Mundaka Upanishad 6.3Famous
intermediate
नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन। यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यस्तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम्॥
nāyamātmā pravacanena labhyo na medhayā na bahunā śrutena | yamevaiṣa vṛṇute tena labhyastasyaiṣa ātmā vivṛṇute tanūṃ svām ||
"This Self is not attained through discourse, nor through intellect, nor through much learning. It is attained only by one whom it chooses. To such a one, the Self reveals its own form."
What This Means:
Talking, cleverness, and scholarship don't bring Self-realization. The Self chooses whom it will reveal itself to. To that one, it shows its true form.
Going Deeper:
This famous verse (also in Katha) emphasizes grace. The Self is the subject, not object - it reveals itself; we don't capture it.
How To Apply This:
Drop the idea that you can "get" the Self through effort. Surrender to be chosen.
#Self chooses#grace#self-revelation