Śivasaṃhitā 1.54

The non-contamination of Spirit as a corollary of its omnipresence. Being in everything does not mean mixing with everything. Space is in mud, in fire, in water, but is not mud, fire, or water. Similarly, the ātman permeates every corner of the universe without acquiring any of its perishable qualities. This distinction is fundamental for practice: the practitioner is already pure.

The adjective asaṃlagna (non-adhering, unmixed, without contact) describes Spirit’s relationship with the pañcabhūta (five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth). These elements are designated mithyābhūta (of false, unreal existence). The double negation is significant: not only does Spirit not mix, but what surrounds it lacks full real existence.

This teaching on the non-contamination of the ātman connects with the Sāṃkhya doctrine of puruṣa (spirit) as a passive witness unaffected by prakṛti (matter). The Śivasaṃhitā adopts this distinction but reformulates it from non-dualism: there are not two separate principles, but one alone that seems to be two through the effect of māyā.