Panchadashi 8 Of 15

Joyful Living [Based on Chapter 8: Kootastha Deepa Prakaranam of Panchadashi of Sri Vidyaranya Swami]

Course material written and dedicated to Swami Paramarthananda by Raja Subramaniyan ([email protected])

October 2008

Module H Essence of Self

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Unit 01: Understanding EGO and SELF

Number of Sessions: 7 (01 – 07) Number of Lessons: 7

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to (a) Understand distinctly the role of EGO and SELF. (b) Learn to shift the attention from EGO to SELF in daily life.

Notes to the teacher: (Ref 8.01 and 8.76 of the original text)

Unit Test:

Session H07

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What is the implication of not trusting the declaration ‘You Are That’? What is the relationship between SELF and ONE? Define External and Internal Thoughts. What is the similarity between External and Internal Thoughts? What are the differences between External and Internal Thoughts? What are the four distinct roles played by EGO and SELF with respect to External Thoughts? 7. Discuss the role of EGO and SELF with respect to Internal Thoughts. 8. What is the purpose of discussing the nature of God, Creation and the Living beings in the Holy Scriptures? 9. SELF is a witness to which four events? 10. What is the nature of SELF?

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Lesson 1: Understanding ‘YOU ARE THAT’

Session: H01

Joyful Living is possible only when we understand the essence of the Holy Scriptures, namely, ‘YOU ARE THAT’. Due to ignorance people do not have clarity on the meaning of the word, ‘YOU’. Since the word ‘THAT’ refers to God, who is relatively unknown, it will be easier to learn that part. With respect to the question, 'who am I?’ confusing and often contradicting knowledge exists in our mind. We need to gain clarity on the meaning of the word ‘YOU’ so that it is possible for us to comprehend the meaning of the statement, ‘YOU ARE THAT’. Conflicting questions will arise in our mind if we attempt to understand this statement, ‘YOU ARE THAT’ with our wrong knowledge. How can I, a limited, mortal human being be an all powerful God? Such contradictions will force us to either one of the following options. Option 1: Disregard the Holy Scriptures or conclude that the Holy Scriptures DO NOT declare ‘YOU ARE THAT’. People who are not fully qualified for Joyful Living will choose this option. They may have to spend many more lifetimes to understand that this Option 1 is not an option to Joyful Living. Option 2: Accept and have faith in the declaration of the Holy Scriptures and start doubting our understanding the meaning of the word YOU. People, who choose Option 2, will embark on the process of enquiring and finding out the right meaning of the word ‘YOU’ and they will reach the destination of Joyful Living soon. Inquiry about the meaning of the word ‘YOU’ Prior to commencing the inquiry of the meaning of the word YOU, we should be clear that this word does not mean our body/mind complex. Our physical body is an incidental addition and not an integral part, as detailed in earlier modules. The word ‘YOU’ is wrongly assumed to mean two distinct entities. One is EGO and the other is SELF/ ONE. The physical body exists and is enlivened by these two distinct entities. ONE is the changeless consciousness, which lends existence to the whole universe. In the context of our body/mind complex, the very same ONE is referred to as SELF. EGO is the reflection of the SELF in our mind, which makes our body alive.

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Lesson 2: Meaning of the words EGO and SELF

Session: H01

The difference between EGO and SELF is explained in the following example: Example: Young children are playing with mirrors, reflecting sunlight on the wall. In this example we can equate, Wall Mirror Sunlight Reflected light Illumined wall

with with with with with

The universe Our mind SELF EGO Our physical body

1. The wall is illumined by two distinct lights. The sunlight illumines the whole wall and the reflected light from the mirrors creates many circles of illumined spaces on the wall. The universe is supported by two distinct entities. SELF lends existence to the entire creation and the EGO, which is the reflection of SELF, creates many living beings in the world. 2. The illumined circles of spaces move about on the surface of the wall representing each child on the wall. Children identify themselves with these circles of illusion and play with each other. Our physical body is part of the creation. It appears alive due to the presence of the EGO. We identify ourselves with the EGO and assume that our body exists independent of the creation. 3. The sunlight is the only source of light. The reflected light from the mirrors do not have independent existence. Therefore, strictly speaking we should not call them as two different entities. However, since there is a distinct difference seen on the wall, with many circles of bright light moving about, we need to talk about two different lights. SELF is the only real entity. EGO is a mere reflection of SELF and it does not have independent existence. Therefore, the meaning of the word, ‘YOU’, refers to only one entity. However, since there appears to be multiple human beings on the earth, we need to talk about two different entities until we understand that the true and only meaning of the word YOU is SELF.

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4. Sun is only one. However, there are multiple reflections of the sun on the wall. Children assume that each one of them is controlling a distinct circle of light on the wall and that circle of light belongs to each one of them exclusively. Although SELF is one, each human being assumes that they are independent because they perceive multiple physical bodies. Each assumes independent ownership and claim exclusive possession of the ego. 5. Sunlight on the wall appears to be dim compared to the reflected light. Presence of SELF is overshadowed by our EGO. 6. The reflected light from the mirror attracts the attention of everyone, while the existence of the sunlight on the wall is not ordinarily noticed by anyone. People are aware of the presence of the EGO and they are ignorant of the presence of SELF. The word ‘I’ is assumed to mean the ‘EGO’ and not the ‘SELF’. 7. Reflected light provides entertainment to the children and they do not care much about the sunlight since they do not perceive its usefulness or necessity. Without EGO the body is dead and therefore people value EGO more than the SELF. This is similar to saying that the moon is more important than the sun, since it gives at the night, when it is dark. 8. Sunlight is a necessity but the reflected light is a luxury. It is not possible for people to exist without SELF. They do exist without EGO during deep sleep. Enlightened people, who have realized the illusory nature of EGO, have completely surrendered it and they live joyfully without having the wrong notion that they are the EGO. 9. The reflected light is temporary and the sunlight is permanent. EGO has birth and death. SELF is immortal. 10. Sunlight pervades infinite space while the reflected lights occupy a small and limited space on the wall. EGO is limited. While some assume that they are limited to their body, many include their physical possessions like land, building and such assets in the definition of EGO. For example, if their car gets dented in an accident they suffer. Some monarchs or rulers assume that the entire country is included in their EGO. However big the EGO is, it is limited. SELF is infinite.

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11. Sunlight illumines the entire wall whether the children direct the mirrors towards the wall or not. In addition, when the children are playing with many moving circles of reflected light on the wall, the space between any two circles are illumined by the sunlight only. The universe consisting of both living and inert objects exists due to the grace of SELF. In addition, the living beings get life due to the presence of EGO. EGO is the reflection of the SELF in the mind, which is also an inert object.

12. Sunlight does three things. (a) It lights up the wall. (b) It lights up the mirror and (c) it creates multiple circles of lights on the wall through its reflections. SELF does three things. (a) It illumines the physical body. (b) It illumines the subtle body and (c) it creates multiple living beings through its reflections. 13. Light means the sun light and not the reflected light. I means SELF and not the EGO.

We have seen (a) The nature of EGO and SELF and (b) the difference between the EGO and SELF through the above example of reflected light on the wall. The EGO and SELF play distinct roles, which are detailed in the subsequent lessons.

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Lesson 3: Two types thoughts

Session: H02

Thoughts are classified into External Thoughts and Internal Thoughts for the purpose of understanding the role of EGO and SELF. Description of External Thoughts and Internal Thoughts External Thoughts include all thoughts for which the object of thought lies in the external world. For example, when we see a rose, a thought rose representing the physical rose is formed in our mind. Internal Thoughts are those thoughts that constitute our emotions and feelings, which arise due to our responses to the External Thoughts. For example, on seeing a rose, we think ‘I like the rose’. The ‘rose’ is the subject of our External Thought. This External Thought is the subject of our Internal Thought. For Internal Thoughts there are no subjects outside our mind since the thought ‘I like’ or ‘I do not like’ concerns only with the thought-rose and not with the physical rose. All thoughts concerning ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are Internal Thoughts. Similarity between External Thoughts and Internal Thoughts There can be only one thought in the mind at any given moment. Between two thoughts there will always be a distinct interval, however small or big that interval may be. Since mind works at a very fast pace, it appears that we have multiple thoughts in our mind at the same time. This rule that the thoughts always come one after the other holds good both for External Thoughts and Internal Thoughts. Difference between External Thoughts and Internal Thoughts We may or may not know an object. However, with respect to Internal Thoughts, there is no chance of ignorance. We always know whether we are angry or not. The subjects of External Thoughts are made up of physical or conceptual substances that lie in the external world. The subject for Internal Thoughts is always another thought. Therefore, we are always aware of our thoughts. All thoughts that arise during meditation are Internal Thoughts. When we commence meditation, we ensure that our sense organs are closed and the input from the external world is not entertained. In such a situation, whatever thoughts arise in our mind belongs to our Internal Thoughts.

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Lesson 4: Role of EGO and SELF in External Thoughts

Session: H03

For gaining knowledge of the objects in the external world, we need the following three entities. Knower, one who gains the knowledge Object of knowledge Source or instrument of knowledge Knower gains the knowledge of the object through the instrument of knowledge. Example: I see a pot I (knower) send my thoughts through my eyes (instrument of knowledge) to the pot (object of knowledge) and the thoughts come back and form a thought pot in my mind, which is called knowledge. Prior to seeing the pot, I did not know the pot. After seeing the pot, I know the pot. Inert objects do not gain knowledge. Mind, eyes, thoughts and pot are all inert objects. No knowledge can be gained through the interaction among these inert objects. SELF is the intelligent principle, which sustains the existence of all the inert objects in the universe including the mind, eyes, thoughts and the pot. Mind reflects the SELF and the reflection is called EGO. Presence of the EGO converts the inert objects as living beings capable of gaining knowledge. When the thoughts leave the mind they are accompanied by the EGO. Example: A sharp metal edge is attached to a wooden spear. Without the sharp metal edge, the wooden spear is just a stick and it will not have any power to pierce anything. Similarly, EGO is attached to the thoughts so that when the inert thoughts reach the object, it gathers knowledge. Thus, both SELF and EGO enable the process of gaining the knowledge by playing distinct roles. One cannot function without the other. The distinct roles played by SELF and EGO in gaining knowledge are discussed below:

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Role 1: Knowledge of the object Vs Knowledge of the knowledge EGO enables us to gain the knowledge. SELF enables us to be aware whether we have the knowledge or not. The role of SELF is to highlight the presence and the absence of the objects. The role of EGO is to convert the absence of knowledge into presence of knowledge. Both EGO and SELF have independent roles to play with respect to gaining knowledge. One cannot replace the other. Role 2: Changing Vs Changeless SELF cannot directly convert the absence of knowledge into presence of knowledge, because this process involves change. SELF is changeless. EGO undergoes change and enables accumulation of knowledge. Example: A computer cannot work without electricity. The data in the computer will keep changing but the electricity remains changeless. It makes no difference to the electricity whether the computer has 20 GB of data or 2 MB of data. The computer needs electricity to function and the electricity alone cannot process any data without the computer. Similarly, the changeless SELF enables the ever changing EGO to function. Role 3: Temporary Vs Continuous EGO cannot illumine the fact whether we have or do not have knowledge of an object because EGO is temporary and not continuous. SELF alone is the truth that is ever present and EGO is an illusion, which is momentary. Example: The processing is done RAM and the results are stored in the hard disk. Data in the RAM is temporary. Data in the hard disk is permanent. RAM is essential to interact with the input devices and capture data. Only after this stage the data can be stored in the hard disk. Without RAM no data can be captured. Without hard disk no data can be stored. Data is represented by 0s and 1s in the computer system. The status in the hard disk could be either 0 or 1 to signify the presence or absence of data. Hard disk cannot convert 0 into 1 without the assistance of RAM. EGO is absent during deep sleep and during the period between death and birth. However, SELF is eternally present.

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Role 4: Action Vs Inaction EGO is full of action and SELF is action less. EGO is similar to RAM and SELF is similar to the hard disk. Both have independent and indispensable roles to play in capturing and retaining data. Example: The hard disk collects data from the external sources by sending appropriate signals supported by RAM through the input devices and storing them. Knowledge is defined as thoughts supported by EGO traveling through the sense organs, collecting data of the external object and forming thought-object in the mind. Example: When we search for a file in the hard disk, it tells us whether the file is present or not. RAM helps the process of search but the file is not stored in RAM. Information on the presence or absence of knowledge is known only from SELF and EGO is helpful only in conveying this information. While both EGO and SELF play indispensable roles in acquisition of knowledge, the role of EGO appears to be more prominent than the role of SELF. Example: A computer is considered to be useless without RAM. Even if all the required data is available in the hard disk, we cannot have access to it without RAM. SELF is essential to know whether we know or do not know the objects. EGO is essential to know objects. The role of EGO is to convert the status from ‘I do not know’ to ‘I know’. In addition, EGO is essential to communicate this information to others and to our selves. To cognize, ‘This is a pot’, we need EGO. To cognize, ‘I know this pot’, we need SELF.

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Lesson 5: Role of EGO and SELF in Internal Thoughts

Session: H04

For the origination and sustenance of Internal Thoughts concerning our emotions and feelings, we need the support of EGO and SELF. Just as the circle of light on the wall is brighter because two lights are illumining it, all our thoughts on our emotions like anger and desire are doubly clear because of the presence of these two entities. That is why no one says ‘I am not sure if I am angry or not’. The emotions and feelings in our mind are very clear to us. In case of External Thoughts, it is possible that either we have or do not have knowledge of an object. For example, if there is an object which is covered with the gift wrapper we will not know what it is until we open the wrapper. Incase of Internal Thoughts, there is no such possibility. If we are angry we will know it. Anger (or any emotion) is a series of thoughts, which arise in our mind. At any point of time we can have only one thought. The moment we become angry we are aware of it since anger is made up of our thoughts unlike the object covered in the gift wrapper. The gap or interval between two thoughts (or emotions) is highlighted by only one entity, namely, SELF. Therefore, such a gap or interval between two thoughts is not as prominent as our emotions, which is illumined by both EGO and SELF. The EGO is totally absent when our mind is without thoughts. This happens during deep sleep and during trance achieved through meditation. We can only say we had a peaceful sleep and not give any more details because only SELF illumines our body and mind during deep sleep. One of the purposes of meditation is to silence the EGO so that the prominence of SELF is felt. In our normal life, we do not have time to remain silent and observe our mind. Therefore, the EGO is very prominent and SELF is not noticed due to the constant chatter of thoughts in our mind. Both our body and mind are inert objects. We can experience the inertness of our body when we are given local anesthesia. It is not possible for us to experience the inert mind. During deep sleep and trance, mind is totally absent. During waking time, we can observe the constant changes in our thoughts and thereby understand the changing nature of EGO. SELF is changeless. During the waking stage, one has many problems like worry, anger etc. While in deep sleep all such problems disappear temporarily. One says that he had a good sleep getting relieved of all problems of life temporarily. SELF is the one which illumines the presence of the problem during the waking state and

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absence of the problems during the deep sleep state. Creation and dissolution of the problem is the work of EGO. When we look at a mirror, we see the reflection of our face in the mirror. We cannot see our face directly. Only the reflected face is prominently seen. However, we do not forget our original face and start giving importance only to the reflected face. Unfortunately, most of us are doing this mistake with respect to SELF and EGO. SELF is our original self. EGO is the reflection of SELF in our mind. Since the internal thoughts illumined by EGO (and the SELF) is more prominent, we are lost in the thoughts and assume the EGO to be our original self. This is the cause of all our problems in life. As fire engulfing an iron ball pervades all through it and illumines it, EGO pervades all our internal thoughts and makes them prominent. The hot iron ball is illumined but it does not illumine other objects. Similarly, the EGO illumines only our thoughts and do not have the capability of illumining others. As a result, we define a limited time and space as ourselves and suffer. SELF illumines the entire universe and when we correctly identify ourselves with our original face we are relieved of all sufferings in the world. ALL our thoughts come to an end at one point or the other and certainly during the deep sleep. When we wake up the thoughts starts coming one by one at a slow rate and the speed picks up as the day progress. EGO pervades these internal thoughts and keeps changing all the time. Some time we are happy and sometimes we are unhappy depending on the nature of change in the thoughts. This is due to wrong identification with the EGO. SELF fills up the gap between the thoughts, sustains all the thoughts and illumine the absence of thoughts as well. Existence of mind is possible due to the presence of SELF and it appears sentient due to the presence of EGO. If we identify ourselves with the SELF, we will remain eternal without any change and we can enjoy the changes in the EGO. It appears that we have a choice whether to identify ourselves with the SELF or with the EGO. In reality this is not true. EGO is the reflection of SELF in the mind. EGO is born when the subtle body gets involved in a physical body. On death of the physical body, the subtle body loses the ability to reflect SELF and therefore EGO is dead. When a person gets enlightened and identifies himself with SELF, then also the EGO becomes as good as dead. Such a person is always situated in the SELF and does not have any trace of EGO. EGO continues to play the role but it is done with the awareness of its real source, SELF.

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Lesson 6: Inquiry on SELF and EGO

Session: H05

SELF has the inherent power of illusion which creates the universe just as we create a dream world without any effort. SELF together with this power of illusion is called God. God creates this universe consisting of inert objects. SELF enters the creation and appears as EGO in some group of inert objects. Example: Both a clay pot and a glass pot are made from the same set of raw materials. While the clay pot does not have the ability to reflect the sun light, the glass pot has this ability. Similarly, among all the inert objects created by God, some are refined enough to reflect the SELF completely. These are called human beings. These human beings create the eternal cycle of suffering due to ignorance. They assume that the reflection is the original and play the role of doer and enjoyer. As a result they suffer. Example: Cloud is created in space. Clouds cause rain. Presence of rain water is a blessing to the living beings on the earth and they suffer if there is no rain. However, space remains unaffected whether it rains or not. Similarly, SELF remains unaffected with respect to the events that happen in the universe because it is unattached. Mental or physical association with the objects of the creation is the starting point of suffering. EGO is assuming the role of doer and enjoyer and develops attachment to the creation leading to suffering. Only when a human being realizes that he is the SELF, which is ever detached, liberation is attained. Every action will bring appropriate results. The doer of the action is bound to enjoy the results of the action. A human being is born in this world to enjoy the results of the past birth. He will live and continue to do action until death. He will be born again for exhausting the accumulated results of his past action. This cycle will continue forever until he gains knowledge that he is not the EGO and his real nature is SELF. When this happens, he will live joyfully until death and he will not be born again. God creates this world for providing appropriate experiences to the living beings in line with their past actions. He sustains the creation until it is time for dissolution. Thus the cycle of creation, sustenance and dissolution continues forever. SELF remains unaffected either by the action of the individual living beings or by the action of God.

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Realizing that our real nature is SELF is the only purpose of inquiry. We should not carry on the inquiry beyond this point. It will not serve any purpose to continue our inquiry. SELF is not the enjoyer since it is not connected to any events that happen in the creation. EGO is an illusion therefore it is not the enjoyer. Therefore, many will be tempted to continue the inquiry to find out the real enjoyer. This is a futile exercise. After realizing that the appearance of the snake is an illusion and the only object that exists is the rope, there is no point in talking about the nature of snake. It is irrelevant to discuss the nature of the snake or whether it is poisonous. There is nothing other than SELF. If this is the truth why does the Holy Scriptures talk about God, Living beings and the world? In order to explain the unknown, the Holy Scriptures talk about things that are known and then describe them as non-existing. It is like finding an unknown value, in a math problem, using an imaginary variable called x. Holy Scriptures is for all the human beings. If it had revealed the absolute truth in one sentence saying that SELF alone is real and rest are all false, most people will not understand the message. Therefore, for catering to people with varying degree of intelligence, Holy Scriptures describes the reality in different ways. There are many steps in the spiritual ladder leading to enlightenment. The final step is to know SELF alone is the reality. For those who are not yet qualified to learn the final step, it is necessary to provide multiple rungs below the final step. Therefore, it is necessary for the Holy Scriptures to have a lengthy description leading to the final truth. Example: A doctor after knowing the seriousness of the illness lies to the patient to boost his hopes. If the doctor reveals the truth that the patient may not survive more than few days, the patient will die of heart attack immediately. Instead, if the doctor lies to him that there is nothing serious, he may respond to the treatment and recover completely. Similarly, most human beings are not in a position to grasp the ultimate knowledge that the universe is an illusion. Therefore, it is necessary for the Holy Scriptures to describe the same truth differently in a way that will help the human beings to get librated from the artificial bondage. Thus, we need to stop our inquiry after realizing our true nature and not question the methodology followed in the Holy Scriptures. It is similar to questioning the doctor on how he could tell a lie.

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Lesson 7: Nature of SELF

Session: H06

SELF is the real meaning of the word ‘I’. Until we inquired into the meaning of the word ‘I’, we did not have clarity on this. Firstly, we analyzed the meaning of the words SELF and EGO and then we understood the difference between them. Then we understood the role of SELF and EGO with respect to our internal and external thoughts. Finally we made a thorough inquiry and it is now clear to us that our real nature is SELF. We now need to study the nature of SELF to know about ourselves. 1. SELF is a witness A person can be called a witness only when an event takes place in his presence and he is not involved in the event. For example, no one will be more knowledgeable about a murder than the person who committed the crime. However, he is not called a witness. Similarly, if a person motivates another to commit a crime and then simply observes the crime, he too cannot be called a witness. In order to qualify for the position of ‘witness’, one has to be present at the scene of the crime and at the same time he should not have any role to play in the crime. SELF is a witness. All that happens in our life happens in the presence of SELF. However, SELF is not the doer, enjoyer or the one who motivates any events. SELF is completely uninvolved and unconnected to every object, person and event in our life. A witness to a crime may not be aware of all the facts concerning the crime. However, in the case of SELF, nothing happens without its awareness. SELF is a witness to four events. (a) Presence of thoughts (Knowledge) (b) Absence of thoughts (Ignorance) (c) Beginning of the thoughts (Process of learning) (d) Non accumulation of thoughts (Observation without comprehension) EGO is represented by thoughts that concern ‘I’ and ‘mine’. Therefore, SELF is aware of the birth of the EGO and its death. Birth of EGO: When a mirror is shown in front of the sun, a reflection is born. EGO is born when the subtle body comes into existence. Since the subtle body has the capacity to reflect SELF, EGO is born when the subtle body enters a physical body.

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Death of EGO: On death of the physical body, the subtle body is not destroyed. However, since the subtle body does not have a place to hold on, it stops reflecting SELF. At this stage it can be said that EGO is in a state of hibernation. On death of the physical body of an enlightened person, the subtle body merges with the cosmic subtle body of God. Therefore, it does not take another physical body again. There is no further possibility of continuance of EGO. Thus, it ends. SELF is a witness to EGO claiming that it is the doer of all the actions and the enjoyer of all the results of the action. SELF is aware of this ignorance of the EGO. After gaining sufficient mental maturity, EGO gains the knowledge that it is a mere reflection of SELF and incapable of any action. This is liberation from the self imposed bondage. SELF is a witness to such enlightenment as well. It does not matter how the EGO gains knowledge. It may start running away from the world assuming the world is the cause of all the problems. Alternatively, world may be perceived as God and worshipped. Ultimately, the EGO has to realize that it is a mere reflection of SELF. SELF is the witness to this imaginary bondage and liberation of the EGO. 2. SELF is the truth SELF is the foundation on which the entire creation is projected as an illusion. 3. SELF is the consciousness Everything in the creation consists of inert objects. The conscious principle is SELF. 4. SELF is eternal SELF remains changeless at all times. It is beyond birth and death. It is beyond creation and dissolution of the universe. 5. SELF is complete in itself SELF is infinite and by nature it is complete and fulfilled with joy. There is nothing other than SELF and it does not have any components or parts. It is ONE and it does not have any constituent elements.

When we gain this true perspective of SELF which is the meaning of the word ‘YOU’ in the essence of Holy Scriptures, ‘YOU ARE THAT’, then there is nothing more to be done and nothing more to learn. Life is joyful all the time.

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