Madhvaon Brahma Sūtra 3.4.51

The hearing (study), etc. conveyed by the following text are laid down as the means of direct knowledge : “ Verily Atman is to be seen, to be heard, to be thought and to be meditated on j ” and that, perception or sight, may rise in this very life when hearing, etc., are accomplished, provided there is no obstruction of the Karma that has begun to bear its fruits. This is seen from the Sauparna Sruti: “ Having studied scrip- ture for the knowledge of Atman, and having thought and meditated on Him, it is possible that the sight of the Supreme is obtained in this very life, provided that the Prarabdhakarma does not stand as obstruction ; if it does, only having fallen upon some other life, he shall, by pursuing the same means (to the necessary extent), see the Lord.” The Brihat Samhita has the following : “ Undoubtedly endeavours must be made to that extent to which they are necessary for breaking open the prison of sins brought on by the bodily existence which has no beginning ; for everybody must travel the whole distance (which separates him from the destination) before he can reach it; and the perception of the Lord would only rise when the exertion is complete either in this or in another life. By exertion here is meant the study of Scripture, confirming what is studied by reasoning and deep meditation, as well as devotion to the Supreme Lord and to the preceptor and the worship, &c. of Hari; (only) by such endeavours the sight of the Lord is obtained.”