Ashtavakra Gita 2.14 - Self-Realization and the Nature of Consciousness

Self is the ground as well as core of spiritual wisdom. First, the Self is distinguished from the body, saying the body is gross, while the inmost Self is subtle. As the body is mortal, the Self is immortal. Body is solid, gross and shaped. The Self, different from the body, is neither solid, nor gross, nor shaped.

Here, the Self is differentiated, giving a place to the others. When the seeker gains sufficient insight into the Self, after its own qualities and characteristics, then the further truth is presented: Self is not just different from the body, it is all-pervading. Hence, there is nothing like another or all, for the Self to pervade.

Self alone is and all others are just notional entities floating on its expanse, as are dream phenomena in the dreamer himself. While dreaming, all the objects have their distinct presences, as in wakeful state; but we know clearly that dream suddenly disappears and we wake up. Making it clear that the whole of dream objects were not really present at all. They were illusory.

In the same manner, understanding well that the entire world is a mere bubble in the Self within, the seeker concludes that the Self alone is present and the world it reveals is a projection, not a real presence. Without the Self the world cannot be at all.

This is how Janaka says either nothing else is there or all that the mind and speech reveal belongs to the ‘I’ itself. How true, great!