The teachings in Chapter 17 draw a sharp contrast between these two states. The state of worldliness, or Pravrutti, is defined as the ignorant tendency of the soul. In this state, one's perception is clouded, leading to the existence of enemies and friends. In contrast, the state of cessation, or Nivrutti, is achieved when the knowledge of the Self is attained. This occurs when the tendency of bodily ego dissolves, which is described as the soul's state of the Supreme Self. In Nivrutti, one sees only the Self everywhere, and as a result, the very concepts of enmity and friendship disappear, leading to a state of supreme happiness unshaken by worldly sorrow.
What is the distinction between the state of worldliness (Pravrutti) and the state of cessation (Nivrutti) as described in the teachings?
📖 Chapter 17