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Yoga Vashishtha 2.14.37–45
(Mind refined by Discernment avoids the repetitive suffering of samsara)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
कोऽहं कस्य च संसार इत्यापद्यपि धीमता ।
चिन्तनीयं प्रयत्नेन सप्रतीकारमात्मना ॥ ३७ ॥
कार्यसंकटसंदेहं राजा जानाति राघव।
निष्फलं सफलं वापि विचारेणैव नान्यथा ॥ ३८ ॥
वेदवेदान्तस्रिद्धान्तस्थितयः स्थितिकारणम् ।
निर्णीयन्ते विचारेण दीपेन च भुवो निशि ॥ ३९ ॥
अनष्टमन्धकारेषु बहुतेजःस्वजिह्मितम् ।
पश्यत्यपि व्यवहितं विचारश्चारुलोचनम् ॥ ४० ॥
विवेकान्धो हि जात्यन्धः शोच्यः सर्वस्य दुर्मतिः ।
दिव्यचक्षुर्विवेकात्मा जयत्यखिलवस्तुषु ॥ ४१ ॥
परमात्ममयी मान्या महानन्दैकसाधिनी।
क्षणमेकं परित्याज्या न विचारचमत्कृतिः ॥ ४२ ॥
विचारचारुपुरुषो महतामपि रोचते ।
परिपक्वचमत्कारं सहकारफलं यथा ॥ ४३ ॥
विचारकान्तमतयो नानेकेषु पुनःपुनः ।
लुठन्ति दुःखश्वभ्रेषु ज्ञाताध्वगतयो नराः ॥ ४४ ॥
नच रौति तथा रोगी नानर्थशतजर्जरः।
अविचारविनष्टात्मा यथाऽज्ञः परिरोदिति ॥ ४५ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.14.37: The Wise should diligently reflect with effort: "Who am I, and whose is this cycle of existence?" This inquiry, when undertaken by oneself, leads to liberation from calamity.
2.14.38: O Raghava, a king understands the complexities and doubts of actions only through Discernment. Whether an action is fruitful or fruitless is determined solely by reflection, not otherwise.
2.14.39: The Truths established by the Vedas and Vedanta, which are the cause of stability, are discerned through reflection, just as a lamp illuminates the darkness of the night.
2.14.40: Even in the unvanquished darkness, where much radiance is obscured, reflection, like a beautiful eye, perceives even that which is veiled.
2.14.41: One blind to Discernment is like one born blind, pitiable and deluded in all matters. But the soul endowed with the Divine vision of Discernment triumphs over all things.
2.14.42: The reflection that leads to the Supreme Self, revered and the sole means to Supreme Bliss, should not be abandoned even for a moment, as it is a marvel of Consciousness.
2.14.43: A person refined by reflection is pleasing even to the great, like a fully ripened mango fruit that delights with its perfection.
2.14.44: Those whose minds are refined by reflection do not repeatedly fall into the painful pits of suffering, unlike those ignorant of the path who stumble again and again.
2.14.45: No patient cries out as much, nor is one afflicted by countless miseries as broken, as the ignorant soul destroyed by the absence of reflection wails in despair.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.14.37 to 2.14.45 emphasize the paramount importance of vichara (Self-Inquiry or Discernment) as a transformative tool for Spiritual Realization and understanding the Nature of Existence. The teachings urge the Wise to engage in deep reflection on fundamental questions such as "Who am I?" and "Whose is this cycle of existence?" This introspective process is presented as a deliberate and effortful practice that leads to liberation from the calamities of worldly life. By questioning the Self and the Nature of samsara
(the cycle of birth and death), one can attain clarity and freedom from existential confusion, setting the foundation for Spiritual Awakening.
The text highlights that
Discernment is essential for navigating the complexities of actions and their outcomes. Using the metaphor of a king, the verses suggest that only through thoughtful reflection can one distinguish between fruitful and fruitless endeavors. This underscores the idea that Wisdom is not derived from mere action or external knowledge but from an internal process of contemplation. Such Discernment is likened to a lamp that illuminates truth in the darkness of Ignorance, drawing from the authority of the Vedas and Vedanta to establish a stable understanding of Reality.
The teachings further illustrate the power of reflection to penetrate even the deepest ignorance, described as an unvanquished darkness. Reflection is portrayed as a "beautiful eye" that perceives hidden Truths, enabling one to see beyond superficial appearances. This capacity for Discernment is contrasted with the pitiable state of those who lack it, likened to being born blind. The verses assert that a person endowed with the "Divine Vision" of discernment can overcome all challenges and achieve mastery over worldly phenomena, emphasizing its role as a supreme intellectual and spiritual faculty.
The text elevates reflection as a revered practice that connects one to the Supreme Self and leads to Ultimate Bliss. It is described as a marvel of Consciousness that should never be abandoned, even momentarily, due to its transformative potential. A person refined by reflection is not only internally fulfilled but also becomes admirable to others, likened to a ripened fruit that naturally delights. This suggests that the practice of Discernment not only liberates the individual but also elevates their presence and influence in the world, making them a source of inspiration.
Finally, the verses contrast the fates of those who practice reflection with those who do not. A mind refined by Discernment avoids the repetitive suffering of samsara, while Ignorance leads to endless cycles of pain and despair. The ignorant, lacking reflection, are depicted as suffering more intensely than even the physically afflicted, underscoring the dire consequences of neglecting Self-Inquiry. Collectively, these verses advocate for a life of conscious reflection as the path to Wisdom, Realization, and triumph over the delusions of worldly existence.
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