Adhyaya 2

Key teachings

• • The Creator pierced the senses outward, so humans perceive the external world and remain ignorant of the inner Self; the wise reverse their gaze inward to seek immortality. • The Self (Atman) is the ultimate perceiver that enables all sensory experiences (form, taste, smell, sound, touch). • Realizing the Atman as the witness of both waking and dream states reveals its all-pervading, great nature, ending all sorrow. • The Self is the inner controller (Antaryamin), the lord of past and future, and the essence (madhu) of all beings. • Self-realization requires direct inner experience, not merely intellectual study or debate. • The Atman resides in the heart's cave and is the source of immortality and fearlessness.