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who are ignorant of the essential Truth (Atma-jnana). The practice of self-knowledge (self-realization) is greater than sacrifices to the gods and goddesses. Only through knowledge of self can one eliminate the cycle of rebirth and the sufferings of taking birth. Only one who realizes unity with the infinite immortal Brahman shall attain immortality.
The Katha Upanishad (6/14) affirms:
When all the desires that lodge in one's heart are liberated, then a mortal becomes immortal; therein he reaches Brahman.
Direct Experience (Self-Realization)
Vedanta wisdom teaches us to reflect upon the knowledge we gain from listening to the discourses of saints and reading the sacred writings. After careful examination and discernment of the truth, we must incorporate that knowledge into our lives. With repeated practice of the knowledge, the practitioner becomes accustomed to it. When the practice is perfected, the aspirant gains the direct experience of the Divine Self.
We hear that the nature of Atman is imperishable, immortal, infinite and pure (without imperfection). We should then examine what we have heard. In order to have the direct experience of Atman, the intellectual understanding of the nature
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