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Ontology of Atman, the Self
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dear, by one nail-scissors, everything made of iron may be known (the modification is merely a verbal distinction, a name; the reality is just 'iron'). So, my dear, is that teaching."
“Verily', said the son, “those honoured men did not know this, for, if they had known it, why would they have not told me ? But do you, Sir, tell me."
“So be it, my dear, -bring hither a fig from there'. *Here it is, Sir'. ‘Divide it'. 'It is divided, Sir'. 'What do you see there'? *These rather fine seeds, Sir'. ‘Of these, please divide one'. 'It is divided, Sir'. "What do you see there'? 'Nothing at all, Sir',
Then he ( father ) said to him ( son ) : “Verily, my dear, that finest essence which you do not perceive — verily, my dear; from that finest essence, this great fig tree arises. Believe me, my dear, that which is the finest essence - this whole world has that as its self. That is Reality. That is Ātman. That art thou ( Tattvamasi ) Svetaketu.”
'Do you, Sir, cause me to understand even more’.
“So be it, my dear', said he, “Place this salt in water. In the morning come to me." Then he did so. Then he said unto him: "That salt you placed in the water last evening, please bring it hither.” Then he grasped, but did not find it, as it was completely dissolved.
*Please, take a sip from this end', said he, 'How is it'? ‘Salt, said the son. 'Take a sip from that end', said he, 'How is it? ‘Salt', said the son. ‘Take a sip from middle, How is it? "Salt'. 'Take a sip from that end', said he, 'How is it?
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