Chapter 3.9, Verses 35–44

Yoga Vashishtha 3.9.35–44

(Use yoga, reasoning, and logical understanding to dissolve the illusion of the world)

श्रीराम उवाच ।

अत्यन्ताभावसंपत्त्या जगद्दृश्यस्य मुक्तता ।

ययोदेति मुने युक्त्या तां ममोपदिशोत्तमाम् ॥ ३५ ॥

मिथःसंपन्नयोर्द्रष्ट्रदृश्ययोरेकसंख्ययोः ।

द्वयाभावे स्थितिं याते निर्वाणमवशिष्यते ॥ ३६ ॥

दृश्यस्य जगतस्तस्मादत्यन्तासंभवो यथा ।

ब्रह्मैवेत्थं स्वभावस्थं बुध्यते वद मे तथा ॥ ३७ ॥

कयैतज्ज्ञायते युक्त्या कथमेतत्प्रसिद्ध्यति ।

एतस्मिंस्तु मुने सिद्धे न साध्यमवशिष्यते ॥ ३८ ॥

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

बहुकालमियं रूढा मिथ्याज्ञानविषूचिका ।

नूनं विचारमन्त्रेण निर्मूलमुपशाम्यति ॥ ३९ ॥

न शक्यते झटित्येषा समुत्सादयितुं क्षणात् ।

समप्रपतने ह्यद्रौ समरोहावरोहणे ॥ ४०॥

तस्मादभ्यासयोगेन युक्त्या न्यायोपपत्तिभिः ।

जगद्भ्रान्तिर्यथा शाम्येत्तवेदं कथ्यते श्रृणु ॥ ४१ ॥

वक्ष्याम्याख्यायिकां राम यामिमां बोधसिद्धये ।

तां चेच्छृणोषि तत्साधो मुक्त एवासि बोधवान् ॥ ४२ ॥

अथोत्पत्तिप्रकरणं मयेदं तव कथ्यते।

यत्किलोत्पद्यते राम तेन मुक्तेन भूयते ॥ ४३ ॥

इयमित्थं जगद्भ्रान्तिर्भात्यजातैव खात्मिका ।

इत्युत्पत्तिप्रकरणे कथ्यतेऽस्मिन्मयाधुना ॥ ४४ ॥

3.9.35: Rama asks, "O Sage, please impart to me that supreme method or reasoning through which the perception of the world, in its complete non-existence, leads to Realization."

3.9.36: Rama continues, "When the Seer and the seen, both being of the same nature and mutually interdependent, cease to exist as dualities, what remains is the State of Realization."

3.9.37: Rama further inquires, "Please explain to me how the absolute non-existence of the visible world is understood, such that it is Realized as Brahm alone, abiding in its own Nature."

3.9.38: Rama asks, "By what reasoning is this Known, and how is it established? O Sage, once this Truth is Realized, there remains nothing further to be accomplished."

3.9.39: Vasishta replies, "This delusion, born of false knowledge, has been deeply rooted for a long time, like a chronic disease. It can surely be eradicated completely through the medicine of inquiry and reasoning."

3.9.40: Vasishta explains, "This delusion cannot be uprooted instantly in a single moment. Just as climbing and descending a mountain requires steady effort, so too does overcoming this delusion."

3.9.41: Vasishta continues, "Therefore, through the practice of yoga, with proper reasoning and logical understanding, the illusion of the world can be dissolved. 

Listen, I will explain this to you."

3.9.42: Vasishta says, "O Rama, I will narrate a story to you for the attainment of Wisdom. If you listen to it attentively, O virtuous one, you will become Enlightened and Realized."

3.9.43: Vasishta adds, "Now, I will explain to you the section on origination, through which, O Rama, one who understands the Truth of how things arise and become Realized."

3.9.44: Vasishta concludes, "This delusion of the world appears as though it exists, yet it is Unborn and of the Nature of empty Space. This is what I will now explain in the section on origination."

Summary of the Teachings:

In these verses, Rama, seeking Realization, poses profound questions to Sage Vasishta about the Nature of the world and the path to Freedom from delusion. Rama’s inquiry centers on understanding how the world, perceived as Real, can be recognized as non-existent, leading to Realization. He asks for the supreme method or reasoning that reveals the world’s illusory nature and establishes its identity with Brahm, the Ultimate Reality. This reflects the core Vedantic pursuit of discerning the Truth behind appearances, where the world is seen as a projection of Ignorance rather than an independent Reality. Rama’s questions underscore his desire for a direct, logical approach to Realize this Truth, indicating that such Realization leaves no further Spiritual Goal to achieve.

Vasishta’s response begins by acknowledging the deeply entrenched nature of the world’s illusion, likening it to a chronic disease rooted in false knowledge (avidya). This delusion, which causes one to perceive the world as Real and separate from Brahm, cannot be dispelled instantly. Vasishta emphasizes the need for sustained effort, comparing the process to climbing and descending a mountain. This analogy highlights the gradual, disciplined approach required to overcome Ignorance, aligning with the Yogic and Vedantic emphasis on consistent practice and inquiry to dismantle false perceptions.

Vasishta advocates for the use of yoga, reasoning, and logical understanding to dissolve the illusion of the world. The term “yoga” here likely refers to the practice of Self-Inquiry (vichara) and meditative contemplation, which are central to Advaita Vedanta. By systematically questioning the Reality of the world and applying logical reasoning, one can see through the illusion and recognize the non-dual Reality of Brahm. Vasishta’s approach is practical, suggesting that Realization is not an esoteric State but a Realizable Truth accessible through disciplined intellectual and spiritual effort.

To aid Rama’s understanding, Vasishta promises to narrate a story, a common pedagogical tool in the Yoga Vashishta, used to illustrate profound philosophical Truths through relatable narratives. This story, part of the section on origination (utpatti prakarana), aims to clarify how the world appears to arise but is ultimately unreal, like a mirage. By understanding the mechanism of this apparent origination, one can transcend the delusion and attain Realization. The promise of Realization through listening attentively underscores the transformative power of Knowledge and Wisdom in the Vedantic tradition.

Finally, Vasishta’s assertion that the world is “unborn and of the nature of empty Space” encapsulates the Advaita Vedanta perspective that the world lacks inherent existence and is a superimposition on the Eternal, Unchanging Brahm. The section on origination will explore how this delusion arises, reinforcing that True Freedom comes from Realizing the world’s non-existence and abiding in the Truth of Brahm. These verses collectively emphasize the importance of Self-Inquiry, sustained practice, and the guidance of a Realized Teacher in overcoming Ignorance and attaining Realization.