If, however, the quantity of water gets stirred, the
person standing by it can no longer see those images. Similarly, if the
senses become perturbed, the Soul can no longer be seen by the
understanding. Ignorance begets Delusion. Delusion affects the mind. When
the mind becomes vitiated, the five senses which have the mind for their
refuge become vitiated also. Surcharged with Ignorance, and sunk in the
mire of worldly objects, one cannot enjoy the sweets of contentment or
tranquillity. The Soul (thus circumstanced), undetached from its good and
evil acts, returns repeatedly unto the objects of the world, in
consequence of sin one's thirst is never slaked. One's thirst is slaked
only when one's sin is destroyed. In consequence of attachment to worldly
objects, which has a tendency to perpetuate itself, one wishes for things
other than those for which one should wish, and accordingly fails to
attain to the Supreme.[684] From the destruction of all sinful deeds,
knowledge arises in men. Upon the appearance of Knowledge, one beholds
one's Soul in one's understanding even as one sees one's own reflection
in a polished mirror. One obtains misery in consequence of one's senses
being unrestrained. One obtains happiness in consequence of one's senses
being restrained. Therefore, one should restrain one's mind by
self-effort from objects apprehended by the senses.[685] Above the senses
is the mind; above the mind is the understanding; above the understanding
is the Soul; above the Soul is the Supreme or Great.
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