Mundaka Upanishad is one of the most important of the 108
Upanishads, belonging to the
Atharva Veda. It explains about the Jnana Marga (path of knowledge). It is believed that Mundaka (meaning, shaven head) Upanishad is meant for the
sanyasi, who generally have their head shaven. The root 'mund', meaning 'to shave,' also suggests that one who comprehends the teaching of the Upanishad is liberated from error and ignorance. Mundaka Upanishad has 3 sections, each called a Mundakam.
The Mundaka explains the sole effective source of knowledge and distinguishes between 'vidya' and 'avidya', meaning 'knowledge' and 'ignorance'. It differentiates between the higher knowledge of the Supreme Brahman and the lower knowledge of the empirical world. Higher wisdom, and not sacrifices or worship, leads the spiritual seeker to the ultimate godhead. It points out the practical means of attaining the goal.
The Mundaka Upanishad explains how this entire world has a single basis, the universal Suvarnam or 'golden dust' which, by its endless permutations and combinations, produces the world of appearances and qualities. This Upanishad cautions the seeker that it is only by the Grace of the Lord that we can hope to find Him and escape falling into materialism.
