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SVASTI Essays in Honour of Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah
The soul is doer as well as non-doer,
Of its own dispositions and others' dispositions respectively. It is both perceptible and imperceptible.
It embodies knowledge (hence perceptible) and has no form (hence imperceptible). 8
The soul has several attributes and knows, Bondage, liberation, et cetera and their causes. Hence, the soul is the doer of its actions
And bearer of the consequences. 9
The soul that is the doer of its actions, And bears their fruits,
Is also capable of attaining liberation Through internal and external means. 10
The internal means of attaining one's pure nature are Rational perception, rational knowledge, rational conduct, And realisation of the true nature of the soul. 11
Understanding things as they are is true knowledge. Like a lamp, it sheds light upon the truth. But the right notion may differ, Depending on the context. 12
With increasing purity of rational perception and rational knowledge, Remaining tranquil and unperturbed, retaining equanimity, In happiness or unhappiness and contemplating the fact that "I am one, Alone, I have no other, I am the knower and seer" Is rational conduct. 13-14
Penance and asceticism,
In accordance with place and time, Are the external means
To attain the all important internal means. 15
In this manner, contemplating on all aspects, Irrespective of favourable or adverse circumstances, Always meditate upon your pure soul Which is free from all attachment and aversion. 16
