Now, take this huge tree here, son. If someone were to hack it at the bottom, middle or at the top, its living sap would flow from all these parts. Pervaded by the living (Jiva) essence (Atman), this tree stands here ceaselessly drinking water and flourishing. When, however, life leaves one of its branches, that branch withers away.

‘In exactly the same way,’ he continued, ‘know that this, of course, dies when it is bereft of life; but life itself does not die.

‘The finest essence here — that constitutes the self of this whole world; that is the truth; that is the self. And that’s how you are, Svetaketu.’

‘Sir, teach me more.’ ‘Then bring a banyan fruit.’ ‘Here it is, sir.’ ‘Cut it up. What do you see there?’ ‘These tiny seeds, sir.’ ‘Now, take one of them and cut it up. What do you see there?’ ‘Nothing, sir.’

‘This finest essence here, son, that you can’t even see — look how on account of that finest essence this huge banyan tree stands here. ‘The finest essence here — that constitutes the self of this whole world; that is the truth; that is the self. And that’s how you are, Svetaketu.’

‘Sir, teach more.’ ‘The put this chunk of salt in a container of water and come back tomorrow.’ The son did as he was told, and the father said to him: ‘Bring here the chunk of salt you put in the water last evening.’ It had dissolved completely.

‘Now, take a sip from this corner,’ said the father. ‘How does it taste?’ ‘Salty.’ ‘Take a sip from the centre. How does it taste?’ ‘Salty.’ ‘Take a sip from that corner. How does it taste?’ ‘Salty.’ ‘Throw it out and come back later.’ He did as he was told and found that the salt was always there. The father told him: ‘You did not see it there, son; it was always right there. — http://beliefnet.com, concluded