Two birds, companions always united, cling to the same tree. One of them eats the sweet fruit of the tree; the other, not eating, looks on.
Browse topics
Source
- Tradition
- Hindu
- Source text
- Shvetashvatara Upanishad
- Chapter
- Shvetashvatara Upanishad
- Verse / page
- SU.4.6
- Topics
- Self-RealisationSoulDetachment
Same theme, different voices
Arjuna said: What is the description of one of steady wisdom who is established in deep absorption, O Keshava? How does the person of stable insight speak? How does such a one sit? How does such a one move?
The tranquility and peace that comes from self-knowledge is the true nature of the self. When one realizes this, they become free from the cycle of birth and death. The mind that is aware of its true nature is not bound by the cycle of karma.
The first step to self-knowledge is to know that you are composed of a physical body and a spiritual heart or soul