The works of Ramaṇa Maharṣi

Upadeśa Undiyār

Verse 12

உளமு முயிரு முணர்வுஞ் செயலுமுளவாங் கிளையிரண் டுந்தீபறவொன்றவற் றின்மூல முந்தீபற

உளமும் உயிரும் உணர்வும் செயலும் உளவாம் கிளை இரண்டு உந்தீபற ஒன்று அவற்றின் மூலம் உந்தீபற

In plain words

Mind and breath. One knows, the other does. They look like two different things and they behave like two different things. They are two branches of one plant. Which is why holding the breath quietens the mind — you are not managing two problems, you are tugging one root from two directions.

Word for word

The mind and the life-breath, as knowing and as action, are two branches. Fly up, undī! Their root is one. Fly up, undī!