Ribhu-gita Reading 4.2: Definition of the Self

In the absence of the One,

There is no second.

In the absence of the second,

There is no One.

Should there be an iota of truth,

Non-truth will also manifest.

Should there be non-truth,

Truth shall also appear.

Auspiciousness arises when inauspiciousness is perceived.

Fear exists when fearlessness is imagined.

By the imagination of fearlessness,

Fear shows up.

With the knowledge that Brahman alone is,

Be certain that there is no non-self.

If there be liberation,

Bondage is.

In the absence of bondage,

Liberation is not.

If there is birth,

Death occurs.

In the absence of birth,

There is no death.

You being,

I is.

Without you,

I is not.

If this is,

So is that.

That not being,

Neither this is.

Is implies the existence of that.

If there be nothing,

Even a little cannot be.

With effect,

There may be some cause.

Without it,

There is none.

Upon duality,

Non-duality there is.

Duality ceasing,

Non-duality ceases too.

Seen brings in its wake the seer too.

Seen ceasing,

Seer follows suit.

If there be inside,

Outside is true too.

Without inside,

Outside is not.

If there is perfection,

Imperfection also is added.

If there is a little of the mind,

It soon becomes everything.

If there is no little,

Nothing arises whatsoever or wherever.

Hence,

All this does not exist in the least.

Neither you nor I.

Neither this nor these.

With the knowledge that Brahman alone is,

Be certain that there is no non-self.

There is no example in the world,

Nor is there any example that can be given.

With the knowledge that Brahman alone is,

Be certain that there is no non-self.

There is no mind to contemplate the Mahavakas.

I am the Supreme Brahman.

This world is Brahman alone.

You too are only Brahman.

I am consciousness,

Brahman alone.

Be certain that there is no non-self.

Thus,

The definition of the self has been told to you.

Simply by hearing this once,

One becomes Brahman,

Oneself.