To view the original Internet Sacred Text Archive, visit archive.sacred-texts.com
43. On account of difference in deep sleep and departing
The archive, offline Own the Wisdom of the Ages Every text in the library on a single USB drive. Read offline, cite freely, keep forever. No subscription required. Get the drive $127.00

43. On account of difference in deep sleep and departing

p. 352

43. On account of difference in deep sleep and departing.

We have to supply 'on account of designation' from the preceding Sûtra. Because the text designates the highest Self as something different from the individual Self in the state of deep sleep as well as at the time of departure, the highest Self is thus different. For the Vâgasaneyaka, after having introduced the individual Self in the passage 'Who is that Self?--He who consisting of knowledge is among the prânas,' &c. (Bri. Up. IV, 3, 7), describes how, in the state of deep sleep, being not conscious of anything it is held embraced by the all-knowing highest Self, embraced by the intelligent Self it knows nothing that is without, nothing that is within' (IV, 3, 21). So also with reference to the time of departure, i.e. dying 'Mounted by the intelligent Self it moves along groaning' (IV, 3, 35). Now it is impossible that the unconscious individual Self, either lying in deep sleep or departing from the body, should at the same time be embraced or mounted by itself, being all-knowing. Nor can the embracing and mounting Self be some other individual Self; for no such Self can be all-knowing.--The next Sûtra supplies a further reason.

Support the archive. Read ad-free with unlimited highlights, bookmarks, and annotations. $5/mo Become a Member Join

Comments and social are coming soon

Reader conversations and shared activity will appear here.

142 of 575 Book 25% ~1 min left