The pinnacle of the wisdom of the
ancient sages is contained in the terse twelve verses of the Mandukya
Upanishad, which outlines the philosophy and practices of the OM mantra
(written as either AUM or OM). It has been said that the wisdom of the ancient
sages is in the four books of the ancient most text the Vedas, the juice of the
Vedas is in the Upanishads, and the juice of the Upanishads is in the Mandukya
Upanishad. The entire subject of Mandukya Upanishad is AUM Mantra. It has also
been widely said that if one understands and practices Mandukya Upanishad, no
other teachings are needed.
‘AUM’ Mantra is also suggested as
a direct route to samadhi in the Yoga Sutras. The teachings of the Mandukya
Upanishad and OM Mantra are well worth deep study, discussion, reflection and
contemplation. By faithfully and intently engaging these twelve verses, all of
the other written and oral teachings can be explored as expansions of the
foundation principles and practices encapsulated in this succinct summary. The
OM Mantra is a roadmap of the entire process of sadhana and a most practical
tool for Self-Realization. To have such a terse summary as the centerpiece of
practices, it makes the context of all other practices significantly easier to
understand and actually do. It is not only a most insightful writing, but also
a complete outline for sadhana, enlightenment practices.
Source: Swamiji.com