THE FIRST LIGHT (Chapter One)
1. Wherein His Supreme Majesty Lord Shiva introduces the Eternal Teaching of Yoga to the Four Holy Seers Om is the Eternal Sound Supreme. Of that all other sounds are born. Thus spoke Sage Vyasa, the divinely appointed Compiler and Disseminator of Sacred Scriptures: OM. Adoration be to Shiva, the Essence of all Goodness, the Kindly, the Pure, the All- Knowing, the All-Powerful, the Most Merciful One!
2. O you who have sought instruction in the Highest Truth! seek no more. For, I shall now speak to you the Word of God which was proclaimed for the deliverance of Souls from delusion, pain and sorrow. By hearing It men know what is right and tread upon the Path of Light.
3. Om is the Eternal Sound of Truth that ever abides in God’s Heart. From That, the Will to Speak arose; from Will a Thought came forth; and Thought manifested as Word. Thus God’s Word of Truth was born. His Holy Word shall not be doubted. For, he who follows It, is rightly guided.
4. Hear you now the Secret Lore revealed by the Lord unto the Blessed Yogis of yore. Desiring to bring knowledge of the Spirit into the World, the Sages Duravasa, Nageshanatha, Kapalin and Anandanatha addressed their thought to the Supreme Lord.
5. They intoned holy mantras and chants; their prayers went up to the lofty Gods and beyond them, to the God of Gods: to the Very Greatest One Whose Glory is measured by none.
6. Moved by their earnest devotion, the Great Ever-Living Ocean of Life sent forth a dazzling Stream of Light, like a redeeming River of Compassion, whereby the Lord of Mercy came down into the World.
7. A whirling Glow of Silver parted the Sky and lo! a mighty Orb of Light was descended from the Highest Height. A light so bright no mortal man had seen before. Even those that saw It from afar off were bedazzled and perplexed.
8. In the midst of that great Brightness the Lord of Life out-shined all other lights. His sky-blue complexion was delightful and fair and His eyes shined like two Stars. A third eye, even brighter, illumined the World.
9. The Crescent Moon shined upon His radiant brow announcing the Dawning of Enlightenment. For He was the Glorious Lord of Light, the Fiery One Who has come into the World to dispel all darkness, pain and sorrow.
10. He was seated upon a royal lotus-seat with petals of blue sapphire and a middle part of gold. The Sky offered Him shelter like an azure canopy of silk whilst the Sun enveloped His head with a halo of golden rays. A threefold Bolt of Light rested in His mighty hand.
11. Thus the Great Compassionate One, the Embodiment of Beauty, Truth and Goodness, descended from the Secret Place in Heaven and appeared before His faithful devotees shining like unto the Sun as he rises over the Sea at dawn.
12. On seeing the Supreme Deity, the Three-Eyed, Moon-Crowned Lord of the Universe, the Four Quarters stood still and then trembled with Joy: Creation trembled in the Presence of its Creator.
13. Unheard-of heavenly sounds poured out of the Sky and filled the Three Worlds. All things in sight became translucent like crystal and precious gems. The whole World came alive with an inner glow of light.
14. A great gladness came into all beings’ heart and their Souls rose up as high as the North Star and beyond. The Yogis made obeisance before the Lord and with joyful hearts spoke these wise words of praise.
15. There is no higher Truth than Shiva, the Universal Consciousness, Who is the Cause of all causes, Who at the beginning of Time created the World and the Gods who rule over the World. He is Eternally Higher than the highest and the One Who is worshipped by all men on Earth.
16. Hail to You, O Greatest God, O Shiva, Lord of all beings! Glory unto You, O Lord of Sages, O Master Who are worshipped by means of Knowledge of the Self!
17. You are the Soul of the Universe, You create all things by assuming a thousand forms. You are the One by Whose Power alone everything moves, O Infinite One! May You be Glorified, You Who are the Cause of the creation, sustenance and dissolution of the World.
18. May Victory be Yours, O Lord of Life! You Source of Supreme Peace, All-Pervading One, Deity Whom the foremost among Yogis bow down to, Whom Mother Earth ever reveres as her Lord. Obeisance to You, Supreme God!
19. Having graciously listened to their praises, the Three-Eyed Lord Shiva, favourably disposed towards His devotees, spoke unto them with His delightful voice: O noble Sages! what good can I do to those who are perpetually immersed in the Light of Truth? How can I enlighten them?
20. On hearing those words of His, the Sages bowed down to the Eternal Lord of Life, the Very Soul of the Universe, and spoke to the Great God Who had appeared before them, graciously inclined to fulfil their every wish.
21. O Lord! by Your Grace, we lack nothing and are ever-satisfied. Yet though we know the Truth, our minds are not entirely free from doubt. We therefore seek shelter with You, the Shiva Rahasya Original Wise and Perfect One, the Unmanifest Being. For You alone have full knowledge of the highest secret teachings.
22. You are the Primal Ever-Living One Who preceded all other things. Except You, the Great Lord (Maheshvara), there is no other knower of Truth in all the Worlds. Therefore, pray dispel our doubts.
23. We desire to know, Where do all things come from? How did the World come into existence? What is the true Home of all Souls? What causes a Soul to be born and reborn into this World? What is the cause of suffering and pain? How is deliverance from sorrow attained?
24. What is the best Path in life for men to follow? What are the various planes of existence? Who is the All-Witnessing Self? What is the Highest Reality? How is Higher Knowledge attained? What are the means for gaining lasting Peace and Happiness? Kindly dispel our doubts by means of the dazzling beams of Your Eternal Glory.
25. O Lord of Unmeasured Greatness! we are your faithful devotees; with Pure Souls, we have sought refuge in You; if You be pleased with us, graciously grant us knowledge of Your Self Divine.
26. For, You Alone O Shiva! know Your Own Self. No one else does so. Therefore, deign to reveal Your Divine Self unto us.
27. O Jewel of Mercy! O Wielder of the Bolt of Light! You are the Comforter of the distressed, the Friend of the destitute, the Protector of the oppressed, the Lord of the Three Worlds. Whatever be a Soul’s anxiety and pain, You offer him Salvation and make him hale again, You Who Are the Saviour of all! You are ever-gracious to those who seek refuge in You. Elevate our Souls with the nectar of Your Perfect Knowledge!
28. Bowing down to the God Whose Emblem is the Bull of Heaven, the Sages the foremost of whom was Duravasa, thus requested of the Supreme Lord.
29. The Supreme Sovereign, the God of Unmeasured Greatness, the Creator of the Universe and Lord of Yoga, illumined the World with His Radiance Divine.
30. The Lord of Life and Master of all beings, the Great One within Whom the entire Universe lies, and by Whose Power alone everything moves, the Most Compassionate One, the Greatest God, thus instructed the Sages concerning the excellent Yoga of the Self.
31. O pure ones! listen you now, with steady minds, to the knowledge of the Lord, being imparted to you that your heart may find peace.
32. Lord Shiva made the Secret Wisdom Sign (Jnana Mudra) and spoke: This Perfect Knowledge of Mine is an eternal mystery and secret. It cannot be adequately expressed. Those who follow other Paths do not know it though they may strive for it, O twice-born ones!
33. Resorting to this Perfect Knowledge, in days gone by, the first among Seekers of Truth attained unity with Truth. Having found Truth, their Souls have attained Perfection (Sampurnata) and are free from the fetters of the earthly World.
34. The Perfect Ones (Siddhas) know not delusion, nor pain, nor sorrow. For they have joined the Immortals (Amaras, the Deathless Ones) in the Firmament and shine like the Rays of the One Light. They have taken their seats among the Heavenly Guardians who ever watch over the World from on high.
35. This Knowledge which is the Secret of secrets must be carefully guarded. I shall declare it unto you who are speakers of Truth and full of devotion.
36. Listen well! In the Beginning I, the Great Life (Maha Satta) Alone Existed: the One Ever- Living, Nameless, Unfathomed Ocean of Being Who Eternally Is before all other things. Surveying My Infinite Self, I Eternally rejoiced at My Sheer Brightness and Might. It was by My Brightness that My Self was known and seen; and by My Might I established Myself as the Only Existing One (Ekam).
37. Being the One and Only, I wished in My Heart to be Many. My Thought was made firm by My Desire and was uttered as My Word of Power. Thereby what My Heart Wished was brought to pass. My Radiance spread forth into the World and filled the Skies like gemstones and gold. Thus My Divine Brightness and Might were manifested in a multitude of ways.
38. As Light is one in daytime – in the form of the Sun – and again many – shining as the Moon and Stars at night, so My Divine Radiance though being One in the Abode of Light, appears as Many in the Realm of Night.
39. For in My Abode of Light, wherein there is no darkness, the One Is Ever Awake. And Being Awake He Sees. But in the Realm of Night where all is dark, the Many are asleep. And being asleep, they see the One not but the Many. Thus while I ever Abide in the Light, the others abide in the Dark.
40. O you who are most wise! it is absence of Light that makes the One appear as the Many. When I, the Lord, conceal My All-Revealing Light, I Appear as the Many to those who abide in the Dark.
41. I Myself, however, ever See the One even behind the Veil of the Many. For I was One in the Beginning, I Am One Now, and I shall be One in the End and in All Eternity.
42. I, the One Lord, through My Play of Darkness and Light bring forth everything in sight. All created things are but sparks of My Divine Light. A part of Me, of My Infinite Self, lies hidden in all things.
43. Therefore, know all things to have an unseen inner core, an essence and a Soul that is the true nature and the life of every thing. That imperishable core, being part of My Eternal Self, has been called the Self (Atman). That very Self is the Lord of Life.
44. The Self is the True Man concealed within the body of blood, flesh and bones, and it is by nature Divine. It is absolute, pure, peaceful, subtle and eternal. It exists beyond the darkness of ignorance and beyond knowledge that is expressed in words.
45. It is the Inner Being, the Soul of the Universe, the Life-Principle, the Lord of Time, the Great Lord, the Perfect One. Though being unseen and unknown, yet He knows. For He is present everywhere and witnesses all things from within. He is the Eternal Witness of all. SHIVA RAHASYA
46. The Universe is born of Him and in Him alone it dissolves. He is the Master of the Magic Power whereby He assumes various forms while remaining ever-unaffected and unchanged.
47. The Self is not subject to the cycle of birth and death. He is not the physical World, being neither Earth, nor Water, Fire, Wind nor Sky.
48. The Self is neither physical objects, nor the bodily frame; neither the breath, nor the mind; neither matter nor non-matter. He is neither sound, nor touch, nor colour and form, nor taste, nor smell, nor the Ego, nor yet a limited person who thinks, feels, speaks and acts.
49. O holy ones! the Self is neither a sense organ, nor the foot, neither the anus, nor the genitals. He is neither inanimate Matter, nor a living Person. In truth, the Conscious Self is neither the Breath of Life, nor the Void of sleep, nor even the Cosmic Play of Magic.
50. For all these pass away like waves upon the Sea. But the Self is the Imperishable, Changeless, Undying, Undecaying, Self -Existing, Self-Supporting Sea of Consciousness Itself. The Changeless Witness of all that passes.
51. This World consists of the five senses, hearing, seeing and the rest. The One Supreme Self is different from this even as light is different from darkness. As shade and light are different from each other in this World, so indeed the material World and the Self-Luminous Self are different.
52. Were the Self to be in any way soiled or impure, created and changeable, it could never become Perfect even in hundreds of lifetimes. Nor would there be any escape from that which is imperfect.
53. The Awakened Ones perceive their Perfect Self as intrinsically free from defects or change, free from the pairs of opposites such as light and darkness, cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They realise that the Self is eternally blissful and unchanging.
54. Such thoughts as, I am doing this or that, I am happy or unhappy, I am slender or stout and the like, are created by the mind of incognizant folk and superimposed upon the Perfect Self.
55. Having created a thought, through repetition man identifies therewith and believes himself to be that, regardless of his true nature. O Sages of broad understanding! Man is called Man (Manu) because he is determined by his Mind (Manas). Verily, what Man thinks, that he becomes. Under the influence of material existence, the Self who is by birth a God, thinks himself to be a Man, and a Man he at last becomes.
56. Elevating himself by noble thoughts, he becomes again Divine. Remembering Me, the All- Source, he and I are Reunited. For, all things come from Me and to Me they shall return. This is the Eternal Law (Sanatana Dharma).
57. Truly, those who know the Truth declare that the Self is the All-Witness, beyond the Sphere of Matter. It is the Universal Enjoyer, deathless, omnipresent, perfect and ever-free.
58. Hence, all embodied beings remain subject to worldly existence as a result of ignorance (avidya), which is not knowing the Truth. Due to ignorance and wrong knowledge, Reality is confused with Matter.
59. As a deluded king who believes himself to be a ploughman takes to ploughing a delimited field when the whole wide World is his, even so, though the ever-shining, self-luminous Self is immensely vast and all-pervading, due to the thoughtlessness and lack of discernment of the unawakened mind, man believes himself to be a limited, individual thing and lives a diminutive life.
60. The Sages realise that the Self is Uncreated, Unborn, Formless, Self -Existing, Changeless, Eternal and Pure, whilst Matter is Created, Born, Many-Formed, Dependent On The Self, Ever- Changing, Transient and Tainted. But the ignorant, immersed in worldly existence like a man enmeshed in a dream, sees nothing but Matter and believes that to be the Supreme. Thus, the Self, though pure, changeless and perfect, has the qualities of Matter attributed to It, by association.
61. Deceived by the deluded mind, the ignorant does not comprehend that his own Self is in reality the imperishable Ultimate, the Perfect One. Thus he confuses the Self with the not-Self and the not-Self with the Self. He knows not what is Real and what is only a Dream. Ignorant of what is good and what is evil, he shuns what is right and craves what is wrong. Hence he suffers like a man whose mind is overcome by delusion.
62. Verily from lack of Awareness, there arises Self-forgetfulness. From that springs wrong knowledge. From wrong knowledge comes greed, lust, envy, hatred and other defects of the mind. Moreover, man reaps the fruits of his own actions. And actions are done according to his knowledge. Therefore, the performance of actions that spring from wrong knowledge is the greatest defect of all.
63. It is due to this cause that men are invested with different kinds of physical bodies and minds. For, one is born with a body and mind that correspond to the inner latent tendencies one has developed in a previous existence. All bodies are born of mind. And the mind is nothing but the light of the Soul tinted by latent tendencies acquired in the past. Therefore, know that whatsoever corporeal form a Soul assumes in this life or the next, the same will reflect his mental state, even as the light that passes through a coloured gem (assumes that very colour).
64. Verily, this is a matter a million times true: whether in this World or the next, in Heaven or on Earth, whatever comes to pass in the Three Worlds, know that there is a meaning and a reason to all things. The World was not created in vain but with a purpose. And so it is with all other things: in every thing there is a sign that teaches man a hidden secret.
65. This is known to Me, the Wise One Who See all things from Above and to those (the Yogis) who dwell in Unity with Me but not to any others. For, the others, being as if asleep and ever immersed in vain thoughts, even if the Truth were shown them, they would see It not.
66. Therefore, let all those who yearn after knowledge of the Truth listen to My Word of Truth that they may see the Truth. For, only by seeing the Truth shall their Souls find Peace and never otherwise.
67. Truth is the remedy for all sorrows: It frees the Soul from the burdens of the World. By hearing the Truth, bound Souls remember their Self. Remembering the Self, they know that as air is present both within and without a jar, so the Self, being Omnipresent, lies both concealed within oneself, and pervades everywhere without. It is eternal, free and ever-stainless.
68. Although It is One, It appears as Many through Its Magic Power and not due to Its inherent nature. For this reason, the Knowers of Truth bear witness that the Truth is One (Satyam Ekam).
69. As the Sky does not become soiled through contact with clouds and the Sun is ever untouched by darkness, even so the various activities of the mind such as thoughts, feelings or sense perceptions, do not affect the Perfect Self. Only the mind and the body, being by nature imperfect, are affected thereby.
70. As a pure crystal shines by virtue of its own lustre, as the Sun shines unaided by any lamp, as the Lightning blazes across the Sky independently of man-made fire, even so does the pure Self shine independently of any conditioning cause.
71. Wise men regard this Universe as being made of knowledge. For it arises from the waves of thought dancing upon the surface of the Ocean of Universal Consciousness. That Great Intelligence Which is Boundless and Radiant Beyond Measure, fashions thought from Its rays of light. Thought gives rise to perceptions; and perceptions make up the objects of the World.
72. Thus men of Higher Vision know that the World is made of Knowledge. Yet the dim-sighted see it as nothing but physical matter and objects. Their vision being faulty and blunt, they see not beyond the surface. Verily, the Self or Spirit is by nature changeless, omnipresent Consciousness, beyond material attributes. But it is held to be insentient matter by men of wrong knowledge. For only the Perfect Ones can see what is Perfect.
73. As the pure crystal when in contact with a red object like the seeds of the Gunja-berry appears to be red, or a looking-glass appears to take the shape of the objects reflected therein, even so the Great Being is perceived in the form of objects though remaining distinct from, and unaffected by, the same. As sunlight shines in many colours as it passes through a shower of rain, so the Great Lord (Maheshvara) appears as this many-formed World when seen through the eyes of mortal men. Verily, the World is He and nothing else. This is the Truth and the Good Tidings that I Myself bring unto the World.
74. They who know this shall be safely guided to the Abode of That Which Ever Is. But the others shall abide in darkness. Verily you who have seen My Divine Self are very fortunate indeed! In My Visible Form you have a Sign from the Unseen that you may know His Glory and follow His Will. But those who have seen Me not, will be troubled by doubt and in their anguish will ask, My Lord, how may we know that the Divine Self Is? Now of these, there are three kinds, the stubborn and the proud that doubt My Word and seek to try you; the thoughtful that yearn for a reasoned answer; and the believers who desire to have their faith confirmed.
75. Say to the stubborn and proud: O you of little faith! life on Earth lasts but a moment. Before you know it, you are overcome by Death. Of this there can be no doubt. If, at the end of your life you find that there is no Afterlife and no God, then you shall have no reason for concern. For, he that no longer is, has no concerns. But if at the end of this life you find that there is an Afterlife and a God, then you shall be overcome by remorse. Thus you shall cry, Alas! would that I had not come hither unprepared. For, you will go to an unknown place unprepared, like a fool who sets off upon a long journey with no provisions and no knowledge of the land he is bound for. Therefore, beware! do not knowingly walk in the footsteps of fools. Think not that your knowledge is faultless and that there is no one above you whose knowledge is best. You have been forewarned.
76. Say to the thinking man: Do you believe in Love, Beauty and Joy? Do you believe in Truth, Justice and Goodness? If so, then you believe in God. For God Is Truth, Goodness and Beauty. He Is also the Force that drives man to seek, and empowers him to appreciate and enjoy, these things. Verily, God is all that and much more beside. If all this is, then God Is, too. Open your eyes and see! Up there, the Sun, the Moon and the shining Stars forever mark the day and night, the fortnight, the month, the seasons, the year and the space of many years. From the smallest atom to the Universe itself, all is established in Perfect Harmony and Order. Say, could all this be without a Wise Creator?
77. Furthermore, how does a new-born babe know how to suck at his mother’s breast? and who taught the weaver-bird the art of building handsome nests? who teaches the duckling how to swim and the diver to dive in search of fish? who tells bird, insect and beast when and how to go to far-off places where they have never been before? how do a myriad ants in their nest, a flock of thousand birds and a shoal of countless fish all move without hindering each other, all as if one, and all in peace? How, indeed, if not by the Power of the Mighty One, the Lord Who lives in all things and upon Whom all things depend even as a kingdom rests upon a mighty king? Assuredly, there is a clear sign in all this.
78. But if you cannot see, then at least believe. Faith is the Guide and the Light of him that cannot see. And believing, you shall be guided and not go astray. Therefore, let those who are without sight follow the guidance of one who is wise. Verily, there is time both before and behind the present moment. Likewise, there is life before this life just as there was a life behind it. For life is neverending. That from Which all life comes is the Great Life, the Great Lord Who Ever Is. From Him we bring you this Revelation that you may know His Truth and follow His Will. Those who believe shall have nothing to fear in this life nor in the next.
79. And unto the believer, say: All life comes from the Lord, the Great Life. You, a living Soul, are but a Spark from that Great Light. Look deep into your heart and you shall find all that you seek. Verily, the Soul is the keeper of all great secrets. In the silence of your heart, listen to the Soul’s whisper. He will enlighten you with Wisdom and Truth, whereas the mind only confounds you with its imaginations, delusions and its doubts.
80. Speak the plain Truth unto all men who wish to know and let the unbelievers go their own way. But by those who are Seekers of Perfection, the Self shall ever be worshipped, meditated upon and heard about as being Ever-Existing, Stainless, Unchanged, All-Pervading, Perfect and Free.
81. The Light Whereby both Day and Night are seen, Which sees Itself and all other things, Which depends on none other but Itself, That, O you who are most wise! is the Light of Consciousness, the Great Unseen.
82. Him Who is the Constant among the inconstant, the Intelligence among intelligences, the One among the many, the Unseen among the seen, Who grants all desires, Whom Yogis perceive as abiding in themselves, by knowing Him and not otherwise one attains Eternal Peace.
83. When by means of Yoga man comes to perceive nothing but Consciousness everywhere, he becomes a Perfect Knower of the Self. He abides in the Self and abiding Therein he knows It like unto his own self. When he perceives all living beings as abiding in the Self and the Self in all living beings, he realises the Supreme.
84. Having realised the Highest, the Soul abides in the state of Unified Consciousness (Samadhi), wherein he perceives not the multitude of living beings but only the One. Then he is One with the Supreme Self and has attained the state of Absolute Being.
85. When the Soul has perceived the Truth, all the passions that cleave to the heart drop off, and having become pure, he attains Perfection. Verily, he acquires a living body of light and becomes an Immortal in this very life. When he realises the whole diversity of living things as existing in the One and as born of that One, he attains the Highest.
86. When he sees the Absolute Self as a real experience, and the entire Universe as immaterial like an illusion, he experiences the Highest Bliss (Paramananda).
87. When one attains Perfect Knowledge of the Supreme Being (Para Satta), the Sole Remedy for the sorrows of birth, old age and all kinds of ailments, he becomes One with Shiva, the Lord of those who are Perfect.
88. Just as rivers large and small merge with the Ocean and become one with it, even so the Soul becomes one with the Deathless and Unblemished Reality.
89. As the diverse sweet juices are extracted from different flowers and mingled into honey by a bee, even so the Souls human and Divine are indistinguishably United with each other: as a Cloud joining another Cloud, as Water joining Water, and a Flame joining another Flame.
90. Verily, there is nothing in the Three Worlds save God, Soul and Mind. When the Mind has been stilled, Soul and God alone remain. When Soul is no longer distracted by Mind, he sees God face to face and is lost in His Infinite Embrace.
91. Therefore, Knowledge of the Supreme alone exists. Neither the World nor its existence is real by comparison. This fact is known to the Enlightened Ones in Heaven whose names are established among the Radiant Stars.
92. However, in this World, Perfect Knowledge lies in a shroud of ignorance as a lump of gold is covered in dirt and as the Sun is shrouded in clouds. Those who possess not the Perfect Knowledge of Yoga, are deluded and led astray by ignorance which is knowledge imperfect, defective and false.
93. Perfect Knowledge is without defect, subtle, free from doubts and ever-changeless. Everything else is imperfect knowledge (Ajnana). The thorough realisation of this is called Perfect Knowledge (Vijnana).
94. This, O noble ones! is the Teaching of the Insight into Reality which is called Excellent Knowledge. It is the essence of all Spiritual Teachings. The practice of Yoga is the single-minded concentration upon this Knowledge.
95. Knowledge is born of Yoga and Yoga is established by means of Knowledge. There is nothing that cannot be accomplished by one who is endowed with both Yoga and Knowledge.
96. That which is attained by means of Yoga is also attained through Spiritual Knowledge. Therefore, he who sees Spiritual Knowledge and Yoga as one, sees things as they really are.
97. O you foremost among the faithful! other men being attached to material lordship, become engrossed in various activities conducive to such aims. So also, those whose intellects are impaired and dull. When physical life comes to an end, however, one who possesses Spiritual Knowledge and Yoga shall attain to the great and pure Lordship of Heaven which is honoured by all.
98. I Myself am that Great Lord (Maheshvara), Whose Lordship is attainable through Yoga. I am the Unseen Master of the Cosmic Magic (Maya), the Greatest God. I am glorified in the true Scriptures as the Self of all and having faces in all directions. I am the Perfect One Who See all things from Above, the Witness of all that passes.
99. I hold within Me all forms, flavours, fragrances and sounds. I am free from old age and death. I have hands and feet all around. I can reach where birds do not fly. I am the eternal Soul of all things. Without hand or foot I am swift and can grasp. I abide in the heart of all. I can see even without eyes and hear without ears. I perceive all hidden secrets from within. I am the Witness of all.
100. Though I know all these, no one knows Me. The Seers of Truth alone know Me as the One, Unique, Great Being. Only Sages endowed with perfect sight see the true nature of the Self. They see the excellent and immaculate Lordship of the Formless One. For only the Perfect Ones can see what is Supremely Perfect.
101. Now something else is to be understood by those who yearn to know the Truth. For there will be some among the mortals who will ask, If the Lord is Unseen, Formless and the rest, how then can He rule this World? Therefore listen you to the plain Truth. I rule the World by Dharma, the World- Supporting Law Eternal. Dharma is My Divine Power Supreme. From That all other Laws and Powers flow even as rays spring from the Sun.
102. Because It holds the Universe together and keeps all things under Its Sway, yoked as it were unto My Will, It is also called Yoga Bala (Power and Law of Unity) by the wise. As the unseen Wind, descending down from the Sky, moves trees and other things on Earth, so I, the Unseen Lord by means of My Power Divine animate and rule the World from My Secret Abode On High. I see and hold dominion over all things from beyond the sphere of the Cosmic Magic that renders Me Invisible to man even as a cloud enshrouds the Sun.
103. By means of this exalted Knowledge the Yogis who are My faithful devotees enter My Innermost, Omnipresent Heart and being Illumined by the Light of Truth, abide in Perfect Unity (Samyoga) with Me.
104. Having traversed the sphere of My Magic Work that constitutes the Universe of forms, they attain the great and pure Nirvana, the Extinction of all Cravings and all Sorrows, and join Me in My Everlasting Bliss. Graced by My Favour, they need not return to worldly existence even in millions of Ages.
105. O you who outshine the Stars! this is what I, the Lord and Author of all true Gospels, here declare. Those that follow My Word are rightly guided. But those that do not, shall go astray forever wandering in the darkness of Illusion. I, the Enlightener of the Three Worlds, have revealed the Truth that has been hidden.
106. Let this Secret Teaching be taught to those who are broad of understanding. Let it be imparted to one’s own sons, disciples and those that believe in the Unseen, only. For, those whose understanding is narrow and defective will understand when the time has come for them to understand and not a moment before.
107. The Truth of God is beyond the reach of a mortal’s mind. It can only be grasped by a pure heart in deep contemplation. Therefore, do not reject My Revelation for It is the Light that reveals the Road to Perfection. Follow what you understand and leave the deepest Mysteries to those amongst you who are Wise. As a child at first drinks only milk but gradually takes solid food, just so even the dullest mind shall understand the Highest Truth in the course of time.
108. The Perfect Knowledge which is Yoga-based Insight into Reality has been proclaimed by Me for the attainment of Perfection. It is the Great Rosary of Truth whereby Great Sages ascend to the Abode of Light that ever Is and ever Shines.
THE SECOND LIGHT (Chapter Two) 2
Wherein the Secret of the Thirty-Six is revealed Om is the Eternal Sound Supreme. Of that all other sounds are born.
Lord Shiva said: 1. O noble ones! My Revelation is a Great Secret (Maha Guhya) that is unknown to other Gods worshipped by men. For had they known It, they would have long revealed It unto them. Hear you therefore the Secret Truth that I teach and declare, and having heard It, meditate upon It in your heart that you may see the Light.
2. Time, Matter and Soul originated from the Supreme. Now, since all objects of the World sprung from these three, it follows that the World of objects is identical with the Supreme.
3. That Supreme Reality has hands and feet on all sides (It can reach everywhere); on all sides an eye and mouth and head; It has ears everywhere; It stands enveloping the World.
4. Though being endowed with the power of all senses, It has no sense organs. It is the Ruler and Support of all. It is perpetual Bliss, unmanifest and free of duality.
5. It is incomparable, unfathomable and beyond all means of ordinary knowledge; It is devoid of all alternatives; It is free from appearances; It is the Ultimate Abode of all; It is the Supreme Deathless One; It is One with the Universe yet It exists separately, on a Higher Level. It is Eternally the Same. It is devoid of material qualities. It is the Highest Light. It is Perfect Knowledge, known to the wise.
6. It is the Self of all living things; It is both within and without; It is beyond all. I am that Self, the Omnipresent, Peaceful, the Great Lord and the Embodiment of Consciousness. This entire Universe, consisting of moving and unmoving things, exists within Me. He who has realised this, is the true knower of all Spiritual Teachings.
7. O you who are at peace! Reality or Truth is Eternally One, without a doubt. Yet in order to manifest Its Eternal Glory, Truth creates the various Worlds out of Itself. Therefore It exists in different States or Forms. They are: Spirit, which is like unto Fire; Energy, which is like unto the Sun; and Matter which is like unto the Moon.
8. The Fiery Spirit is Self-Shining Intelligence, Awareness, Consciousness Itself. It is Shiva, the All-Encompassing, All-Illuminning Reality in Its Restful, Unmanifest State.
9. The Sunlike Energy is the Intelligent Power that flows from the Divine Fire even as rays flow from the Sun. It is the Power whereby Spirit creates the Worlds. It is Spirit in Its Active State of Pure, Flowing and Free, Creative Intelligence (Chit Shakti). It has two aspects, one likened unto a Bright Sun, the other unto a Dark Sun. The first named, the Bright Sun, gives rise to the Higher World of Spirit wherein dwell the Radiant Ones. The second, the Dark Sun, gives rise to the Dark World of Matter wherein abide the unawakened Souls. Embodied Souls are endowed with the quality of both brightness and darkness, and therefore they work good and evil deeds.
10. Verily, the same Sun-like Intelligent Power, having brought to pass the Creation of the Higher Worlds, materialises or solidifies to various degrees giving birth to the Material World from the Astral down to the Physical Planes. As such it is called Matter. It is Spirit in Its Materialised, Manifest State and is likened to the Moon.
11. The same Power Divine when elevating the Soul to the Abode of Light is called Shakti. When it envelops the Soul like a shroud and pulls him down into the Material World, is known as Maya, the Lord’s Magic Power. In its aspect of Objectively Perceptible Substance, it is known as Matter (Prakarti). When experienced in dormant form, as in deep sleep, it is called Unmanifest Matter (Avyakta Prakarti) or Void.
12. Verily, everything perceived by the Soul is a manifestation of the Power of the Lord. The Universe consists of both Matter and Spirit which are the two Aspects of the One Reality. Time is the third aspect. The Great, Eternal and Beginningless Time which is One with the Lord, gives rise to Matter. Having given birth to Matter it manifests itself in the interaction of Matter and Spirit. Thus limited Time known to unawakened man, is born.
13. Spirit, Time and Matter form the World wherein reside all mortal men. I am both identical with and different from these three, which are eternally stationed within Me, the Unmanifest Supreme.
14. That which is known as Matter or Material Energy (Prakarti) gives birth to the Material Universe (Jagat) beginning with the Intellect and ending with the particularised forms. The Life- Principle called Soul (Atma) enjoys the attributes of Matter as he interacts with it, and falls under its spell.
15. Though being One, the Soul is given various names such as, Spirit, Real I, True Man or Inner Self, by those who contemplate the Things-That-Are (Tattvas). Though being One, it is seen as many through the Lord’s Magic that enchants the World. The wise who have freed themselves from the spell of the World and who have risen above material objects, senses, ego and mind, they alone know that the Soul is their real Self.
16. Soul is the Radiant, Self-Existing, Self-Shining Witness regarding his material half in the mirror of his own Consciousness, even as the Sun reflects himself in the Sea. That mirror-like reflection is known as Material Energy or Matter. From that, all material things arise like the many reflections of one light: the Intellect, the Ego, the Lower Mind, the Five Senses and the objects of the senses.
17. As the Wind as it rushes over the Sea stirs the water into waves, so the Will of the Self rushing over the tranquil Sea of Matter stirs its waters into life. Waves of thought, feeling and perception arise therefrom and from that, the World is born. What was unseen comes to sight and what was unmade is brought to pass: thus the unborn springs to life.
18. The first emanation of Matter is the Intellect. It consists of knowledge based on thought. From that the Ego, the Thought of I and Mine, is born: every Ego fashioned according to the wisdom and power of the Intellect that gave birth to it.
19. The Ego makes a man what he is. It is through the Ego (or Personal Mind) that the Soul experiences pleasure and pain in this World and the next. Through repetition, man becomes accustomed to some experiences, craving some and shunning others. Due to the Ego, when he obtains what he craves, man experiences joy. When he fails to obtain the desired thing, he experiences pain.
20. Thus the Ego is made of knowledge based on feeling. It has as its instrument the Lower Mind. The Lower Mind consists of knowledge based on sense perceptions. Its field of experience are the objects (of perception) consisting of Sound, Touch, Colour and the rest.
21. When the Lower Mind perceives an object, the Ego gives rise to a feeling related to that object and the Intellect determines what is to be done. Thus man’s life revolves on his perception of and reaction to material things.
22. Due to the Ego’s tendency to make objects of experience his own, the Soul who is drawn to the Material World by the Lower Mind, identifies himself with worldly things. He thinks to himself, I am these thoughts, these feelings, this body and these material possessions. Thus worldly self-consciousness springs into life.
23. As a result, Soul becomes engrossed in worldly existence and is born and dies, life after life. This worldly existence with its endless cycle of birth and death is called Samsara or World- Wandering.
24. The Soul’s false identification with material things has its origin in the action of Time upon Matter. Time measures out the Immeasurable and fashions limited things. Time determines the birth of living beings. Time, too, annihilates them at the appropriate hour. Everything in the Material World depends upon Time. Time is beyond the control of anyone.
25. Time is eternal and restrains everything from within. Hence, Time is One with the Supreme All-Knowing Lord. Indeed, Infinite Time is Eternal Truth Itself. It creates and destroys the finite time known to unawakened man. He who realises the power of Unending Time, for him limited time comes to an end. He attains Eternal Life.
26. But he who is pray to finite time, knows not the Limitless. He is bound to the limited things of limited life. Thinking, What is now being perceived by me: this Mind, this Body, these Possessions; they belong to me, they are part of me, I am these and nothing else. By this way of thinking, the unenlightened Ego Mind leads the Soul to identify himself with these constituents of Material Reality.
27. O you who are most wise! know that the Universe is a well-ordered Unity of interdependent forms. All things therein, rocks, plants, fish, birds and beasts dwell in harmony with each other and according to My World- Supporting Law. Of all creatures, ignorant men alone act not by My Command.
28. For they are possessed by a vain Ego: not content with what I Myself allotted them, they yearn to be something else. Moreover, they lift themselves in pride above others and give themselves to works that are hateful and wrong.
29. Possessed by a defective Ego they break the Sacred Bond of Unity and go to the Abode of Discord where Sin is their God and sorrow their lot. Therefore, well do the wise ones know that Ego is man’s greatest foe.
30. Thus, through association with the Ego, the deluded Sense of I, the Soul who is Pure Spirit comes to forget his true identity and succumbs to the conviction that he is non-Spirit.
31. Having forgotten that he himself is Pure and Perfect, Self-Shining Light, the Soul deems himself to be as dull and lacklustre as the material substance he identifies with. In this dull condition, having once shined like a Great Star in the midst of the Infinite Vault of Consciousness, he becomes dependent upon outer, physical light.
32. Having once soared like an Eagle in the Radiant Sky of Spiritual Reality, he now stands helpless upon the hard ground of physical existence, enveloped in gloom.
33. Due to this blind darkness that separates them from the Light of Spirit, the heart of un- Enlightened Souls is ever-restless, tormented and suffers all kinds of pain.
34. The only antidote to Separation is Yoga, for Yoga confers knowledge of the Self. By means of Yoga one knows oneself to be a Soul eternal, whereas the Mind and its delusions are born and die away.
35. Verily, know this to be a million times true: whilst Matter is like unto the Ocean whereof myriads of fleeting waves are born, the Self is the Immovable Ground of all things.
36. From Self, Matter flows forth. From Matter, all thoughts, feelings and sense perceptions arise. Like waves ever rising and ever subsiding in the Ocean or Sea, thoughts, feelings and the rest emerge from Matter and return thereto every moment anew.
37. The ignorant, observing this never-ending play, believes them to be continuous and permanent. Bound by their spell, he forgets himself.
38. But the Yogi who is a Knower of the Self, knows that his Self alone endures and that Matter, from which all things in this World arise, is but his own material half: dividing Itself twofold, the Self becomes on one side the observer and on the other that which is observed.
39. For this reason it has been rightly said that the Self alone exists. The Self is indeed the All- Knowing and All-Powerful Reality That contains everything within Its sphere of awareness. By Its power everything comes into being, endures for a while and before long passes away. He who 2 b SHIVA RAHASYA by means of Yoga knows this, attains Unity with Me, the Only Existing, the Perfect, Ever-Living One.
40. O noble ones! Yoga is the Power of Unity whereby Wholeness, Harmony and Happiness are established in the World. Unity is of three kinds: Human, Worldwide and Divine.
41. The Unity which is between Body, Mind and Soul, is of the Human kind. That which is between people and nations as well as between Mankind and Nature, is of the Worldwide kind. But the Unity which is between Man and the Lord, that, indeed, is Divine. There is nothing higher than this.
42. Thus the only remedy to ignorance-based disunity, disease and suffering is the Perfect Knowledge of Yoga that leads to Spiritual Illumination, to Life in Unity with the Divine. This Perfect Knowledge I now Graciously Declare unto the World for the Salvation of all Souls who are fit to be saved.
43. O you who have been granted Insight into My Eternal Truth! those who possess Spiritual Knowledge know that the Sense Organs are greater than the objects they perceive.
44. For, that which is perceived depends upon that which perceives. When the perceiver perceives not, then the object of perception vanishes like the Moon in the dark (that is, on a Moonless night).
45. But when the perceiver beholds an object either in direct perception, imagination, dream or recollection, then the object comes into existence and not otherwise. Therefore the Sense Organs are greater than the objects they perceive.
46. Likewise, the wise know that the Lower Mind (Manas) is greater than the Sense Organs. For it is the Lower Mind that puts together the diverse perceptions of the Senses and builds them into a coherent whole. Without the Lower Mind the perceptions of the Five Senses would be scattered across the Sky (of Awareness) like clouds in the wind.
47. The wise know further that the Thought of I and Mine (Aham-Kara, Ego Mind)) is greater than the Lower Mind. For it is the Ego Mind by its power of appropriation that brings a perceived thing into relation with the perceiver. Otherwise the two would be for ever severed like the two halves of a broken twig.
48. The Intellect (Buddhi) is greater than the Ego for it determines the nature of the object and the manner in which the perceiver is to relate to it. Moreover, the Intellect that is infused with the Light of Truth, can awaken the Ego to its true identity.
49. The Unmanifest Matter (Prakarti) is greater than the Intellect, for Matter is that whereof the Intellect is born. Therein the Intellect rests in deep sleep and from that too it derives the power to think, feel and perceive whether in dream or when awake. The Soul Proper (Purusha) is greater than Matter for he is the perceiver and the agent whilst Matter is the object perceived and acted upon. Moreover, Matter itself is nothing but the Soul’s sleeping half, as it were.
50. Greater than the embodied Soul is the Sphere of Maya, wherein My Power of Magic (Maya) holds sway. It envelops the entire Material Universe wherein dwell all embodied Souls, who possess physical or astral bodies according as they inhabit the Earthly or Astral World. It is Maya, the Lord’s Wondrous Power that envelops the Soul like unto a veil and holds him under its magic spell. Maya keeps the unawakened Soul in his embodied state. Verily, by its five Binding Powers, Maya envelops the Soul even as swaddling clothes envelop a newborn babe.
51. Greater than Maya, is the radiant Sphere of Shakti, Shiva’s Infinite Power, inhabited by the Liberated Souls who have gone beyond the World of Maya. They are the Great Radiant Ones, endowed with bodies of Pure Spiritual Light. In the midst of that Sphere of Power stands the Threefold Stairway to Supreme Perfection. It has Three Steps, each leading to a Higher World and together leading to the Highest. Going up by the Three Mighty Steps the Soul acquires the Three Divine Powers of Shiva which are Action, Knowledge and Will, and ascends to the Highest Heaven.
52. Beyond the World of Power lies Shiva’s World of Spirit (Shivalaya) and the Highest Heaven. Therein dwell those Divine Souls who, having acquired Shiva’s Three Powers, acquire the last Two, namely Divine Intelligence and Bliss. Having gained Shiva’s Five Powers they are for ever One with Him.
53. Over that Spiritual World, I, the Essence of all Knowledge, the Supreme Lord than Who nothing is higher, preside in all Eternity. My Infinite Abode of Spirit is all that exists when at the end of Time, I, the All-Consuming, Fiery God of Consciousness (Kalagni Rudra) dissolve all created Worlds and merge all Souls into My Supreme Self.
54. Verily, there is no living Soul greater than I. By realising Me, one becomes free. No living beings in the Universe, including the moving and unmoving ones, are truly eternal except I, the Unmanifest, the Great Lord Who is of the form of All-Pervading Infinite Space (Vyoman) and from Whom the Universe has no separate existence. The Seven Worlds (which are) the Earth with her Nine Continents, the Astral World, the World of Maya, the Threefold World of Power and the Abode of Shiva: all exist within Myself. I eternally create, sustain and annihilate all things. For, I Alone Exist.
55. I, the Lord, Master of Maya (Magic Power) and identical with it, am One with the Power of Time. Through this Power, the Power of the Infinite Self, I create and control all the Worlds.
56. When the moment of Creation has come and the Great Time (Maha Kala), the Great Life (Maha Satta), begins to measure out His Unmeasured Glory by dividing It as it were into measurable parts, that, O Sages! is when limited Time (Kala) is born. By the measuring out (Kalana) of the Lord’s Unmeasured Glory, measured life springs into being. Time ignites the spark of life in all things.
57. Thus, in every Moment of Time (Kala-Anu) an Atom of Life (Jiva-Anu) comes into being and lives in the World. The span of Time required for the living Atom to take birth from the Ocean of Infinite Life is the smallest measure of Time. It is known to the Lord and to the Awakened Ones who are endowed with Sight Divine.
58. But to the unawakened, only that is known which is seen by the eye. And Time on Earth is reckoned by observing things that move such as the Earth, the Moon and the Stars. Therefore upon Earth, movement is Time.
59. Movement is the perception of successive changes that take place in a perceived thing, and so is Time. Time is a form of knowledge. For, it makes itself known by means of diverse forms of movement that appear in the knower’s field (of perception).
60. The chief among all forms of movement that can be observed by all is that of the Vital Breath (Prana). Having descended at the moment of Creation from the Thirty-sixth and Highest State down to the nethermost, the Great Lord Himself, Who Is the Life and Soul of the Universe enters with His Power (Prana Shakti) an embodied Soul’s form. He then animates it by means of the Vital Breath. Hear you now how the Great Wheel of Time (Kala-Chakra) comes into being by the power of the breath.
61. Man begins his life on Earth by breathing in the air of this World; breathing in and out, he lives his appointed time; then, breathing out his last, he goes to the Otherworld. Thus man’s life depends upon breath. Breath is of three kinds: in-breath, out-breath and the holding of breath in between. Of these are born the Three Times, Past, Present and the Future.
62. By remembering the breath that was breathed in, man knows that which has been. Thus he comes to know the Past. By resting for a moment before breathing out, man knows the Present or that which is now. And by thinking on the breath that in a moment will be breathed out by him, he knows that which is not but is yet to be. In this wise he knows the three phases of Time by the phases of his own breath.
63. Second, one movement of the breath in and out makes one breath. One breath lasts ten Nimeshas (Moments). Six breaths make sixty Nimeshas or one Chashaka (a Cupful as unit of time). Sixty Chashakas make three hundred and sixty breaths or one Ghatika (Copper Jar used for measuring time). Sixty Ghatikas make twenty-one thousand six hundred breaths or one Day and Night. This divided six hundredfold, makes thirty-six finger-breadths that is, the distance covered by the movement of the breath on its way out beginning from the heart and ending in the outer space. Thirty-six divided sixfold makes six breaths or sixty Nimeshas (Moments of time).
64. For this reason, in accord with My Law, holy men who are ever absorbed in contemplation measure the time by means of a hundred prayer-beads and eight. When this is multiplied two hundredfold, it yields twenty and one thousand six hundred breaths. When divided threefold it gives thirty-six which is the number of fingers that measures the course of one breath.
65. Thirty-six divided sixfold makes six, and six multiplied tenfold makes sixty. A quarter of this makes the fifteen Days of a Fortnight (or Half Month). Of Fortnights there are two. That beginning with the Full Moon and ending with the New Moon is the dark Fortnight. That beginning when the Moon is New and ending when she is Full is the bright Fortnight. Two Fortnights make a Month of thirty Days, and two Months make one Season of sixty Days. Sixty Days multiplied sixfold make a Year of three hundred Days and sixty.
66. Verily, thirty-six multiplied a hundred times sixty (600) gives twenty-one thousand six hundred breaths breathed by man in a Day from sunrise to sunrise. Divided threefold it gives rise to the twelve Months of the Year. Multiplied a hundredfold it gives rise to three hundred and sixty Days. Three hundred and sixty human Years make a Year of the Gods. And this multiplied twelve thousandfold yields a Cosmic Cycle (of twelve thousand Divine Years).
67. In exhalation, the Sun rises in the heart and sets in the outer space. Therefore, the Outgoing Breath corresponds to a Day; to the Half Month (Ardha-Masa) wherein the Full Moon wanes (diminishes); the Half-Year wherein the Sun in his northward progression follows the Higher Path (Uttara Ayana) across the Sky (from March to August); and the Emission of a Cosmic Cycle.
68. In inhalation, the reverse is true: the Moon rises in the outer space and sets within the heart. Therefore, the Incoming Breath (Apana) corresponds to a Night; to the Half Month wherein the New Moon waxes (grows); the Half-Year wherein the Sun in his southward progression goes the Lower Path (Dakshina Ayana) across the Sky (from September to February); and the Absorption of a Cosmic Cycle.
69. The Standing Still at the beginning and end of the two breaths corresponds to the two twilights of Dawn and Dusk; to the beginning and end of the two Half Months; the two Equinoxes of Spring and Autumn that mark the beginning and end of the two Half-Years; and the periods of rest between the Creation and Dissolution of the Cosmic Cycle. Thus, O noble ones! a Day, a Month, a Year human or Divine and a Cosmic Cycle too, all arise out of the breath. Without breath, there is no Time. And the breath is born out of the Lord.
70. As man’s life rests upon his breath, so does the life of the Universe itself. The Lord Himself, the Great Life, breathes and lives in and through all created things. It is the Lord Himself Who creates and beholds all forms of Time. Therefore Time is the Lord, the Ever Living, the Great Life, and none else.
71. They who by means of Yoga attain Unity (Samyoga) with Me, the Lord of Time (Kalanatha), go to the Supreme Abode of Shiva where all Souls long to be. For true Life is to be found alone in My Abode of Unity where Time is One. Death and Suffering belong to the Abode of Separation where Time is diverse, many-formed and a shaper of limited life.
72. O you who are followers of Unity with the Supreme ! six multiplied by itself becomes thirty- six. But when divided sixfold, Nought only remains. Nought (Shunya) is the Great Unmanifest Void (Maha Shunya), the Great Point (Maha Bindu) and Secret Place whereof all numbers and measured things are born and unto which in due course they all return. I Am That. With the Out- breath of Creation I manifest the Thirty-Six Things which make up That Which Is. With the In- breath of Illumination I dissolve them into the Unmanifest One. He who knows the secret of the Two Breaths, knows that he and I are One. I, the Light of Reality, the Great Time, Supreme Spiritual Teacher and Enlightener of the World, declare this Eternal Truth for all to hear in this World and beyond.
