## Highlights - The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. ([Location 221](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=221)) - Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was collated, co-ordinated and systematised by Patañjali in his classical work, the Yoga Sutras, which consists of 185 terse aphorisms. In Indian thought, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit (Paramātmā or God) of which the individual human spirit (jīvātmā) is a part. The system of yoga is so called because it teaches the means by which the jīvātmā can be united to, or be in communion with the Paramātmā, and so secure liberation (mokṣa). One who follows the path of Yoga is a yogi or yogin. ([Location 225](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=225)) - ‘When his mind, intellect and self (ahamkāra) are under control, freed from restless desire, so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a Yukta – one in communion with God. ([Location 231](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=231)) - ‘Work alone is your privilege, never the fruits thereof. Never let the fruits of action be your motive; and never cease to work. Work in the name of the Lord, abandoning selfish desires. Be not affected by success or failure. This equipoise is called Yoga.’ ([Location 241](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=241)) - By moderation in eating and in resting, by regulation in working and by concordance in sleeping and waking, Yoga destroys all pain and sorrow.’ ([Location 245](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=245)) - ‘When the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect wavers not – then, say the wise, is reached the highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind has been defined as Yoga. He who attains it is free from delusion.’ ([Location 246](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=246)) - The word chitta denotes the mind in its total or collective sense as being composed of three categories: (a) mind (manas, that is, the individual mind having the power and faculty of attention, selection and rejection; it is the oscillating indecisive faculty of the mind); (b) intelligence or reason (buddhi, that is, the decisive state which determines the distinction between things) and (c) ego (ahamkāra, literally the I-maker, the state which ascertains that ‘I know’). ([Location 250](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=250)) - Yoga is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels. As a mighty river which when properly harnessed by dams and canals, creates a vast reservoir of water, prevents famine and provides abundant power for industry; so also the mind, when controlled, provides a reservoir of peace and generates abundant energy for human uplift. ([Location 254](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=254)) - ‘Undoubtedly, the mind is restless and hard to control. But it can be trained by constant practice (abhyāsa) and by freedom from desire (vairāgya). A man who cannot control his mind will find it difficult to attain this divine communion; but the self-controlled man can attain it if he tries hard and directs his energy by the right means.’ ([Location 261](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=261)) - 1. Yama (universal moral commandments); 2. Niyama (self purification by discipline); 3. Āsana (posture); 4. Prāṇāyāma (rhythmic control of the breath); 5. Pratyāhāra (withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects); 6. Dhāraṇā (concentration); 7. Dhyāna (meditation) and 8. Samādhi (a state of superconsciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual aspirant (sādhaka) becomes one with the object of his meditation – Paramātmā or the Universal Spirit). ([Location 266](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=266)) - Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna and Samādhi take the yogi into the innermost recesses of his soul. The yogi does not look heavenward to find God. He knows that HE is within, being known as the Antarātmā (the Inner Self). ([Location 274](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=274)) - Mind is the king of the senses. One who has conquered his mind, senses, passions, thought and reason is a king among men. He is fit for Rāja Yoga, the royal union with the Universal Spirit. He has Inner Light. He who has conquered his mind is a Rāja Yogi. The word rāja means a king. The expression Rāja Yoga implies a complete mastery of the Self. ([Location 287](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=287)) - To overcome the obstacles and to win unalloyed happiness, Patañjali offered several remedies. The best of these is the fourfold remedy of Maitri (friendliness), Karuṇa (compassion), Muditā (delight) and Upekṣā (disregard). ([Location 363](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=363)) - others. It is compassion coupled with devoted action to relieve the misery of the afflicted. The yogi uses all his resources – physical, economic, mental or moral – to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. He shares his strength with the weak until they become strong. He shares his courage with those that are timid until they become brave by his example. He denies the maxim of the ‘survival of the fittest’, but makes the weak strong enough to survive. He becomes a shelter to one and all. ([Location 368](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=368)) - The yogi understands the faults of others by seeing and studying them first in himself. This self-study teaches him to be charitable to all. ([Location 377](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=377)) - The śiṣya should above all treasure love, moderation and humility. Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power. Courage without love is brutish. Abundance without moderation leads to over-indulgence and decay. Power without humility breeds arrogance and tyranny. ([Location 425](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=425)) - To realise this not only constant practice is demanded but also renunciation. As regards renunciation, the question arises as to what one should renounce. The yogi does not renounce the world, for that would mean renouncing the Creator. The yogi renounces all that takes him away from the Lord. He renounces his own desires, knowing that all inspiration and right action come from the Lord. He renounces those who oppose the work of the Lord, those who spread demonic ideas and who merely talk of moral values but do not practise them. ([Location 451](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=451)) - the great commandments transcending creed, country, age and time. They are: ahimsā (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence) and aparigraha (non-coveting). ([Location 463](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=463)) - Men take to violence to protect their own interests – their own bodies, their loved ones, their property or dignity. ([Location 474](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=474)) - Violence arises out of fear, weakness, ignorance or restlessness. ([Location 476](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=476)) - The yogi believes that every creature has as much right to live as he has. He believes that he is born to help others and he looks upon creation with eyes of love. ([Location 479](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=479)) - For a wrong done by others, men demand justice; while for that done by themselves they plead mercy and forgiveness. The yogi on the other hand, believes that for a wrong done by himself, there should be justice, while for that done by another there should be forgiveness. He knows and teaches others how to live. Always striving to perfect himself, he shows them by his love and compassion how to improve themselves. ([Location 482](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=482)) - When the mind bears malice towards none, it is filled with charity towards all. He who has learnt to control his tongue has attained self-control in a great measure. When such a person speaks he will be heard with respect and attention. His words will be remembered, for they will be good and true. ([Location 509](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=509)) - The yogi reduces his physical needs to the minimum, believing that if he gathers things he does not really need, he is a thief. While other men crave for wealth, power, fame or enjoyment, the yogi has one craving and that is to adore the Lord. Freedom from craving enables one to ward off great temptations. Craving muddies the stream of tranquillity. It makes men base and vile and cripples them. He who obeys the commandment Thou shalt not steal, becomes a trusted repository of all treasures. ([Location 517](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=517)) - Just as one should not take things one does not really need, so one should not hoard or collect things one does not require immediately. ([Location 542](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=542)) - Svādhyāya is different from mere instruction like attending a lecture where the lecturer parades his own learning before the ignorance of his audience. When people meet for svādhyāya, the speaker and listener are of one mind and have mutual love and respect. ([Location 600](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=600)) - The person practising svādhyāya reads his own book of life, at the same time that he writes and revises it. ([Location 604](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=604)) - If a man’s reason succumbs to the pull of his senses he is lost. On the other hand, if there is rhythmic control of breath, the senses instead of running after external objects of desire turn inwards, and man is set free from their tyranny. ([Location 744](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=744)) - Aum: According to Śri Vinobā Bhāve, the Latin word Omne and the Sanskrit word Aum are both derived from the same root meaning all and both words convey the concepts of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. ([Location 825](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=825)) - The symbol AUM is composed of three syllables, namely the letters A, U, M, and when written has a crescent and dot on its top. A few instances of the various interpretations given to it may be mentioned here to convey its meaning. The letter A symbolises the conscious or waking state (jāgrata-avasthā), the letter U the dream state (svapna-avasthā) and the letter M the dreamless sleep state (suṣupta-avasthā) of the mind and spirit. The entire symbol, together with the crescent and the dot, stands for the fourth state (turīya-avasthā), which combines all these states and transcends them. This is the state of samādhi. ([Location 828](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=828)) - As water takes the shape of its container, the mind when it contemplates an object is transformed into the shape of that object. The mind which thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately through long-continued devotion transformed into the likeness of that divinity. ([Location 861](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=861)) - When oil is poured from one vessel to another, one can observe the steady constant flow. When the flow of concentration is uninterrupted, the state that arises is dhyāna (meditation). ([Location 863](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=863)) - Samādhi is the end of the sādhaka’s quest. At the peak of his meditation, he passes into the state of samādhi, where his body and senses are at rest as if he is asleep, his faculties of mind and reason are alert as if he is awake, yet he has gone beyond consciousness. The person in a state of samādhi is fully conscious and alert. ([Location 880](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=880)) - Song of the Soul I am neither ego nor reason, I am neither mind nor thought, I cannot be heard nor cast into words, nor by smell nor sight ever caught: In light and wind I am not found, nor yet in earth and sky – Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no name, I have no life, I breathe no vital air, No elements have moulded me, no bodily sheath is my lair: I have no speech, no hands and feet, nor means of evolution – Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss in dissolution. I cast aside hatred and passion, I conquered delusion and greed; No touch of pride caressed me, so envy never did breed: Beyond all faiths, past reach of wealth, past freedom, past desire, Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss is my attire. Virtue and vice, or pleasure and pain are not my heritage, Nor sacred texts, nor offerings, nor prayer, nor pilgrimage: I am neither food, nor eating, nor yet the eater am I – Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no misgiving of death, no chasms of race divide me, No parent ever called me child, no bond of birth ever tied me: I am neither disciple nor master, I have no kin, no friend – Consciousness and joy am I, and merging in Bliss is my end. Neither knowable, knowledge, nor knower am I, formless is my form, I dwell within the senses but they are not my home: Ever serenely balanced, I am neither free nor bound – Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss is where I am found. ([Location 892](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=892))  ## Highlights - The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. ([Location 221](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=221)) - Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was collated, co-ordinated and systematised by Patañjali in his classical work, the Yoga Sutras, which consists of 185 terse aphorisms. In Indian thought, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit (Paramātmā or God) of which the individual human spirit (jīvātmā) is a part. The system of yoga is so called because it teaches the means by which the jīvātmā can be united to, or be in communion with the Paramātmā, and so secure liberation (mokṣa). One who follows the path of Yoga is a yogi or yogin. ([Location 225](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=225)) - ‘When his mind, intellect and self (ahamkāra) are under control, freed from restless desire, so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a Yukta – one in communion with God. ([Location 231](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=231)) - ‘Work alone is your privilege, never the fruits thereof. Never let the fruits of action be your motive; and never cease to work. Work in the name of the Lord, abandoning selfish desires. Be not affected by success or failure. This equipoise is called Yoga.’ ([Location 241](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=241)) - By moderation in eating and in resting, by regulation in working and by concordance in sleeping and waking, Yoga destroys all pain and sorrow.’ ([Location 245](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=245)) - ‘When the senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the intellect wavers not – then, say the wise, is reached the highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind has been defined as Yoga. He who attains it is free from delusion.’ ([Location 246](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=246)) - The word chitta denotes the mind in its total or collective sense as being composed of three categories: (a) mind (manas, that is, the individual mind having the power and faculty of attention, selection and rejection; it is the oscillating indecisive faculty of the mind); (b) intelligence or reason (buddhi, that is, the decisive state which determines the distinction between things) and (c) ego (ahamkāra, literally the I-maker, the state which ascertains that ‘I know’). ([Location 250](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=250)) - Yoga is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels. As a mighty river which when properly harnessed by dams and canals, creates a vast reservoir of water, prevents famine and provides abundant power for industry; so also the mind, when controlled, provides a reservoir of peace and generates abundant energy for human uplift. ([Location 254](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=254)) - ‘Undoubtedly, the mind is restless and hard to control. But it can be trained by constant practice (abhyāsa) and by freedom from desire (vairāgya). A man who cannot control his mind will find it difficult to attain this divine communion; but the self-controlled man can attain it if he tries hard and directs his energy by the right means.’ ([Location 261](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=261)) - 1. Yama (universal moral commandments); 2. Niyama (self purification by discipline); 3. Āsana (posture); 4. Prāṇāyāma (rhythmic control of the breath); 5. Pratyāhāra (withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects); 6. Dhāraṇā (concentration); 7. Dhyāna (meditation) and 8. Samādhi (a state of superconsciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual aspirant (sādhaka) becomes one with the object of his meditation – Paramātmā or the Universal Spirit). ([Location 266](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=266)) - Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna and Samādhi take the yogi into the innermost recesses of his soul. The yogi does not look heavenward to find God. He knows that HE is within, being known as the Antarātmā (the Inner Self). ([Location 274](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=274)) - Mind is the king of the senses. One who has conquered his mind, senses, passions, thought and reason is a king among men. He is fit for Rāja Yoga, the royal union with the Universal Spirit. He has Inner Light. He who has conquered his mind is a Rāja Yogi. The word rāja means a king. The expression Rāja Yoga implies a complete mastery of the Self. ([Location 287](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=287)) - To overcome the obstacles and to win unalloyed happiness, Patañjali offered several remedies. The best of these is the fourfold remedy of Maitri (friendliness), Karuṇa (compassion), Muditā (delight) and Upekṣā (disregard). ([Location 363](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=363)) - others. It is compassion coupled with devoted action to relieve the misery of the afflicted. The yogi uses all his resources – physical, economic, mental or moral – to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. He shares his strength with the weak until they become strong. He shares his courage with those that are timid until they become brave by his example. He denies the maxim of the ‘survival of the fittest’, but makes the weak strong enough to survive. He becomes a shelter to one and all. ([Location 368](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=368)) - The yogi understands the faults of others by seeing and studying them first in himself. This self-study teaches him to be charitable to all. ([Location 377](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=377)) - The śiṣya should above all treasure love, moderation and humility. Love begets courage, moderation creates abundance and humility generates power. Courage without love is brutish. Abundance without moderation leads to over-indulgence and decay. Power without humility breeds arrogance and tyranny. ([Location 425](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=425)) - To realise this not only constant practice is demanded but also renunciation. As regards renunciation, the question arises as to what one should renounce. The yogi does not renounce the world, for that would mean renouncing the Creator. The yogi renounces all that takes him away from the Lord. He renounces his own desires, knowing that all inspiration and right action come from the Lord. He renounces those who oppose the work of the Lord, those who spread demonic ideas and who merely talk of moral values but do not practise them. ([Location 451](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=451)) - the great commandments transcending creed, country, age and time. They are: ahimsā (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence) and aparigraha (non-coveting). ([Location 463](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=463)) - Men take to violence to protect their own interests – their own bodies, their loved ones, their property or dignity. ([Location 474](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=474)) - Violence arises out of fear, weakness, ignorance or restlessness. ([Location 476](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=476)) - The yogi believes that every creature has as much right to live as he has. He believes that he is born to help others and he looks upon creation with eyes of love. ([Location 479](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=479)) - For a wrong done by others, men demand justice; while for that done by themselves they plead mercy and forgiveness. The yogi on the other hand, believes that for a wrong done by himself, there should be justice, while for that done by another there should be forgiveness. He knows and teaches others how to live. Always striving to perfect himself, he shows them by his love and compassion how to improve themselves. ([Location 482](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=482)) - When the mind bears malice towards none, it is filled with charity towards all. He who has learnt to control his tongue has attained self-control in a great measure. When such a person speaks he will be heard with respect and attention. His words will be remembered, for they will be good and true. ([Location 509](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=509)) - The yogi reduces his physical needs to the minimum, believing that if he gathers things he does not really need, he is a thief. While other men crave for wealth, power, fame or enjoyment, the yogi has one craving and that is to adore the Lord. Freedom from craving enables one to ward off great temptations. Craving muddies the stream of tranquillity. It makes men base and vile and cripples them. He who obeys the commandment Thou shalt not steal, becomes a trusted repository of all treasures. ([Location 517](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=517)) - Just as one should not take things one does not really need, so one should not hoard or collect things one does not require immediately. ([Location 542](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=542)) - Svādhyāya is different from mere instruction like attending a lecture where the lecturer parades his own learning before the ignorance of his audience. When people meet for svādhyāya, the speaker and listener are of one mind and have mutual love and respect. ([Location 600](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=600)) - The person practising svādhyāya reads his own book of life, at the same time that he writes and revises it. ([Location 604](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=604)) - If a man’s reason succumbs to the pull of his senses he is lost. On the other hand, if there is rhythmic control of breath, the senses instead of running after external objects of desire turn inwards, and man is set free from their tyranny. ([Location 744](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=744)) - Aum: According to Śri Vinobā Bhāve, the Latin word Omne and the Sanskrit word Aum are both derived from the same root meaning all and both words convey the concepts of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. ([Location 825](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=825)) - The symbol AUM is composed of three syllables, namely the letters A, U, M, and when written has a crescent and dot on its top. A few instances of the various interpretations given to it may be mentioned here to convey its meaning. The letter A symbolises the conscious or waking state (jāgrata-avasthā), the letter U the dream state (svapna-avasthā) and the letter M the dreamless sleep state (suṣupta-avasthā) of the mind and spirit. The entire symbol, together with the crescent and the dot, stands for the fourth state (turīya-avasthā), which combines all these states and transcends them. This is the state of samādhi. ([Location 828](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=828)) - As water takes the shape of its container, the mind when it contemplates an object is transformed into the shape of that object. The mind which thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately through long-continued devotion transformed into the likeness of that divinity. ([Location 861](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=861)) - When oil is poured from one vessel to another, one can observe the steady constant flow. When the flow of concentration is uninterrupted, the state that arises is dhyāna (meditation). ([Location 863](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=863)) - Samādhi is the end of the sādhaka’s quest. At the peak of his meditation, he passes into the state of samādhi, where his body and senses are at rest as if he is asleep, his faculties of mind and reason are alert as if he is awake, yet he has gone beyond consciousness. The person in a state of samādhi is fully conscious and alert. ([Location 880](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=880)) - Song of the Soul I am neither ego nor reason, I am neither mind nor thought, I cannot be heard nor cast into words, nor by smell nor sight ever caught: In light and wind I am not found, nor yet in earth and sky – Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no name, I have no life, I breathe no vital air, No elements have moulded me, no bodily sheath is my lair: I have no speech, no hands and feet, nor means of evolution – Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss in dissolution. I cast aside hatred and passion, I conquered delusion and greed; No touch of pride caressed me, so envy never did breed: Beyond all faiths, past reach of wealth, past freedom, past desire, Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss is my attire. Virtue and vice, or pleasure and pain are not my heritage, Nor sacred texts, nor offerings, nor prayer, nor pilgrimage: I am neither food, nor eating, nor yet the eater am I – Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no misgiving of death, no chasms of race divide me, No parent ever called me child, no bond of birth ever tied me: I am neither disciple nor master, I have no kin, no friend – Consciousness and joy am I, and merging in Bliss is my end. Neither knowable, knowledge, nor knower am I, formless is my form, I dwell within the senses but they are not my home: Ever serenely balanced, I am neither free nor bound – Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss is where I am found. ([Location 892](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09WK1DZ1M&location=892))