a u m (3)

Sri Shuka said:

(1) By contemplating the Supreme Self from which one generated, [like Lord Brahma] one by thus finding satisfaction, regains the remembrance that was lost. With one's vision thus cleared the intelligence then operates as before, so that one can get one's life in order.

(2) One's adherence to the sounds of the Absolute Truth makes the intelligence - because of the many terms - ponder over incoherent ideas, because of which one - without ever finding joy - wanders around in illusory realities - and the different desires belonging to them - as if one is dreaming.

(3) With the practical insight that he otherwise would be engaged in [useless] troublesome work, an intelligent attentive person fixed in his attention to achieve perfection, must therefore only minimally, not more than necessary, abide by imaginary [non-spiritual] purposes.

(4) What is the need for endeavoring for a bed, when you can lie on the ground. Why would you strive for a pillow, when you have your arms. Why should you endeavor for utensils, if you can eat with your hands. And why would you worry about clothing, when the trees are there [with their bark]?

(5) Are there no rags [lompen] lying in the street? Is there no giving in charity? Do the trees not offer their alms maintaining others? Have the rivers dried up? Are the caves closed? Has the Almighty Lord given up on protecting the surrendered soul? Why would a learned man then have to speak to the liking of those who are led by wealth?

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(6) When one thus with the matter of Him - the most cherished, eternal, one Supersoul fully present in one's heart - is detached from the world, one must be of worship for Him, the Fortunate One, the permanent gain by which for certain the cause of one's material bondage is put to an end.

(7) Who else but the materialists would, with neglecting the transcendental thoughts, take to the non-permanent of material denominations - because of which they, who constitute the general mass of the people that is controlled by the misery of the reactions of its fruitive labor, see themselves as fallen into the river of suffering?