Prashna Upanishad — Chapter 1: Kabandhi's Question: The Origin of Creatures
10 verses
Verse 1
Sukesha Bharadvaja, Shaibya Satyakama, Sauryayani Gargya, Kausalya Ashvalayana, Bhargava Vaidarbhi, and Kabandhi Katyayana — these, devoted to Brahma…
Verse 2
The sage said to them: Dwell with me for a year in austerity, chastity, and faith. Then ask questions as you wish. If I know, I will tell you all.
Verse 3
Then Kabandhi Katyayana approached and asked: Lord, from where are these creatures born?
Verse 4
To him he said: Prajapati, the Lord of creatures, desiring offspring, performed austerity. Having performed austerity, he produced a pair — Rayi (mat…
Verse 5
The sun indeed is Prana; the moon is Rayi (matter). All this that has form and is formless is Rayi. Therefore form itself is Rayi.