Krishjan

Chapter 2 — Second Chapter

Shvetashvatara

17 Shloka • Translation Only

In order to attain the truth, first by controlling the mind and senses and seeing the light of the fire, the evolving soul lifted itself above the earth.

By controlling our mind so that the self-illuminated inner soul may manifest, we will strive with might and main for the attainment of supreme bliss.

Controlling the heavenly aspiring senses with the help of mind and intellect, the soul within revives them in such a way that they can manifest the self-illuminated eternal light.

Great is the glory of the inner Self who is all-pervading, omniscient, eternal and self-illuminated. There will be only a handful of people who know and follow the necessary discipline and practice of yoga. The wise actually control the activities of the intellect and practice meditation and concentration.

Following the footsteps of the wise, I merge both of you in the eternal Brahman through constant meditation. Glorious One Lord reveal yourself! Listen to me, son of Amrit Anand, even those who reside in the divine abode.

Where fire is churned, air is controlled, where soma juice flows, there the mind attains perfection.

Having attained that you destroy the root of the deeds of the previous birth and do not suffer from their consequences — worship that eternal Brahma through the inner soul.

Keeping the whole body with chest, throat and head in a straight line and concentrating the senses and mind in the heart, the inquisitive scholar should go across all the fearful currents by the boat of Brahman.

Keeping his senses under control with effort, the inquisitive scholar should control the mind without being deluded by taking a sigh from the nostrils when the life is exhausted, like a charioteer controls the restless horses by the reins.

Yoga or meditation should be done at such a favorable place which is smooth, free from pebbles and stones, where there are lovely views, which is free from air, dust, fire, dampness and noise.

Mist, smoke, the sun, wind, fire, fireflies, lightning, crystal, and the moon—these are the forms that appear first in yoga, serving as indications of the manifestation of Brahman.

When the five qualities of yoga are revealed to a yogi through yoga, then he gets a body made of yoga fire and then he becomes free from disease, old age, death.

Lightness of the body, good health, freedom from excessive cravings, clarity and radiance of complexion, sweetness and steadiness of voice, a pleasant bodily fragrance, and a reduction in urine and feces—these are said to be the first signs of progress in yoga.

Just as a metal statue covered with dust starts shining when it is washed, similarly the physical soul becomes grateful by seeing the truth of Atman, attaining its goal unity and becomes free from sorrow.

When, through the realization of the Self, a yogi perceives the Reality of Brahman—like a lamp shining clearly—then, knowing that Divine Being, who is unborn, eternal, and purified from all limiting principles, one becomes freed from all sins and bondage.

This god pervades everywhere in all directions. It first appeared in the form of Hiranyagarbha. Only this one takes birth after entering the womb and will take birth in future. It is the Atman who resides in all human beings whose face is towards all directions.

Salutations again and again to that God who pervades fire, water, all the worlds, medicines, plants.