। ॥ १ ॥
In plain words
Saṃvit, conscious awareness, unfolds very clearly in waking, dream and deep sleep. The same Saṃvit runs like a single thread through every body, from Brahmā down to the ant, as the witness of the world. “That alone am I, not any object that can be seen.” If even this firm Prajñā, this discerning knowledge, is present in someone — whether he is an outcaste or twice-born — he is the Guru, the teacher. This is my settled conviction.
Close to the Sanskrit
That Saṃvit—conscious awareness—which unfolds all the more distinctly in waking, dream, and deep sleep; which, woven through all bodies from Brahmā down to the ant, is the witness of the world — “That alone am I, and not the object that is seen”: if even this firm Prajñā—discerning knowledge—is present in someone, let him be an outcaste or let him be twice-born; he is the Guru, the teacher — this is my conviction.