Chapter 2.13, Verses 71–76

Yoga Vashishtha 2.13.71–76

(Tranquility - a State of being physically present yet mentally detached, as if in deep sleep while fully awake.)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

अनुद्धतमनाः शान्तः साधुः कर्म करोति यत् ।

तत्सर्वमभिनन्दन्ति तस्येमा भूतजातयः ॥ ७१ ॥

श्रुत्वा स्पृष्ट्वा च दृष्ट्वा च भुक्त्वा घ्रात्वा शुभाशुभम् ।

न हृष्यति ग्लायति यः स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७२ ॥

यः समः सर्वभूतेषु भावि काङ्क्षति नोज्झति ।

जित्वेन्द्रियाणि यत्नेन स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७३ ॥

स्पृष्ट्वाऽवदातया बुद्ध्या यथैवान्तस्तथा बहिः ।

दृश्यन्ते यत्र कार्याणि स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७४ ॥

तुषारकरबिम्बाभं मनो यस्य निराकुलम्।

मरणोत्सवयुद्धेषु स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७५ ॥

स्थितोऽपि न स्थित इव न हृष्यति न कुप्यति ।

यः सुषुप्तसमः स्वस्थः स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७६ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.13.71: The Sage, with a calm and undisturbed mind, performs actions that are virtuous, and all beings rejoice in his deeds.

2.13.72: One who, upon hearing, touching, seeing, tasting, or smelling something pleasant or unpleasant, neither rejoices nor grieves, is called Tranquil.

2.13.73: One who remains equipoised toward all beings, neither desiring nor abandoning what is to come, and who has diligently conquered the senses, is called Tranquil.

2.13.74: One whose Pure intellect perceives actions internally and externally in the same way, with clarity, is called Tranquil.

2.13.75: One whose mind is serene, clear as the moonlight, and undisturbed even in the face of death, celebration, or battle, is called Tranquil.

2.13.76: One who, though present, seems as if not present, neither delights nor angers, and remains self-contented like one in deep sleep, is called Tranquil.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta (2.13.71–2.13.76) articulate the qualities of a Tranquil Sage, emphasizing Inner Peace, equanimity, and detachment as the hallmarks of spiritual maturity. The first verse (2.13.71) introduces the Sage as someone whose calm and virtuous actions naturally inspire joy among all beings. This suggests that True Tranquility is not merely an internal state but manifests outwardly in actions that align with righteousness and benefit others. The Sage’s undisturbed mind reflects a profound alignment with dharma, creating a ripple effect of harmony in the world.

The subsequent verses (2.13.72–2.13.73) elaborate on the Sage’s equanimity, highlighting their ability to remain unaffected by sensory experiences or future uncertainties. Whether encountering pleasure or pain through the senses, the Sage neither clings to joy nor succumbs to sorrow. This detachment extends to their relationship with the world, where they treat all beings with impartiality, free from desire or aversion. The emphasis on conquering the senses underscores the importance of self-discipline, portraying Tranquility as an active, cultivated state rather than a passive one.

Verse 2.13.74 introduces the role of a pure intellect in maintaining Tranquility. The Sage perceives the inner and outer worlds with equal clarity, suggesting a unified vision that transcends dualities. This intellectual purity allows them to engage in actions without being swayed by external appearances or internal biases, maintaining consistency in their serene disposition. Such a State reflects a deep understanding of Reality, where the Sage sees beyond superficial differences to the underlying unity of existence.

Verse 2.13.75 further deepens the portrayal of Tranquility by describing the Sage’s mind as clear and undisturbed, even in extreme circumstances like death, celebration, or conflict. 

The metaphor of the mind being like moonlight—cool, radiant, and steady—evokes a sense of unwavering calm that transcends life’s highs and lows. This resilience highlights the Sage’s liberation from emotional turbulence, positioning Tranquility as a State of Inner Freedom that remains untouched by external chaos.

Finally, verse 2.13.76 encapsulates the Sage’s paradoxical presence: physically present yet mentally detached, as if in a State of deep sleep while fully awake. This State of Being —free from excitement or anger, and rooted in self-contentment—represents the pinnacle of Spiritual Realization. Collectively, these verses teach that Tranquility is achieved through disciplined detachment, intellectual clarity, and an unwavering equanimity that aligns the Sage with the universal order, benefiting both themselves and the world around them.