Signs of a Dull-Minded Person

1. In the sea of cosmic water that covers the universe, there is a deity of hindrance named Hatakeshwara. Salutations are offered to him, as his extent is very great. This is what is considered the hindrance associated with the lower world.
2. However, one cannot go there with the physical body to view this deity so one must draw a conclusion about the existence of him using the power of discrimination.
3. In the mythological texts (Puranas) it is said that the earth is surrounded by seven seas, and that there are more lands beyond them which have steep cliffs at their outer boundaries.
4. How is it possible to cross over the seven seas? Only through the power of discrimination and by keeping the company of sages.
5. If something is not known for oneself, then it should be clarified by asking a knowledgeable person. It is not possible that the body can go somewhere with the same speed as the mind.
6. That which cannot be seen with the physical eyes must be seen with the eyes of Knowledge. Upon analyzing the structure of the universe one becomes content.
7. The earth is in the middle, in between the space above and the netherworld below. If the earth did not exist, there would only be empty space in all directions.
8. The nature of Parabrahman, the Absolute Reality, is that it is without any attributes, and it is devoid of anything called the visible Illusion.
9. What is seen with the eyes is the visible. What is seen with the mind are transient impressions (concepts, imagination, etc.), and beyond the mind there are no appearances or impressions. Understand this with the power of discrimination.
10. Only through discrimination can That which remains when the visible world and the impressions in the minds are both destroyed, be known. There are very few knowledgeable people on the earth with such subtle vision.
11. That which can be spoken is expressed in words, but the meaning which cannot be expressed in words must be understood in silence. In this way, That which is without attributes can be experienced with the help of attributes.
12. All attributes get destroyed, but That which has no attributes is indestructible. See what is beyond the gross with subtle vision.
13. That which cannot be easily seen should be understood through listening. By listening and reflecting one can know everything.
14. There are innumerable objects in the eightfold manifestation, all of which cannot be seen and known. One should not consider all of them to be equal and of the same caliber.
15. If one thinks that everything is equal, then the whole process of examination become invalid. It is like mixing many different foods together and not being able to distinguish between their various tastes.
16. Those who are dull-minded cannot understand the differences between various qualities. A fool does not understand the value of proper discrimination. He will say that discrimination and non-discrimination are the same.
17. When one does not understand what is superior and what is inferior, there can be no higher learning. How can there be liberation for the living being who only studies the multitude of gross things?
18. Only one who is mad and lacking in common sense considers everything to be equal. Such people have no proper discernment and are basically useless.
19. Such a person considers perishable things to be indestructible. What can you say to those people who are focused on gross objects?
20. God has created many differences and variations among things. The universe functions with great diversity. If the examiner is blind, how he can correctly examine things?
21. Where there is a lack of proper examination, such a person is dull-minded and has no redeeming qualities that can be considered praiseworthy.
22. When what is true and what is false are considered to be the same, where is there any place for discrimination? The sages accept the Essence and drop that which is non-essence.
23. How can the evaluation of what is best be possible for one whose vision is focused solely on the gross? How can there be any glory for the one who has not been initiated into spiritual Knowledge?
24. What good can the Vedas, Shastras, and Puranas do for one who goes to the toilet and in his own stupidity does not clean himself afterwards?
25. First, proceed ahead steadily with good conduct, and then develop your quality of thinking. With proper conduct and thinking one succeeds in going beyond worldly bondage.
26. How can one who has no discipline know That which is understood by those with spiritual discipline? Of what use is a blind man where even those with good vision get fooled?
27. What can be said about one who considers virtue and non-virtue, heaven and hell, and discrimination and the lack of discrimination to be the same?
28. Some people will say that nectar and poison are the same, but by ingesting poison, one loses one's life. Through wrongful deeds one becomes reviled, and through virtuous deeds one's greatness and glory spreads and gets enhanced.
29. Whether it be in worldly life or in spiritual life, if there is no common sense and proper discernment, everything is meaningless.
30. Therefore, keep to the company of saints and listen to the explanations of the meanings of sacred scriptures. Study and select the best qualities with proper effort.