the real nature of the supreme Self

[Guest guest]

Now I am going to tell you about the real nature

of the supreme Self, by realizing which, man attains

liberation and is freed from bondage. That realization

of "I" is indeed the Self which is experienced as "I-I"

shining of its own accord, the absolute Being,

the witness of the three states of waking, dream and

deep sleep, distinct from the five sheaths, aware of

the mental modes in the waking and dream states,

and of their absence in the state of deep sleep.

 

That Self sees all of its own accord but is never seen

by any of these.

It gives light to the intellect and ego but is not enlightened

by them.

It pervades the universe and by its light all this insentient

universe is illumined, but the universe does not pervade

it even to the slightest extend.

 

In its presence the body, senses, mind, and intellect

enter upon their functions as if commanded by it.

By that unbroken knowledge, all things from the ego

to the body, objects and our experience of them,

occur and are perceived.

By it life and the various organs are set in motion.

 

That inner Self, as the primeval spirit, eternal,

ever effulgent, full and infinite Bliss, single, indivisible,

whole and living, shines in everyone as the witnessing

awareness.

 

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from Vivekachudamani

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