Muni's PlaySummary
The Fourth Valli explains the primary obstacle to Self-realization: the natural tendency of the senses to look outward. Yama teaches that the “Self-existent” created the senses with an external focus, which is why most people see only the phenomenal world. To perceive the internal Atman, a seeker must deliberately turn their gaze inward. This Valli emphasizes the non-duality of existence, asserting that the essence of what is visible is the same as the invisible. It introduces the concept of the Purusha residing in the heart, “the size of a thumb,” and concludes with the beautiful analogy of pure water merging into pure water to describe the state of the liberated knower.
Selected Verses
Turning Inward
Yama explains that the senses are naturally oriented toward the external world, which distracts humanity from the inner Self. While the ignorant remain trapped in the cycle of death by pursuing fleeting external pleasures, the wise find the permanent reality by turning their vision inward.
The Ground of Cognition
The Self is presented as the ultimate perceiver. Every sensory experience is made possible only through the presence of the Atman. There is nothing independent of this Self; it is the ground of all cognition and awareness.
The Purusha in the Heart
The seat of the Individual Soul is identified as the heart. Although infinite, it is described as “the size of a thumb” to denote its focused presence within the human form. This Purusha is the master of time and is likened to a pure flame without smoke.
The Unity of Existence
The danger of perceived duality is illustrated using the analogy of rain water. Those who see only plurality remains distracted, while the realized sage understands the underlying unity.