देवयानमिदं प्राहुर्भूत्वा भूत्वानुपूर्वश: । आत्मयाज्युपशान्तात्मा ह्यात्मस्थो न निवर्तते ॥ ५५ ॥
deva-yanam idam prahur bhutva bhutvanupurvasah atma-yajy upasantatma hy atma-stho na nivartate
- deva-yanam
- the process of elevation known as deva-yana
- idam
- on this (path)
- prahuh
- it is said
- bhutva bhutva
- having repeated birth
- anupurvasah
- consecutively
- atma-yaji
- one who is eager for self-realization
- upasanta-atma
- completely free from all material desires
- hi
- indeed
- atma-sthah
- situated in his own self
- na
- not
- nivartate
- does return.
This gradual process of elevation for self-realization is meant for those who are truly aware of the Absolute Truth. After repeated birth on this path, which is known as deva-yana, one attains these consecutive stages. One who is completely free from all material desires, being situated in the self, need not traverse the path of repeated birth and death.