The Soul in the Womb: Vairagya, Viveka, and the Path to Liberation

Verse 1 (padma.2.8.1)

कश्यप उवाच- स गर्भे व्याकुलो जातः खिद्यमानो दिने दिने । दुःखाक्रांतो हि धर्मात्मा सर्वपीडाभिपीडितः

kaśyapa uvāca- sa garbhe vyākulo jātaḥ khidyamāno dine dine duḥkhākrāṁto hi dharmātmā sarvapīḍābhipīḍitaḥ

Kashyapa said: He became distressed in the womb, growing more wretched day by day; that righteous soul, overcome with suffering, afflicted by every kind of pain—

Verse 2 (padma.2.8.2)

अधोमुखस्तु गर्भस्थो मोहजालेन बंधितः । आधिव्याधिसमाक्रांतो हाहाभूतो विचेतनः

adhomukhastu garbhastho mohajālena baṁdhitaḥ ādhivyādhisamākrāṁto hāhābhūto vicetanaḥ

—head downward, dwelling in the womb, bound by the net of delusion; overcome by mental and physical afflictions, crying out in anguish, bereft of awareness—

Verse 3 (padma.2.8.3)

दुःखेन महताविष्टो ज्ञानमाह प्रपीडितः । आत्मोवाच- तव वाक्यं महाप्राज्ञ न कृतं तु मया तदा

duḥkhena mahatāviṣṭo jñānamāha prapīḍitaḥ ātmovāca- tava vākyaṁ mahāprājña na kṛtaṁ tu mayā tadā

—filled with great suffering, tormented, he spoke to Knowledge. The Self said: 'Your word, O greatly wise one, was not heeded by me then—'

Verse 4 (padma.2.8.4)

ध्यानेन वार्यमाणोपि पतितो मोहसंकटे । तस्माद्रक्ष महाप्राज्ञ गर्भवासात्सुदारुणात्

dhyānena vāryamāṇopi patito mohasaṁkaṭe tasmādrakṣa mahāprājña garbhavāsātsudāruṇāt

—'though forbidden by Meditation too, I fell into the crisis of delusion. Therefore save me, O greatly wise one, from this most dreadful dwelling in the womb.'

Verse 5 (padma.2.8.5)

ज्ञानमुवाच- मया त्वं वारितो ह्यात्मन्कृतं वाक्यं न चैव मे । पंचात्मकैर्महाक्रूरैः पातितो गर्भसंकटे

jñānamuvāca- mayā tvaṁ vārito hyātmankṛtaṁ vākyaṁ na caiva me paṁcātmakairmahākrūraiḥ pātito garbhasaṁkaṭe

Knowledge said: 'You were indeed forbidden by me, O Self, yet my word went unheeded; by union with the greatly cruel five elements you were cast into the crisis of the womb.'

Verse 6 (padma.2.8.6)

इदानीं गच्छ त्वं ध्यानं तस्मात्संप्राप्स्यसे सुखम् । गर्भवासाद्भविष्यस्ते मोक्ष एव न संशयः

idānīṁ gaccha tvaṁ dhyānaṁ tasmātsaṁprāpsyase sukham garbhavāsādbhaviṣyaste mokṣa eva na saṁśayaḥ

'Now go to Meditation; from him you shall obtain happiness. From this dwelling in the womb, liberation itself shall come to you — no doubt of it.'

Verse 7 (padma.2.8.7)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा ज्ञात्वा ज्ञानस्य तत्त्वताम् । ध्यानमाहूय प्रोवाच श्रूयतां वचनं मम

tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā jñātvā jñānasya tattvatām dhyānamāhūya provāca śrūyatāṁ vacanaṁ mama

Hearing this word, and recognizing the truth of Knowledge, he called upon Meditation and said: 'Hear my word—'

Verse 8 (padma.2.8.8)

त्वामहं शरणं प्राप्तो ध्यान मां रक्ष नित्यशः । एवमस्तु महाप्राज्ञ ध्यानमाह महामतिम्

tvāmahaṁ śaraṇaṁ prāpto dhyāna māṁ rakṣa nityaśaḥ evamastu mahāprājña dhyānamāha mahāmatim

—'I have come to you for refuge, O Meditation; protect me always.' 'So be it, O greatly wise one,' said Meditation to that great-minded Self.

Verse 9 (padma.2.8.9)

एतद्वाक्यं ततः श्रुत्वा आत्मा वै ध्यानमागतः । ध्यानेन हि समं गर्भे संस्थितो मोहवर्जितः

etadvākyaṁ tataḥ śrutvā ātmā vai dhyānamāgataḥ dhyānena hi samaṁ garbhe saṁsthito mohavarjitaḥ

Hearing this word, the Self came to Meditation; established in the womb together with Meditation, he became free of delusion.

Verse 10 (padma.2.8.10)

यदा ध्यानं गतो ह्यात्मा विस्मृतं गर्भजं भयम् । स द्वाभ्यां सहितस्तत्र आत्मा मोह विना कृतः

yadā dhyānaṁ gato hyātmā vismṛtaṁ garbhajaṁ bhayam sa dvābhyāṁ sahitastatra ātmā moha vinā kṛtaḥ

When the Self came to Meditation, the fear born of the womb was forgotten; joined there with those two, Knowledge and Meditation, the Self became free of delusion.

Verse 11 (padma.2.8.11)

चिंतयन्नेव वै नित्यमात्मकं सुखमेव हि । इतो निष्क्रांतमात्रस्तु त्यजे पंचात्मकं वपुः

ciṁtayanneva vai nityamātmakaṁ sukhameva hi ito niṣkrāṁtamātrastu tyaje paṁcātmakaṁ vapuḥ

He reflected ever only on the happiness that is the Self's own: 'As soon as I emerge from here, I shall abandon this body made of the five elements.'

Verse 12 (padma.2.8.12)

एवं चिंतयते नित्यं गर्भवासगतः प्रभुः । सूतिकाले तु संप्राप्ते प्राजापत्ये वरानने

evaṁ ciṁtayate nityaṁ garbhavāsagataḥ prabhuḥ sūtikāle tu saṁprāpte prājāpatye varānane

Thus did that lord, dwelling in the womb, reflect constantly. When the time of birth arrived, ordained by Prajapati, O fair-faced one—

Verse 13 (padma.2.8.13)

वायुना चलितो गर्भः प्राणेनापि बलीयसा । योनिर्विकासमायाति चतुर्विंशांगुलं तदा

vāyunā calito garbhaḥ prāṇenāpi balīyasā yonirvikāsamāyāti caturviṁśāṁgulaṁ tadā

—the womb was set in motion by the wind and by the mighty life-breath as well; then the birth-passage opens to a width of twenty-four finger-breadths.

Verse 14 (padma.2.8.14)

पंचविंशांगुलो गर्भस्तेन पीडा विजायते । एवं संपीड्यमानस्तु मूर्च्छया मूर्च्छितः प्रिये

paṁcaviṁśāṁgulo garbhastena pīḍā vijāyate evaṁ saṁpīḍyamānastu mūrcchayā mūrcchitaḥ priye

The fetus, being twenty-five finger-breadths, thereby causes pain to arise; thus greatly compressed, he fell into a swoon, O dear one—

Verse 15 (padma.2.8.15)

पतितो भूमिभागे तु ज्ञानध्यानसमन्वितः । प्राजापत्येन दिव्येन वायुना स पृथक्कृतः

patito bhūmibhāge tu jñānadhyānasamanvitaḥ prājāpatyena divyena vāyunā sa pṛthakkṛtaḥ

—falling to the ground, still joined with Knowledge and Meditation; he was separated from the womb by the divine wind ordained by Prajapati.

Verse 16 (padma.2.8.16)

भूमिसंस्पर्शमात्रेण ज्ञानध्याने तु विस्मृते । संसारबंधसंदिग्ध आत्मा प्रियतया स्थितः

bhūmisaṁsparśamātreṇa jñānadhyāne tu vismṛte saṁsārabaṁdhasaṁdigdha ātmā priyatayā sthitaḥ

By the mere touch of the earth, Knowledge and Meditation were forgotten; the Self, now caught in doubt by the bonds of this world, became lost in attachment.

Verse 17 (padma.2.8.17)

गुणदोषसमाक्रांतो महामोहसमन्वितः । खाद्यं पानादिकं सर्वमिच्छत्येव दिनेदिने

guṇadoṣasamākrāṁto mahāmohasamanvitaḥ khādyaṁ pānādikaṁ sarvamicchatyeva dinedine

Overcome by virtues and faults alike, joined with great delusion, he came to desire, day after day, all manner of food, drink, and the rest.

Verse 18 (padma.2.8.18)

एवं संपुष्यमाणस्तु आत्मा पंचात्मकैः सह । व्यापितो हींद्रियैः सर्वैर्विषयैः पापकारिभिः

evaṁ saṁpuṣyamāṇastu ātmā paṁcātmakaiḥ saha vyāpito hīṁdriyaiḥ sarvairviṣayaiḥ pāpakāribhiḥ

Thus growing along with the five elements, the Self became pervaded by all the senses and by their sin-producing objects.

Verse 19 (padma.2.8.19)

बांधवानां समोहेन भार्यादीनां तथैव च । आकुलव्याकुलो देवि जायते च दिनेदिने

bāṁdhavānāṁ samohena bhāryādīnāṁ tathaiva ca ākulavyākulo devi jāyate ca dinedine

Through delusion regarding kinsmen, and likewise regarding wife and the rest, O goddess, he grew ever more agitated and confused, day after day.

Verse 20 (padma.2.8.20)

महामोहेन संदिग्धो मोहजालगतः प्रभुः । कैवर्तेन यथा बद्धः शकुलो जालबंधनैः

mahāmohena saṁdigdho mohajālagataḥ prabhuḥ kaivartena yathā baddhaḥ śakulo jālabaṁdhanaiḥ

Caught in doubt by great delusion, that lord fell into the net of delusion — just as a fish is bound by a fisherman in the bonds of his net—

Verse 21 (padma.2.8.21)

चलितुं नैव शक्तोस्ति तथात्मासीत्प्रबंधितः । मोहजालैस्तु तैः सर्वैर्दृढबंधैस्तु बंधितः

calituṁ naiva śaktosti tathātmāsītprabaṁdhitaḥ mohajālaistu taiḥ sarvairdṛḍhabaṁdhaistu baṁdhitaḥ

—and is unable even to stir, so was the Self bound fast, tied by all those nets of delusion in their firm bonds.

Verse 22 (padma.2.8.22)

एवमादिप्रपंचेन व्यापितो व्यापकेन हि । ज्ञानविज्ञानविभ्रष्टो रागद्वेषादिभिर्हतः

evamādiprapaṁcena vyāpito vyāpakena hi jñānavijñānavibhraṣṭo rāgadveṣādibhirhataḥ

Pervaded thus by this all-encompassing illusion, fallen from knowledge and discernment, struck down by attachment, aversion, and the rest—

Verse 23 (padma.2.8.23)

कामेन पीड्यमानस्तु क्रोधेनैव तथैव वा । प्रकृत्या कर्मणाबद्धो महामूढो व्यजायत

kāmena pīḍyamānastu krodhenaiva tathaiva vā prakṛtyā karmaṇābaddho mahāmūḍho vyajāyata

—tormented by desire and likewise by anger, bound by material nature and by his own deeds, he became utterly deluded.

Verse 24 (padma.2.8.24)

सूत उवाच- एवं मूढो यदात्मासौ कामक्रोधवशंगतः । लोभरागादिभिः सर्वैर्व्यापृतस्तैर्दुरात्मभिः

sūta uvāca- evaṁ mūḍho yadātmāsau kāmakrodhavaśaṁgataḥ lobharāgādibhiḥ sarvairvyāpṛtastairdurātmabhiḥ

Suta said: Thus deluded, when the Self fell under the sway of desire and anger, engaged wholly with greed, passion, and all such base impulses—

Verse 25 (padma.2.8.25)

इयं भार्या ह्ययं पुत्र इदं मित्रमिदं गृहम् । एवं संसारजालेन महामोहेन बंधितः

iyaṁ bhāryā hyayaṁ putra idaṁ mitramidaṁ gṛham evaṁ saṁsārajālena mahāmohena baṁdhitaḥ

—thinking: 'This is my wife, this my son, this my friend, this my house' — thus he became bound by the net of this world, by its great delusion.

Verse 26 (padma.2.8.26)

पुत्रशोकादिभिर्दुःखैर्विविधैराकुलस्तदा । जरयाव्याधिभिश्चैव संग्रस्तश्चाधिभिस्तथा

putraśokādibhirduḥkhairvividhairākulastadā jarayāvyādhibhiścaiva saṁgrastaścādhibhistathā

Troubled by various sorrows such as grief for sons, and seized as well by old age and disease, and by mental afflictions too—

Verse 27 (padma.2.8.27)

एवमात्मा संप्रतप्तो दुःखमोहैः सुदारुणैः । अभिमानैर्मानभंगैर्नानादुःखैश्च खंडितः

evamātmā saṁpratapto duḥkhamohaiḥ sudāruṇaiḥ abhimānairmānabhaṁgairnānāduḥkhaiśca khaṁḍitaḥ

—the Self, thus tormented by most dreadful sufferings and delusions, was shattered by pride, wounded honor, and manifold sorrows.

Verse 28 (padma.2.8.28)

वृद्धत्वेन तथा देवि शबलत्वेन पीडितः । दुःखं चिंतयते नित्यं हाहाभूतो विचेतनः

vṛddhatvena tathā devi śabalatvena pīḍitaḥ duḥkhaṁ ciṁtayate nityaṁ hāhābhūto vicetanaḥ

Afflicted by old age and by frailty, O goddess, he ever dwelt upon sorrow, crying out in anguish, bereft of awareness—

Verse 29 (padma.2.8.29)

रात्रौ स्वप्नान्प्रपश्येत दिवा चैतन्यवर्जितः । वैकल्येन तथांगानां व्याप्तो देवि दिनेदिने

rātrau svapnānprapaśyeta divā caitanyavarjitaḥ vaikalyena tathāṁgānāṁ vyāpto devi dinedine

—seeing only dreams at night, devoid of clear awareness by day; pervaded, O goddess, day by day, by the failing of his limbs.

Verse 30 (padma.2.8.30)

संसारे भ्रममाणेन वैराग्यं तत्र दर्शितम् । निःशंकं बंधुहीनं च प्रशांतं तुष्टमेव च

saṁsāre bhramamāṇena vairāgyaṁ tatra darśitam niḥśaṁkaṁ baṁdhuhīnaṁ ca praśāṁtaṁ tuṣṭameva ca

Wandering thus in this world, he then beheld Dispassion — fearless, free of kinsmen, wholly tranquil and content.

Verse 31 (padma.2.8.31)

तमुवाच तदात्मा वै कामक्रोधविवर्जितम् । को भवान्नग्नरूपेण कथं मित्रैर्न लज्जसे

tamuvāca tadātmā vai kāmakrodhavivarjitam ko bhavānnagnarūpeṇa kathaṁ mitrairna lajjase

The Self then said to him, that one free of desire and anger: 'Who are you, in this naked form? How is it you feel no shame among friends?'

Verse 32 (padma.2.8.32)

यत्र लोकाः स्त्रियो वृद्धा युवत्यो मातरस्तथा । एतासां हि गतो मध्ये न बिभेषि अनावृतः

yatra lokāḥ striyo vṛddhā yuvatyo mātarastathā etāsāṁ hi gato madhye na bibheṣi anāvṛtaḥ

'Where people are — the aged, the young, and mothers likewise — going among these, uncovered, do you feel no fear at all?'

Verse 33 (padma.2.8.33)

वीतराग उवाच- को ह्यत्र नग्नो दृश्येत न नग्नोस्मीति वै कदा । सुसंबद्धस्त्वमेवापि परिधान समन्वितः

vītarāga uvāca- ko hyatra nagno dṛśyeta na nagnosmīti vai kadā susaṁbaddhastvamevāpi paridhāna samanvitaḥ

The Dispassionate one said: 'Who indeed is seen naked here? I am never truly naked. You yourself, though well clothed in garments—'

Verse 34 (padma.2.8.34)

न नग्नोस्मि कदा दिव्यभवान्नग्नः प्रदृश्यते । इंद्रियार्थवशेवर्ती मर्यादापरिवर्जितः

na nagnosmi kadā divyabhavānnagnaḥ pradṛśyate iṁdriyārthavaśevartī maryādāparivarjitaḥ

—'I am never naked; it is you who, though divine, appear naked — subject to the sway of the senses' objects, devoid of all proper bounds.'

Verse 35 (padma.2.8.35)

आत्मोवाच- पुरुषस्य का हि मर्यादा तामाचक्ष्व च सुव्रत । विस्तरेण महाप्राज्ञ यदि जानासि निश्चितम्

ātmovāca- puruṣasya kā hi maryādā tāmācakṣva ca suvrata vistareṇa mahāprājña yadi jānāsi niścitam

The Self said: 'What indeed is the proper bound of a man? Declare it to me, O one of good vows, in full, O greatly wise one, if you truly know it.'

Verse 36 (padma.2.8.36)

वीतरागो महाप्राज्ञस्तमुवाच महामतिः । सुस्थैर्यं भजते चित्तं सुखदुःखेषु नित्यदा

vītarāgo mahāprājñastamuvāca mahāmatiḥ susthairyaṁ bhajate cittaṁ sukhaduḥkheṣu nityadā

The greatly wise, great-minded Dispassionate one said to him: 'When the mind maintains firm steadiness always, in both pleasure and pain—'

Verse 37 (padma.2.8.37)

क्लेशितं सर्वभावैश्च तेषुतेषु परित्यजेत् । अथ लज्जां प्रवक्ष्यामि मनो या निर्विशत्यलम्

kleśitaṁ sarvabhāvaiśca teṣuteṣu parityajet atha lajjāṁ pravakṣyāmi mano yā nirviśatyalam

—'and, though afflicted by every state, lets go of each of them — that is true bound. Now I shall speak of shame, which fully enters the mind—'

Verse 38 (padma.2.8.38)

मयाद्यैवं न कर्तव्यं नग्नः स्थानविवर्जितः । पश्चात्तापे सुसंलीनः सा लज्जा परिकथ्यते

mayādyaivaṁ na kartavyaṁ nagnaḥ sthānavivarjitaḥ paścāttāpe susaṁlīnaḥ sā lajjā parikathyate

—when one thinks: "This should not have been done by me thus" — naked, out of place — and becomes wholly absorbed in remorse; that is called shame.

Verse 39 (padma.2.8.39)

कस्य लज्जा प्रकर्तव्या द्वितीयो नास्ति सर्वदा । एकश्च पुरुषो दिव्यः कस्य किंचिन्न नाशयेत्

kasya lajjā prakartavyā dvitīyo nāsti sarvadā ekaśca puruṣo divyaḥ kasya kiṁcinna nāśayet

'Before whom, then, should shame be shown? There is never any "other." The one divine Purusha alone exists — whose loss could he ever cause?'

Verse 40 (padma.2.8.40)

अथ लोकान्प्रवक्ष्यामि ये त्वया परिकीर्तिताः । यथा कुलालकश्चक्रे मृत्पिंडं च निधापयेत्

atha lokānpravakṣyāmi ye tvayā parikīrtitāḥ yathā kulālakaścakre mṛtpiṁḍaṁ ca nidhāpayet

'Now I shall speak of the "worlds" of which you spoke. Just as a potter places a lump of clay upon his wheel—'

Verse 41 (padma.2.8.41)

भ्रामयित्वा तु सूत्रेण नानाभेदान्प्रकाशयेत् । भांडानां तु सहस्राणि स्वेच्छया मतिसंस्थितः

bhrāmayitvā tu sūtreṇa nānābhedānprakāśayet bhāṁḍānāṁ tu sahasrāṇi svecchayā matisaṁsthitaḥ

—'and, spinning it with his cord, brings forth its many varied forms — thousands of vessels, by his own will and settled intent—'

Verse 42 (padma.2.8.42)

तथायं सृजते धाता नानारूपाणि नान्यथा । पश्चाद्विनाशमायांति येनकेनापि हेतुना

tathāyaṁ sṛjate dhātā nānārūpāṇi nānyathā paścādvināśamāyāṁti yenakenāpi hetunā

—'so too does the Creator fashion these many forms, and no differently; and afterward they come to destruction, by whatever cause.'

Verse 43 (padma.2.8.43)

सर्वदैव स्थिता ये च ये लोकाश्च सनातनाः । तेषां लज्जा प्रकर्तव्या नावर्तंते हि ते भुवि

sarvadaiva sthitā ye ca ye lokāśca sanātanāḥ teṣāṁ lajjā prakartavyā nāvartaṁte hi te bhuvi

'Those who abide forever, and the worlds that are eternal — before them alone should shame be shown, for they never return to this earth.'

Verse 44 (padma.2.8.44)

आकाशवायुतेजांसि पृथ्वी चापश्च पंचमः । अमी लोकाः प्रकाशंते ये च सर्वत्र संस्थिताः

ākāśavāyutejāṁsi pṛthvī cāpaśca paṁcamaḥ amī lokāḥ prakāśaṁte ye ca sarvatra saṁsthitāḥ

'Space, wind, and fire, earth, and water the fifth — these are the "worlds" that shine forth, established everywhere.'

Verse 45 (padma.2.8.45)

सत्त्वानामंगदेशेषु पंचैतेषु सुसंस्थिताः । सर्वत्रैव च वर्तंते कस्य लज्जा विधीयते

sattvānāmaṁgadeśeṣu paṁcaiteṣu susaṁsthitāḥ sarvatraiva ca vartaṁte kasya lajjā vidhīyate

—'well-established in these five, within the limbs of every being, existing everywhere alike — before whom, then, should shame be shown?'

Verse 46 (padma.2.8.46)

स्त्रीणां रूपं प्रवक्ष्यामि श्रूयतां तात सांप्रतम् । यथाघटसहस्रेषुसोदकेषुविराजते

strīṇāṁ rūpaṁ pravakṣyāmi śrūyatāṁ tāta sāṁpratam yathāghaṭasahasreṣusodakeṣuvirājate

'Now I shall speak of the form of women; hear it now, my friend. Just as, among a thousand water-filled pots—'

Verse 47 (padma.2.8.47)

एकश्चंद्रो हि सर्वत्र भवांस्तद्वद्विराजते । गतो जंतुसहस्रेषु मोहचक्रे महात्मवान्

ekaścaṁdro hi sarvatra bhavāṁstadvadvirājate gato jaṁtusahasreṣu mohacakre mahātmavān

—'a single moon shines reflected in every one, so do you, O great soul, likewise shine forth in a thousand creatures, having entered the wheel of delusion.'

Verse 48 (padma.2.8.48)

स्थावरेषु च सर्वेषु जंगमेषु तथा भवान् । योनिद्वारेण पापेन मायामोहमयेन वै

sthāvareṣu ca sarveṣu jaṁgameṣu tathā bhavān yonidvāreṇa pāpena māyāmohamayena vai

'In all things stationary and moving alike, you exist — through the sinful gate of the womb, made wholly of illusion and delusion.'

Verse 49 (padma.2.8.49)

कुचाभ्यां च नितंबाभ्यां वयसा च विराजते । हृन्मांसस्याधिका वृद्धिर्दृष्टा चात्र न संशयः

kucābhyāṁ ca nitaṁbābhyāṁ vayasā ca virājate hṛnmāṁsasyādhikā vṛddhirdṛṣṭā cātra na saṁśayaḥ

'With breast and hip, and with youthfulness, a woman appears to shine — but it is merely an excess growth of flesh about the chest that is truly seen here, no doubt of it.'

Verse 50 (padma.2.8.50)

पतनाय च लोकानां मोहरूपं विदर्शितम् । नभवत्येव सा नारी या त्वया परिकीर्तिता

patanāya ca lokānāṁ moharūpaṁ vidarśitam nabhavatyeva sā nārī yā tvayā parikīrtitā

'For the downfall of people this form of delusion has been displayed; that "woman" you have spoken of does not truly exist as such.'

Verse 51 (padma.2.8.51)

लीलया कुरुते धाता विनोदाय सदात्मनः । यथा नार्यास्तथा पुंसो जीवः सर्वत्र संस्थितः

līlayā kurute dhātā vinodāya sadātmanaḥ yathā nāryāstathā puṁso jīvaḥ sarvatra saṁsthitaḥ

'The Creator fashions it as sport, for his own eternal amusement. As with woman, so with man — the living soul abides alike in every one.'

Verse 52 (padma.2.8.52)

कुचयोनिविहीना ये जीवन्मुक्ताः सदैव हि । नरस्तु पुरुषः प्रोक्तो नारी प्रकृतिरुच्यते

kucayonivihīnā ye jīvanmuktāḥ sadaiva hi narastu puruṣaḥ prokto nārī prakṛtirucyate

'Those free of breast and womb are ever liberated while yet living. Man alone is truly called Purusha; woman is termed Prakriti, material nature.'

Verse 53 (padma.2.8.53)

रमते तेन वै सार्द्धं न मुक्ता हि कदाचन । भवान्प्रकृतिसंयुक्तः पुरुषेषु प्रदृश्यते

ramate tena vai sārddhaṁ na muktā hi kadācana bhavānprakṛtisaṁyuktaḥ puruṣeṣu pradṛśyate

'With her the soul takes its delight, and is never truly free. You too, joined with material nature, appear thus among men.'

Verse 54 (padma.2.8.54)

कः कस्य कुरुते लज्जामेवं ज्ञात्वा सुखं व्रज । वृद्धां स्त्रियं प्रवक्ष्यामि सदावृद्धां वरानने

kaḥ kasya kurute lajjāmevaṁ jñātvā sukhaṁ vraja vṛddhāṁ striyaṁ pravakṣyāmi sadāvṛddhāṁ varānane

'Who, then, is ashamed before whom? Knowing this, go in happiness. Now I shall speak of the "old woman" — she who is old forever, O fair-faced one—'

Verse 55 (padma.2.8.55)

त्वचा जर्जरतां याता यस्याप्यंगे वरानने । श्वेतैश्चैव तथाकेशैः पलितैश्च समाकुला

tvacā jarjaratāṁ yātā yasyāpyaṁge varānane śvetaiścaiva tathākeśaiḥ palitaiśca samākulā

—'she whose skin has grown withered upon her limbs, and who is covered with white and graying hair—'

Verse 56 (padma.2.8.56)

बलहीनाथ दीनापि व्यापिता वलिना तदा । नेयं वृद्धा भवेन्नारी परं वृद्धा च कथ्यते

balahīnātha dīnāpi vyāpitā valinā tadā neyaṁ vṛddhā bhavennārī paraṁ vṛddhā ca kathyate

—'bereft of strength, pitiable, pervaded with wrinkles — such a one is not the true "old woman," but is merely called old.'

Verse 57 (padma.2.8.57)

एतस्या लक्षणं प्रोक्तं युवतीं प्रवदाम्यहम् । ज्ञानेन वर्द्धते नित्यं जीवपार्श्वे समाश्रिता

etasyā lakṣaṇaṁ proktaṁ yuvatīṁ pravadāmyaham jñānena varddhate nityaṁ jīvapārśve samāśritā

'Her mark has thus been described. Now I shall tell of the true "young woman": she who ever grows through knowledge, ever dwelling close beside the living soul—'

Verse 58 (padma.2.8.58)

सुमतिर्नाम संप्रोक्ता सा वृद्धा युवतीति च । नारी पुरुषलोकेषु सर्वदैव प्रतिष्ठिता

sumatirnāma saṁproktā sā vṛddhā yuvatīti ca nārī puruṣalokeṣu sarvadaiva pratiṣṭhitā

—'she is called by the name Sumati, Good Understanding; she alone is truly "old" and "young." She, the true Woman, is ever established in the realm of men—'

Verse 59 (padma.2.8.59)

लज्जा तस्याः प्रकर्तव्या अन्यच्चैव वदाम्यहम् । मातरं वै प्रवक्ष्यामि या त्वया परिकीर्तिता

lajjā tasyāḥ prakartavyā anyaccaiva vadāmyaham mātaraṁ vai pravakṣyāmi yā tvayā parikīrtitā

—'and before her alone should shame be shown. I shall tell one thing more: I shall speak of the "mother" of whom you spoke.'

Verse 60 (padma.2.8.60)

प्राणिनामंगदेशेषु सदैव चेतना स्थिता । परज्ञानप्रदा या च सा प्रज्ञा परिकथ्यते

prāṇināmaṁgadeśeṣu sadaiva cetanā sthitā parajñānapradā yā ca sā prajñā parikathyate

'That awareness ever established within the limbs of beings, which bestows supreme knowledge — that alone is what is called Prajna, Wisdom.'

Verse 61 (padma.2.8.61)

प्रज्ञा माता समाख्याता प्राणिनां पालनाय सा । संस्थिता सर्वलोकेषु पोषणाय हिताय वा

prajñā mātā samākhyātā prāṇināṁ pālanāya sā saṁsthitā sarvalokeṣu poṣaṇāya hitāya vā

'Prajna is declared to be the true mother; she is established among every being for their protection, their nourishment and welfare.'

Verse 62 (padma.2.8.62)

सुमतिर्नाम या प्रोक्ता सा माता परिकथ्यते । संसारद्वारमार्गाणि यानि रूपाणि नित्यशः

sumatirnāma yā proktā sā mātā parikathyate saṁsāradvāramārgāṇi yāni rūpāṇi nityaśaḥ

'She who is called by the name Sumati is spoken of as the true mother. Those forms that are ever the very gateway and pathway into this world—'

Verse 63 (padma.2.8.63)

भवंति मातरो ह्येता बहुदुःखप्रदर्शिकाः । मातृरूपं समाख्यातमन्यत्किं ते वदाम्यहम्

bhavaṁti mātaro hyetā bahuduḥkhapradarśikāḥ mātṛrūpaṁ samākhyātamanyatkiṁ te vadāmyaham

—'those ordinary mothers, indeed, are shown to bring much suffering. Thus has the true form of "mother" been declared. What else shall I tell you?'

Verse 64 (padma.2.8.64)

आत्मोवाच- भवान्को हि समायातो मम संतापनाशकः । विस्तरेण समाख्याहि स्वरूपमात्मनः स्वयम्

ātmovāca- bhavānko hi samāyāto mama saṁtāpanāśakaḥ vistareṇa samākhyāhi svarūpamātmanaḥ svayam

The Self said: 'Who indeed are you, who have come to destroy my torment? Declare your own true nature in full, yourself.'

Verse 65 (padma.2.8.65)

वीतराग उवाच- यस्मात्कामानि वर्तंते निराशाः सर्व एव ते । यं दुष्टत्वान्न पश्यंति कर्माण्येतानि नान्यथा

vītarāga uvāca- yasmātkāmāni vartaṁte nirāśāḥ sarva eva te yaṁ duṣṭatvānna paśyaṁti karmāṇyetāni nānyathā

The Dispassionate one said: 'That from which all desires proceed, yet remain unfulfilled — that which, by their own corruption, beings fail to perceive — such indeed, and no different, are these deeds.'

Verse 66 (padma.2.8.66)

यत्समीपं हि नायाति आशा चैव कदाचन । क्रोधो लोभस्तथा मोहो यद्भयात्प्रलयं गताः

yatsamīpaṁ hi nāyāti āśā caiva kadācana krodho lobhastathā moho yadbhayātpralayaṁ gatāḥ

—'that near which hope itself never comes; before whose presence anger, greed, and delusion, in fear, meet their own dissolution—'

Verse 67 (padma.2.8.67)

वीतरागोस्मि भद्रं ते विवेको मम बांधवः । आत्मोवाच- कीदृशोऽसौ तव भ्राता विवेको नाम नामतः

vītarāgosmi bhadraṁ te viveko mama bāṁdhavaḥ ātmovāca- kīdṛśo'sau tava bhrātā viveko nāma nāmataḥ

—'I am Vairagya, Dispassion — good fortune to you; Viveka, Discernment, is my kinsman.' The Self said: 'What is he like, this brother of yours, named Viveka?'

Verse 68 (padma.2.8.68)

तस्य त्वं लक्षणं ब्रूहि भ्रातुरात्मन एव च । वीतराग उवाच- तस्यैव लक्षणं रूपं न वदामि तवाग्रतः

tasya tvaṁ lakṣaṇaṁ brūhi bhrāturātmana eva ca vītarāga uvāca- tasyaiva lakṣaṇaṁ rūpaṁ na vadāmi tavāgrataḥ

'Tell me his character, your own brother's character.' The Dispassionate one said: 'His very character and form I shall not describe before you—'

Verse 69 (padma.2.8.69)

भ्रातुस्तस्य महाभाग आह्वानं च करोम्यहम् । भोभो विवेक मे भ्रातरावयोस्त्वं वचः शृणु

bhrātustasya mahābhāga āhvānaṁ ca karomyaham bhobho viveka me bhrātarāvayostvaṁ vacaḥ śṛṇu

—'but instead, O greatly fortunate one, I shall summon my brother himself.' [Calling out:] 'O Viveka, my brother, hear this word of ours—'

Verse 70 (padma.2.8.70)

एह्येहि सुमहाभाग मम स्नेहान्महामते । कश्यप उवाच- शांतिक्षमाभ्यां संयुक्तो भार्याभ्यां च समागतः

ehyehi sumahābhāga mama snehānmahāmate kaśyapa uvāca- śāṁtikṣamābhyāṁ saṁyukto bhāryābhyāṁ ca samāgataḥ

—'come, come, O greatly fortunate one, for the sake of my affection, O great-minded one.' Kashyapa said: He came, joined with his two wives, Peace and Forbearance—

Verse 71 (padma.2.8.71)

सर्वदृक्सर्वगो व्यापी सर्वतत्त्वपरायणः । संदेहानां च सर्वेषां यो रिपुर्ज्ञानवत्सलः

sarvadṛksarvago vyāpī sarvatattvaparāyaṇaḥ saṁdehānāṁ ca sarveṣāṁ yo ripurjñānavatsalaḥ

—all-seeing, all-pervading, all-encompassing, devoted wholly to every truth; the very enemy of every doubt, beloved of Knowledge.

Verse 72 (padma.2.8.72)

धारणा धीश्च द्वे पुत्र्यौ तस्यैव हि महात्मनः । तस्य योगः सुतो ज्येष्ठो मोक्षो यस्य महागुरुः

dhāraṇā dhīśca dve putryau tasyaiva hi mahātmanaḥ tasya yogaḥ suto jyeṣṭho mokṣo yasya mahāguruḥ

Retention and Intelligence are the two daughters of that great soul; Yoga is his eldest son, and Liberation is his great teacher.

Verse 73 (padma.2.8.73)

निर्मलो निरहंकारो निराशो निष्परिग्रहः । सर्ववेलाप्रसन्नात्मा गतद्वंद्वो महामतिः

nirmalo nirahaṁkāro nirāśo niṣparigrahaḥ sarvavelāprasannātmā gatadvaṁdvo mahāmatiḥ

Spotless, free of ego, free of desire, free of possessions, ever tranquil of soul at every hour, beyond all dualities, great-minded—

Verse 74 (padma.2.8.74)

स विवेकः समायातो गुणरत्नैर्विभूषितः । यस्यामात्यौ महात्मानौ धर्मसत्यौ महामती

sa vivekaḥ samāyāto guṇaratnairvibhūṣitaḥ yasyāmātyau mahātmānau dharmasatyau mahāmatī

—that Viveka came thus, adorned with jewel-like virtues; his two great-souled, great-minded ministers are Dharma and Truth.

Verse 75 (padma.2.8.75)

क्षमाशांतिसमायुक्तः स विवेकः समागतः । वीतरागमुवाचेदमाहूतोहं समागतः

kṣamāśāṁtisamāyuktaḥ sa vivekaḥ samāgataḥ vītarāgamuvācedamāhūtohaṁ samāgataḥ

Joined with Forbearance and Peace, that Viveka arrived and said to Vairagya: 'Summoned, I have come.'

Verse 76 (padma.2.8.76)

तद्भ्रातः कारणं सर्वं कथ्यतां हि ममाग्रतः । यमाश्रित्य त्वयाद्यैव कृतमाह्वानमेव मे

tadbhrātaḥ kāraṇaṁ sarvaṁ kathyatāṁ hi mamāgrataḥ yamāśritya tvayādyaiva kṛtamāhvānameva me

'Tell me, brother, the whole reason on whose account you have summoned me here today.'

Verse 77 (padma.2.8.77)

वीतराग उवाच- पुमान्स्थितो यः पुरतो महापाशैर्नियंत्रितः । मोहस्य बाणैः संभ्रांतः संसारस्य च बंधनैः

vītarāga uvāca- pumānsthito yaḥ purato mahāpāśairniyaṁtritaḥ mohasya bāṇaiḥ saṁbhrāṁtaḥ saṁsārasya ca baṁdhanaiḥ

Vairagya said: 'This man standing before us, bound by mighty snares, bewildered by the arrows of delusion, joined with the bonds of this world—'

Verse 78 (padma.2.8.78)

सर्वस्य व्यापकः स्वामी अयमात्मा ममैव च । पंचतत्त्वैः समाविष्टो ज्ञानध्यानविवर्जितः

sarvasya vyāpakaḥ svāmī ayamātmā mamaiva ca paṁcatattvaiḥ samāviṣṭo jñānadhyānavivarjitaḥ

—'this Self, all-pervading lord of everything and indeed my own kin, has become possessed by the five elements and bereft of Knowledge and Meditation.'

Verse 79 (padma.2.8.79)

पृच्छतामेनमात्मानं भवांस्तत्त्वेषु पंडितः । वीतरागवचः श्रुत्वा विवेको वाक्यमब्रवीत्

pṛcchatāmenamātmānaṁ bhavāṁstattveṣu paṁḍitaḥ vītarāgavacaḥ śrutvā viveko vākyamabravīt

'Question this very Self yourself, you who are learned in all truths.' Hearing the word of Vairagya, Viveka spoke this word:

Verse 80 (padma.2.8.80)

विवेक उवाच- सुखेन स्थीयते देव भवता विश्वनायक । आगते त्वयि संसारे किं किं भुक्तं सुखं स्वयम्

viveka uvāca- sukhena sthīyate deva bhavatā viśvanāyaka āgate tvayi saṁsāre kiṁ kiṁ bhuktaṁ sukhaṁ svayam

Viveka said: 'O lord, O ruler of the universe, do you dwell in happiness? Since your coming into this world, what happiness, exactly, have you yourself known?'

Verse 81 (padma.2.8.81)

आत्मोवाच- गर्भवासो महद्दुःखमसह्यं दारुणं मया । भुक्तमेव महाप्राज्ञ ज्ञानहीनेन वै सदा

ātmovāca- garbhavāso mahadduḥkhamasahyaṁ dāruṇaṁ mayā bhuktameva mahāprājña jñānahīnena vai sadā

The Self said: 'The great, unbearable, dreadful suffering of dwelling in the womb alone have I ever known, O greatly wise one, always bereft of knowledge.'

Verse 82 (padma.2.8.82)

देहेपि ज्ञानविभ्रष्टः सोहं जातो ह्यनेकधा । बाल्यावस्थां गतेनाथ कृत्याकृत्यं कृतं मया

dehepi jñānavibhraṣṭaḥ sohaṁ jāto hyanekadhā bālyāvasthāṁ gatenātha kṛtyākṛtyaṁ kṛtaṁ mayā

'Fallen from knowledge even within this body, I was born again and again in many ways; and having entered childhood, I did what should and should not have been done—'

Verse 83 (padma.2.8.83)

तारुण्येन कृता क्रीडा भुक्ता भार्या ह्यनेकशः । वार्धकं प्राप्य संतप्तः पुत्रशोकादिभिस्तथा

tāruṇyena kṛtā krīḍā bhuktā bhāryā hyanekaśaḥ vārdhakaṁ prāpya saṁtaptaḥ putraśokādibhistathā

—'in youth I engaged in sport and enjoyed a wife in many ways; and having reached old age, I was tormented likewise by grief for sons and the rest.'

Verse 84 (padma.2.8.84)

भार्यादीनां वियोगैस्तु दग्धोस्म्यहमहर्निशम् । दुःखैरनेकसंवर्णैः संतप्तोस्मि दिनेदिने

bhāryādīnāṁ viyogaistu dagdhosmyahamaharniśam duḥkhairanekasaṁvarṇaiḥ saṁtaptosmi dinedine

'By separation from wife and the rest I have burned day and night; by sufferings of many kinds I am tormented day after day.'

Verse 85 (padma.2.8.85)

दिवारात्रौ महाप्राज्ञ न विंदामि सुखं क्वचित् । एवं दुःखै सुसंतप्तः किं करोमि महामते

divārātrau mahāprājña na viṁdāmi sukhaṁ kvacit evaṁ duḥkhai susaṁtaptaḥ kiṁ karomi mahāmate

'Day and night, O greatly wise one, I find happiness nowhere at all. Thus utterly tormented by suffering, what shall I do, O great-minded one?'

Verse 86 (padma.2.8.86)

तमुपायं वदस्वैव सुखं विंदामि येन वै । अस्मात्संसारजालौघान्मोचयाद्य सुबंधनात्

tamupāyaṁ vadasvaiva sukhaṁ viṁdāmi yena vai asmātsaṁsārajālaughānmocayādya subaṁdhanāt

'Tell me that means by which I may find happiness; release me today from this whole flood and net of this world, from its firm bonds.'

Verse 87 (padma.2.8.87)

विवेक उवाच- भवाञ्छुद्धोसि निर्द्वन्द्वो ह्यपापोसि जगत्पते । एनं गच्छ महात्मानं वीतरागं सुखप्रदम्

viveka uvāca- bhavāñchuddhosi nirdvandvo hyapāposi jagatpate enaṁ gaccha mahātmānaṁ vītarāgaṁ sukhapradam

Viveka said: 'You are pure, beyond all duality, indeed sinless, O lord of the world. Go to this great soul Vairagya, the bestower of happiness—'

Verse 88 (padma.2.8.88)

निःसंशयं त्वया दृष्टं नग्नमाचारवर्जितम् । सुखप्रदर्शको ह्येष सर्वसंतापनाशकः

niḥsaṁśayaṁ tvayā dṛṣṭaṁ nagnamācāravarjitam sukhapradarśako hyeṣa sarvasaṁtāpanāśakaḥ

—'whom you have already seen, without doubt, naked and free of all convention. He indeed is the revealer of true happiness, destroyer of every torment.'

Verse 89 (padma.2.8.89)

एवमाकर्ण्य शुद्धात्मा वीतरागं गतः पुनः । तमुवाच श्वसन्दीनः श्रूयतां वचनं मम

evamākarṇya śuddhātmā vītarāgaṁ gataḥ punaḥ tamuvāca śvasandīnaḥ śrūyatāṁ vacanaṁ mama

Hearing this, the pure Self went once more to Vairagya, and, sighing, wretched, said to him: 'Hear my word—'

Verse 90 (padma.2.8.90)

सुखं विंदामि येनाहं तं मार्गं मम दर्शय । एवमस्तु महाप्राज्ञ करिष्ये वचनं तव

sukhaṁ viṁdāmi yenāhaṁ taṁ mārgaṁ mama darśaya evamastu mahāprājña kariṣye vacanaṁ tava

—'show me that path by which I may find happiness.' 'So be it, O greatly wise one; I shall do as you say—'

Verse 91 (padma.2.8.91)

पुनर्गच्छ विवेकं हि सुखवार्ता कृता त्वया । सुखमार्गस्य वै वक्ता तव एष भविष्यति

punargaccha vivekaṁ hi sukhavārtā kṛtā tvayā sukhamārgasya vai vaktā tava eṣa bhaviṣyati

—'go once more to Viveka, of whom you have already spoken about happiness; he indeed shall be the one to declare to you the path of happiness.'

Verse 92 (padma.2.8.92)

वीतरागेण पुण्येन प्रेषितो गतवान्प्रभुः । तमुवाच महात्मानं विवेकं शुद्धसत्तमम्

vītarāgeṇa puṇyena preṣito gatavānprabhuḥ tamuvāca mahātmānaṁ vivekaṁ śuddhasattamam

Sent thus by the meritorious Vairagya, that lord went and said to that great soul, the pure and worthy Viveka:

Verse 93 (padma.2.8.93)

सुखं मे दर्शय त्वं हि वीतरागेण प्रेषितः । भवच्छरणमापन्नो रक्ष संसारदारुणात्

sukhaṁ me darśaya tvaṁ hi vītarāgeṇa preṣitaḥ bhavaccharaṇamāpanno rakṣa saṁsāradāruṇāt

'Show me happiness — I have been sent by Vairagya. I have come to your refuge; protect me from the dreadfulness of this world.'

Verse 94 (padma.2.8.94)

विवेक उवाच- ज्ञानं गच्छमहाप्राज्ञ स ते सर्वं वदिष्यति । आत्मा तथोक्तः संप्राप्तो यत्र ज्ञानं प्रतिष्ठितम्

viveka uvāca- jñānaṁ gacchamahāprājña sa te sarvaṁ vadiṣyati ātmā tathoktaḥ saṁprāpto yatra jñānaṁ pratiṣṭhitam

Viveka said: 'Go to Knowledge, O greatly wise one; he shall tell you everything.' Thus instructed, the Self came to where Knowledge dwelt—

Verse 95 (padma.2.8.95)

भोभो ज्ञान महातेजः सर्वभावप्रदर्शक । शरणं त्वामहं प्राप्तः सुखमार्गं प्रदर्शय

bhobho jñāna mahātejaḥ sarvabhāvapradarśaka śaraṇaṁ tvāmahaṁ prāptaḥ sukhamārgaṁ pradarśaya

—'O Knowledge, of great splendor, revealer of every true state — I have come to you for refuge; show me the path of happiness.'

Verse 96 (padma.2.8.96)

ज्ञानमुवाच- भृत्योहं तव लोकेश त्वं मां वेत्सि न सुव्रत । मया ध्यानेन वै पूर्वं वारितस्त्वं पुनःपुनः

jñānamuvāca- bhṛtyohaṁ tava lokeśa tvaṁ māṁ vetsi na suvrata mayā dhyānena vai pūrvaṁ vāritastvaṁ punaḥpunaḥ

Knowledge said: 'I am your servant, O lord of the world; yet you, O one of good vows, do not truly know me. I, and Meditation too, forbade you before, again and again—'

Verse 97 (padma.2.8.97)

पंचात्मकानां संगेन आपदं प्राप्तवान्भवान् । ध्यानं गच्छ महाप्राज्ञ स ते दाता सुखस्य च

paṁcātmakānāṁ saṁgena āpadaṁ prāptavānbhavān dhyānaṁ gaccha mahāprājña sa te dātā sukhasya ca

—'and through union with the five elements you fell into calamity. Go now to Meditation, O greatly wise one; he shall be the giver of your happiness.'

Verse 98 (padma.2.8.98)

ज्ञानेन प्रेषितो ह्यात्मा ध्यानमाश्रित्य संस्थितः । सुखमत्यंतसिद्धं च ध्यानं मे दर्शयस्व ह

jñānena preṣito hyātmā dhyānamāśritya saṁsthitaḥ sukhamatyaṁtasiddhaṁ ca dhyānaṁ me darśayasva ha

Sent by Knowledge, the Self came and took refuge in Meditation: 'Show me indeed that happiness which is utterly and perfectly accomplished—'

Verse 99 (padma.2.8.99)

भवच्छरणमायातं मामेवं परिरक्षय । एवं संभाषितं तस्य ध्यानमाकर्ण्य तद्वचः

bhavaccharaṇamāyātaṁ māmevaṁ parirakṣaya evaṁ saṁbhāṣitaṁ tasya dhyānamākarṇya tadvacaḥ

—'protect me thus, who have come to your refuge.' Hearing this word spoken to him, Meditation—

Verse 100 (padma.2.8.100)

समुवाच पुनश्चापि तमात्मानं प्रहृष्टवान् । नैव त्याज्योस्म्यहं तात सर्वकर्मसुनिश्चितः

samuvāca punaścāpi tamātmānaṁ prahṛṣṭavān naiva tyājyosmyahaṁ tāta sarvakarmasuniścitaḥ

—rejoicing greatly, spoke once again to that Self: 'I am never to be forsaken, my son; I am well established in every rightful act—'

Verse 101 (padma.2.8.101)

त्वयैव वीतरागेण विवेकेन सदैव हि । ध्यानयुक्तो भवस्व त्वमात्मानमवलोकय

tvayaiva vītarāgeṇa vivekena sadaiva hi dhyānayukto bhavasva tvamātmānamavalokaya

—'by you, joined ever with Vairagya and Viveka. Become joined with meditation, and behold your own Self.'

Verse 102 (padma.2.8.102)

आत्मवांस्त्वं स्थिरो भूत्वा निरातंको विकल्पितः । यथा दीपो निवातस्थः कज्जलं वमते स्थिरः

ātmavāṁstvaṁ sthiro bhūtvā nirātaṁko vikalpitaḥ yathā dīpo nivātasthaḥ kajjalaṁ vamate sthiraḥ

'Possessed of self-mastery, becoming steady, freed from fear and vain imagining — just as a lamp, standing where there is no wind, burns steadily and gives off its smoke—'

Verse 103 (padma.2.8.103)

तथा दोषान्प्रज्वलित्वा निर्वाणं हि प्रयास्यति । एकांतस्थो निराहारो मिताशी भव सर्वदा

tathā doṣānprajvalitvā nirvāṇaṁ hi prayāsyati ekāṁtastho nirāhāro mitāśī bhava sarvadā

—'so, having burned away every fault, the soul shall go indeed to its extinction in liberation. Remain always in solitude, fasting or eating sparingly.'

Verse 104 (padma.2.8.104)

निर्द्वंद्वः शब्दसंहीनो निश्चलो ह्यासने स्थितः । आत्मानमात्मना ध्यायन्ममैव स्थिरबुद्धिना

nirdvaṁdvaḥ śabdasaṁhīno niścalo hyāsane sthitaḥ ātmānamātmanā dhyāyanmamaiva sthirabuddhinā

'Beyond all dualities, free of noise, unmoving, seated in your posture, meditating upon the Self by the Self, with a mind made steady, even as mine—'

Verse 105 (padma.2.8.105)

प्राप्स्यसे परमं स्थानं तद्विष्णोः परमं पदम्

prāpsyase paramaṁ sthānaṁ tadviṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padam

—'you shall attain the supreme station, that supreme abode of Vishnu.'