Introduction
Verses 42–68 deepen the seeker’s journey from conceptual understanding into steady realisation of the Self. They emphasise how knowledge (jñāna) kindles the inner fire that destroys ignorance, how the Self is ever-present though hidden, how the world is nothing but the Self, how realised one lives amid upādhis yet remains free, and finally how abiding in the nature of pure Being-Consciousness-Bliss (sat–cit–ānanda) is the culmination. This section moves the seeker from “knowing about” to “being as” the Self. Click Here To Access more other text.
Benefits
Studying this section brings several key transformations:
- A profound inner awakening, where ignorance is burnt and the Self shines forth.
- The dissolution of the false “I and mine” identity, leading to greater freedom and fearlessness.
- A shift in perspective: seeing the entire universe as one’s own Self rather than something external.
- Living in the world without being of the world: acting, yet remaining detached and centred.
- Steady abiding in peace and bliss, not dependent on external conditions, but resting in the true nature of one’s being. Click view PDF.
Verses 42–68 Explained
Key themes in these verses:
- Beginning with verse 42: The metaphor of kindling the fire of knowledge by rubbing together the two “sticks” of the Self and the ego (or jīva) to burn ignorance.
- Verses 43–45: Awakening of the Self after ignorance falls away; the Self is ever-present though hidden by ignorance, like a necklace on one’s neck unnoticed.
- Verses 46–49: The release of “I” and “mine” notions; the wise see the universe as the Self; all is Atman, as clay is to pots.
- Verses 50–52: The liberated one (jīvanmukta) who has crossed the ocean of delusion, who lives in peace, free of attachment and identification, though engaged in life.
- Verses beyond (up to 68): The culmination of Self-knowledge, abiding as the Self beyond all duality, the knower/known/knowledge triad dissolves, and one lives as the ever-free, blissful essence.
- Throughout: The method remains śravaṇa (listening), manana (reflection), nididhyāsana (meditative assimilation) leading to abiding in the Self. Click view PDF.
How to Study – Vedāntic Method (Śravaṇa–Manana–Nididhyāsana)
- Śravaṇam (Listening/Reading): Read each verse in Sanskrit/translation and commentary, pay special attention to metaphors (fire-kindling, necklace, clay-pots, ocean crossing).
- Mananam (Reflection): Ask: Where is the “I-doer / I-enjoyer” in me? What believes “I and mine”? How does the universe appear as “other” and how could that be my own Self?
- Nididhyāsana (Meditative Assimilation): Sit quietly and contemplate: “I am the Self that is ever-free, ever-blissful, beyond all actions and results.” Notice when identification or attachment arises; return to the Self.
- Daily Application: In every situation of action, attachment or aversion: recall that you are the Self, unbound. Observe when “I am doing” or “I am affected” arises, and rest as the witnessing awareness.
- Study with Guidance: Verify your understanding with a teacher or group; subtle issues such as “living as the Self while acting in the world” often require discussion. Click view PDF.
How Many Times to Study – Integrating through Repetition
Use the same pattern as earlier but now with this section:
- 1st Reading: Understand the literal meaning and structure of verses 42–68.
- 2nd Reading (after ~1 week): Reflect on how the fire of knowledge, the dissolution of “I & mine”, and the identity with the universe apply to your life.
- 3rd Reading (after ~1 month): Internalise the insights: feel yourself as the Self, free from attachments and roles.
- Review Cycle: Weekly reviews for 3–6 months, then quarterly revisit; each time check how abiding in the Self is growing.
- Lifelong Study: Whenever fear, attachment, ego, or identification resurfaces, return to these verses and re-anchor in the Self. Click view PDF.
Why Study – The Philosophical Necessity
- To eradicate final ignorance: This section shows how knowledge truly destroys ignorance (not action). Without this understanding we may remain intellectually aware but not realised.
- To live life fully but freely: Knowing the Self means we can act but not be bound; we can engage yet remain un-identified.
- To prevent spiritual complacency: Some may stop at theoretical knowledge; but this section emphasises abiding in the Self as lived reality.
- To deepen non-dual vision (Advaita): Verses such as “all is the Self” (42–49) challenge the separation of subject and object.
- To rest in fearless bliss: Knowing oneself as ever-free and blissful dissolves the root of fear (death, loss, attachment). Click view PDF.
Conclusion
Verses 42–68 represent the culmination of the Ātma Bodha’s teaching: from provoking the seeker to insight, to stabilising in the Self. They teach that by kindling the flame of knowledge the fuel of ignorance is consumed; the Self which was ever present becomes realised; the universe is seen as the Self; the yogī lives in peace while acting; and finally abides as pure Being-Consciousness-Bliss beyond all limitations. The shift is from preparation and enquiry to steady abiding and inner vision. When these are absorbed, the seeker lives with the insight: “I am the Self; all that appears is Me; nothing can bind Me.”
