When a being is established in something other than its true Self, it is as it was before—this is affirmed by the way people speak and act. If one objects that such establishment is impure, that is not so, for the scriptures themselves use the very word, conferring legitimacy. Thereafter, the connection with semen is acknowledged, signifying the soul’s link to the physical form. Thus, the body arises from the womb. Indeed, the scriptures declare that creation itself takes place in an intermediate state, neither wholly in the subtle nor the gross. Some assert that the creator, along with sons and others, play a role in this process. Yet, this is considered mere illusion, for the true nature of the soul is not fully manifested in these states. Its concealment arises from the will of another, for from this will come both bondage and its opposite, liberation. Alternatively, this concealment may also be attributed to the soul’s connection with the body. The authority for such understanding comes from scripture and is confirmed by those who possess knowledge. The absence of the soul’s true nature is found within the channels of the body, and also within the Self, as revealed by scripture. Therefore, spiritual awakening arises from this recognition. Yet, in essence, the soul remains unchanged, because karma, memory, and scriptural injunctions continue to operate. For one who is still deluded, realization is only partial, with remnants of ignorance persisting. Even considering the location of the soul, the distinctive characteristics of body and soul do not apply to each other, for such marks are found universally. If it is argued that this is due to difference, that is not the case, for scripture does not teach such difference in every instance. Moreover, some hold to this view. In truth, the soul is like the formless, for the formless nature predominates. It is also likened to illumination, for otherwise its existence would have no purpose. The scripture further declares that the soul is nothing but this illumination. It is shown in this way, and this understanding is preserved in memory. Thus, the comparison is made: just as the sun and its rays are related, so too is the soul to its manifestations. Yet, because the rays do not take water from the earth as the sun does, the comparison is not exact. Still, increase and decrease are observed in both, and there is a harmony between them, as is seen in the world. The discussion is limited to this extent, for the scriptures deny further speculation and then proceed to declare more. Indeed, the soul is said to be unmanifest. Even in acts of worship and propitiation, the presence of the soul is evident through perception and inference. The soul is undifferentiated, like illumination and similar phenomena; and illumination is repeatedly seen in action. Therefore, the soul is infinite, as indicated by scripture. Both aspects are spoken of, as with the snake and its coiled form—different yet the same. Or, as with the support of illumination, for the soul is of the nature of light. Or, as was previously stated. This is further supported by scriptural prohibitions. The opponent’s view is refuted by clear distinctions in measurement, connection, and designation. Yet, the soul is considered in its generality. All these are for the sake of intellect, like the foot that supports the body. The soul is found in particular locations, as with illumination and other examples, and this is reasonable. Moreover, there is no prohibition regarding the other view. By all these considerations, omnipresence is inferred from scriptural words such as ‘space’ and others, revealing the vastness and subtlety of the Self.