Chapter 1.1, Verses 7 & 8

Yoga Vashishta 1.1.7 & 1.1.8

(The Bird with Two Wings Analogy)

Verse 1.1.7:

अगस्तिरुवाच । 

उभाभ्यामेव पक्षाभ्यां यथा खे पक्षिणां गतिः। 

तथैव ज्ञानकर्मभ्यां जायते परमं पदम् ॥ ७॥

"Agastya said: Just as the movement of birds in the sky is accomplished with both wings, so too is the Supreme State attained through both Knowledge and action."

In this verse, Sage Agastya employs the metaphor of a bird's flight to illustrate the interdependence of Knowledge and action in the pursuit of Realization. A bird requires both wings to navigate the vast expanse of the sky; similarly, an individual must cultivate both Wisdom and engage in righteous actions to progress on the spiritual path. This analogy emphasizes that neither aspect alone is sufficient; both are integral and must function in unison to achieve the ultimate goal.

The verse underscores the holistic approach to spiritual practice. While Knowledge provides insight into the True Nature of Reality, actions rooted in that understanding manifest as ethical conduct and selfless service. This harmonious blend ensures that one's spiritual journey is grounded, dynamic, and effective, leading to the realization of the highest state of being.

Verse 1.1.8:

केवलात्कर्मणो ज्ञानान्नहि मोक्षोऽभिजायते।

किंतूभाभ्यां भवेन्मोक्षः साधनं तूभयं विदुः ॥ ८ ॥

"Neither by actions alone nor by Knowledge alone is Realization achieved; but by both together. Both are known as the means."

This verse further clarifies that exclusive reliance on either action or Knowledge is insufficient for attaining Realization. Actions devoid of understanding may lack direction and purpose, while Knowledge without corresponding action can remain theoretical and ungrounded. Therefore, the synthesis of both is deemed essential for genuine Spiritual emancipation.

By integrating Knowledge and action, individuals align their inner understanding with their external conduct. This alignment ensures that one's life reflects their Spiritual insights, leading to authentic transformation and Realization.

Comparison with Vedic Texts

The Rigveda also emphasizes the importance of integrating Wisdom and action. For instance:

Rigveda 1.004.1

सुरूपकृत्नुमूतये सुदुघामिव गोदुहे । जुहूमसि द्यविद्यवि ॥

"The Wise and skillful are bound to union (yoga), just as a cowherd is attached to a good milch cow; go to fasten (invoke) Brahm one day."

Here, the Sage likens the union (yoga) to a good milch cow, suggesting that Wisdom and skills are nourished by yoga. This metaphor underscores the necessity of combining Knowledge with disciplined practice to achieve spiritual fulfillment.

Similarly, the Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.4-5 distinguishes between two types of knowledge: the Higher (para) and the lower (apara). 

तस्मै स होवाच द्वे विद्ये वेदितव्ये इति ह स्म यद् ब्रह्मविदो वदन्ति, परा चैवापरा च ॥ ४ ॥

अपरो विद्याऽन्यथा यद् ब्रह्मविद्याऽधिगच्छति ॥ ५ ॥

"To him [Saunaka], he [Angiras] said: Two kinds of knowledge must be known — this is what the knowers of Brahm tell us; they are the Higher and the lower knowledge." ~ 1.1.4

"The lower knowledge includes the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda, phonetics, rituals, grammar, etymology, meter, and astronomy; but the Higher Knowledge is that by which the imperishable (Brahm) is attained." ~1.1.5

The Higher Knowledge pertains to the Eternal and Imperishable, while the lower encompasses rituals and worldly learning. The Upanishad asserts that True Realization arises from the Higher Knowledge, which transcends mere ritualistic actions. 

Both the Yoga Vāsiṣṭha and these Vedic texts highlight the indispensable role of harmonizing Knowledge and action in the pursuit of Spiritual Realization. They collectively advocate for a balanced approach, where Wisdom informs action, and actions embody Wisdom, leading to the Realization of the Ultimate Truth.