Explanation of Self

1. The indescribable contentment that is gained must somehow be spoken of in words. Even if it is spoken about, it can never be lost.
2. It is not required to actually give up anything, nor it is necessary to make or create something new. With investigation, one finds out for oneself and understands what is true.
3. There are many temples of God. The temple of Lord Shiva at Kashi is considered to be the principle temple. After that, the temple of Lord Rama in the south at Malikarjuna is considered to be second in importance, and after that the temple of Bhimashankar is considered to be third. These are all qualities of the Self.
4. There are twelve main Shiva Lingams (symbols for Pure Consciousness), and aside from these, there are many other Shiva Lingams that are well known. Many people have understood and experienced the significance of their sacredness. These are all qualities of the Self.
5. There are an endless number of powers on the earth, and many ways in which Self-realization and various miracles happen. There are also many powerful images of God. These are all attributes of the Self.
6. There are many powerful and accomplished people, there are many mantras and chants, and there are of many powerful medicinal herbs and gemstones. These are all attributes of the Self.
7. There are many powerful places of pilgrimage, powerful streams and rivers, and many other places of power on the Earth. All of these are attributes of the Self.
8. Whatever are considered to be the best qualities, good qualities, or negative qualities are all only attributes of the Self.
9. The Pure Self is the best in quality, however, because of the intermingling of the three gunas, there appears to be good and bad qualities in it. Understand that all of this is the activity of the Self.
10. Holding on to various things because of pride, the manifestation of many similar creations, and the giving and receiving of various curses are all attributes of the Self.
11. By examining one’s own body, one should find out the elements that make up the body. When one discovers the primary elements that make up the body, one gains understanding of the entire body.
12. The gross body is made up of the five elements and the quality of motion that is the nature of the Self. However, there is nothing which is not pervaded by the unmoving Brahman.
13. Analyze the unmoving and the moving with the aid of the gross body. Without having actual experience, one’s speech does not carry any weight.
14. When the Self leaves the gross body, one understands the distinction between the gross and the subtle. It is easily seen that the gross body falls inert very quickly.
15. When the inert gross body falls down, that which is moving leaves it. By observing this, the nature of that which is gross and inert, and of that which is moving can be realized.
16. The unmoving Reality is present everywhere. It is not required to be seen in order to be realized as there is no modification of the gunas present in the unmoving stillness.
17. The structure of the body is the same as the structure of the universe. This can clearly be seen through inquiry. When the inert and moving Illusion disappears, what remains is the all-pervading Parabrahman.
18. The mixture of the five elements combine to make a firm structure for the Self. When the Self is integrated into this structure the activity of the body becomes alive. It is in this same way that the activity of creation functions.
19. All activity is the functioning of Illusion and the Self, however, people attribute this activity to Brahman. The one who analyses everything and gains experiential understanding is the truly wise person.
20. Brahman is continuous and all-pervading. Other things which appear to be vast are limited in their expanse, and are not continuous. Through investigation and observation, there is nothing that is difficult to understand.
21. It is not possible to divide or break the continuity of space. Even if everything is dissolved and the entire universe is destroyed, how can space be destroyed?
22. Those who get caught up in the destructible easily get destroyed. Those who are knowledgeable should solve this mystery.
23. It appears as a mystery if not understood, but once it is understood, then everything becomes obvious. Therefore, one must reflect upon this in solitude and see for oneself.
24. Moreover, in addition to just remaining in solitude, when one meets with a saint with actual experience, one must engage in many discourses with him with an attentive mind.
25. That which cannot be seen is not easily understood. As understanding increases, doubts disappear. Seeing with the power of discrimination, there is no entanglement of Illusion found anywhere.
26. Clouds appear in the sky and then disappear on their own. It is in the same way that the visible creation is formed in the Self, and disappears by itself.
27. The one who utilizes the power of discrimination is able to discern and analyze everything from the root to the end. He alone arrives at the firm resolution of That which does not move.
28. Other determinations are superficially based upon speculation and imagination. One does not lose anything by speaking from speculation, but those who have wisdom based in experience do not give any credence to such talk.
29. Any talk that is based on speculation is useless. Of what use can it be to anyone? Common thinking and logic cannot succeed when applied to the realization of Reality.
30. Commonplace worldly ways of thinking are not correct inquiry. Many people say that everything is One and indistinguishable. Do not make this mistake, as this is incorrect thinking.
31. Whatever is artificial and created by imagination should be given up, and that which is pure should be accepted. With knowledge and understanding select the Essence and leave the non-essence.