Yoga Vashishtha 1.33.11–22
(Vivid scene of a Divine assembly)
श्रीवाल्मीकिरुवाच ।
ताराजाल इवाम्भोदो व्यासो यत्र विराजते ।
तारौघ इव शीतांशुर्नारदोऽत्र विराजते ॥ ११ ॥
देवेष्विव सुराधीशः पुलस्त्योऽत्र विराजते ।
आदित्य इव देवानामंगिरास्तु विराजते ॥ १२ ॥
अथास्यां सिद्धसेनायां पतन्त्यां नभसो रसाम् ।
उत्तस्थौ मुनिसंपूर्णा तदा दाशरथी सभा ॥ १३ ॥
मिश्रीभूता विरेजुस्ते नभश्चरमहीचराः।
परस्परवृतांगाभा भासयन्तो दिशो दश ॥ १४ ॥
वेणुदण्डावृतकरा लीलाकमलधारिणः।
दूर्वांकुराक्रान्तशिखाः सचूडामणिमूर्धजाः ॥ १५ ॥
जटाजूटैश्च कपिला मौलिमालितमस्तकाः ।
प्रकोष्ठगाक्षवलया मल्लिकावलयान्विताः ॥ १६ ॥
चीरवल्कलसंवीताः स्रक्कौशेयावगुण्ठिताः ।
विलोलमेखलापाशाश्चलन्मुक्ताकलापिनः ॥ १७ ॥
वसिष्ठविश्वामित्रौ तान्पूजयामासतुः क्रमात् ।
अर्घ्यैः पाद्यौर्वचोभिश्च सर्वानेव नभश्चरान् ॥ १८ ॥
वसिष्ठविश्वामित्रौ ते पूजयामासुरादरात् ।
अर्घ्यैः पाद्यैर्वचोभिश्च नभश्चरमहागणाः ॥ १९ ॥
सर्वादरेण सिद्धौघं पूजयामास भूपतिः।
सिद्धौघो भूपतिं चैव कुशलप्रश्नवार्तया ॥ २० ॥
तैस्तैः प्रणयसंरम्भैरन्योन्यं प्राप्तसत्क्रियाः।
उपाविशन्विष्टरेषु नभश्चरमहीचराः ॥ २१ ॥
वचोभिः पुष्पवर्षेण साधुवादेन चाभितः ।
रामं ते पूजयामासुः पुरः प्रणतमास्थितम् ॥ २२ ॥
Maharishi Valmiki said:
11. Where Vyasa shines like a cloud adorned with a network of stars, and Narada glows like the moon amidst a multitude of stars.
12. Pulastya shines here like the lord of gods among the deities, and Angiras radiates like the sun among the gods.
13. As this assembly of perfected beings descended from the sky, the court of Dasaratha rose, filled with sages.
14. The celestial and terrestrial beings mingled, their radiant forms intertwined, illuminating all ten directions.
15. Holding bamboo staffs, playfully carrying lotuses, with heads adorned with sprouts of durva grass and jeweled crests.
16. With matted locks turned tawny, heads garlanded with wreaths, wrists adorned with rosaries and jasmine bracelets.
17. Clothed in bark and rags, draped in fragrant silk, with swaying girdles and strings of pearls in motion.
18. Vasishta and Vishvamitra honored all the celestial beings in turn with offerings, water for washing feet, and respectful words.
19. Vasishta and Vishvamitra reverently honored the great assembly of celestial beings with offerings, water, and words.
20. The king honored the multitude of perfected beings with utmost respect, and they, in turn, inquired after his well-being with courteous words.
21. Bound by mutual affection and having received due honors, the celestial and terrestrial beings sat together on their seats.
22. With words, showers of flowers, and heartfelt praise, they honored Rama, who stood before them with a humble bow.
Summary of Teachings
These verses from the Yoga Vasishta paint a vivid scene of a Divine assembly, blending celestial and terrestrial beings in a grand spiritual gathering hosted by King Dasaratha. The poetic imagery highlights the luminous presence of great sages like Vyasa, Narada, Pulastya, and Angiras, likened to celestial bodies such as stars, the moon, and the sun. This assembly signifies the convergence of Divine Wisdom and earthly authority, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance in human affairs. The verses teach that the presence of enlightened beings elevates any gathering, infusing it with cosmic significance and illuminating the path to higher understanding.
The detailed descriptions of the sages’ appearances—adorned with bamboo staffs, lotuses, durva grass, matted locks, and sacred ornaments—symbolize their ascetic yet Divine nature.
These external markers reflect their Inner Purity, detachment, and connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. The Yoga Vasishta uses this imagery to convey that true wisdom transcends material appearances, yet such symbols serve as reminders of the sages’ disciplined lives and spiritual authority. This teaches aspirants to value inner transformation over external grandeur while appreciating the harmony between simplicity and Divine Grace.
The mutual respect shown through rituals, such as Vasishta and Vishvamitra offering water and words of honor, underscores the principle of reverence in spiritual communities. The king’s respectful engagement with the sages further illustrates the ideal relationship between temporal power and Spiritual Wisdom, where both support each other for the greater good. This exchange reflects the Yoga Vasishta’s teaching that humility and mutual respect are essential for fostering harmony and enabling the flow of Divine Knowledge, creating an environment conducive to spiritual growth.
The gathering’s focus on honoring Rama, with flowers, praise, and blessings, foreshadows his role as a central figure in the text, destined to receive profound teachings. This act of veneration highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing potential in those who seek Wisdom, particularly under the guidance of enlightened beings. It suggests that spiritual progress is a collective effort, where the community uplifts its members through encouragement and shared reverence, aligning with the text’s broader emphasis on the transformative power of divine instruction.
Overall, these verses encapsulate the Yoga Vasishta’s core teaching that Spiritual Wisdom, embodied by enlightened beings, is the guiding light for both individuals and society. The assembly serves as a microcosm of an ideal world where Divine and human realms unite in mutual respect, illuminating the path to Realization. By presenting this harmonious interplay, the text encourages seekers to cultivate humility, honor Wisdom, and participate in communities that foster Spiritual Awakening, ultimately leading to the Realization of the Self’s Unity with the Divine.
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