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CHAPTER VI, 24.
193
being is perceived by devotees. His form dwells in the unperceived'; and those whose understandings are very well refined perceive him. The talented man who has got rid (of affection and aversion) perceives (him) by the mind. Those who understand him become immortal. When one sees this self in all beings stationed in various places, what should one grieve for after that? The Brahmana has (as much interest) in all beings, as in a big reservoir of water, to which waters flow from all sides. I alone am your mother, father;
In a sphere beyond the reach of perception,' says Sankara, who also quotes Katha, p. 149, or Svetasvatara, p. 347, where the same line also occurs.
'The original for understandings is sattva, which Sankara renders to mean antakkaraяa. 'Refined,' he says, 'by sacrifices and other sanctifying operations.' In the Katha at p. 148 sattva is rendered by Sankara to mean buddhi-a common use of the word.
''As being,' says Sankara, 'identical with themselves.' It will be noted that the form of expression is slightly altered here. It is not those who understand this.'
I.e. in different aggregates of body, senses, &c. Cf. Gîtâ, pp. 104 and 124; also Khandogya, pp. 475-551.
⚫ Cf. Brihadaranyaka, p. 882; Sankara also refers to Isopanishad, p. 14.
• The words are pretty nearly the same as at Gftâ, p. 48. Sankara says, the Brahmana 'who has done all he need do' has no interest whatever in any being, as he has none in a big reservoir, and he cites Gftâ, p. 54, in support of this. One copy of Sankara, however, differs from this; that runs thus: As a person who has done all he need do, has no interest in a big reservoir of water, so to a Brahmana who sees the self in all beings, there is no interest in all the actions laid down in the Vedas, &c.; as he has obtained everything by mere perception of the self.' Nilakantha's reading is exactly the same as at Gîtâ, p. 48.
"Sankara says that Sanatsugâta states here his own experiences, like Vámadeva (about whom there is a reference at Brihadârawyaka, p. 216) and others, to corroborate what he has already said. Cf. also Gftá, p. 83, as to the whole passage.
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