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Yoga Vashishtha 2.7.23–32
(Human effort is most effective when guided by virtuous company and the study of sacred scriptures)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
पुरुषो जायते लोके वर्धते जीर्यते पुनः।
न तत्र दृश्यते दैवं जरायौवनबाल्यवत् ॥ २३ ॥
अर्थप्रापककार्यैकप्रयत्नपरता बुधैः ।
प्रोक्ता पौरुषशब्देन सर्वमासाद्यतेऽनया ॥ २४ ॥
देशाद्देशान्तरप्राप्तिर्हस्तस्य द्रव्यधारणम्।
व्यापारश्च तथाङ्गानां पौरुषेण न दैवतः ॥ २५ ॥
अनर्थप्राप्तिकार्यैकप्रयत्नपरता तु या।
प्रोक्ता प्रोन्मत्तचेष्टेति न किंचित्प्राप्यतेऽनया ॥ २६ ॥
क्रियया स्पन्दधर्मिण्या स्वार्थसाधकता स्वयम् ।
साधुसंगमसच्छास्त्रतीक्ष्णयोन्नीयते धिया ॥ २७ ॥
अनन्तसमतानन्दं परमार्थं स्वकं विदुः।
स येभ्यः प्राप्यते यत्नात्सेव्यास्ते शास्त्रसाधवः ॥ २८ ॥
सच्छास्त्रादिगुणो मत्या सच्छास्त्रादिगुणान्मतिः ।
विवर्धेते मिथोऽभ्यासात्सरोजाविव कालतः ॥ २९ ॥
आबाल्यादलमभ्यस्तैः शास्त्रसत्संगमादिभिः ।
गुणैः पुरुषयत्नेन स्वार्थः संपद्यते हितः ॥ ३० ॥
पौरुषेण जिता दैत्याः स्थापिता भुवनक्रियाः ।
रचितानि जगन्तीह विष्णुना न च दैवतः ॥ ३१ ॥
जगति पुरुषकारकारणेऽस्मिन् कुरु रघुनाथ चिरं तथा प्रयत्नम् ।
व्रजसि तरुसरीसृपाभिधानां सुभग यथा न दशामशङ्क एव ॥ ३२ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.7.23: A person is born in the world, grows, and ages, but in this process, no Divine intervention is observed, as in the stages of childhood, youth, and old age.
2.7.24: The Wise call "human effort" the single-minded endeavor toward actions that achieve desired results, and through this effort, everything is accomplished.
2.7.25: Traveling from one place to another, holding objects with the hand, and the functioning of the limbs are achieved through human effort, not by Divine will.
2.7.26: The effort that is directed solely toward undesirable outcomes is called reckless or frenzied action, and nothing worthwhile is achieved through it.
2.7.27: Through actions guided by the nature of movement, one’s goals are achieved by associating with the virtuous and studying sacred scriptures, which sharpen the intellect.
2.7.28: The Wise recognize the Ultimate Truth as Infinite, equanimous Bliss, attainable through effort by following the guidance of scriptures and virtuous Beings.
2.7.29: The qualities derived from sacred scriptures and virtuous company enhance the intellect, and through practice, they mutually strengthen each other, like lotuses blooming over time.
2.7.30: From childhood, through persistent practice of virtues like studying scriptures and keeping good company, one’s beneficial goals are achieved through human effort.
2.7.31: Through human effort, demons were defeated, the workings of the world were established, and the universes were created by Vishnu, not by Divine fate.
2.7.32: In this world, where human effort is the cause, O Raghunatha, strive diligently for a long time, so you do not fall into the unfortunate state of trees, creepers, or snakes.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.7.23 to 2.7.32, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Lord Rama, emphasize the supremacy of human effort (paurusha) over Divine intervention or fate in shaping one’s life and achieving meaningful outcomes. The teachings assert that the natural progression of human life—birth, growth, and aging—occurs without any visible Divine interference, underscoring that individuals are responsible for their own paths. This sets the foundation for the central theme of these verses: the power and necessity of purposeful human effort in attaining success and spiritual growth.
The text defines human effort as the focused pursuit of actions that lead to desirable results, contrasting it with reckless or aimless actions that yield no value. The Wise, according to Vasishta, recognize that achievements such as physical movement, acquiring resources, or traveling are the outcomes of deliberate effort, not the whims of fate. This distinction highlights the importance of intentionality and discipline in one’s endeavors, dismissing reliance on external forces like destiny.
The verses further elaborate that human effort is most effective when guided by virtuous company and the study of sacred scriptures. These influences sharpen the intellect and align actions with Higher Goals, ultimately leading to the Realization of Infinite, equanimous Bliss —the Ultimate Truth. The interplay between a cultivated intellect and virtuous practices is likened to lotuses blooming over time, suggesting that consistent effort and the right environment foster gradual but profound growth.
Vasishta emphasizes the importance of starting this practice early in life, from childhood, to cultivate virtues that lead to beneficial outcomes. Historical and mythological examples, such as Vishnu’s creation of the universes and the defeat of demons, illustrate that even Divine accomplishments are rooted in effort rather than passive reliance on fate. This reinforces the idea that human agency is the primary driver of success, both in worldly and spiritual pursuits.
Finally, the teachings culminate in an exhortation to Lord Rama to persevere diligently in his efforts to avoid falling into undesirable states of existence, such as those of trees or snakes, which symbolize stagnation or ignorance. The verses collectively advocate for a proactive, disciplined, and virtuous approach to life, where human effort, supported by Wisdom and good company, is the key to achieving meaningful goals and transcending mundane limitations.
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