Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 6 Chapter 16:55-65

Book 6: Chapter 16

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 6: Chapter 16: Verses 55-65 Citraketu realizes (his oneness with) the Supreme Spirit Know Me to be that transcendental Reality, the (real) Self (of a Jiva), identified with which an embodied soul, (that is) fast asleep, is conscious of its deep sleep at that time as well as of the supersensuous gratification (enjoyed by it). The consciousness that runs through (the state of) deep sleep as well as through awakeness and continues (even) beyond the two in the case of the Jiva (embodied soul) that is aware of both is (no other than) that transcendent Brahma (the Absolute). If the aforesaid Brahma-which is My own essence-is forgotten by the Jiva, It comes to be viewed as different from the self; and from this (differentiation) follows the (circuit of) mundane existence of the soul, which consists in passing from one body to another and undergoing one death after another. He who fails to realize his own essential nature (even) after attaining here (birth in) the human species-where one can hope to acquire (both) knowledge (of the Self, based on the scriptures) and wisdom (direct knowledge of the Self)-can get no peace of mind anywhere. Remembering the hardship (involved) in (all) worldly endeavour and the contrary results following from such endeavour, and even so (bearing in mind) the fearlessness consequent on the withdrawal from worldly activity, a wise man should cease from (all) volition in regard to such activity. A husband and wife (generally) undertake activities for (the attainment of) happiness and for freedom from suffering. From such activities (however) ensues neither cessation of suffering nor attainment of happiness. Thus perceiving the contrary results met with by men who think themselves clever, and realizing the subtle nature of the Self-which transcends the three states of the mind (the state of awakeness, the dream state and the state of deep sleep)- nay, rid of (the craving for) the pleasures of sense, both of this world and of the next, through one's faculty of discrimination, and contented with one's knowledge and wisdom, one should cultivate devotion to Me. To realize the oneness of the Supreme Spirit and the individual soul-that is the sole interest deserving to be known by every (possible) means by men whose intellect' has acquired acuteness through concentration. Carefully bearing in mind and acting up to this exhortation of mine with reverence, O Citraketu, you will soon acquire (true) knowledge and wisdom and attain perfection. Sri Suka continued : Having reassured Citraketu in this way, Lord Sri Hari, who is not only the Preceptor of the world but the soul of the universe (too), disappeared from that place while he stood looking on. Thus ends the sixteenth discourse entitled "Citraketu realizes the Supreme Spirit", in Book Six of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.