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Yoga Vashishtha 2.11.55–63
(Practical and philosophical guide for overcoming the restlessness of the mind and attaining Realization)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
यद्यद्वच्मि तदादेयं हृदि कार्य प्रयत्नतः।
नोचेत्प्रष्टव्य एवाहं न त्वयेह निरर्थकम् ॥ ५५ ॥
मनो हि चपलं राम संसारवनमर्कटम्।
संशोध्य हृदि यत्नेन श्रोतव्या परमार्थगीः ॥ ५६ ॥
अविवेकिनमज्ञानमसज्जनरतिं जनम्।
चिरं दूरतरे कृत्वा पूजनीया हि साधवः ॥ ५७ ॥
नित्यं सज्जनसंपर्काद्विवेक उपजायते।
विवेकपादपस्यैव भोगमोक्षौ फले स्मृतौ ॥ ५८ ॥
मोक्षद्वारे द्वारपालाश्चत्वारः परिकीर्तिताः।
शमो विचारः संतोषश्चतुर्थः साधुसंगमः ॥ ५९ ॥
एते सेव्याः प्रयत्नेन चत्वारौ द्वौ त्रयोऽथवा ।
द्वारमुद्धाटयन्त्येते मोक्षराजगृहे तथा ॥ ६० ॥
एकं वा सर्वयत्नेन प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा समाश्रयेत् ।
एकस्मिन्वशगे यान्ति चत्वारोऽपि वशं यतः ॥ ६१ ॥
सविवेको हि शास्त्रस्य ज्ञानस्य तपसः श्रुतेः ।
भाजनं भूषणाकारो भास्करस्तेजसामिव ॥ ६२ ॥
घनतषपयातं हि प्रज्ञामान्द्यमचेतसाम् ।
याति स्थावरतामम्बु जाड्यात्पाषाणतामिव ॥ ६३ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.11.55: Whatever I say should be carefully accepted and diligently applied in the heart. If not understood, you should question me, Rama, but do not let it be in vain.
2.11.56: The mind, O Rama, is restless like a monkey in the forest of samsara. It must be purified with effort, and the teachings of Ultimate Truth should be attentively heard.
2.11.57: Keep far away, for a long time, the ignorant person who delights in the company of the unrighteous. Instead, the wise and virtuous should be revered.
2.11.58: Constant association with the virtuous gives rise to discernment. The tree of discernment bears the twin fruits of enjoyment and liberation.
2.11.59: At the gate of Realization, four gatekeepers are proclaimed: self-control, inquiry, contentment, and association with the virtuous.
2.11.60: These four, or even two or three of them, should be diligently cultivated. They open the door to the royal palace of Realization.
2.11.61: Even if one of these is earnestly pursued, even at the cost of life, the others will come under control, as mastering one brings all four into alignment.
2.11.62: One endowed with discernment is the receptacle for scriptures, knowledge, and austerity, like the sun adorned with its radiance.
2.11.63: The dullness of the ignorant, devoid of discernment, leads to stagnation, like water turning to stone through inertia.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.11.55–63, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Rama, emphasize the importance of disciplined effort in spiritual practice and the cultivation of discernment (viveka) as the foundation for Realization. Vasishta urges Rama to attentively absorb and apply his teachings, questioning anything unclear to ensure meaningful understanding. This sets the tone for a proactive approach to spiritual learning, highlighting the need for sincerity and diligence in internalizing wisdom. The restless nature of the mind, compared to a monkey in the forest of worldly existence (samsara), underscores the necessity of purifying it through focused effort to receive Higher Truths.
The teachings stress the value of associating with the virtuous (satsang) and avoiding the ignorant who indulge in unrighteous company. This choice of companionship is critical, as the virtuous inspire discernment, which Vasishta describes as a tree yielding the dual fruits of worldly enjoyment (bhoga) and liberation (moksha). By surrounding oneself with wise and righteous individuals, one cultivates the clarity and insight needed to navigate both material and spiritual realms effectively. This guidance reflects the text’s emphasis on the transformative power of positive influences in shaping one’s character and destiny.
Vasishta introduces the metaphor of Realization as a royal palace guarded by four gatekeepers: self-control (shama), inquiry (vichara), contentment (santosha), and association with the virtuous (sadhu-sangama). These qualities are essential for attaining Realization, and cultivating even one or a few with dedication can unlock the path to freedom. The emphasis on effort, even to the extent of sacrificing one’s life, highlights the profound commitment required in spiritual practice. Mastering one of these qualities can naturally bring the others into alignment, illustrating their interconnectedness and the holistic nature of spiritual growth.
Discernment is portrayed as the cornerstone of spiritual progress, making one a worthy vessel for sacred Knowledge, scriptures, and austerities, much like the sun radiates light. This quality distinguishes the spiritually mature from the ignorant, whose lack of discernment leads to mental stagnation, likened to water turning to stone. The contrast underscores the consequences of neglecting wisdom and the importance of actively cultivating viveka to avoid a life of inertia and delusion. These verses collectively present a roadmap for spiritual aspirants, emphasizing disciplined practice, wise companionship, and the cultivation of virtues as the path to Realization.
In essence, these teachings offer a practical and philosophical guide for overcoming the restlessness of the mind and attaining Realization. By emphasizing discernment, virtuous association, and the cultivation of key spiritual qualities, Vasishta provides Rama—and the reader—with a clear framework for transcending worldly attachments and Realizing the Ultimate Truth. The verses underscore the transformative power of conscious effort and the right environment, making them a timeless call to action for those seeking Spiritual growth and Realization.
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