Chapter 33

“The Brahmana said, ‘I do not, O timid one, move in this world in thatmanner which thou, according to thy own understanding, censurest. I am aBrahmana possessed of Vedic knowledge, I am emancipated. I am a forestrecluse. I am an observer of the duties of a house-holder. I observevows. I am not what thou seest me in good and bad acts. By me is pervadedeverything that exists in this universe. Whatever creatures exist in theworld, mobile or immobile, know that I am the destroyer of them all, evenas fire is (the destroyer) of all kinds of wood. Of sovereignty over thewhole Earth or over Heaven (on the one hand), or this knowledge (of myidentity with the universe), this knowledge is my wealth.[93] This is theone path for Brahmanas, by which they who understand it proceed tohouse-holds, or abodes in the forest, or residence with preceptors, oramong mendicants.[94] With numerous unconfused symbols, only oneknowledge is worshipped. Those who, whatever the symbols and modes oflife to which they adhere, have acquired an understanding havingtranquillity for its essence, attain to that one entity even as numerousrivers all meeting the Ocean.[95] The path is traversable with the aid ofthe understanding and not of this body. Actions have both beginning andend, and the body has actions for its bonds.[96] Hence, O blessed lady,thou needst have no apprehension in respect of the world hereafter. Withthy heart intent upon the real entity, it is my soul into which thou wiltcome.'”