nd of death, succeed in knowing the Unmanifest,
they succeed in understanding the Supreme Soul at the same time. An
intelligent man regards the unity of Jiva-soul with the Supreme Soul as
consistent with the scriptures and as perfectly correct, while the man
destitute of intelligence looks upon the two as different from each
other. This forms the distinction between the man of intelligence and man
that is destitute of it. The indications of both Kshara and Akshara
(destructible and indestructible) have now been said unto thee. Akshara
is Oneness or Unity, while multiplicity or variety is said to be Kshara.
When one begins to study and understands properly the five and twenty
topics of enquiry, one then comprehends that the Oneness of the Soul is
consistent with the scriptures and its multiplicity is what is opposed to
them. These are the several indications of what is included in the tale
of topics or principles created and what transcends that tale. The wise
have said that the tale of topics numbers only five and twenty. That
which transcends the topics is beyond that number and forms the
twenty-sixth. The study or comprehension of created things (numbered five
and twenty) according to their aggregates (of five) is the study and
comprehension of topics. Transcending these is That which is eternal.'"'"

SECTION CCCVII

"'"Janaka said, 'Thou hast, O foremost of Rishis, said that Unity is the
attribute of that which is Akshara (Indestructible) and variety or
multiplicity is the attribute of what is known as Kshara (Destructible).
I have not, however, clearly understood the nature of these two. Doubts
are still lurking in my mind. Ignorant men look upon the Soul as endued
with the incident of multiplicity. They, however that are possessed of
knowledge and wisdom regard the Soul to be one and the same. I however,
have a very dull understanding. I am, therefore, unable to comprehend how
all this can happen. The causes also that thou hast assigned for the
unity and the multiplicity of Akshara and Kshara I have almost forgotten
in consequence of the restlessness of my understanding. I therefore,
desire to hear thee once more discourse to me on those same incidents of
unity and multiplicity, on him who is knowing, on what is destitute of
knowledge, on Jiva-soul, Knowledge, Ignorance, Akshara, Kshara, and on
the Sankhya and the Yoga systems, in detail and separately and agreeable
to the truth.'

"'"Vasishtha said, 'I shall