Indra & Virocha -The Quest For The Truth

 

The story of Virochana and Indra from the Chandogya Upanishad is a fascinating tale that explores the nature of the self and the different paths toward understanding it. This narrative is part of the larger Vedic literature and is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. Here is a summary of the story:

Background

In the Chandogya Upanishad (Chapter 8), both Virochana and Indra are students of the sage Prajapati, who is considered a creator deity and a teacher of profound spiritual wisdom. Virochana is the king of the Asuras (demons), while Indra is the king of the Devas (gods). Both are curious about the nature of the Self (Atman) and seek Prajapati’s teachings to understand it better.

The Quest for Knowledge

Virochana and Indra approach Prajapati and ask him about the nature of the Self. Prajapati tells them that the Self is "free from sin, old age, death, grief, hunger, and thirst; it desires only what is real, and thinks only what is true." Intrigued, they stay with Prajapati for thirty-two years, performing austerities to qualify for the knowledge they seek.

After thirty-two years, Prajapati gives them the first lesson: he asks them to look into a bowl of water and see their reflection. He says, "This is the Self." Both Virochana and Indra look into the water and see their physical reflections. They believe that the physical body is the true Self.

The Divergence

Virochana, satisfied with this explanation, returns to the Asuras and teaches them that the physical body is the Self. The Asuras then begin to focus on the physical, material world, seeking pleasure and satisfaction in it. Virochana's interpretation leads the Asuras to believe in a philosophy that prioritizes the physical and material aspects of existence.

Indra, on the other hand, is not entirely satisfied. As he returns to the Devas, he begins to have doubts. He reflects on the nature of the physical body—it ages, it decays, and it is subject to suffering. Indra returns to Prajapati and expresses his doubts.

Prajapati, seeing Indra's sincerity, instructs him to stay for another thirty-two years. Indra does so, and after this period, Prajapati teaches him further. This cycle repeats, with Indra staying with Prajapati for a total of 101 years. Each time, Prajapati provides Indra with a deeper understanding of the Self.

The True Self

Finally, Prajapati reveals to Indra the ultimate truth: the Self is not the physical body, nor the mind, nor even the intellect. It is the pure consciousness that is beyond all physical and mental attributes. This Self is eternal, infinite, and one with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Indra realizes that the true Self is beyond physical existence and is identical with the universal spirit.

Conclusion

The story contrasts the superficial understanding of the Self, represented by Virochana, with the deeper spiritual insight attained by Indra. Virochana’s interpretation leads to a materialistic view of life, while Indra's perseverance and deeper inquiry lead to the realization of the spiritual nature of the Self.

This narrative illustrates the journey from ignorance to knowledge, from the physical to the spiritual, and the importance of deep contemplation and guidance in understanding the true nature of the Self.