Gaia: Gaia Books - Tattva bodha of Sankaracharya

The Physical Body

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:27:46 GMT

“I' the Pure Self, am a witness to all the modifications of the body. 'I' am neither born, nor do 'I' die with the body.

Knowing that I am different from the body, I need not neglect the body. It is a vehicle that I use to transact with the world. It is the temple which houses the Pure Self within.”

~Swami Tejomayananda's commentary

Page: 34-35

What is the Self?

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:26:19 GMT

What is the Self? That which is other than the gross, subtle and causal bodies; beyond the five sheaths. [the food sheath, vital air sheath, mental sheath, intellect sheath, bliss sheath ].
The witness of the three states of consciousness [waking, dream and deep sleep] and of the nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss is the Self

Page: 29

Happiness is my true nature

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:24:38 GMT

Each thing tends to move towards its own nature. I always desire happiness which is my true nature. My nature is never a burden to me. Happiness is never a burden to me, whilst sorrow is.

Then why don't I experience this happiness? Why am I miserable or dissatisfied much of the time? The desires in my mind for objects veil this happiness. In moments when I am peaceful, I experience joy within myself.

Page: 65