Tripura Rahasya

Sage Dattatreya

Therefore I tell you that mind is no other than consciousness. The difference lies in the fact that the mind is restless and the Self is always peaceful. Realization of the Self subdues the restless mind which is the dynamic aspect of consciousness. On this being subdued, there gleams out the peace-filled perfect, intelligent bliss which is synonymous with emancipation. Be assured of this. Do not think that an interlude of blankness or veil of nescience will supervene after the cessation of thoughts. For, there is no such factor as a blankness or veil of nescience.  It is simply a figment of the imagination.

If in a daydream a man imagines himself taken, harassed and beaten by an enemy he will suffer from the effects until and unless he dismisses the daydream. Will he continue to be bound by the enemy after the dream is dismissed with the enemy and his blows? So it is with the veil of nescience. 

O Rama! Even from the very beginning there has really been no bondage or tie to the cycle of births and deaths. Only do not be deluded by identifying yourself with insentient matter but enquire, 'what is this bondage?' 

The strongest fetter is the certainty that one is bound. It is as false as the fearful hallucinations of a frightened child. Even the best of men cannot find release by any amount of efforts unless their sense of bondage is destroyed.