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Yoga Vashishtha 3.5.17–24
(Pure Consciousness is the Source and Substratum of all Existence)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
प्रकृतिव्रततिर्व्योम्नि जाता ब्रह्माण्डसत्फला ।
चित्तमूलेन्द्रियदला येन नृत्यति वायुना ॥ १७ ॥
यश्चिन्मणिः प्रकचति प्रतिदेहसमुद्गके।
यस्मिन्निन्दौ स्फुरन्त्येता जगज्जालमरीचयः ॥ १८ ॥
प्रशान्ते चिद्धने यस्मिस्फुरन्त्यमृतवर्षिणि।
धाराजलानि भूतानि सृष्टयस्तडितः स्फुटाः ॥ १९ ॥
चमत्कुर्वन्ति वस्तूनि यदालोकतया मिथः।
असज्जातमसद्येन येन सत्सत्त्वमागतम् ॥ २० ॥
चलतीदमनिच्छस्य कायो यो यस्य संनिधौ ।
जडं परमरक्तस्य शान्तमात्मनि तिष्ठतः ॥ २१ ॥
नियतिर्देशकालौ च चलनं स्पन्दनं क्रिया।
इति येन गताः सत्तां सर्वसत्तातिगामिना ॥ २२ ॥
शुद्धसंविन्मयत्वाद्यः खं भवेद्व्योमचिन्तया ।
पदार्थचिन्तयार्थत्वमिव तिष्ठत्यधिष्ठितः ॥ २३ ॥
कुर्वन्नपीह जगतां महतामनन्तवृन्दं न किंचन करोति न काश्चनापि ।
स्वात्मन्यनस्तमयसंविदि निर्विकारे त्यक्तोदयस्थितिमति स्थित एक एव ॥ २४ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
3.5.17: The primal nature (Prakriti) operates in the vast expanse of Consciousness, like Space, giving rise to the fruitful Universe. Rooted in the mind (Chitta), with senses as its branches, it dances to the rhythm of the vital air (Vayu).
3.5.18: There exists a radiant jewel of Pure Consciousness (Chit) within the casket of every body. From this luminous moon of Consciousness, the rays of the world’s manifold appearances emanate and sparkle.
3.5.19: In the Tranquil ocean of Consciousness, which showers nectar-like Bliss, the elements (Beings) manifest as streams of water, and creations appear as vivid flashes of lightning.
3.5.20: By its illuminating presence, objects mutually reflect and astonish one another. Through it, the unreal comes into being as unreal, and through it, the Real attains its Reality.
3.5.21: In its presence, the body of the desireless moves and functions, while the inert, supremely radiant Essence remains Tranquil, abiding in the Self.
3.5.22: Fate, Space, Time, movement, vibration, and action—all these attain existence through that which transcends all Existence.
3.5.23: Due to its Nature as Pure Consciousness, it becomes Space when contemplated as Space. When contemplated as objects, it assumes the form of those objects, remaining ever-established as the substratum.
3.5.24: Though it appears to create the vast multitude of worlds, it does nothing and remains untouched by anything. In its own unblemished, unchanging Consciousness, where rising and setting cease, it abides as the One alone.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 3.5.17 to 3.5.24 articulate a profound non-dualistic philosophy, emphasizing the centrality of Pure Consciousness (Chit) as the Source and substratum of all Existence. In the first verse (3.5.17), the text employs vivid metaphors to describe how the Universe, likened to a fruitful tree, emerges from the interplay of Primal Nature (Prakriti) within the infinite expanse of Consciousness. The mind serves as the root, with the senses as branches, animated by the vital force (Vayu). This imagery underscores the idea that the phenomenal world, though appearing diverse and dynamic, is fundamentally rooted in and sustained by the Singular Reality of Consciousness. It invites the seeker to recognize that all manifestations, including the physical body and its activities, are expressions of this underlying Consciousness, which remains unchanging despite the apparent multiplicity.
The subsequent verses (3.5.18–3.5.19) deepen this understanding by portraying Consciousness as a radiant jewel or a luminous moon within each individual, from which the entire cosmos emanates like rays or flashes of light. This Cosmic projection is not separate from Consciousness but is its very expression, arising and dissolving within its Tranquil, nectar-like essence. The imagery of an ocean and lightning highlights the spontaneous and ephemeral nature of Creation, suggesting that the world’s appearances are transient, like waves or flashes, yet they all occur within the boundless, serene field of Consciousness. These verses emphasize the non-dual nature of Reality, where the distinction between the Creator and the Created dissolves, revealing that all phenomena are inseparable from their Source.
Verses 3.5.20–3.5.21 further elaborate on the transformative power of Consciousness, which imbues both the Real and the unreal with their apparent Existence. Objects and phenomena, through their mutual interaction under the light of Consciousness, appear vibrant and wondrous, yet their Reality or unreality is contingent upon Consciousness itself. The text highlights the paradox of the desireless Self, which remains Tranquil and unmoved, even as it enables the functioning of the body and the world. This points to the Advaitic principle that the Self (Atman) is the Unchanging Witness, distinct yet not separate from the activities it supports, encouraging the practitioner to cultivate detachment while engaging with the world.
In verses 3.5.22–3.5.23, the text expands the scope of Consciousness to encompass all aspects of Existence —fate, Space, Time, movement, and action—asserting that these derive their Reality from the transcendent Consciousness that surpasses all dualities. The teaching that Consciousness becomes what it contemplates (e.g., Space or objects) underscores its Infinite malleability while affirming its immutable Essence. This suggests a practical implication for spiritual practice: by directing one’s contemplation toward the Pure Self, one can transcend the limitations of phenomenal existence and Realize the unity underlying all diversity. The verses encourage a shift in perception, recognizing that all forms and experiences are ultimately Consciousness appearing as such.
The final verse (3.5.24) encapsulates the Essence of these teachings by affirming the Absolute Unity and unchanging nature of Consciousness. Despite its apparent role in creating the vast multiplicity of worlds, Consciousness remains unaffected, untouched, and singular, abiding in its own pristine awareness. This verse serves as a reminder of the Ultimate Truth of non-duality: there is only One Reality, and all appearances, though seemingly real, are transient expressions within it. Collectively, these verses guide the seeker toward Self-Realization by urging contemplation of Consciousness as the sole Reality, fostering detachment from the ephemeral and alignment with the Eternal, Unchanging Self.
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