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Yoga Vashishtha 2.18.18–23
(Inner Transformation through Discernment, leading to a State of Realization marked by Purity, Tranquility, and Freedom from worldly attachments)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
समुद्रस्येव गाम्भीर्यं धैर्यं मेरोरिव स्थितम् ।
अन्तः शीतलता चेन्दोरिवोदेति विचारिणः ॥ १८ ॥
सा जीवन्मुक्तता तस्य शनैः परिणतिं गता ।
शान्ताशेषविशेषस्य भवत्यविषयो गिराम् ॥ १९ ॥
सर्वार्थशीतला शुद्धा परमालोकदास्यधीः।
परं प्रकाशमायाति ज्योत्स्नेव शरदैन्दवी ॥ २० ॥
हृद्याकाशे विवेकार्के शमालोकिनि निर्मले ।
अनर्थसार्थकर्तारो नोद्यन्ति किल केतवः ॥ २१ ॥
शाम्यन्ति शुद्धिमायान्ति सौम्यास्तिष्ठन्ति सून्नते ।
अचञ्चले जलेऽतृष्णाः शरदीवाभ्रमालिकाः ॥ २२ ॥
यत्किंचनकरी क्रूरा ग्राम्यता विनिवर्तते ।
दीनानना पिशाचानां लीलेव दिवसागमे ॥ २३ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.18.18: The depth of an Seeker is like that of the ocean, their steadfastness like that of Mount Meru, and a coolness within arises like that of the moon.
2.18.19: That State of Realized while living gradually reaches maturity, becoming Tranquil, free from all distinctions, and beyond the scope of words.
2.18.20: Pure, cool in all matters, with the Highest Wisdom granting Supreme Vision, it attains Ultimate Brilliance, like moonlight in the autumn night.
2.18.21: In the Pure Space of the Heart, where the sun of Discernment shines with the light of Tranquility, the disturbances that cause meaningless pursuits do not arise.
2.18.22: They subside, attain Purity, remain gentle and steady in emptiness, like cloudless skies in autumn, free from thirst in the still waters.
2.18.23: All harsh, vulgar actions cease, like the playful mischief of ghosts fading away at the arrival of dawn.
Summary of Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.18.18 to 2.18.23, spoken by Sage Vasishta, describe the qualities and Inner Transformation of a person engaged in deep Inquiry and Discernment, culminating in the state of jivanmukti, or Realized while Living. The first verse (2.18.18) emphasizes the profound and stable nature of such an individual. Their depth of understanding is likened to the vastness of the ocean, their steadfastness to the immovable Mount Meru, and their inner calm to the soothing coolness of the moon. This sets the tone for the verses, highlighting the serene and unshakable disposition that arises from True Contemplation and Self-Inquiry.
In the second verse (2.18.19), Vasishta describes the gradual ripening of the State of Realization while Living. This State is characterized by complete Tranquility and the transcendence of all dualities and distinctions, such as likes and dislikes or pleasure and pain. It is a state so profound that it defies verbal description, existing beyond the limitations of language. This underscores the idea that True Realization is an experiential Reality, not merely an intellectual concept, and it matures through consistent introspection and spiritual practice.
The third verse (2.18.20) elaborates on the Purity and Clarity of this Realized State. The mind of the inquirer becomes free from agitation, Pure in its Essence, and capable of perceiving the Ultimate Truth with Supreme Clarity, likened to the radiant moonlight of an autumn night. This metaphor suggests a state of effortless illumination, where Wisdom shines naturally, unclouded by Ignorance or worldly attachments. The verse emphasizes the transformative power of Discernment, which leads to a Vision of Reality that is both profound and Serene.
The fourth and fifth verses (2.18.21 and 2.18.22) focus on the inner landscape of the Realized Mind. The Heart becomes a Pure, spacious realm illuminated by the Light of Discernment, where disturbances and futile desires no longer arise. This State is compared to still waters and clear autumn skies, symbolizing a Mind free from craving and agitation. The imagery conveys a sense of profound Peace and stability, where the Mind rests in its natural state of emptiness, undisturbed by the transient fluctuations of worldly existence.
Finally, the sixth verse (2.18.23) describes the cessation of crude and ignorant behaviors, likening them to the mischievous antics of ghosts that vanish with the dawn. This suggests that the Ignorance and coarse tendencies of an unawakened mind dissolve in the Light of Wisdom, much like darkness dissipates at sunrise. Collectively, these verses outline a path of Inner Transformation through Discernment, leading to a State of Realization marked by Purity, Tranquility, and Freedom from worldly attachments, offering a timeless guide for spiritual seekers aiming to Realize their True Nature.
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