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The Elucidation of Mental Absorption and Liberation

(Chapter 15)

Chapter 15: On the Concept of Self

Chapter Quiz

Verse 1

AI Translation

Thus, having heard the very wonderful story of the mountain world, Rama, the best of the Bhrigu lineage, was again extremely astonished.

Verse 2

AI Translation

Reflecting on what was said by the guru, with pure intellect, ascertaining, he again went to Dattatreya, bowed, and respectfully asked.

Verse 3

AI Translation

O Lord, what you said through various stories, I have thoroughly considered and known this much essence.

Verse 4

AI Translation

Consciousness is the one truth, and the object of consciousness is imagined there, like a city in a mirror, indeed considered false.

Verse 5

AI Translation

She, consciousness, is the supreme power, in the form of knowledge, the great goddess, who projects the picture of the world on her own self as the background, differentiated from the unmanifest, etc.

Verse 6

AI Translation

Manifests due to mere independence, without any cause. This much I have known, considering with subtle intellect.

Verse 7

AI Translation

But such consciousness, described as barren of the object of knowledge, is indeed impossible to attain, as the object of knowledge is always present.

Verse 8

AI Translation

Without the object of knowledge, how can there be perception of consciousness? Without perception, there is no purpose for it.

Verse 9

AI Translation

Purpose, even liberation, how would it be? Of what kind is it said? With knowledge being, liberation would be, but in liberation, how is activity?

Verse 10

AI Translation

Knowers are seen devoted to activity. How indeed is their object of consciousness said to be established in consciousness?

Verse 11

AI Translation

Being established in pure consciousness, how can there be activity? Knowledge being of one form, liberation would indeed be one result.

Verse 12

AI Translation

How is the difference in state of the knowers seen in the world? Some perform actions as per the true scriptures in time.

Verse 13

AI Translation

Some worship deities by different paths, while some are devoted to meditation with controlled senses.

Verse 14

AI Translation

Some perform austerities drying up the body and senses, while some enlighten disciples by separate discourses clearly.

Verse 15

AI Translation

Some govern kingdoms by the path of the law of punishment, while some debate in assemblies with opponents.

Verse 16

AI Translation

Some constantly compose various scriptures, while others merely always bring foolishness.

Verse 17

AI Translation

Some are always engaged in livelihoods condemned by the world, yet these knowers are thus famous and much criticized.

Verse 18

AI Translation

How is there a difference in state despite the absence of difference in practice and result? Are these knowers of equal knowledge, or have they resorted to difference?

Verse 19

AI Translation

You are able to explain all this to me completely. I, your disciple, have no other refuge, and your mind is naturally compassionate.

Verse 20

AI Translation

Thus, Atri's son (Dattatreya), asked by Bhargava with a clear mind, considering the series of questions appropriate, began to explain.

Key Takeaways & AI Summary

This chapter explores the profound teachings of The Elucidation of Mental Absorption and Liberation. It includes 102 verses detailing core themes like "", "", "".A sacred Shakta text revealing the supreme mystery of Tripura (the Divine Mother) — a dialogue between Dattatreya and Parashurama on consciousness, creation, and liberation.