Ruth Perini
Varaha Upanishad, composed between the 13th and 16th centuries CE, is one of the thirty-two Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda Upaniṣads. Its 249 verses include the topics of samkhya, advaita-vedanta, tantra, bhakti and yoga practices. The Upanishad begins with the sage Ribhu asking Lord Vishnu to explain the supreme knowledge of Brahman, the Infinite. He then beseeches Vishnu to reveal to him the transcendent Brahma Vidya, knowledge of the Atman, which is our true nature. The nature of the formless One Reality is described as the indivisible sat-cit-ananda (being-consciousness-bliss), not limited in space, time and object. Living in the world as an enlightened being, jivanmukta, is defined as having attained the seven stages of wisdom, by either the instant or gradual path to liberation. Reference is made to verses on the Ultimate Reality and pranava in the Mandukyopanishad. The final chapter includes a discussion between Ribhu and his student Nidagha on the yogic practices of ashtanga, laya, hatha, mantra and kundalini yoga, all of which calm the mind.
