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Yoga Vashishtha 2.16.21–27
(Persistent effort and to cultivate at least one of four virtues )
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
एकस्मिन्नेव वै तेषामभ्यस्ते विमलोदये।
चत्वारोऽपि किलाभ्यस्ता भवन्ति सुधियां वर ॥ २१ ॥
एकोऽप्येकोऽपि सर्वेषामेषां प्रसवभूरिह।
सर्वसंसिद्धये तस्मात्यत्नेनैकं समाश्रयेत् ॥ २२ ॥
सत्समागमसंतोषविचाराः सुविचारितम्।
प्रवर्तन्ते शमस्वच्छे वाहनानीव सागरे ॥ २३ ॥
विचारसंतोषशमसत्समागम शालिनि ।
प्रवर्तन्ते श्रियो जन्तौ कल्पवृक्षाश्रिते यथा ॥ २४ ॥
विचारशमसत्सङ्गसंतोषवति मानवे।
प्रवर्तन्ते प्रपूर्णेन्दौ सौन्दर्याद्या गुणा इव ॥ २५ ॥
सत्सङ्गसंतोषशमविचारवति सन्मतौ ।
प्रवर्तन्ते मन्त्रिवरे राजनीव जयश्रियः ॥ २६ ॥
तस्मादेकतमं नित्यमेतेषां रघुनन्दन ।
पौरुषेण मनो जित्वा यत्नेनाभ्याहरेद्गुणम् ॥ २७ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.16.21: When one of these (virtues) is practiced in the rise of Pure Consciousness, all four become practiced, O best of the Wise.
2.16.22: Even one of these virtues, when cultivated, becomes the source of all others here. Therefore, with effort, one should rely on a single virtue for complete success.
2.16.23: Association with the Virtuous, Contentment, Inquiry, and Tranquility flow clearly in a calm mind, like ships sailing smoothly on the ocean.
2.16.24: In a person endowed with Inquiry, Tranquility, Association with the Virtuous, and Contentment, virtues flourish as if sheltered by a wish-fulfilling tree.
2.16.25: In a person possessing Inquiry, Tranquility, Association with the Virtuous, and Contentment, qualities like beauty arise, as in a full moon.
2.16.26: In a Noble mind endowed with Association with the Virtuous, Contentment, Tranquility, and Inquiry, success and glory manifest, as in a wise minister guiding a kingdom.
2.16.27: Therefore, O delight of the Raghu dynasty, by conquering the mind with effort, constantly cultivate one of these virtues.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.16.21 to 2.16.27 emphasize the interconnectedness and transformative power of four key virtues: Association with the Virtuous (satsanga), Contentment (santosha), Inquiry (vichara), and Tranquility (shama). Sage Vasishta teaches that the dedicated practice of even one of these virtues in a State of Pure Consciousness can naturally lead to the cultivation of all four. This interconnectedness highlights that these qualities are not isolated but mutually reinforcing, forming a foundation for spiritual growth and Self-Realization. By focusing on one virtue with sincerity, a seeker can unlock the potential for holistic development, as each virtue acts as a gateway to the others.
The second verse underscores the importance of effort and focus in spiritual practice. Vasishta advises that choosing and diligently practicing one virtue serves as a seed from which all other virtues can sprout, leading to complete success in one’s spiritual journey. This teaching emphasizes simplicity and prioritization, suggesting that overwhelming oneself with multiple practices is unnecessary. Instead, a disciplined focus on a single virtue, pursued with dedication, can create a ripple effect, fostering the growth of other virtues and leading to comprehensive spiritual progress.
The subsequent verses (23–26) use vivid metaphors to illustrate how these virtues operate in a calm and receptive mind. The imagery of ships sailing smoothly on a tranquil ocean, virtues flourishing under a wish-fulfilling tree, qualities shining like a full moon, and success manifesting as in a wise minister’s guidance conveys the natural and effortless flow of virtues in a purified mind. These metaphors suggest that when the mind is free from disturbances and aligned with these qualities, virtues arise spontaneously and abundantly, enhancing one’s inner and outer life with Grace, Wisdom, and prosperity.
The teachings also highlight the practical application of these virtues in a person’s life. Association with the Virtuous provides uplifting company that inspires righteousness; Contentment fosters Inner Peace and satisfaction; Inquiry encourages discernment and self-reflection; and Tranquility creates a stable foundation for Spiritual Clarity. Together, these qualities cultivate a noble character, enabling one to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and poise. The repetition of these virtues across the verses reinforces their centrality to the spiritual path and their ability to manifest higher qualities such as beauty, success, and glory.
In the final verse, Vasishta addresses Rama, urging him to conquer the mind through persistent effort and to cultivate at least one of these virtues consistently. This call to action emphasizes personal responsibility and discipline in spiritual practice. The reference to “conquering the mind” underscores the need for mastery over distractions and desires, which can obstruct the path to Self-Realization. By focusing on one virtue, a seeker can gradually transform their Consciousness, aligning it with the ultimate goal of Realization. These verses collectively offer a practical and profound guide for spiritual aspirants, emphasizing focus, effort, and the transformative power of virtuous qualities.
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