Madhvaon Brahma Sūtra 3.1.7

The immortality spoken of in the Sruti quoted above is one of a limited character (i.e., limited in time). For the absolute immortality would result only in the case of him who knows (realises) the Lord, as appears from the Sruti, “ There is no other way leading unto Him (i.e., other than knowledge)” (T. A. III. 13). By the term * or ’ it is intimated that works may mediately lead to immortality in the case of those who perform them with the knowledge of Brahman, that is, by enabling the per- formers to see Brahman. The same is distinctly declared in the (following) Sruti, “ That Lord if not known, does not permit him (the ignorant) to enjoy bliss, just as either the Vedas not duly studied under the pre- ceptor or the duties not (properly) performed are not productive of fruits; or if he who does not know the Lord, even performs any great and meritorious deed, that does become ultimately decayed (futile); therefore, let him meditate on the Lord as (his) abode and guide; he who meditates on the Lord only, as his abode and light, has his works (rendered) undecaying; and through the grace of that Lord, his work creates for him whatever h? desires” (Br. U. Ill 4.15). “Immortal indeed he be- comes who drinks of Soma (only) so long as Indra, or Manu or the Sun lasts.” “ By works he extends his knowledge (or by works he acquires knowledge); by knowledge he becomes immortal; consequently works are (called) immortal, for they lead him to im- mortality.” It may be argued that when the works done become exhausted by fruition, release may be obtained (without resorting to the knowledge of Brahman). In reply the Sutrakara says: