I've been kind of derelict in writting on this blog for about a week. Sort of preoccupied with other things like meditation, yoga, and just generally slacking off. However, I have been reading the Upanishads off and on while sitting on the throne. I've gotten through Isha, Kena, Prasna, and Mundaka Upanishads. I haven't been all that impressed with what I've read so far. They all seem to be saying the same thing over and over.

The basic theme running though the Upanishads, up to this point, has mainly to do with the importance of meditation and devotion to a higher force in order to become one with the Self. The higher force referred to as Braham, the higher Self and sometimes the Absolute. The only deviation from this theme as been Prasna Upanishad. For the first time prana is mentoned. Prana is the life force that exists in all creatures, in the heavens and throughout the universe. Prana is the life force or energy that give life and is the "soul" of the universe. According to Prasna, when one sleeps prana gets closer to Self because the senses, the thoughts and desires are asleep too. The scripture also talks about the power of Om.

According to Prasna Upanishad, if you meditate on Om with "full consciousness" you will become united with the light of God - Brahman and become freed from evil and become immortal. Death will no longer be a problem. In order to have full consciousness you must have complete knowledge of the meaning of Om.

"The syllable OM, when it is not fully understood, does not lead beyond immortality. When it is fully understood, and meditation is therefore rightly directed, a man is freed from fear, whether he be awake, dreaming, or sleeping the dreamless sleep, and attains Brahman."

I shall plug onward with the Upanishads and report back with Mandukya and Taittiriya. Maybe they will shed more light on Om and how to become fully conscious of it. One can only hope.