Introduction to Yoga Vashishta

Introduction to the Teachings of The Yoga Vashishta

The Yoga Vashishta is a profound philosophical scripture in the form of a dialogue between Sage Vashishta and Lord Rama. It presents the essence of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing non-duality, the illusory nature of the world (Maya), the supremacy of the mind, and liberation (Moksha) through Self-Knowledge. The text is structured as a spiritual discourse, offering insights into the nature of reality, suffering, and enlightenment.

The Nature of Reality (Brahm & Maya):

The Yoga Vashishta teaches that the Absolute Reality (Brahm) is Infinite, Eternal, and beyond name and form. The perceived world is an illusion (Maya), created by the mind. The Reality experienced by an individual is subjective and shaped by their mental conditioning. 

Example:

The story of King Lavana describes how he was hypnotized by a magician and experienced an entirely different life as a wandering beggar for years. However, he awoke to find that it had lasted only a few moments in his court. This illustrates that the world is just a projection of the mind, much like a dream.

The Role of the Mind in Shaping Experience:

The mind is the creator of both bondage and liberation. When the mind is caught in desires, fears, and attachments, it creates suffering. However, when it is disciplined and purified, it reveals the Self’s True Nature. 

Example:

The story of Leela tells of a queen who, upon the death of her husband, gains insight into the Nature of Existence. She sees multiple lifetimes and parallel universes within herself, demonstrating that all experiences are merely mental projections.

The Power of Self-Inquiry (Jnana Yoga):

Liberation (Moksha) is attained through Self-Inquiry. The path to freedom is not through rituals or external means, but by questioning the Nature of the Self and Realizing its Eternal, unchanging Nature.

Example:

The dialogue between Vashishta and Rama itself serves as an example. Initially, Rama is disturbed by the impermanence of life, but through Self-Inquiry, guided by Vashishta, he Realizes the Truth of his Eternal Self.

Karma and Free Will:

The Yoga Vashishta teaches that while karma (past actions) influences one's circumstances, free will (purushartha) allows one to transcend limitations. The Wise person uses self-effort (sadhana) to break free from karmic conditioning.

Example:

The story of Kacha tells of a man who was bound by past karma and constantly suffered. However, through intense effort, meditation, and wisdom, he overcame his karmic influences and attained liberation.

The Three States of Consciousness:

The text explains three fundamental states of existence:

1. Waking State (Jagrat) - The ordinary reality perceived through the senses.

2. Dream State (Swapna) - A world created entirely by the mind during sleep.

3. Deep Sleep State (Sushupti) - A state where individual identity dissolves.

It suggests that Ultimate Realization is in Transcending these states and experiencing the Fourth State (Turiya), where Pure Awareness is Realized.

Example:

The story of the ten ignorant men crossing a river and forgetting to count themselves represents ignorance. Each man believed one of them was lost, though all were present. This symbolizes how the Self is always present but forgotten due to ignorance.

Liberation (Moksha) Through Detachment:

Detachment (Vairagya) is emphasized as a means to liberation. One must Transcend attachment to the body, mind, and material world to Realize the Self.

Example:

The story of King Janaka illustrates this idea. Though he ruled a kingdom, he remained completely detached from it, knowing that his True Self was beyond the transient world.

Conclusion:

The Yoga Vashishta provides a systematic path to enlightenment, integrating philosophy, Self-Inquiry, and practical Wisdom. It teaches that liberation is attainable through Knowledge, mental discipline, and Realization of the Self 's non-dual Nature. The stories and dialogues serve as powerful metaphors for the journey of Self discovery, leading one from illusion to Truth.

Chapters of Yoga Vashishta:

The Yoga Vashishta is divided into six main sections (Khandas), each containing a varying number of Slokas. Below is an approximate breakdown of the number of Slokas in each section:

1. Vairagya Khanda (On Dispassion): ~1,500 Slokas

2. Mumukshu Vyavahara Khanda (On the Conduct of a Seeker): ~1,000 Slokas

3. Utpatti Khanda (On Creation): ~7,000 Slokas

4. Sthiti Khanda (On Sustenance or Existence): ~3,000 Slokas

5. Upashama Khanda (On Dissolution or Quiescence): ~5,000 Slokas

6. Nirvana Khanda (On Liberation): ~14,500 Slokas

Total: ~32,000 Slokas

The largest section is the Nirvana Khanda, which contains almost half of the entire text. This section explores deep philosophical teachings, Self-Inquiry, and Ultimate liberation (Moksha).