The Simile of the Arani Fire (Aaatmbindu Upanishad)

 

     The inspirational verses continue. All these verses highlight the importance of Self-knowledge in bringing the seeker to the verge of Realization. Another simile is added to the growing list as the Upanishad reaches its climax. This is the ‘hottest’ simile of them all, producing the fire of enlightenment. Example 5: Producing Fire by Friction 1-4 There is a contraption called the Arani which we came across in Atma Bodha and Kaivalya Upanishad. The principle it uses is friction between two pieces of wood. The lower piece of wood is shaped like a semi-circular bowl and is fixed in position. The upper piece of wood is shaped into a semi-circular ball which fits into the lower bowl. The upper piece serves as a churning rod. Great friction is produced between the two pieces of wood.

  1 In order to turn the upper rod, a rope is wound around the cylindrical spindle of the upper wood that has the ball shape at its lower end. The rope is pulled to turn the rod and produce friction with the lower wood. After a while, a spark is produced. The spark lights a piece of cotton placed in the lower bowl. The fire is carefully tended and transferred to a fire kund where it is nurtured and fanned into a strong fire. Symbolism: The lower wood of the Arani is the Ego; the upper wood of the Arani is the Om chanting or constant practice of Sadhana. The churning rod is the intellect and the churning process using the rope is the knowledge of the Self. The fire that arises is the Brahmakara Vritti which burns down the ego and gives rise to the experience of Samadhi. Example 6: A Modern Simile – “Two Boxers” A modern simile for the same idea would be a Boxing Match. Imagine that one boxer has just been given a knockout punch and is on the floor (the lower Arani), while the other is standing over him (the upper Arani). The referee is busy with the countdown, which is the Om Japa. When the countdown ends, the boxer on the floor is declared vanquished and the one standing above him is cheered as the victor! The final outcome is: The thought “I am part of the whole” is burnt away, and the knowledge “I am the Partless Whole” is experienced.