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Yoga Vashishtha 3.58.10–24
(These verses teach that the world and our bodies are projections shaped by our deep-seated latent impressions, known as vāsanās)
ज्ञाप्तिरुवाच ।
त्वं तु तेन शरीरेण सत्यसंकल्पतः सुते।
दृश्यसे स्ववदातेन चित्रं तत्र तवोपरि ॥ १०॥
यद्वासना त्वमभवो देहं प्रति तदेव ते।
रूपमभ्युदितं बाले तेन प्राक्सदृशं तव ॥ ११॥
स्ववासनानुसारेण सर्वः सर्वं हि पश्यति।
दृष्टान्तोऽत्राविसंवादी बालवेतालदर्शनम् ॥ १२॥
आतिवाहिकदेहासि संपन्ना सिद्धसुन्दरि।
विस्मृतस्त्वेव देहोऽसौ प्राक्तनोऽनपवासनः ॥ १३॥
रूढातिवाहिकदृशः प्रशाम्यत्याधिभौतिकः।
बुधस्य दृश्यमानोऽपि शरन्मेघ इवाम्बरे ॥ १४॥
रूढातिवाहिकीभावः सर्वो भवति देहकः।
निर्जलाम्भोदसदृशो निर्गन्धकुसुमोपमः ॥ १५॥
सद्वासनस्य रूढायामातिवाहिकसंविदि।
देहो विस्मृतिमायाति गर्भसंस्थेव यौवने ॥ १६॥
एकत्रिंशेऽद्य दिवसे प्राप्ता वयमिहाम्बरे।
प्रभाते मोहिते दास्यौ मयैते निद्रयाधुना ॥ १७॥
तदेहि यावल्लीलायै लीले संकल्पलीलया।
आत्मानं दर्शयावोऽस्यै व्यवहारः प्रवर्तताम् ॥ १८॥
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
आवां तावदिमे लीला पश्यत्वित्येव चिन्तिते।
ज्ञप्त्या देव्या ततस्तत्र दृश्ये दीप्ते बभूवतुः ॥ १९॥
सा विदूरथलीलाथ समाकुलविलोचना।
गृहमालोकयामास तत्तेजःपुञ्जभास्वरम् ॥ २०॥
चन्द्रबिम्बादिवोत्कीर्णं धौतं हेमद्रवैरिव।
ज्वालाया द्रवशीतायास्तत्प्रभाद्रवभित्तिमत् ॥ २१॥
गृहमालोक्य पुरतो लीलाज्ञप्ती विलोक्य ते।
उत्थाय संभ्रमवती तयोः पादेषु सापतत् ॥ २२॥
मज्जयायागते देव्यौ जयतां जीवनप्रदे।
इह पूर्वमहं प्राप्ता भवत्योर्मार्गशोधिनी ॥ २३॥
इत्युक्तवत्यां तस्यां ता मानिन्यो मत्तयौवनाः।
उपाविशन्विष्टरेषु लतामेरुशिरःस्विव ॥ २४॥
The Goddess continued:
3.58.10–12
> You are seen with that same body because of your true resolve, O daughter. You appear there like your own self in that painted form.
> Whatever latent impression (vāsanā) you had towards the body, that very form has arisen for you, O child. Thus, it is similar to your previous one.
> Everyone sees everything according to their own latent impressions. A fitting example here is the vision of a boy seeing a ghost.
3.58.13–16
> O beautiful siddha woman, you are now endowed with the subtle (ātivāhika) body. That former body has been forgotten, as it had no strong latent impressions left.
> When the subtle body-vision becomes strong, the physical body fades away, even if seen by the wise, like autumn clouds in the sky.
> When the subtle body state becomes firm, it becomes like the real body — similar to a cloud without water or a flower without fragrance.
> For one with good latent impressions, when the subtle body-awareness becomes firm, the physical body is forgotten, like the State in the womb is forgotten in youth.
3.58.17–18
> Today, on the thirty-first day, we have arrived here in the sky. In the morning, these two maidservants were deluded by sleep.
> So come, let us show ourselves to Līlā through our power of resolve and playful creation, so that her worldly activities may continue.
Sage Vashishta said:
3.58.19–22
> As soon as the Goddess Jnāpti (Goddess of Knowledge - Saraswati) thought, “Let these two Līlās see us,” they both appeared shining brightly in that visible space.
> Then that Līlā of King Vidūratha, with eyes full of wonder, looked at the house glowing with that mass of brilliance.
> It was as if carved out of the moon’s orb, washed with molten gold, or like the wall of a cool, liquid flame with its own radiant liquid.
> Seeing the house and then seeing Līlā and Jnāpti in front, she rose in excitement and fell at their feet.
3.58.23–24
> “O Goddesses who have come to revive me, victory to you, givers of life! I arrived here earlier as the one who clears the path for you both.”
> When she said this, those proud ladies, intoxicated with their youthful vigor, sat on the seats like creepers on the peak of Mount Meru.
Summary of the teachings:
What we perceive as Reality is not fixed but arises according to the mental tendencies and resolves we carry. The story illustrates how a person can appear in different forms or bodies based on their inner Sankalpa (firm intention). Even a “painted” or imagined form can seem Real if backed by strong mental energy. This shows the creative power of the mind and the illusory nature of physical appearances.
The verses highlight the difference between the gross physical body and the subtle ātivāhika body. When subtle impressions strengthen, the physical body loses its grip and can fade like autumn clouds, even while still visible to others. The subtle body then functions almost like a real one, yet it is lighter — comparable to a waterless cloud or a scentless flower. Good vāsanās help one transition smoothly, forgetting the old body as one forgets the womb-state upon growing into youth. This teaches the possibility of operating beyond the physical through purified mental states.
Perception is entirely subjective: everyone sees the world through the lens of their own vāsanās. The example of a child seeing a ghost demonstrates how the same object or space can appear differently based on inner conditioning. The narrative also shows how divine or enlightened beings can manifest through resolve (sankalpa) to guide others, appearing in luminous forms to awaken or support souls in their journey. It emphasizes that spiritual progress involves shifting from gross to subtle awareness.
The interaction between the characters reveals humility, devotion, and the continuity of spiritual guidance. The revived Līlā recognizes the Goddesses as life-givers and path-clearers, showing gratitude and surrender. The Goddesses, in their youthful Divine energy, respond gracefully. This teaches that even in Higher States of Existence, playful Divine līlā (sport) continues to sustain worldly order and help souls progress without breaking the flow of life.
Overall, these verses from Yoga Vāsiṣṭha underscore non-dual philosophy: the body, world, and experiences are mind-created and can be transcended through understanding vāsanās and cultivating pure resolve. True Reality lies in the unchanging Consciousness behind all appearances. By strengthening subtle awareness and good impressions, one moves toward freedom from physical limitations while still engaging in life’s duties. The story serves as a practical illustration of how Realization dissolves rigid identifications and reveals the fluid, dream-like nature of Existence.
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