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Iṣṭopadeśa - The Golden Discourse
यथा यथा समायाति संवित्तौ तत्त्वमुत्तमम् । तथा तथा न रोचन्ते विषयाः सुलभा अपि ॥
यथा यथा न रोचन्ते विषयाः सुलभा अपि । तथा तथा समायाति संवित्तौ तत्त्वमुत्तमम् ॥
(37)
As the Yogi advances in the realization of the pure nature of his soul, even close at hand objects of sense-indulgence appear increasingly unattractive.
(38)
As even the close at hand objects of sense-indulgence start appearing unattractive, the Yogi increasingly comes closer to the realization of the pure Self.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
100
The realization of the pure Self cannot be attained without shedding attachment to external objects. Even the traditional religious reverence for the Ideal is only a stepping stone for the spiritual goal; a means to an end. At the highest level, the soul only is of eternal value and the absolute object of realization.
Deluded by the objects of worldly pleasures, the man runs after these and wastes long years in their indulgence. As his appetite remains unsatiated, he longs for greater and greater indulgence. Such is the nature of worldly pleasures. The Yogi, in contrast, may appear to be in proximity to and indulging in worldly objects, but in reality he is detached from them and neither enjoys pleasure nor
