Knowledge of the Atman
The Atman — the experiencer —
is pure consciousness.
It appears to take on the
changing colors of the mind.
In reality, it is unchangeable.
The object of experience exists only to
serve the purpose of the Atman.
Though the object of experience becomes unreal
to those who have reached the state of liberation,
it remains real to all other beings.
The Atman — the experiencer —
is identified with
Prakriti — the objects of experience —
in order that the true nature of both
Prakriti and Atman may be known.
This identification is caused by ignorance.
When ignorance has been destroyed,
this identification ceases.
Then bondage is at an end
and the experiencer is independent and free.
Ignorance is destroyed by awakening
to knowledge of the Atman,
until no trace of illusions remains.
— Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
(From Sacred Jewels of Yoga)