Yajnavalkya said: The entity (purusha), after enjoying himself and roaming in the dream state and merely witnessing the results of good and evil, remains in a state of profound sleep and then hastens back in the reverse way to his former condition, the dream state. He remains unaffected by whatever he sees in that dream state, for this infinite being is unattached. Janaka said: Just so, Yajnavalkya. I give you, Sir, a thousand cows. Please instruct me further about Liberation itself.
Yajur Veda, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV, III-Investigation of the Three States, 15
Yajnavalkya said: That entity (purusha), after enjoying himself and roaming in the dream state and merely witnessing the results of good and evil, hastens back in the reverse way to his former condition, the waking state. He remains unaffected by whatever he sees in that state, for this infinite being is unattached. Janaka said: Just so, Yajnavalkya. I give you, Sir, a thousand cows. Please instruct me further about Liberation itself.
Yajur Veda, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV, III-Investigation of the Three States, 16
As a large fish swims alternately to both banks of a river-the east and the west-so does the infinite being move to both these states: dreaming and waking.
Yajur Veda, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV, III-Investigation of the Three States, 18
As a hawk or a falcon roaming in the sky becomes tired, folds its wings and makes for its nest, so does this infinite entity (purusha) hasten for this state, where, falling asleep, he cherishes no more desires and dreams no more dreams.
Yajur Veda, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV, III-Investigation of the Three States, 19
Know, O people, a mighty mystery, about to be proclaimed– that which is not found on earth or in heaven, that by which the plants breathe.
Atharva Veda I, 32, 1
