Chapter 2.11, Verses 64–73

Yoga Vashishtha 2.11.64–73

(Realization through Wisdom, dispassion, and Self-Inquiry)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

त्वं तु राघव सौजन्यगुणशास्त्रार्थदृष्टिभिः ।

विकासितान्तःकरणः स्थितः पद्म इवोदये ॥ ६४ ॥

इमां ज्ञानगिरं श्रोतुमवबोद्धं च सन्मते।

अर्हस्युद्धतकर्णस्त्वं जन्तुर्वीणास्वनं यथा ॥ ६५ ॥

वैराग्याभ्यासयोगेन समसौजन्यसंपदाम्।

अर्जनां कुरुतां राम यत्र नाशो न विद्यते ॥ ६६ ॥

शास्त्रसज्जनसंसर्गपूर्वकैः सतपोदमैः।

आदौ संसारमुऽक्त्यर्थ प्रज्ञामेवाभिवर्धयेत् ॥ ६७ ॥

एतदेवास्य मौर्यस्य परमं विद्धि नाशनम्।

यदिदं प्रेक्ष्यते शास्त्रं किंचित्संस्कृतया धिया ॥ ६८ ॥

संसारविषवृक्षोऽयमेकमास्पदमा पदाम्।

अज्ञं संमोहयेन्नित्यं मौर्ख्य यत्नेन नाशयेत् ॥ ६९ ॥

दुराशासर्पगत्येन मौर्ख्येण हृदि वल्गता ।

चेतः संकोचमायाति चर्माग्नाविव योजितम् ॥ ७० ॥

प्राज्ञे यथार्थभूतेयं वस्तुदृष्टिः प्रसीदति ।

दृगिवेन्दौ निरम्भोदे सकलामलमण्डले ॥ ७१ ॥

पूर्यापविचारार्थश्चास्त्वातुर्य शालिनी।

सविकासा मतिर्यस्य स पुमानिह कथ्यते ॥ ७२ ॥

विकसितेन सितेन तमोमुचा वरविचारणशीतलरोचिषा ।

गुणवता हृदयेन विराजसे त्वममलेन नभः शशिना यथा ॥ ७३ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.11.64: O Rama, with your noble qualities, understanding of the scriptures, and clear perception, your Inner Consciousness is blossoming like a lotus at sunrise.

2.11.65: You are worthy of listening to and comprehending this Wisdom discourse with an attentive mind, just as a creature is drawn to the sound of a lute.

2.11.66: O Rama, through the practice of dispassion and yoga, strive to acquire the wealth of equanimity and noble conduct, which is never destroyed.

2.11.67: Through association with scriptures and virtuous people, and by practicing true austerity and self-control, one should first cultivate Wisdom to attain liberation from worldly existence.

2.11.68: Know that the greatest remedy for this foolishness is to study the scriptures with a refined intellect.

2.11.69: This poisonous tree of worldly existence, rooted in ignorance, constantly deludes the ignorant; therefore, one should diligently destroy foolishness.

2.11.70: With the restless movement of foolish desires, like a serpent in the heart, the mind becomes constricted, as if scorched by fire.

2.11.71: In a Wise person, the vision of Reality becomes clear and serene, like the moon shining brightly in a cloudless sky.

2.11.72: One whose mind is expansive, free from haste, and engaged in thoughtful inquiry is truly called a person in this world.

2.11.73: With a Pure and virtuous heart, radiant with the cool light of discernment, you shine like the moon in a clear sky, dispelling the darkness of Ignorance.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.11.64 to 2.11.73, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Lord Rama, emphasize the cultivation of Wisdom, dispassion, and virtuous conduct as the path to Realization from the delusions of worldly existence. These teachings highlight Rama’s readiness to receive profound Spiritual Knowledge due to his noble qualities and attentive mind. The imagery of a blossoming lotus and a creature drawn to music underscores the natural unfolding of Consciousness when guided by wisdom and attentiveness. The verses encourage Rama to pursue equanimity and spiritual practices, which are essential for transcending the cycles of samsara (worldly existence).

The text stresses the importance of associating with scriptures and virtuous individuals while practicing austerity and self-control to develop Wisdom. This Wisdom is presented as the antidote to Ignorance, which is likened to a poisonous tree that perpetuates delusion. By cultivating a refined intellect through scriptural study, one can uproot ignorance and attain clarity. The emphasis on Wisdom as the foundation for liberation reflects the core teaching of the Yoga Vasishta, which prioritizes Self-Realization through understanding the True Nature of Reality.

Foolishness, driven by ignorant desires, is depicted as a constricting force that binds the mind, much like a snake or a scorching fire. This vivid imagery illustrates the dangers of unchecked desires and the importance of overcoming them through discernment. The teachings urge diligence in eliminating ignorance, which is the root cause of suffering in worldly life. By replacing foolishness with Wisdom, one can achieve mental clarity and freedom from the delusions that obscure reality.

The verses also describe the qualities of a Wise person, whose perception of Reality is clear and serene, akin to the moon shining in a cloudless sky. Such clarity arises from a mind that is expansive, free from agitation, and engaged in thoughtful inquiry. This state of mental purity and discernment allows one to transcend ignorance and live in alignment with truth. The comparison of Rama to the radiant moon emphasizes his potential for spiritual brilliance, achieved through virtuous conduct and inner purity.

Overall, these verses encapsulate the Yoga Vasishta’s core message of Realization through Wisdom, dispassion, and Self-Inquiry. They encourage the seeker to cultivate a disciplined and virtuous mind, free from the delusions of worldly desires, and to pursue Spiritual Knowledge with sincerity. By doing so, one can attain a state of Inner Clarity and Realization, shining brightly like the moon in a clear sky, untainted by the darkness of Ignorance.