Chapter 1.1, Verses 14-16

Yoga Vāsiṣṭha 1.1.14 to 1.1.16

(delve into the means of attaining mokṣa (liberation) and the dilemmas faced by seekers on this path)

Verse 1.1.14:

कारुण्य उवाच ।

यावज्जीवमग्निहोत्रं नित्यं संध्यामुपासयेत् ।

प्रवृत्तिरूपो धर्मोऽयं श्रुत्या स्मृत्या च चोदितः ॥ १४ ॥

"One should perform the Agnihotra (fire sacrifice) throughout one's life and regularly engage in the Sandhyā (twilight) rituals. This form of active duty is enjoined by both Śruti (revealed scriptures) and Smṛti (traditional texts)."

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to prescribed Vedic rituals, such as the Agnihotra and 

Sandhyā rites, throughout one's life. These practices, rooted in the Vedic tradition, are considered essential duties (pravṛtti-dharma) and are endorsed by both Śruti and 

Smṛti texts. Engaging in these rituals is believed to purify the mind, discipline the senses, and maintain harmony with Cosmic forces, thereby laying a foundation for spiritual progress.

Verse 1.1.15:

न धनेन भवेन्मोक्षः कर्मणा प्रजया न वा।

त्यागमात्रेण किंत्वेके यतयोऽश्नन्ति चामृतम् ॥ १५ ॥

"Liberation is not achieved through wealth, actions, or progeny. Rather, some ascetics attain immortality solely through renunciation."

Here, the text underscores that mokṣa cannot be secured through material wealth, ritualistic actions, or lineage. Instead, true liberation is attained through tyāga 

(renunciation). This renunciation is not merely the abandonment of worldly possessions but signifies a deeper detachment from desires, ego, and the fruits of actions. Such inner renunciation leads ascetics to experience the nectar of immortality, symbolizing the realization of the self's eternal nature beyond the transient physical realm.

Verse 1.1.16:

इति श्रुत्योर्द्वयोर्मध्ये किं कर्तव्यं मया गुरो ।

इति संदिग्धतां गत्वा तूष्णींभूतोऽस्मि कर्मणि ॥ १६ ॥

"Between these two scriptural injunctions, what should I do, O Guru? Becoming doubtful and uncertain, I have become inactive regarding action."

This verse reflects the seeker's confusion when confronted with seemingly contradictory scriptural directives: one advocating the performance of rituals and duties, and the other emphasizing renunciation as the path to liberation. Caught between these paths, the aspirant Karuni became paralyzed by doubt, leading to inaction. This highlights the importance of proper guidance to reconcile such dilemmas and progress on the spiritual journey.

Comparative Analysis with Vedic Texts:

Similar themes are explored in other Vedic texts, offering further insight into the balance between action and renunciation:

Katha Upanishad 2.3.11:

तां योगमिति मन्यन्ते स्थिरामिन्द्रियधारणाम् ।

अप्रमत्तस्तदा भवति योगो हि प्रभवाप्ययौ ॥ ११ ॥

"That State when all the senses are under control is known as yoga. One has to maintain careful vigilance (to maintain this State) for yoga is subject to growth and decay." 

This verse emphasizes the importance of sense control and constant vigilance in the practice of yoga, aligning with the idea that inner discipline leads to Realization.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 2.13:

लघुत्वमारोग्यमलोलुपत्वं वर्णप्रसाद स्वरसौष्ठवं च ।

गन्धः शुभो मूत्रपुरीषमल्पं योगप्रवृत्तिं प्रथमां वदन्ति ॥ १३ ॥

"Lightness of the body, freedom from disease, absence of desire for sense objects, glowing body, sweetness of speech, pleasant odor, and minimal urine and feces – these are the initial attainments resulting from the practice of yoga." 

This verse describes the physical and mental benefits that arise from dedicated yoga practice, suggesting that such disciplines are integral to the path of Realization.

Both verses from the Upanishads reinforce the themes presented in the Yoga Vāsiṣṭha, highlighting the significance of disciplined practice, sense control, and the pursuit of Inner Purity as essential components on the path to Realization.