Yoga Vashishtha 1.33.1–10
(Importance of Spiritual dialogue in the pursuit of Truth)
सिद्धा ऊचुः ।
पावनस्यास्य वचसः प्रोक्तस्य रघुकेतुना।
निर्णयं श्रोतुमुचितं वक्ष्यमाणं महर्षिभिः ॥ १ ॥
नारदव्यासपुलहप्रमुखा मुनिपुङ्गवाः।
आगच्छताश्वविघ्नेन सर्व एव महर्षयः ॥ २ ॥
पतामः परितः पुण्यामेतां दाशरथीं सभाम् ।
नीरन्ध्रां कनकोद्योतां पद्मिनीमिव षट्पदाः ॥ ३ ॥
श्रीवाल्मीकिरुवाच ।
इत्युक्ता सा समस्तैव व्योमवासनिवासिनी ।
तां पपात सभां तत्र दिव्या मुनिपरम्परा ॥ ४ ॥
अग्रस्थितमनुत्सृष्टरणद्वीणं मुनीश्वरम् ।
पयः पीनघनश्यामं व्यासमेव किलान्तरा ॥ ५ ॥
भृग्वंगिरःपुलस्त्यादिमुनिनाय कमण्डिता।
च्यवनोद्दालकोशीरशरलोमादिमालिता ॥ ६ ॥
परस्परपरामर्शदुःसंस्थानमृगाजिना ।
लोलाक्षमालावलया सुकमण्डलुधारिणी ॥ ७ ॥
तारावलिरिव व्योम्नि तेजःप्रसरपाटला ।
सूर्यावलिरिवान्योन्यं भासिताननमण्डना ॥ ८ ॥
रत्नावलिरिवान्योन्यं नानावर्णकृतांगिका।
मुक्तावलिरिवान्योन्यं कृतशोभातिशायिनी ॥ ९ ॥
कौमुदीवृष्टिरन्येव द्वितीयेवार्कमण्डली ।
संभृतेवातिकालेन पूर्णचन्द्रपरम्परा ॥ १०॥
The Siddhas said:
1. It is fitting to hear the conclusion of the pure words spoken by Rama, the scion of the Raghu dynasty, as it will be expounded by the great sages.
2. Great Sages such as Narada, Vyasa, Pulaha, and others, all eminent seers, should come quickly without hindrance to this assembly.
3. Let us descend to this sacred assembly of Dasaratha’s court, crowded and radiant with golden splendor, like bees to a lotus-filled lake.
Maharishi Valmiki said:
4. Thus spoken, the entire divine assembly of sages, dwelling in the ethereal realms, descended to that court.
5. At the forefront was the great sage Vyasa, holding an unstruck lute, dark as a water-laden cloud, surrounded by the assembly.
6. Adorned with sages like Bhrigu, Angiras, Pulastya, and others, and graced by Chyavana, Uddalaka, Ushira, Sharaloma, and more.
7. Clothed in deerskin, holding rosaries of swaying beads and water pots, they discussed profound truths with one another.
8. Like a galaxy of stars in the sky, their radiant splendor illuminated each other’s faces, glowing like a circle of suns.
9. Like a string of jewels, their forms displayed varied hues, each enhancing the other’s brilliance.
10. Like a shower of moonlight or a second circle of suns, they shone as if gathered at the end of time, resembling a lineage of full moons.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 1.33.1 to 1.33.10 depict a grand assembly of enlightened sages converging to hear the profound discourse initiated by Rama, as facilitated by the great sage Valmiki. The Siddhas, celestial beings of high spiritual attainment, express their eagerness to listen to the wisdom expounded by Rama and elucidated by eminent sages like Narada, Vyasa, and Pulaha. This gathering underscores the importance of spiritual dialogue and the pursuit of Truth, emphasizing that such discussions are sacred and worthy of attention. The verses highlight the reverence for Wisdom and the collective aspiration to deepen understanding through the teachings of Realized beings.
The imagery used in the verses is vivid and symbolic, comparing the assembly of sages to bees drawn to a lotus-filled lake, signifying their natural attraction to the nectar of Divine Knowledge. The court of Dasaratha, described as radiant with golden splendor, serves as a metaphor for a sanctified space where spiritual insights are shared. This setting reflects the ideal environment for philosophical and spiritual inquiry, where the presence of enlightened beings elevates the discourse to a Divine level. The verses suggest that such gatherings are not merely physical but also represent a convergence of elevated Consciousness.
The description of the Sages, with Vyasa at the forefront holding an unstruck lute and surrounded by luminaries like Bhrigu and Angiras, emphasizes their spiritual authority and diversity. The lute, an unstruck instrument, symbolizes the unmanifest sound of creation (anahata nada), pointing to the Sages’ attunement with Cosmic Truths. Their attire—deerskin, rosaries, and water pots—reflects their ascetic lifestyle, rooted in simplicity and devotion to spiritual practice. The mention of their discussions on profound Truths highlights the dynamic exchange of Wisdom, a hallmark of spiritual communities dedicated to Self-Realization.
The poetic comparisons to stars, suns, jewels, and moonlight evoke the radiant and transformative nature of the Sages’ presence. Their collective brilliance illuminates one another, symbolizing the synergistic effect of enlightened Beings coming together. This imagery conveys the idea that Spiritual Wisdom is not solitary but thrives in communion, where each Sage’s light enhances the others’. The verses suggest that such gatherings are rare and auspicious, akin to cosmic events like a “shower of moonlight” or a “circle of suns,” signifying their Timeless and Universal significance.
Overall, these verses teach the value of seeking and sharing Spiritual Knowledge in the company of the Wise. They emphasize the sanctity of environments where Truth is explored, the importance of humility and reverence in learning, and the transformative power of collective wisdom. The gathering of Sages serves as an allegory for the inner assembly of one’s faculties when aligned with the pursuit of truth, encouraging aspirants to seek the guidance of enlightened teachers and immerse themselves in the radiance of Divine understanding.
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