Shvetashvatara Upanishad 1.6Famous
intermediate
सर्वाजीवे सर्वसंस्थे बृहन्ते अस्मिन्हंसो भ्राम्यते ब्रह्मचक्रे। पृथगात्मानं प्रेरितारं च मत्वा जुष्टस्ततस्तेनामृतत्वमेति॥
sarvājīve sarvasaṃsthe bṛhante asminhaṃso bhrāmyate brahmacakre | pṛthagātmānaṃ preritāraṃ ca matvā juṣṭastatasttenāmṛtatvameti ||
"In this vast wheel of Brahman, which gives life to all and in which all rest, the individual soul (hamsa) wanders. When it realizes itself as distinct from the Impeller (God), and is graced by Him, it attains immortality."
What This Means:
The individual soul (hamsa - swan) wanders in the wheel of existence. When it realizes the difference between itself and the Lord who moves it, and receives grace, it becomes immortal.
Going Deeper:
This introduces the theistic element: liberation comes not just through knowledge but through God's grace (jushta). The soul must recognize both its distinctness from God and its dependence on Him.
How To Apply This:
Seek grace along with knowledge. Recognize the Lord as the mover of your life.
#hamsa#soul#grace#immortality#wheel of Brahman