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 sections.