The Sâman – Selections from the Upanishads, an Ancient Hindu Text

Today it is an honor to present selections from the first to the ninth khanda in the second prapâthaka of the Khandogya-Upanishad, from the book “The Upanishads,” translated by Max Müller. This text explores the multifaceted concept of Sâman, which encompasses the sacred chants of the Sama Veda, as well as associations with goodness, the Sun, the five worlds, the senses, and more. Meditation on the many facets of Sâman is encouraged as a means of connecting with the Divine.

KHÂNDOGYA-UPANISHAD SECOND PRAPÂTHAKA FIRST KHANDA

“Meditation on the whole of the Sâman is good, and people, when anything is good, say it is Sâman; when it is not good, it is not Sâman. Thus they also say, he approached him with Sâman, that is becomingly; and he approached him without Sâman, that is unbecomingly. And they also say, truly this is Sâman for us, that is it is good for us, when it is good; and truly that is not Sâman for us, that is it is not good for us, when it is not good. If anyone knowing this meditates on the Sâman as good, depend upon it all good qualities will approach quickly, aye, they will become his own.”

SECOND KHANDA

“Let a man meditate on the fivefold Sâman as the five worlds. The hiṅkâra is the Earth, the prastâva the fire, the udgîtha the sky, the pratihâra the Sun, the nidhana Heaven; so in an ascending line. In a descending line, the hiṅkâra is Heaven, the prastâva the Sun, the udgîtha the sky, the pratihâra the fire, the nidhana the Earth. The worlds in an ascending and in a descending line belong to him who knowing this meditates on the fivefold Sâman as the worlds.” […]

SEVENTH KHANDA

“Let a man meditate on the fivefold Sâman, which is greater than great, as the prânas (senses). The hiṅkâra is smell (nose), the prastâva speech (tongue), the udgîtha sight (eye), the pratihâra hearing (ear), the nidhana mind. These are one greater than the other. What is greater than great belongs to him, nay, he conquers the worlds which are greater than great, who knowing this meditates on the fivefold Sâman, which is greater than great, as the prânas (senses).” […]