Kundika
『クンディカー・ウパニシャッド』はアタルヴァ・ヴェーダ系のサンニャーサ（出家・放棄）ウパニシャッドの一つで、短い詩句の中に出家者の規範と精神を凝縮して示す。題名の「クンディカー」（水壺）は単なる外的標識ではなく、内的浄化・自制・不所有の象徴として解釈される。本文は外形的な印よりも、心と感官の制御、平等心、非暴力、そして「証人意識」（sākṣin）への安住を重視し、最終的にアートマンがブラフマンであるという直観的知（ātma-vidyā）こそ解脱（mokṣa）であると説く。
Start ReadingKey Teachings
- Saṃnyāsa as a direct support for jñāna: renunciation is oriented to Self-knowledge
not mere social withdrawal.
- Symbolism of the kuṇḍikā (water-pot): external implements function as reminders of inner purity
restraint
and non-attachment.
- Vairāgya (dispassion) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness) as prerequisites for steady contemplation.
- Śama-dama and inner discipline: mastery of mind and senses as the practical foundation of Vedāntic inquiry.
- De-emphasis of external marks: true renunciation is internal—abidance in the witness (sākṣin) beyond roles.
- Ātman-Brahman orientation: liberation is through realizing the ever-free Self; bondage persists through avidyā.
- Simple
compassionate conduct: the renouncer’s life is marked by humility
equanimity
and non-injury.
Verses of the Kundika
1 verses with Sanskrit text, transliteration, and translation.