Only by perfect abstraction, not merely from the senses, but also from the thinking intellect and by remaining in the knowing intellect, does the devotee become identified with Brahm.

He then remains as pure glass when the shadow has left it.

He lives destitute of passions and affections.

He lives sinless; for as water wets not the leaf of the lotus, so sin touches not him who knows God." He stands in no further need of virtue, for "of what use can be a winnowing fan when the sweet southern wind is blowing." His meditations are of this sort: "I am Brahm, I am life.

I am everlasting, perfect, self-existent, undivided, joyful." If therefore, according to this system, knowledge alone unites the soul to God, the question comes, Of what use are acts of virtue, penances, sacrifices, worship?
The answer is, that they effect a happy transmigration from the lower forms of bodily life to higher ones.