Sat-darshana Bhashya (translation)

IS BRAHMAN BEYOND?

D. This seems to contradict the statements that the Self is beyond the mind, that the mind cannot know Brahman, that it is beyond thought and speech, avan-manasa-gocara.

M. That is why they say that mind is twofold; there is the higher and pure mind as well as the lower and impure mind. The impure mind can’t know but the pure mind does. It does not mean that the pure mind measures the immeasurable Self, the Brahman. It means the Self makes itself felt in the pure mind so that even when you are in the midst of thoughts you feel the Presence, you realise the truth that you are one with the deeper self and these thought-waves are there only on the surface.

D. That means the mano nasa or the ahankara nasa, the destruction of the mind or of the ego you speak of is not an absolute destruction.

M. It means the mind gets clear of impurities and becomes pure enough to reflect the truth, the real Self. This is impossible when the ego is assertive and active.