1. There is a repetition (japa) of twenty-one thousand breaths that are continuously being effortlessly repeated (ajapa) throughout the day. This is very easy to see.
2. The breath is continuously coming and going through the mouth and nose. This should be noticed with subtle observation.
3. At the root, it can be seen that there is only one sound (OM). In that, there are variations of high, medium, and low pitch. Of those, the base chord which can be subtly noticed to be in effortless repetition is called "ajapa."
4. The seven notes in a range or key, are sa, re, ga, ma, pa da, ni, sa, which are uttered with some effort or volition. Say the first note and watch with subtle observation.
5. The first sound "sa," arises from the place above the region of the Para speech (the navel region) and below the region of the Pashyanti speech (the heart). That is the birthplace from where these notes arise.
6. Sit alone in a quiet place and carefully observe so you can understand. See how the breath is continuously taken in and then let go.
7. Sit alone in silence and attentively observe how the appearance of the subtle sound "Soham, Soham" ("I am That, I am That") resounds.
8. This subtle sound which is not spoken is called spontaneous or effortless sound which comes to be experienced as it reverberates while not actually making any noise.
9. One who sits in silence letting this sound pass by is called a great silent sage (mouni). All of the activities of various yogic practices have this as their aim.
10. In silent solitude where does the arising of any sound occur? This sound "Soham, I am That," appears in the inner-mind.
11. The inhalation is "So" and the exhalation is "Ham." This "Soham, Soham" goes on continuously. Observe this carefully, and see that the hidden meaning is very deep.
12. None of the many living beings in the four categories of species can survive without respiration.
13. Thus, this effortless repetition goes on for all creatures. However, it is only the knowledgeable that understand. One should set aside this effortless repetition by making some effort to recognize it.
14. God is always naturally present. With some effort, God seems to scatter and disappear. Who can have faith in such a destructible God?
15. The vision of the Inner-Self of the universe spontaneously and naturally occurs with continuous meditation. All the people act according to the desire of the Self.
16. One takes in food or gathers things according to what satisfies the Self. In the same way, whatever is lost or left aside becomes an offering to him.
17. When food is taken in, it is an offering to the fire that is in the stomach. All people are obeying the orders of the Self by making food offerings through this fire.
18. The spontaneous and naturally occurring repetition of God's name, contemplation on God, movement, praise and celebration of God is all pleasing to him.
19. Understanding happens effortlessly. Doing many types of yogic practices does not result in sudden understanding.
20. One's wealth is lost and one lives in poverty when one does not know that there is great wealth hidden within one's own house. People who live in this way do not realize what they do.
21. There is great wealth in the cellar, hidden in the walls, and in the columns and beams, yet the poor unknowing person lives in poverty.
22. There amidst great wealth the person lives a miserable life of excessive poverty. What a wonder it is to see such a lack of prosperity happening in the creation of the Supreme Being, who is of the nature of "Supreme Bliss,".
23. It can be seen in life that some only look on, while some eat and enjoy the food. This can be understood through the power of discrimination. The same law applies for those who do actions in the objective world as well to those who are on the path of non-action.
24. With Narayana residing in your mind, how can there be any lack of prosperity when his wife, the Goddess of Fortune is firmly seated within you?