These eight verses (ashtakam) describe a person who has attained self-realization as "dhanya" (blessed or fortunate). The poem emphasizes the wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, focusing on the joy of realizing the oneness of the self with Brahman. Translation: That alone is knowledge which brings about tranquility of the senses. That alone is to be known which has its significance established in the Upanishads. They alone are blessed whose aspiration is firmly set on knowing the Supreme Truth. Others are only whirling round (being caught) in an eddy (in the form of worldly life) or (living) in an abode of delusion. Blessed are they who have conquered at first the attraction for the sense-objects and also the host of enemies in the form of conceit, infatuation, attachment, aversion etc. Thereby they win over the kingdom of yoga which is contemplation on the Supreme. They move about in the abode of forest, enjoying the company of the beloved in the form of knowledge of the Supreme-Self, having a clear understanding of their path of pursuit. Blessed are they who are sipping the juice of essence of the Upanishads, at their free will without restraint. They have abandoned all sensuous enjoyment at home, which is the cause of one's downfall in life. Being free from desire and no attraction for enjoyment of worldly pleasures, they move about in solitude, with a sense of release from bondage. Blessed are they who realise that the Kartá (doer of action) is different from the Self and resign the fruits of actions to that Kartá. They look upon all alike and remain the same both towards honour and dishonour since they have given up the feeling of `I' and `mine' the two shackles that tie down the individual. Blessed are those twice-born, who in solitude visualize within their bosom the Supreme Effulgence, called Paramátman. Having given up the three desires, they seek the path of salvation, maintaining their physical existence, by means of nectar of alms. Blessed are they by whom the Brahman is contemplated with one pointed attention in the following way. `It is not That which is not, nor That which is, nor is It the combination of both. It is neither the big nor the subtle, nor is It the female or the male or the neutral. It is the one source of all'. Such people shine (with glory) while others remain imprisoned by the shackles of worldly life. Blessed are they who realise that the bondage of worldly life is ephemeral and cut off that bond with the sword of knowledge and remain firm. They came to understand that this worldly life means, to be caught in the mire of ignorance, devoid of anything worthwhile, abode of sorrow and associated with birth, death and old age. Blessed are they who ponder well over that Reality all the time in the forest. They are associated with people who are at peace within, whose attention is not diverted, and who are of sweet nature. They understand the significance of the word Átman with the conviction in their minds that Reality is one and remain free from infatuation.