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THE PHILOSOPHY OF ISVARA.
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this passage in his usual summary method by quoting a verse from the Varáha-Purana.
The commentator, Ramanuja, in explaining this aphorism says :- This is the doubt here--whether among the powers of the liberated souls is included that unique power of the Supreme One, of creation, etc., of the universe and also Rulership over all, or wanting that, the glory of the liberated consists only in the direct perception of the Supreme One. Let us assume as reasonable that the liberated get the rulership of the universe also. Why? Because, the scriptures say, the liberated soul attains to extreme sameness with the Supreme One in the passages--"the free from all stain attains to extreme sameness" ( Mundaka III—3) and "all his desires are realized.” Now extreme sameness and realisation of all desires cannot be attained without the unique power of the Supreme Lord, namely that of governing the universe. Therefore, by virtue of these
