n his soul. Whether he becomes compassionate
or cruel, whether he becomes conversant with all the Vedas or ignorant of
the Richs, whether he becomes righteous and observant of sacrifices or
the worst of sinners, whether he becomes eminent for prowess and wealth
or plunged into misery, that person who directs his mind towards these
(attributes that I have spoken of), is sure to cross the ocean of life
which is so difficult to cross. Without speaking of the results of the
attainment of Brahma by yoga, it may be said that he who sets himself to
only enquiring after the Soul transcends the necessity of observing the
acts laid down in the Vedas. The body with jiva within it is an excellent
car. When sacrifices and religious rites are made its upastha, shame its
varutha, Upaya and Apaya its kuvara, the breath called Apana its aksha,
the breath called Prana its yuga, knowledge and the allotted period of
existence its points for tying the steeds, heedfulness its handsome
vandhura, the assumption of good behaviour its nemi, vision, touch,
scent, and hearing its four steeds, wisdom its nabhi, all the scriptures
its pratoda, certain knowledge of the scriptural declarations its driver,
the soul its firmly-seated rider, faith and self-restraint its
fore-runners, renunciation its inseparable companion following behind and
bent upon doing it good, purity the path along which it goes, meditation
(or union with Brahma) its goal, then may that car reach Brahma and shine
there in effulgence.[906] I shall now tell thee the speedy means that
should be adopted by the person who would equip his car in such a fashion
for passing through this wilderness of the world in order to reach the
goal constituted by Brahma that is above decrepitude and destruction. To
set the mind upon one thing at a time is called Dharana.[907] The Yogin
observing proper vows and restraints, practises in all seven kinds of
Dharana. There are, again, as many kinds of Dharanas arising out of
these, upon subjects that are near or remote.[908] Through these the
Yogin gradually acquires mastery over Earth, Wind, Space, Water, Fire,
Consciousness, and Understanding. After this he gradually acquires
mastery over the Unmanifest.[909] I shall now describe to thee the
conceptions in their order that are realised by particular individuals
amongst those that are engaged in yoga according to the rules and
ordinances that have been laid down. I shall tell thee also of the nature
of th