Brahman

The son of Lord Varuna once asked his dad what is Brahmam. (Varunam pitaram upassara. Adheehi bagavo brahmmedhi. Varuna replied brahmam cannot be explained by words. It is something to be experienced by doing penance (thapas). Thapso thapiyatha. The boy left home and sat on penance. After a few day he returned to his father and said I now know what is Brahmam. He went on, Annam Brahmmedi Vyajaanad. Food is Brahmam. He said food sustains life and from life everything is generated. Hence food is supreme and consequently it is Brahmam. Father Varuna said Brahmam has to be experienced by thapas. The boy again left and after some days of penance returned back saying that life (Prana) is Brahmam as life is the cause of everything. From one life other lives are formed and the universe is full of life. Father Varuna said that Brahmam has to be experienced by thapas. Thinking that he has again erred, the boy again left for thapas. He was back after a few days of penance and this time he said it is mind (Mana) that is Brahmam. He argued that mind regulates and controls lives and all other things in the world. Mind is the source of energy and all activities. Father Varuna repeated : Brahmam has to be realised by penance. The boy left for thapas again and returned saying that Vijnanam i.e. knowledge is the real Brahmam. He substantiated his claim saying knowledge is the route cause for everything else and it is because of knowledge that the universe is sustained. Father Varuna replied. Brahmam has to be known by doing penance. The boy left as usual for doing thapas and did not return for a long time. Varuna then went in search of the boy and found him completely merged in pure undiluted happiness oblivious of the surroundings. Father brought him to normal senses and asked him about Brahmam. Boy said “Anantho Brahmmedi Vyajanaadh, meaning I realise that BRAHMAM IS NOTHING BUT PUREST FORM OF ANANDHAM.

Source : Thaitheriyopanished Chapter 3