Avadhuta - Chapter 1 verse 48

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(translator - Swami Chetanananda)

 

The Atman cannot be purified through the practice of the six limbs of yoga,

or through the annihilation of the mind, or through the instruction of a

teacher. The Atman is the Reality Itself and It is Purity Itself.

 

(comments)

 

Six limbs of yoga - The six practices of Hatha Yoga, such as cleaning the

stomach, fixing the gaze on a particular object, or an exercise consisting of

alternate suppression and emission of the breath.

 

Instruction of a teacher - The Atman is ever pure and self-luminous, but It

is covered by ignorance. The instruction of the teacher helps to remove

ignorance from the mind of the disciple and thus he realizes his own Self.