Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 2, Verse 5
Order Now 
Ashtavakra Gita 2.5 - Self-Realization and the Nature of Consciousness
तन्तुमात्रो भवेदेव पटो यद्वद्विचारित: ।
आत्मतन्मात्रमेवेदं तद्वद्विश्वं विचारितम्
tantu-mātro bhaved-eva paṭo yadvad-vicāritaḥ .
ātma-tanmātram-evedaṃ tadvad-viśvaṃ vicāritam .. 2-5..
As cloth, when reflected upon, will be no other than its thread, the Universe too, if properly reflected upon, is but the Self alone. (Self is the thread, Universe is the cloth.)
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
In the case of the wave and water, there is a physical difference between the levelled water and the wave rising from it. Wind presses the surface of water, pushes it above, and hence the wave elevation is caused. But within the body, no such elevation is possible.
Hence the example of cloth and thread is cited. In this, there is no physical difference as in the case of wave in water. The thread itself has become the cloth. As is the thread, so is the cloth, in its content.
The Self and the Universe are also exactly alike. The Self, by dint of its inscrutable power, has woven the Universe in itself, without any transformation as such. Self is inside the body, full and absolute. The Universe experienced is within the same body, with all its colours, shapes, distances, etc. But does it not transcend, outstrip the body? How can the extensive gross Universe be within the physical body? What is the secret of experiencing it?
If not a physical transformation, it can only be appearantial, apparent. Sentience has the power to effect such a display. In fact, all our dreams are such inner displays alone. In that light, inner formation of the Universe is understandable and acceptable.
This is a step by step approach, this unique dialogue follows.
Select Chapter and Verse
