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Yoga Vashishtha 2.13.77–84
(Tranquility a Supreme Virtue and pathway to Spiritual Realization)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
अमृतस्यन्दसुभगा यस्य सर्वजनं प्रति।
दृष्टिः प्रसरति प्रीता स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७७ ॥
योऽन्तः शीतलतां यातो यो भावेषु न मज्जति ।
व्यवहारी न संमूढः स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७८ ॥
अप्यापत्सु दुरन्तासु कल्पान्तेषु महत्स्वपि ।
तुच्छेऽहं न मनो यस्य स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ७९ ॥
आकाशसदृशी यस्य पुंसः संव्यवहारिणः।
कलङ्कमेति न मतिः स शान्त इति कथ्यते ॥ ८० ॥
तपस्विषु बहुज्ञेषु याजकेषु नृपेषु च ।
बलवत्सु गुणाढ्येषु शमवानेव राजते ॥ ८१ ॥
शमसंसक्तमनसां महतां गुणशालिनाम्।
उदेति निर्वृतिश्चित्ताज्ज्योत्स्नेव सितरोचिषः ॥ ८२ ॥
सीमान्तो गुणपूगानां पौरुषैकान्तभूषणम् ।
संकटेषु भयस्थाने शमः श्रीमान्विराजते ॥ ८३ ॥
शमममृतमहार्यमार्यगुप्तं परमवलम्ब्य परं पदं प्रयाताः ।
रघुतनय यथा महानुभावाः क्रममनुपालय सिद्धये तमेव ॥ ८४ ॥
Maharishi Vashishtha said:
2.13.77: He whose gaze flows toward all people with the sweetness of nectar and is filled with affection is called Tranquil.
2.13.78: He who has attained inner coolness, who does not sink into emotions, and who, while engaged in worldly duties, remains unconfused, is called Tranquil.
2.13.79: in He whose mind does not consider the ego as trivial, even in dire calamities or at the end of a cosmic cycle, is called Tranquil.
2.13.80:He whose mind, like the sky, remains untainted while engaging in worldly affairs, is called Tranquil.
2.13.81: Among ascetics, the highly learned, priests, and kings, and among the powerful and virtuous, only the One endowed with Tranquility shines.
2.13.82: From the minds of great beings, rich in virtues and devoted to Tranquility, arises Perfect Peace, like moonlight from a radiant source.
2.13.83: Tranquility, the Ultimate ornament of virtuous qualities and the sole adornment of manliness, shines gloriously in times of distress and fear.
2.13.84: O son of Raghu, by relying on the noble, immortal Tranquility, the Great Ones have attained the Supreme State; follow that same path for success.
Summary of Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.13.77 to 2.13.84, as spoken by Sage Vasishta to Lord Rama, expound on the concept of shama (Tranquility or inner calm) as a Supreme Virtue and a pathway to Spiritual Realization. These verses describe the characteristics of a Tranquil person, emphasizing that True Peace arises from a mind that remains steady, unattached, and pure amidst worldly interactions and challenges. The teachings highlight Tranquility as a State of inner coolness and clarity, untainted by ego, emotions, or external circumstances, positioning it as a foundational quality for spiritual growth and Self-Realization.
The first four verses (77–80) define the Tranquil person as one whose disposition is naturally compassionate and unaffected by emotional turbulence. Such an individual maintains equanimity, whether in daily interactions or during catastrophic events, with a mind as vast and unblemished as the sky. This tranquility is not a passive withdrawal from life but an active engagement with the world, free from confusion or attachment. The imagery of nectar-like affection and a sky-like mind underscores the purity and expansiveness of this state, which remains untouched by external conditions.
Verses 81 and 82 elevate Tranquility as a distinguishing quality among even the most accomplished individuals, such as ascetics, scholars, priests, and kings. While virtues like knowledge, power, or ritualistic prowess are valuable, it is Tranquility that makes one truly radiant. The simile of moonlight emanating from a serene mind illustrates that Tranquility naturally generates Peace, not only for the individual but also for those around them. This suggests that shama is both a personal attainment and a transformative force that benefits society.
Verse 83 further emphasizes tranquility as the pinnacle of virtues, describing it as the ultimate adornment that shines brightest in times of crisis. Unlike external achievements or qualities, which may falter under pressure, Tranquility remains steadfast, serving as a source of strength and dignity. It is portrayed as the essence of true manliness and the boundary of all virtuous qualities, indicating its role as a stabilizing and ennobling force in challenging situations.
The final verse (84) concludes with a direct exhortation to Rama, urging him to follow the path of Tranquility to attain the Supreme State, as exemplified by Great Beings. This verse underscores the practical aspect of the teaching, presenting Tranquility as a disciplined practice that leads to ultimate spiritual success. Collectively, these verses advocate for cultivating inner calm as the cornerstone of a virtuous and liberated life, offering a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of existence with Grace and Clarity.
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