Endowed with purified intellect, controlling the self with firmness, relinquishing sense objects, and abandoning attraction and aversion — this begins the description of the path to Brahman-realization. All traditions see these as the essential preparatory practices. Shankara identifies this as the jnana-yoga path in its practical detail. Ramanuja teaches that these disciplines prepare the soul for divine knowledge. Madhva sees each practice removing an obstacle between the devotee and God. Abhinavagupta views them as the progressive stilling of mind that allows natural recognition — each step removes a veil from awareness. Vallabha teaches they are made possible by grace, with each purification deepening receptivity to divine love. The bhakti tradition holds that devotion provides the motivation for these challenging disciplines. Tilak applies them within active life — purifying intellect through study, controlling senses through moderation. Vivekananda provides a practical reading: purify through discrimination, control through will, abandon excess, master emotions. The traditions agree: these practices are not ends in themselves but preparations for the ultimate realization that follows.