의 경멸과 아이의 원망을 돌처럼 맞게 될거라 생각했다.
가끔 지친 몸과 마음의 틈새로 그 더러운 감정들이 새어 나오는 것을 느끼면 그날은 죄인도 그런 죄인이 없지. 잠든 아이 앞에서 울며 반성까지 했었다.
그런 나에게.... 다 괜찮다고 말해줘서 고맙다.
‘남들도 다 그래, 너 이상한거 아니야 당연한거야’ 라고 꼭 듣고 싶은 말을 해줘서 고맙다.
돌덩이에 긁혔던 가슴의 상처들이 한결 가라앉는 듯 했다.

좋은 엄마가 되고 싶었다.
아이에게 꼭 필요하다는 그 ‘때’에 맞는 엄마의 역할을 반드시 해내고 싶었다.
사실은 자라난 아이에게 원망보다 감사를 듣고 싶었던 것 같다.
세상의 칭찬을 느끼고 싶었던 것 같기도 하다.
분명 아이를 통해 나 자신을 비추는 엄마가 되지는 않겠노라고 다짐했었는데 아이가 생기는 순간 나는 변해있었다.
한발짝 떨어져서 바라보며 아이 스스로 날개를 돋아내는 모습을 지켜보자 결심했었는데...
‘엄마’라는 옷을 입으며 나는 가려져 있었다. 엄마라는 배역을 연기하듯 힘에 겨웠다. 힘들었다. 억울했다. 나는 엄마가 어울리지 않는 사람이라며 세상을 잃은 듯 운 적도 있었다.
이렇게 지쳐있을 때 만나게 돼서 너무나 고맙다.
아이와 행복할 줄 모르고 헤매고 있을 때 찾게 돼서 정말 감사하다.

자신의 깊이를 다 보여주며 위로를 주는 사람,
아낌없이 부끄럼없이 일러주는 사람,
섣부른 잘난척도 어설픈 조언도 없이 정도를 아는 사람, 그런 사람과 울고 웃으며 실컷 마음을 나누고 난 기분이다. 눈물 닦고 웃으면서 ‘다시 해볼 수 있을 것 같아요’ 라고 대답할 수 있을 것 같다.

책이 너무 짧다.
더 이야기를 나누고 싶다.
만나고 싶다.
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나 2018-09-03 공감(2) 댓글(0)
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나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다/메이븐 새창으로 보기




나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다











이 책을 살펴보기 전에...



김경림

연세대학교 사학과를 졸업하고, 이화여자대학교에서 언어병리학 석사 학위를 받은 후, 현재 조선대학교에서 상담심리학 박사과정을 밟고 있다. 두 아이의 엄마인 그녀는 〈앙팡〉을 비롯한 육아 잡지 기자로 5년, 육아서 전문 프리랜서 편집자로 5년을 일했고, 11년째 언어치료사이자 상담사로 아이들과 부모들을 만나 오고 있다. 현재는 이연언어심리상담센터의 대표로 활동 중이다.
육아지 기자로 일하던 시절에 첫 아이를 낳았다. 아이에게 좋다는 온갖 육아 정보를 섭렵하다 보니, 누구보다 똑똑하게 아이를 잘 키울 거라 자신했다. 그래서인지 아이는 어려서 영재 판정을 받았고, 이대로 앞서 달려가기만 하면 성공과 행복은 따 놓은 당상일 거라 여겼다. 그러나 아이는 아홉 살이 되던 해에 5년 생존율이 5%밖에 안 되는 ‘중추신경계 림프종’이라는 희귀암에 걸렸고, 완치와 재발을 반복하며 10년 동안 힘겨운 투병의 시간을 보냈다.
아픈 아이를 돌보는 엄마는 남들보다 더 희생하고 인내해야 할 거라는 통념과 달리, 저자는 오히려 그와 반대되는 ‘엄마 노릇’을 배웠다. 엄마는 아이의 운명을 좌우할 전지전능한 힘이 없으며, 그저 아이가 제 운명을 견딜 때 곁을 지켜주는 사람이라는 것이다. 엄마로서 할 수 없는 일을 과감히 포기하자, 쓸데
없이 애쓰지 않게 되었고, 죄책감과 불안감으로 가득했던 엄마 노릇도 편안하고 즐거워졌다. 그랬더니 아이와의 관계는 더 좋아졌고, 아이도 씩씩하게 제 삶을 살아가게 되었다. 다행히 아이는 건강을 되찾고 올해 스무 살이 되었다. 아픈 형 때문에 신경을 덜 쓸 수밖에 없었던 둘째도 벌써 중학교 2학년이 되었다.
저자는 과거에 자신이 그랬듯, ‘아이의 미래가 엄마 손에 달렸다’는 생각에 몸이 두 개라도 부족하리만치 엄마 역할을 열심히 해내면서도 늘 불안하고 초조한 후배 엄마들을 위해 이 책을 썼다. 부디 세상이 강요하는 ‘좋은 엄마’ 노릇에 파묻혀 안달복달하느라 눈앞에 놓인 ‘내’ 삶의 즐거움과 행복을 놓치지 않기를 바라는 마음을 이 책에 담았다.



[예스24 제공]









 





열심히 잘 해보고자 애썼던 육아 앞에서

좀 더 느슨해지면서 마음을 편안하게 먹을 수 있는

조금은 힘을 뺀 육아가 오히려 더 건강할 수 있다란 생각을

이 책을 보며 생각해보게 된다.



여태까지 참 바쁘게 살고

아이들에게 거의 모든 코드를 맞춰 나가고자 애를 쓰며

좋은 엄마가 되지 못하는 죄책감에도 빠져보면서

나를 다그치며 더 나은 내일을 위해 열심히 살아왔던 것 같다.



그럼에도 구멍이 있었고,

그럼에도 넘어졌다.



차라리 그럴바에 조금은 모잘라도 내 마음만은

편안했으면 했는데 사실 그것도 아니였다는 것이 참 씁쓸한 기분을 숨기기 힘들었다.



점수로 따지면 겨우 반타작 정도 한 정도로만 줄 수 있을 것 같다.



나에게 후한 점수를 주지 못하는 데에는 너무 많은 이유가 있겠지만

좋은 엄마가 되지 못하는 자격 미달에서 오는 죄책감이 크다.



그런데 이 책은 80점, 90점 짜리 엄마보다도

부족한 점수일지라도 그만큼도 충분하다고 한다.



그 말만으로도 충분한 위로가 된다.



너무 열심히 하려는 마음에서 오는 불안감과 죄책감이

내 마음을 더 불편하게 만들었던 것 같다.



그럼 좋은 엄마란 무얼까?



이 책은 너무도 명확하고 간단하게 말해준다.



'아이가 좋아하는 엄마'



사실 이 말 속에 모든 것이 담겨 있었다.



아이의 표정에서 엄마를 바라보는 지긋한 눈빛과

사랑스런 모습들이 진심으로 담겨 있으면서

엄마가 좋다라는 말이 서슴없이 나온다면

이미 육아에 합격점을 받은게 아닐까.



꽤 오랜 시간동안 내가 가야할 방향성에서

엄마의 욕심이 참 많았던 것 같다.



그래서 아이도 나도 지쳐갔던 것이 사실이다.



서로에게 고통을 주는 걸 멈추고

더 많은 사랑을 주지 못했던 것에 반성할 필요를 깨닫게 된다.



불안에 빠지면 지금 가지고 있는 것이 잘 보이지 않는다.

지금 가진 것만으로 누릴 수 있는 충분한 자유가 실감이 나지 않는다.

그러나 우리는 맛있는 밥을 먹을 자유도, 아름다운 자연에서 뛰놀 자유도,

서로 눈 맞추고 웃을 자유도, 서로를 따뜻하게 안을 자유도 있다.

엄마들의 불안은 숙명이라지만, 벗어날 방법이 분명히 있다.



여전히 문제들을 끌어안고 고민하며

불안 속에서 살아간다.



사실 다른 아이와 비교하면서 내 아이가 가진 장점에 집중하지 못하고

끊임없이 채워지지 않는 것에만 집중하며

서로의 불안을 떠넘기며 불행을 자초하고 있다.



이 글을 보면서 눈이 번쩍 뜨였다.



내가 생각했던 바르지 못했던 생각들에서 벗어나

지금 내가 어디에서 시선을 두었는지 말이다.



내 아이가 내 곁에서 마음껏 웃으며

행복해 하는 모습은 사실 큰 일이 아니었다.



작은 일상 속에서도

얼마나든지 즐거운 일들이 많았음에도

내 아이의 그런 있는 그대로의 모습을 잘 받아들이지 못했던 것 같다.



10년이 넘는 시간을 육아를 했더라도 난 여전히 초보이다.



그럼에도 지금의 내 자리에서 나의 부족함을 알지만

충분히 행복한 시간들을 즐기며

놓치지 말아야 할 순간들에 좀 더 집중하며 살고자 한다.



지금의 이 시간들을 더 만족해하며 살아갈 필요와 함께

아이와 나의 잃어버린 시간들을 이젠 더이상 놓치지 말자.









 

- 접기


다 괜찮다 : 연재ㅣ김경림의 ‘씩씩하게 뻔뻔하게’

다 괜찮다 : 교육 : 사회 : 뉴스 : 한겨레:

다 괜찮다
등록 :2021-01-04 
연재ㅣ김경림의 ‘씩씩하게 뻔뻔하게’

2021년 새해가 밝았다. 2020년을 맞을 때 전혀 기대하지 않았던 일들이 1년 동안 펼쳐졌다. 아이들은 학교에 가지 못했고, 어른들은 생계와 돌봄을 유지하느라 힘들었던 1년이었다.

지난해 작은아이가 중학교를 졸업했다. 전교생이 30명인 시골 중학교에 다니다가 드디어 한 학년이 260명이나 되는 대도시 근처 기숙형 고등학교로 갔다. 아이는 새롭고 넓은 곳에 가보고 싶다고 했고, 나는 그 선택에 어정쩡한 입장이었다. 아이의 패기에 박수를 치기에는 낯선 곳에서의 적응, 입시제도에서의 생존 등 ‘알지 못하는 미래’에 대한 불안이 앞섰다. 코로나가 일상을 뒤덮을 줄 몰랐던 시절의 걱정이었다. 바이러스로 인한 예상치 못한 재난으로 아예 입학을 못 하는 일이 벌어질 줄 누가 알았겠는가.
입학을 못 하자, 입학만 할 수 있기를 바랐다. 겨우 입학을 하게 되고, 아이가 너무 힘들고 외롭다며 하루에 몇번씩 전화하자 어서 안정을 찾기만을 바랐다. 입학한 지 열흘 만에 중간고사 시험을 보고 실망하자 공부에도 뒤처지지 않기를 바랐다. 공부에도 크게 뒤떨어지지는 않게 되자 더 잘하기를 바랐다. 처음 학교에 보낼 때의 막연한 불안은 없어졌는데도 계속 바라고 바랐다. 바라는 게 충족될수록 불안이 없어져야 할 텐데, 그렇게 되지는 않았다.

그러다 새해가 왔다. 바이러스의 위험이 계속되고 있지만 ‘새해’란 그 속에서도 희망을 떠올리게 만드는 힘이 있다. 새해에는 무엇을 기대해야 할까. 여전히 걱정과 불안이 앞서는 중에 문득 지난해 중학교 교무실에서 아이의 진학 원서를 작성할 때가 떠올랐다. 아이의 결정에 대해 이야기하면서 버릇대로 이런저런 불안과 걱정을 늘어놓고 있던 참이었다. 그때 한 선생님이 부드럽게 말씀하셨다. 시골학교 관사에 사시며 밤 11시까지 아이들과 함께 땀을 내며 농구를 하시던 선생님이었다.
“어머니, 괜찮을 거예요.” “네?” “괜찮을 거예요. 공부는 잘해도 괜찮고, 못해도 괜찮아요. 처음에 힘들겠지만 결국 다 괜찮아질 거고, 아이는 잘 살 거예요. 어머니도 아시잖아요.” 순간, 자동기계처럼 의미도 재미도 없이 불안과 걱정을 떠들어대던 말이 멈추었다. 불안은 현실이 아닌 미래의 일이었다.

13년 전, 온 가족이 서울에서 지리산으로 내려왔을 때, 많은 사람들이 미래에 ‘뒤떨어질 것’을 걱정했다. 하지만 아픈 아이의 미래를 계획할 수 없는 우리에겐 오늘 하루 ‘사는 일’이 중요했다. 그저 하루 맛있게 먹고 즐겁게 노는 데 집중했다. 그렇게 하루하루를 살다 보니 13년이 흘렀다. 지금 이 자리는 기대도 계획도 하지 않은 곳이지만, 13년 전 내가 상상했던 것보다 훨씬 더 괜찮다.
새해의 기대와 결심은 이것으로 하기로 한다. 멀리 보지 않기. 하루하루 즐겁고 따뜻하고 건강하게 지내기. 그러다 보면 내년에 또 기대하지 않은 성장과 변화가 찾아올 것이고, 그때 ‘다 괜찮다’고 말할 수 있을 것이라, 애써 믿어본다.

김경림 ㅣ <나는 뻔뻔한 엄마가 되기로 했다> 저자
※ ‘김경림의 씩씩하게 뻔뻔하게’ 연재를 마칩니다. 김경림 작가님과 독자 여러분께 감사드립니다.

밭에 감추인 보화 같은 유교의 道, 이은선 - 주간기독교

한국 페미니스트 신학자의 유교 읽기 < 주간기독교


2022/02/05

알라딘:19-20세기 프로테스탄트 사상사 폴 틸리히 (지은이),송기득 (옮긴이)

알라딘: 19-20세기 프로테스탄트 사상사


19-20세기 프로테스탄트 사상사   
폴 틸리히 (지은이),송기득 (옮긴이)
대한기독교서회2004-06-17
===
320쪽

목차
옮긴이의 머리말 
책머리에:문제와 방법 

첫째 마당-정통주의, 경건주의, 합리주의 안에서 유동하는 강조점 
1. 정통주의 시대 
2. 정통주의에 대한 경건주의의 반동 
3. 합리주의의 대두 

둘째 마당-계몽주의와 그 문제 
1. 계몽주의의 본질 
2. 계몽주의적 인간의 자세 
3. 계몽주의의 내적 갈등 
4. 계몽주의의 성취자와 비판자 

셋째 마당-계몽주의에 대한 고전주의적ㆍ로망주의적 반동 
1. 레싱, 역사적 비평, 스피노자의 재발견 
2. 스피노자와 칸트의 종합 
3. 로망주의의 본질 
4. 고전적인 신학적 종합:쉴라이에르마허 
5. 보편적 종합:헤겔 

넷째 마당-보편적 종합의 파탄 
1. 헤겔학파의 분열 
2. 쉘링의 헤겔 비판 
3. 종교부흥과 그 신학적 귀결 
4. 키에르케고르의 실존주의 신학 
5. 정치적 급진주의와 그 신학적 의의 
6. 주의주의와 삶의 철학 

다섯째 마당-새로운 조정의 길 
1. 경험과 성서적 메시지 
2. '칸트로 돌아가자'는 운동 
3. 아돌프 폰 하르낙 
4. 갖가지 신학 운동 인명색인 내용색인

저자 및 역자소개
폴 틸리히 (Paul Tillich) (지은이) 
저자파일
 
신간알리미 신청

베를린 대학교, 튀빙겐 대학교, 할레 대학교에서 신학과 철학을 공부했고, 특히 독일 관념론 철학자 피히테의 철학에 관심을 기울였으며, 셸링에 관한 연구로 브레슬라우 대학교에서 철학박사 학위와 할레 대학교에서 신학 강의 자격(Lizentiat der Theologie)을 얻었다. 브란덴부르크주 루터교회에서 목사 안수를 받았으며, 제1차 세계대전 때 자원하여 군목으로 활동하며 유럽 문화의 끝을 알리는 끔찍한 재앙을 경험했다. 
전쟁 후 할레 대학교에서 슐라이어마허 이전의 초자연주의에 관한 연구로 교수 자격(Habilitation)을 얻고 베를린 대학교에서 사강사(Privatdozent)로 학문 활동을 시작했으며, 마르부르크 대학교, 드레스덴 공과대학교, 라이프치히 대학교에서 정교수로 철학과 사회학을 가르치면서 프랑크푸르트학파 구성원들과 교류하다가 유대인 탄압을 반대했다는 이유로 비유대인으로서는 최초로 나치 정권에 의해 해직되었다. 

라인홀드 니버의 도움으로 미국으로 망명하여 유니온 신학교에서 20년 동안 종교철학과 조직신학과 철학적 신학을 가르쳤으며, 하버드 대학교의 특별 교수(University Professor)와 시카고 대학교 신과대학의 존 뉴빈 석좌교수(John Nuveen Professor)를 지냈다. 

20세기 가장 중요한 개신교 신학자와 종교철학자로 꼽힌다. 

주요 저작으로는 『프로테스탄트 시대』, 『존재의 용기』, 『문화의 신학』, 『경계선 위에서』, 『흔들리는 터전』, 『영원한 지금』, 『믿음의 역동성』 등이 있다. 접기

최근작 : <성서 종교와 궁극적 실재 탐구>,<폴 틸리히 조직신학 1>,<문화의 신학> … 총 141종 (모두보기)
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송기득 (옮긴이) 
연세대학교에서 철학과 신학을 공부하고, 목원대학교 신학과 조직신학 교수로서 은퇴했다.
(1999) 은퇴 이후 계간지 『신학비평』을 창간(2001)하고 주간으로 있으면서 사람다움을 지향하는 인간화 신학을 펼치고 있다. 그는 지금까지 인간화를 틀로 삼아 그리스도교를 비판하고 있으며, 역사의 예수에게서 사람다움의 길을 모색하고 있다.

지은 책
『하느님 없이 하느님과 함께 - 나의 신학평전 3』 (2015)
『하느님 없이 하느님과 함께 - 나의 신학평전 4』 (2012)
『역사의 예수 : 그는 누구이며, 우리에게 무엇인가?』 (2009)
『하느님 없이 하느님과 함께 - 나의 신앙평전 2』 (2009)
『하느님 없이 하느님과 함께 - 나의 신앙평전 1』 (2006)
『하느님의 두 아들 : 그리스도교와 사회주의의 만남』 (2003)
『사람살이가 구도의 방랑길입니다』 (1999)
『그리스도교 신학과 인간 해방』 (1998)
『사람다움과 신학하기』 (1997)
『살며 믿으며 바라며』 (1993)
『대결에서 협력으로 - 그리스도교와 마르크스주의』(엮고 함께 씀, 1991)
『끝내 사람이고자 - 그리스도교 신학과 민중 구원』 (1990)
『예수와 인간화』 (1989)
『신학개론』 (1985)
『인간』 (1984)

옮긴 책
『파울 틸리히의 그리스도교 사상사』 (2005)
『19-20세기 프로테스탄트 사상사』 (2004)
『무신론과 해방』 (함께 옮김, 1991)
『달라진 세계와 철학』 (1984) 접기
최근작 : <탈신학 에세이>,<사람살이가 구도의 방랑길입니다>,<사람, 아직 멀었다> … 총 22종 (모두보기)

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음... 기독교 사상사를 하려거든 한번쯤은 거쳐봐야 할 책입니다.  구매
그러게말입니다 2008-09-05 공감 (0) 댓글 (0)
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공감순 
     
진솔한 질문과 진솔한 답변

이 책을 읽으면 세계의 석학을 앞에 두고 강의실에서 강의를 듣는 느낌이 든다. 이야기 하듯이 강의하다가 학생이 질문한 것에 대한 대답도 실려 있어서 아주 생생하다. 틸리히는 단순히 기독교 신학자만을 다루지 않는다. 신학에 영향을 준 철학자들도 다루고 있다. 이 번역서는 틸리히의 강의를 독일어로 정리한 제자와 영어로 번역한 칼 브라텐 둘 다를 참고하되 독일어를 우선적으로 참고하였다. 일본어 번역까지 참고한 것으로 보아 송기득 선생님의 번역의 철저함을 알 수가 있다. 원래 A History of Christian Thought라는 한 책인데, 이를 <기독교 사상사> <19-20세기 프로테스탄트 사상사> 두 권으로 나누어 번역하였다.


혼자 읽는 것보다 독서모임에서 다루니 서로 이야기하면서 더 재미있어진다. 사상사는 일관되게 흐르는 물음이 있다. 먼저 말하자면, 19-20세기 사상사는 정통주의에 대한 반발로 일어난 합리주의, 계몽주의에서 시작한다. 칸트의 비판철학, 헤겔의 역사변증법, 칸트와 헤겔를 다리놓은 쉘링, 계몽주의에 대한 반발로 일어나는 자연주의(루소), 낭만주의(쉘링), 실존주의(맑스, 포이에르마허, 키에르케고어, 쇼펜하우어, 니체)를 다룬다. 마지막으로 현대 신학자 불트만 실존주의, 슈바이처의 역사적 예수, 칼 바르트 등을 다룬다.


틸리히의 사상사를 읽을 때, 이성이냐 감정이냐, 내면성의 신학인가 계시의 신학인가, 플라톤의 이원론과 아리스토텔레스의 일원론과 이원론인가, 실재론이냐 유명론이냐, 동일철학(아리스토텔레스-스피노자-칸트-헤겔)이냐 분리철학(플로톤-키에르케고어-칼 바르트 등)의 관점으로 보면 유익하다.

 

이 책은 진지한 질문에 대한 사상가들의 고뇌와 답변이 담겨 있다.

초월은 있는가? 초월은 무엇인가? 초월은 인식이 가능한가? (칸트, 키에르케고어)

신과 예수 그리스도와 거룩한 영에 대한 성경의 증언은 '확실한가'?

칸트의 계몽주의이후로 이성의 중요성이 등장하면서, 과연 성경은 신화인가? 진리인가?

역사비평과 철학 비평 이후에, 기독교 정통신학은 폐기해야 하는가?

성서의 메세지와 현대의 지성과 조화를 이룰 수 있는가? (슐라이어마허)

비인간화된 인간이 어떻게 참된 인간이 될 수 있을까? (키에르케고어, 맑스, 쇼펜하우어, 니체)

인간안에 진리가 내재했는가? 진리와 연결고리가 없는가? (동양철학과 서양철학, 소크라테스와 예수, 스피노자-헤겔-슐라이어마허 vs. 키에르케고어, 부르노와 칼 바르트)

 

 

이런 질문에 대한 재미있는 답변들을 제시하고 있다.

 

- 접기
오!늘~ 2013-02-07 공감(1) 댓글(0)
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높은 수준의 프로테스탄트 사상서 새창으로 보기
인터넷 헌책방 신고서점에서 이 책을 발견하고 처음엔 별관심이 없었는데 한국신학연구소에서 발간된 것을 보고 신뢰가 가서 구입해 읽기 시작했다.놀라운 수준의 스칼라쉽이다.모두 이해할 수는 없었지만 대단히 흥미롭게 읽을 수 있었다. 300쪽에 불과한 얄팍한 책임에도 대단한 학문적 깊이와 풍부한 내용으로 지적 흥미를 불러일으키는 책이다.사족현재는 기독교서회에서 다시 발간한 듯 하나 내가 소장하고 있는 책은 1982년 판 한국신학연구소 발간 본이다. 
응돌 2018-09-26 공감(0) 댓글(0)
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===

그리스도교 사상사 - 파울 틸리히의   
폴 틸리히 (지은이),송기득 (옮긴이)
대한기독교서회2005-09-10




그리스도교 사상사

기본정보
450쪽

책소개

칼바르트, 루돌프 불트만과 더불어 20세기 개신교의 대표적인 신학자로 꼽히는 파울 틸리히의 <그리스도교 사상사>를 번역한 책. 1953년 봄학기에 유니온신학교에서 행한 강의를 엮은 것으로, 원시교단에서부터 종교개혁 직후까지 그리스도교의 사상사를 살펴보고 있다. 단순한 사상의 전개와 나열이 아닌, 아닌 역사적 전망과 역사적 해석을 전해준다.


목차
독일어판 엮은이의 머리말
영어판 엮은이의 머리말
옮긴이의 말

머리말: 도그마의 개면

제1장 그리스도교 신학의 예비
1. 카이로스
2. 로마 제국의 세계 지배에 따른 보편적 상황
3. 헬레니즘 시대의 그리스 철학
4. 헬레니즘 시대의 유대교 - 성서 중간 시대
5. 신비주의와 밀의종교
6. 사도 교부

제2장 학문으로서의 신학의 시작
1. 변증론자들
2. 영지주의의 위험성과 반영지주의 교부들에 의한 극복
3. 반영지주의적 교부들이 내놓은 새로운 교설
4. 알렉산드리아학파
5. 로고스 그리스도론에 대한 반동
6. 삼위일체론을 둘러싼 논쟁
7. 그리스도론의 논쟁
8. 거짓 디오니시우스 아레오파기타

제3장 서방의 그리스도교적 사고의 발전
1. 테르툴리아누스와 키프리아누스
2. 아우구스티누스

제4장 중세교회
1. 신학의 기본 자세
2. 스콜라주의
3. 중세종교의 여러 힘
4. 중세교회의 위치
5. 중세의 성례전론
6. 11-12세기 중세신학의 주요 대표자들
7. 13세기

제5장 트리엔트회의로부터 현재까지의 로마 가톨리시즘의 발전
1. 트리엔트회의
2. 트리엔트 이후의 가톨릭 교회의 발전

제6장 종교 개혁자들의 신학
1. 마르틴 루터
2. 홀드리히 츠빙글리
3. 존 칼빈

제7장 종교개혁 이후의 프로테스탄트 신학의 발전
1. 정통주의 신학
2. 경건주의
3. 합리주의와 경건주의의 관계
4. 소지니주의

문헌해제

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