Part I: Chapter IV / IV

The Nature of Self

Though we know that the Self exists, yet we do not know what it is, for knowledge itself follows the Self and is due to and because of the Self. The true nature of the Self may however be comprehended by the Self, if It could be stripped of all the enshrouding sheaths of senses, mind, understanding and will, in which it is clothed and covered: senses, mind, understanding and will; and what is left is variously described as Undifferentiated Consciousness, Eternal Knowledge or Pure Awareness, and is characterized by the Light of the Great Void. It is the supreme principle whose essential nature is self-effulgence. It is the infinite, transcendental and the essence of absolute knowledge.

It has three attributes of Sat, Chit and Anand, i.e., pure existence, pure knowledge and pure bliss. As the Self is complete in Itself, and by Itself, It has no activity of Its own, nor has any need for it, nor requires any outside agency. All-pervading and self-existent, It knows no limits and no motives.