________________
IV ADHYAYA, 4 PÂDA, 18.
767
only that the text mentions ruling and controlling power over the entire world. 'That from whence these beings are born, that through which they live when born, that into which they enter at death, endeavour to know that; that is Brahman' (Taitt. Up. III, 1, 1). If such universal ruling and controlling power belonged to the released soul as well, it would not be used as the text actually uses itfor defining Brahman; for all definition rests on special individual attributes. Analogously many other texts speak of universal ruling and controlling power with exclusive reference to the Supreme Person—Being only this was in the beginning, &c.-it thought, may I be many' (Kh. Up. VI, 2); 'In the beginning this was Brahman, one only-it created the most excellent Kshattra,' &c. (Bri. Up. I, 4, 11); 'In the beginning all this was Self, one only—it thought, let me send forth these worlds' (Ait. År. II, 4, 1, 1); 'There was Narayana alone, not Brahma, and so on.' 'He who dwelling within the earth,' &c. (Bri. Up. III, 7, 3).-This also follows 'from non-proximity'; for in all those places which speak of world-controlling power the context in no way suggests the idea of the released soul, and hence there is no reason to ascribe such power to the latter.
18. If it be said that this is not so, on account of direct teaching; we reply not so, on account of the texts declaring that which abides within the spheres of those entrusted with special functions.
But, an objection is raised, certain texts directly declare that the released soul also possesses 'world-energy.' Compare 'He becomes a self-ruler; he moves in all worlds according to his wishes ' (Kh. Up. VII, 25, 2); 'He moves through these worlds, enjoying any food he wishes, and assuming any shape he wishes' (Taitt. Up. III, 10, 5). We cannot therefore accept the restriction laid down in the last Satra.- Not so, the latter half of the present Sutra declares, on account of the texts declaring that which abides in the spheres of those entrusted with special functions. The meaning of the texts quoted is that the
Digitized by Google
