Illumination which uncovers the real, the greater, the higher Self--the
_atman_.

This constant adjuration to sink the self into The Absolute, is what has
given rise to so much difference of interpretation as to the meaning of
_mukti_, liberation. It sounds paradoxical to state that it is only by
giving up all consciousness of self, that immortal Self-hood is gained.

Thus has arisen all the confusion as to the meaning of "absorption into a
state of bliss." How may the Self realize a state of selflessness and yet
not be lost in a sea of _un_ consciousness?

Only one who is capable of self-sacrifice were he called upon, can
correctly answer this question, and by what may be termed the very _law of
equation_, the sacrifice becomes impossible.

Should any one seek to bargain with himself to pay the price of loss of
self, so that he might gain the higher, fuller life, his sacrifice would be
in vain because it would not be selflessness, but selfishness--there could
be no _sacrifice_, were it a bargain.

Let no one think that this unchanging law of the Cosmos is in the nature of
either reward or punishment, or that it was devised by the gods, as a
method of initiation--a test of fitness for Nirvana. Even though the test
be applied by the gods, it is not of their planning.

It _is_, just as the absolute _is_, and analysis of the way and wherefrom
is not possible of contemplation.

If it sometimes appears that Illumined Ones have seemed to infer a loss of
identity of the Self, it should be remembered that not only have these
reported instances of liberation (cosmic consciousness attained), been
vague, but they have necessarily suffered from the impossibility of
describing that which is indescribable. We should also remember that
translators employ the words in the English language which most nearly
express their interpretation of the original meaning.

Words are at best but clumsy symbols.

Perfect bliss is voiceless--inexpressible.

This does not, however, mean that perfect bliss is nothingness. Rather is
it _everything-ness_, in that it is all-embracing in its realization. In
complete realization of the Cosmos nothing is excluded. Exclusiveness is a
concomitant of the state of consciousness pertinent to the personal self,
which state is not excluded from the consciousness described as cosmic,
_nirvana_ or _mukti_, but on the contrary, is included in it, even as the
simple vibrations of the musical scale are included