Posts
Yoga Vashishtha 2.19.1–9
(Following scriptural guidance, and engaging in righteous actions to cultivate Inner fulfillment)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
विशिष्टांशसमर्थत्वमुपमानेषु गृह्यते।
को भेदः सर्वसादृश्ये तूपमानोपमेययोः ॥ १ ॥
दृष्टान्तबुद्धावेकात्मज्ञानशास्त्रार्थ वेदनात् ।
महावाक्यार्थसंसिद्धा शान्तिनिर्वाणमुच्यते ॥ २ ॥
तस्माद्दृष्टान्तदार्ष्टान्तविकल्पोल्लसि तैरलम् ।
यया कयाचिद्युक्त्या तु महावाक्यार्थमाश्रयेत् ॥ ३ ॥
शान्तिः श्रेयः परं विद्धि तत्प्राप्तौ यत्नवान्भव ।
भोक्तव्यमोदनं प्राप्तं किं तत्सिद्धौ विकल्पितैः ॥ ४ ॥
अकारणैः कारणिभिर्बोधार्थमुपमीयते।
उपमानैस्तूपमेयैः सदृशैरेकदेशतः ॥ ५॥
स्थातव्यं नेह भोगेषु विवेकरहितात्मना ।
उपलोदरसंजातपरिपीनान्धभेकवत् ॥ ६ ॥
दृष्टान्तैर्यत्नमाश्रित्य जेतव्यं परमे पदम्।
विचारणवता भाव्यं शान्तिशास्त्रार्थशालिना ॥ ७ ॥
शास्त्रोपदेशसौजन्यप्रज्ञातज्ज्ञ समागमैः।
अन्तरान्तरसंपन्नधर्मार्थोपार्जनक्रियः ॥ ८॥
तावद्विचारयेत्प्राज्ञो यावद्विश्रान्तिमात्मनि ।
संप्रयात्यपुनर्नाशां शान्तिं तुर्यपदाभिधाम् ॥ ९ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.19.1: The distinct quality of an example is recognized in comparisons. When there is complete similarity, what difference remains between the example and the exemplified?
2.19.2: Through the understanding of examples, the essence of the scriptures is known, leading to the Realization of the great sayings, which is called the Peace of nirvana.
2.19.3: Therefore, one should avoid getting entangled in the distinctions between examples and their counterparts and, by any suitable means, rely on the meaning of the great sayings.
2.19.4: Know Peace as the highest good and strive diligently to attain it. When a delicious dish is obtained, what need is there for doubts about its preparation?
2.19.5: Examples are used for the sake of understanding, employing similar and dissimilar causes, where the example and the exemplified share partial similarity.
2.19.6: One should not dwell on pleasures with a mind devoid of Discrimination, like a frog bloated with pride, born in the hollow of a stone.
2.19.7: By relying on examples with effort, one should conquer the Supreme State. One must reflect with a mind endowed with the Essence of the scriptures of Peace.
2.19.8: Through the Teachings of the scriptures, the company of the Wise, and the practice of righteousness, one should engage in actions that lead to inner fulfillment.
2.19.9: The Wise should reflect until they attain Inner Peace, reaching the State of Eternal Tranquility, known as the Fourth State (Turiya), free from destruction.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.19.1 to 2.19.9, as translated above, emphasize the importance of Discernment, scriptural Wisdom, and focused effort in attaining Spiritual Peace and Realization. The text uses the metaphor of examples (upama) and their counterparts to illustrate how one can grasp profound Truths. The first verse questions the distinction between an example and what it exemplifies when their essence is fundamentally similar, pointing to the unity underlying apparent differences. This sets the stage for a teaching that encourages moving beyond superficial distinctions to focus on deeper Spiritual Truths.
The second and third verses highlight the role of scriptural understanding and the "great sayings" (mahāvākyas) in achieving the State of Nirvana, described as Ultimate Peace. The text advises against getting caught up in the minutiae of examples and counterexamples, instead urging the seeker to focus on the Essence of these Teachings. This reflects a practical approach to spirituality, where the goal is not intellectual debate but the direct Realization of Truth through contemplation and reliance on Wisdom.
The fourth and fifth verses underscore peace as the highest good and clarify the use of examples in spiritual instruction. The pursuit of Peace requires diligent effort, likened to enjoying a well-prepared dish without questioning its preparation. Examples, whether similar or dissimilar, are tools to aid understanding, but they are not the end goal. The teachings encourage a balanced approach, using analogies to clarify concepts while keeping the focus on the Ultimate aim of Inner Tranquility.
The sixth and seventh verses caution against indulgence in fleeting pleasures without discrimination, comparing such behavior to a frog ignorantly content in a confined space. Instead, the seeker is encouraged to use examples wisely and strive for the "Supreme State" through reflection grounded in the teachings of Peace. This call to disciplined effort and contemplation reinforces the idea that Realization is achieved through conscious, mindful practice rather than aimless indulgence.
Finally, the eighth and ninth verses emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with Wise company, following scriptural guidance, and engaging in righteous actions to cultivate inner fulfillment. The Wise are advised to persist in reflection until they reach a State of Eternal Peace, referred to as the "fourth state" (turiya), which transcends destruction. Collectively, these verses advocate a disciplined, reflective, and purposeful spiritual practice, guided by Wisdom and aimed at attaining lasting Tranquility and Realization.
No comments:
Post a Comment