Chapter 2.12, Verses 17–22

Yoga Vashishtha 2.12.17–22

(Importance of Self-Inquiry and the pursuit of Spiritual Knowledge to transcend the suffering of worldly existence)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

तदेवंविधकष्टचेष्टासहस्रदारुणे संसारचलयन्त्रेऽस्मिन् राघव नावहेलना कर्तव्या अवश्यमेव विधारणीयमेवं चावबोद्धव्यं यथा किल शास्त्रविचाराच्छ्रेयो भवतीति ॥ १७ ॥

अन्यस्य रघुकुलेन्दो यदि चैते महामुनयो महर्षयश्च विप्राश्च राजानश्च ज्ञानकवचेनावगुण्ठितशरीरास्ते कथमदुःखक्षमा अपि दुःखकरीं तां तां वृत्तिपूर्विकां संसारकदर्थनामनुभवन्तः सततमेव मुदितमनसस्तिष्ठन्ति ॥ १८ ॥

इह हि ।

विकौतुका विगतविकल्पविप्लवा यथा स्थिता हरिहरपद्मजादयः ।

नरोत्तमाः समधिगतात्मदीपकास्तथा स्थिता जगति विशुद्धबुद्धयः ॥ १९ ॥

परिक्षीणे मोहे विगलति घने ज्ञानजलदे परिज्ञाते तत्त्वे समधिगत आत्मन्यतितते।

विचार्यार्यैः सार्धं चलितवपुषो वै सदृशतो धिया दृष्टे तत्त्वे रमणमटनं जागतमिदम् ॥ २० ॥

अन्यच्च राघव ।

प्रसन्ने चित्तत्त्वे हृदि शमभवे वल्गति परे शमाभोगीभूतास्वखिलकलनादृष्टिषु पुरः ।

समं याति स्वान्तःकरणघटनास्वादितरसं धिया दृष्टे तत्त्वे रमणमटनं जागतमिदम् ॥ २१ ॥

अन्यच्च ।

रथः स्थाणुर्देहस्तुरगरचना चेन्द्रियगतिः परिस्पन्दो वातो वहनकलितानन्दविषयः।

परोऽणुर्वा देही जगति विहरामीत्यनघया धिया दृष्टे तत्त्वेरमणमटनं जागतमिदम् ॥ २२ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.12.17: In this dreadful cycle of existence, filled with thousands of painful efforts, one should not be negligent, O Rama. It is essential to reflect deeply and understand through scriptural inquiry that true welfare arises from such contemplation.

2.12.18: O Moon of the Raghu dynasty, if great Sages, Seers, scholars, and kings, their bodies shielded by the armor of knowledge, still experience the miseries of worldly existence despite their immunity to suffering, how do they remain ever-joyful in mind?

2.12.19: Just as Divine Beings like Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma abide free from excitement and undisturbed by doubts, so too do the noblest of men, with their Pure intellects illuminated by the Light of the Self, dwell in this world with purified understanding.

2.12.20: When delusion is dispelled and the dense cloud of ignorance dissolves, when the Truth is fully Realized and the Self is known in its Infinite expanse, through contemplation with the Wise and seeing the Truth with a mind aligned to Reality, this world becomes a place of Blissful wandering.

2.12.21: Furthermore, O Rama, when the essence of Consciousness is Serene, the heart attains Supreme Peace, and all perceptions become tranquil, the Inner Self, savoring the Essence of its own Nature, finds the world a place of Blissful wandering when the Truth is seen with clear understanding.

2.12.22: Moreover, the body is like a chariot, a mere stationary object; the senses are like horses in motion; the breath is the vibration that drives it; and the Self, whether subtle or gross, is the rider. With a Pure mind, Realizing the Truth, one wanders in this world with Joy.

Summary of the Teachings:

The teachings of these verses from the Yoga Vasishta, as conveyed by Sage Vasishta to Rama, emphasize the importance of Self-Inquiry and the pursuit of Spiritual Knowledge to transcend the suffering inherent in worldly existence. In verse 2.12.17, Vasishta urges Rama to avoid negligence and engage in deep reflection, guided by scriptural wisdom, to attain true welfare. This sets the tone for the subsequent verses, which explore how enlightened beings navigate the challenges of life with equanimity and joy, underscoring the transformative power of understanding the Self and Reality.

Verse 2.12.18 poses a rhetorical question about how great sages and enlightened beings, despite being equipped with the "armor of knowledge," still encounter worldly miseries yet remain joyful. This highlights the paradox of living in the world while being inwardly liberated. The answer lies in their ability to transcend suffering through the Realization of the Self, which shields them from the emotional turmoil of external circumstances. Their Joy stems not from the absence of challenges but from an Inner state of Clarity and detachment.

In verse 2.12.19, Vasishta draws a parallel between divine beings like Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma and enlightened humans who live with pure intellects. These individuals, illuminated by Self-Knowledge, remain undisturbed by doubts or fleeting excitements. Their purified understanding allows them to abide in the world with a serene and steady mind, demonstrating that Realization is not about escaping the world but about perceiving it through the lens of Truth, free from distortion or attachment.

Verses 2.12.20 and 2.12.21 elaborate on the process and outcome of dispelling Ignorance through contemplation and Self-Realization. When delusion fades and the Truth of the Infinite Self is known, the world transforms into a realm of Blissful engagement. This transformation occurs through association with the Wise and clear perception of Reality, leading to a state of Inner Peace where all experiences are imbued with tranquility. The teachings emphasize that such a state is accessible through disciplined inquiry and a serene mind, which allows one to experience the world without being bound by it.

Finally, verse 2.12.22 employs the metaphor of a chariot to describe the body, senses, and Self, illustrating their roles in the human experience. The Self, as the rider, navigates the world Joyfully when guided by Pure understanding. Collectively, these verses advocate for a life of mindful Awareness, where the Realization of the Self as distinct from the transient body and senses enables one to live in the world with Joy and freedom, unburdened by its inherent pains. The teachings encourage Rama—and by extension, the reader—to pursue Self-Knowledge as the path to lasting Peace and Realization.