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Yoga Vashishtha 2.10.37–44
(The Divine Mission of Maharishi Vashishta)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
ततो विदितवेद्यं मां निजां प्रकृतिमास्थितम् ।
स उवाच जगत्कर्ता वक्ता सकलकारणम् ॥ ३७ ॥
शापेनाज्ञपदं नीत्वा पृच्छकस्त्वं मया कृतः ।
पुत्रास्य ज्ञानसारस्य समस्तजनसिद्धये ॥ ३८ ॥
इदानीं शान्तशापस्त्वं परं बोधमुपागतः।
संस्थितोऽहमिवैकान्माऽकनक कनकादिवत् ॥ ३९ ॥
गच्छेदानीं महीपृष्ठे जम्बूद्वीपान्तरस्थितम् ।
साधो भरतवर्ष त्वं लोकानुग्रहहेतुना ॥ ४० ॥
तत्र क्रियाकाण्डपरास्त्वया पुत्र महाधिया ।
उपदेश्वाः क्रियाकाण्डक्रमेण क्रमशालिना ॥ ४१ ॥
विरर्क्ताचेत्ताश्च तथा महाप्राज्ञा विचारिणः ।
उपदेश्यास्त्वया साधो ज्ञानेनानन्ददायिना ॥ ४२ ॥
इति तेन नियुक्तोऽहं पित्रा कमलयोनिना ।
इह राघव तिष्ठामि यावद्भूतपरम्परा ॥ ४३ ॥
कर्तव्यमस्ति न ममेह हि किंचिदेव स्थातव्यमित्यतिमना भुवि संस्थितोऽस्मि ।
संशान्तया सततसुप्तधियेह वृत्या कार्य करोमि न च किंचिदहं करोमि ॥ ४४ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.10.37: Then, having known me as one who has Realized the Ultimate Truth and is established in my True Nature, he, the creator of the world and the speaker of all causes, spoke to me.
2.10.38: Due to a curse, you were brought to a state of Ignorance and made a questioner by me, O son, for the essence of Knowledge to benefit all people.
2.10.39: Now, with the curse lifted, you have attained Supreme Enlightenment, established like me, as gold remains gold even when fashioned into an ornament.
2.10.40: Go now to the surface of the earth, to the land of Bharata within Jambudvipa, O Sage, for the sake of uplifting humanity.
2.10.41: There, with your Great Wisdom, instruct those devoted to rituals in the proper sequence of ritualistic actions, guiding them methodically.
2.10.42: Similarly, instruct those with detached minds and the highly wise who are reflective, O Sage, with the Knowledge that bestows Bliss.
2.10.43: Thus, appointed by my father, the lotus-born (Brahma), I remain here, O Rama, as long as the chain of Beings persists.
2.10.44: I have no duty to perform here, yet I remain on earth with a mind free of desire; with a fully tranquil and ever-quiet intellect, I act without truly acting.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.10.37 to 2.10.44 encapsulate a profound dialogue where Sage Vasishta recounts his Divine Mission as assigned by Brahma, the Creator. In these verses, Vasishta describes how he was recognized by Brahma as one who has Realized the Ultimate Truth and is established in his True Nature. This recognition signifies Vasishta’s attainment of Self-Realization, where he abides in his essential, unchanging nature, likened to gold that retains its essence regardless of its form. The verses emphasize the theme of transcending Ignorance through Divine guidance and Realizing one’s Eternal, Unchanging Self, a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
The narrative introduces the concept of a curse that temporarily placed Vasishta in a state of Ignorance, making him a questioner to serve a higher purpose. Brahma explains that this was orchestrated to enable Vasishta to spread the Essence of Knowledge for the benefit of humanity. This highlights a key teaching of the Yoga Vasishta: even apparent setbacks, like a curse, are part of a Divine plan to facilitate spiritual growth and service to others. The lifting of the curse signifies Vasishta’s return to Supreme Enlightenment, aligning him with the Ultimate Reality, where distinctions between the Self and the Divine dissolve, as illustrated by the metaphor of gold and its ornaments.
Brahma’s directive to Vasishta to go to Bharata within Jambudvipa underscores his role as a Spiritual Guide for humanity. This Mission is twofold: to instruct those engaged in rituals (kriya-kanda) with proper guidance and to impart Blissful, liberating Knowledge (jnana) to those with detached and reflective minds. This dual approach reflects the Yoga Vasishta’s inclusive teaching methodology, catering to both ritualistic practitioners and those pursuing philosophical inquiry. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring Spiritual guidance to the seeker’s level of understanding, ensuring accessibility to Wisdom for all.
Vasishta’s acceptance of this Mission, as described in verse 43, reflects his selfless dedication to humanity’s upliftment, sustained by Divine Will. His presence on earth, despite having no personal duties, illustrates the ideal of a liberated Being who acts without attachment, driven by compassion rather than personal desire. This state of “acting without acting” (verse 44) encapsulates the concept of nishkama karma (selfless action), where actions are performed with a tranquil mind, free from ego or expectation, aligning with the broader Vedantic principle of living in harmony with the cosmic order while remaining detached.
In essence, these verses convey the Yoga Vasishta’s core teachings of Self-Realization, selfless service, and the transcendence of duality. They portray Vasishta as a model of a Realized Sage who, despite being beyond worldly obligations, engages in the world to guide others toward liberation. The teachings encourage seekers to pursue Knowledge that leads to Inner Peace and to live with detachment, performing actions for the greater good without being bound by them. This blend of practical guidance and profound wisdom underscores the text’s timeless relevance in fostering spiritual growth and universal well-being.
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