Those who earnestly contemplate the truth call that which dwells within—the jīva—the inner self. Its essential nature is knowledge itself, and for this self, the mind serves merely as an instrument. Yet, through its association with Prakriti, the self’s pure discrimination becomes clouded, and this confusion arises over the course of time. All beings are subject to the sway of time, and time itself bows to none. The supreme Lord is known as Prāṇa, the all-knowing, the highest person. From the mind arises the sense of ego, and beyond ego lies the great principle. From this great person, the Lord—Prāṇa—emerges, and from Him, the entire world proceeds. There is no being higher than this; knowing the Lord, one attains liberation. None exists apart from Me—the unmanifest, of the nature of limitless space, the Great Lord. The Lord, who possesses māyā and is composed of māyā, is joined with Time. It is the Infinite Self who ordains all, in accordance with the eternal word of the Veda. By the greatness of the God of gods, this world is set in motion. Yet this mystery can be known to humankind only through supreme devotion. The world does not recognize Me, the witness of all, nor do even the greatest sages comprehend Me fully. I am the self, the creator, the ordainer, Time itself, the Fire that faces every direction. Brahmā, the Manus, Indra, and others famed for their strength and deeds—all these are but expressions of My will. The Brāhmaṇas worship Fire through various Vedic sacrifices, and the yogis meditate upon the Lord, the ruler of all beings, the Supreme Lord. Having become the body of all gods, the Self of all, I abide in all things. For those who worship Me with devotion, I am always near. To them I grant the highest place—the supreme bliss. Those devoted souls, united with Me in Time, are released from bondage. This truth was declared at the beginning: My devotee does not perish. Whoever worships that Lord with devotion is indeed worshipping Me. He who gives to Me with discipline and sincerity is dear to Me. Having established and given forth all the Vedas, which arise from My own Self, I am the protector of the righteous and the destroyer of those who oppose the Veda. I am the very cause of worldly existence, yet I remain untouched by all worldly affairs. I am the wielder of illusion; My unique power is Māyā, which enshrouds and deludes the worlds. Yet, abiding in the hearts of yogis, by that very Māyā I dispel illusion. I am the foundation of all things, the very storehouse of immortality. Assuming the form of Brahmā, composed of My own essence and established in Me, I become Nārāyaṇa—the infinite, the Lord of the universe, pervading all creation. My tamasic power is known as Kāla, who takes the form of Rudra. Some attain Me through the yoga of devotion, others through the yoga of action. But those who worship Me constantly with knowledge, and in no other way, surely attain Me and do not return again. The universe abides in Me alone; by My power the world is set in motion. I impel this entire world, and whoever truly knows this becomes immortal. For Time itself acts as My own self—the Blessed Lord, the great master of yoga, manifest in person.