100 Verses of Peace
(Vedic text excerpts from the "Astavakra Samhita")
Words found in the   illuminated manuscript  "Unbound Prayers", by artist Carolyn Goodridge

31.  The mind of the liberated one does not exert
itself to be either meditative or active; but it becomes
meditative and active without any motive.

32.  A dull-witted person becomes bewildered on
hearing the real truth, but some sharp-witted
woman withdraws within herself like a dull person.

33.  The ignorant constantly practice concentration and
control of the mind. The wise, abiding in the real Self,
like persons in deep sleep, do not find anything to be done.

34.  The ignorant person does not attain peace either by
inaction or by action. The wise one becomes happy
merely by knowing the Truth.

35.  In this world those who devote themselves to
diverse practices do not know the Self, which is pure,
intelligent, beloved, perfect, beyond the universe,
and free from any taint.

36.  The ignorant person does not attain liberation through
repeated practice of control of the mind.
The blessed one through mere knowledge
becomes free and is unaffected by change.

37.  The ignorant person does not attain Brahman,
for she desires to become It.
The wise one certainly realizes the nature of the
Supreme Brahman, even without desiring to do so.

36.  Without any support and eager for the
attainment of freedom, the ignorant only keep up the world.
The wise cut the very root of this world which is
the source of all misery.

39.  The fool desires peace through control of the mind
and so does not attain it.
The wise one knows the Truth and is
ever of a tranquil mind.

40.  Where is Self-knowledge for her whose
knowledge depends on the object?
The wise do not see this and that but see the immutable Self.

Also See Verses:
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 41-50  |  51-60 | 61-70  | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100