Prashnopanisad is a part of the Atharva Veda. The Upanishad is a conversation between a Rishi called Pippalada and his six disciples. All the six disciples sought elucidation and clarification of their philosophical and spiritual doubts from the Rishi. Prashnopanisad has been divided into six chapters.
Kabandhi and Pippalada, Query I
The first question asked by one of the disciples to the Guru is about the world of objects. Through his question the disciple tries to seek the cause of all the happenings in the pluralistic world. Rishi Pippalda replied that all the Wheels of Creation and Destruction have a place of fixation, and only those who are careful and not ignorant can realise this theory.
Bhargava and Pippalada, Query II
In the second query the disciple wishes to find out the way in which the Prana acts within the body of individuals. The main objective here is to find out the chief activities in the body through which the individual gains the endless experiences of life.
Kausalya and Pippalada, Query III
The third query was made by Kausalya to sage Pippalda. He enquired about the birth of Prana. He wanted to know from where the Prana or life force is born; how does he enter the body; how does he dwell by dividing himself; how does he leave; how does he support the external things and the things related to body within. Risi Pippalada had said that Prana is born of the Atma or the Self. As shadow is born of man so is Prana born of Atma.
Gargya and Pippalada, Query IV
In the fourth question the disciple asked the Rishi about the Core of Existence, the Truth related to the individual and the cosmos. The Rishi said that it is absolutely necessary for an individual to experience the feelings of dream as well as deep sleep. Thus, in this section the student enquired about the functions of ego centre in the deep sleep state of human beings.
Satyakama and Pippalada, Query V
The fifth chapter of the Prashnopanisad will describe as how to meditate on Aurh and will also explain the relative values that are gained when Aum is chanted with different emphasis. Here the Prashnopanisad has explained the Om Mantra and the ways to meditation upon it.
Sukesa and Pippalada, Query VI
The last query or the sixth query deals with discussions on the Purusha with its sixteen kalas or parts. Sukesa, the son of Bhardwaja in this part had wanted to know more about the location and identity of the Purusha.
