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548
VEDÂNTA-SOTRAS.
Scripture declares the minuteness of the individual Self by reference to things which are like atoms in size, 'The individual soul is to be known as part of the hundredth part of the point of a hair divided a hundred times, and yet it is to be infinite' (Svet. Up. V, 9); that lower one is seen of the measure of the point of a goad' (V, 8). For these reasons also the individual Self must be viewed as atomic.—But this conflicts with the fact that sensation extends over the whole body!—This objection the next Sûtra refutes by means of an analogous instance.
24. There is no contradiction, as in the case of sandal-ointment.
As a drop of sandal-ointment, although applied to one spot of the body only, yet produces a refreshing sensation extending over the whole body; thus the Self also, although dwelling in one part of the body only, is conscious of sensations taking place in any part of the body.
25. Should it be said (that this is not so) on account of specialisation of abode; we say no, on account of the acknowledgment (of a place of the Self), viz. in the heart.
There is a difference. The drop of ointment can produce its effect as at any rate it is in contact with a definite part of the body. But we know of no such part in the case of the soul !-Not so, we reply. Scripture informs us that the Self abides in a definite part of the body, viz. the heart. . For that Self is in the heart, there are a hundred and one veins.' And in reply to the question What is that Self?' the text has 'He who is within the heart, surrounded by. the Prânas, the Person of light, consisting of knowledge' (Bri. Up. IV, 3, 7).-The parallel case of the sandal-ointment is referred to in order to point out that the Self abides in some particular part of the body; while the ointment is not bound to any special place.-In the next Satra the Satrakåra proceeds to state how, according to his own view, the Self, although abiding in one spot only, gives rise to effects extending over the whole body.
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