264
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
[Canto 7, Ch. 15]
his material designation comes to an end. He then comes to a subtle designation, from which he attains the causal designation, witnessing all previous states. Upon the annihilation of this causal state, he attains his pure state, in which he identifies with the Supersoul. In this way the living entity becomes transcendental.
TEXT 55
देवयानमिदं प्राहुर्भूत्वा भूत्वानुपूर्वशः । आत्मयाज्युपशान्तात्मा ह्यात्मस्यो न निवर्तते ॥५५॥
deva-yānam idaṁ prāhur bhūtvā bhūtvānupūrvaśaḥ ātma-yājy upaśāntātmā hy ātma-stho na nivartate
deva-yānam —the process of elevation known as  deva-yāna ;  idam —on this (path);  prāhuḥ —it is said;  bhūtvā bhūtvā —having repeated birth;  anupūrvaśaḥ —consecutively;  ātma-yājy —one who is eager for self-realization;  upaśānta-ātmā —completely free from all material desires;  hi —indeed;  ātma-sthaḥ —situated in his own self;  na —not;  nivartate —does return.
TRANSLATION
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-yāna , 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.
TEXT 56
य एते पितृदेवानामयने वेदनिर्मिते । शास्त्रेण चक्षुषा वेद जनस्योऽपि न मुह्यति ॥५६॥
ya ete pitṛ-devānām ayane veda-nirmite