Chapter 11

 

1.

From bhaava (physical existence) to abhaava (physical absence), and from abhava to bhava, there are vikaara (distortions) that occur in Nature (like the states of waking dreaming, and deep sleep, from birth to death, Creation to Dissolution and back to Creation). A person who comes to this conclusion becomes free of vikaras and kle`shas (suffering). He needs to make no effort to obtain shanti.

 

2.

The Ishwara (the Brahman with attributes) is the only Creator of everything. There is no other Creator. Once a person has come to this conclusion, all his expectations are dissolved, and he becomes shanta. He has no worldly attachments.

 

3.

Aapatti (problems) and sampatti (wealth) come in time, given by the daiva (destiny created by past actions). A person who comes to this conclusion always feels contented, and his indreeya (senses) are always in a healthy state. Neither does he have any desire for things he does not have, nor does he grieve over what has gone. (The first shloka is about svabhaavavaada – the principle of Nature, and the second is about eeshvaravaada – the principle of the Ishwara, and the third shloka is about taking refuge in daivavaada – the Devta, and get the feeling of being the akartaa – ‘I am not the doer’, and a mind that is free of tension.)

 

4.

When a person decides that sukha-dukha, and janma-mrityu (birth-death) are given by the Devta, he sees nothing as worth working for. He makes no effort, and gets no satisfaction in doing anything. (Duty becomes a labor.)

 

5.

‘It is worry that causes dukha in this world, otherwise there is no dukha.’ When a person comes to this conclusion, he becomes free of worries. He becomes sukhi and shanta. He has no urge to obtain anything.

 

6.

‘I am neither the de`ha (body) nor is the deha mine. I am the pure form of Gnan.’ When a person comes to this conclusion, it is as though he has obtained a state of Kaivalya (being one with the universe, which is his natural state). Such a person never remembers what he did or did not do.

 

7.

When a person decides, ‘Everything is my Self, from the Brahman to the smallest blade of grass,’ he becomes free of resolves and doubts, pure and at peace. He remains tranquil, whether he gets something or not.

 

8.

This world is full of surprising things, but it is nothing. When a person realizes this, all his desires turn into ashes. He is a mere pulsation, as though he is nothing. He feels that nothing is real, and he becomes shanta. His life is sfoortimaatra – it is merely an inspiration; it is free of desire.