Text 55
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-yājī — 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.
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.