Vivekachudamani

Discriminating the self from the not-self

   The self is not clearly known because it is covered by five sheaths, which are superimposed on it, like the water in a pond covered by a layer of moss. When the moss is removed, the pure water becomes clearly visible and accessible. It can quench one�s thirst and make him happy. Similarly, when the five sheaths are negated the indwelling self which is pure, eternal bliss, homogeneous, supreme, and self-effulgent shines unobstructed. Therefore one should discriminate between the self and the not-self and negate the not-self for attaining liberation from bondage. Realizing the self which is Existence-Consciousness-Bliss one becomes blissful.

   The five sheaths are described one by one in the subsequent section