Chapter 3.78, Verses 22–33

Yoga Vashishtha 3.78.22–33

(These verses highlight the importance of composure and Wisdom in the face of challenges)

मन्त्र्युवाच।

महाराक्षसि संरम्भो महात्मा किमयं तव।

लघवो ह्यथवा कार्ये लघावप्यतिसंभ्रमाः ॥ २२॥

त्यज संरम्भमारम्भो नायं तव विराजते।

विषये हि प्रवर्तन्ते धीमन्तः स्वार्थसाधकाः ॥ २३॥

त्वादृशानां सहस्राणि मशकानामिवाबले।

अस्माकं धीरतावात्याव्यूढानि तृणपर्णवत् ॥ २४॥

संरम्भद्वारमुत्सृज्य समतास्वच्छया धिया।

युक्ता च व्यवहारिण्या स्वार्थः प्राज्ञेन साध्यते ॥ २५॥

स्वेनेव व्यवहारेण कार्यं सिद्ध्यतु वा न वा।

महानियतिरित्येव भ्रमस्यावसरो हि कः ॥ २६॥

कथयाभिमतं किं ते किमर्थयसि चार्थिनी।

अर्थी स्वप्नेऽपि नास्माकमप्राप्तार्थः पुरो गतः ॥ २७॥

इत्युक्ता सा तदा तेन चिन्तयामास राक्षसी।

अहो नु विमलाचारं सत्त्वं पुरुषसिंहयोः ॥ २८॥

न सामान्याविमौ मन्ये विचित्रेयं चमत्कृतिः।

वचोवक्रेक्षणेनैव वदत्यन्तर्विनिश्चयम् ॥ २९॥

वचोवक्रेक्षणद्वारैर्धीमतामाशया मिथः।

एकीभवन्ति सरितां पयांसि वलनैरिव ॥ ३०॥

आभ्यां प्रायः परिज्ञातो मम भावोऽनयोर्मया।

न विनाश्यौ मया चेमौ स्वयमेवाविनाशिनौ ॥ ३१॥

मन्ये भवेतामात्मज्ञौ नात्मज्ञानादृते मतिः।

प्रमृष्टसदसद्भावाद्भवत्यस्तभया मृतौ ॥ ३२॥

तदेतौ परिपृच्छामि किंचित्संदेहमुत्थितम्।

प्राज्ञं प्राप्य न पृच्छन्ति ये केचित्ते नराधमाः ॥ ३३॥

The Minister said: 

3.78.22–27

> O great demoness, why this great agitation in you? Small-minded people or those dealing with small tasks become overly excited.

> Give up this agitation. Such excitement does not suit you. Wise people act calmly in their matters to achieve their goals.

> There are thousands like you, weak as mosquitoes. For us, they are as insignificant as blades of grass or leaves, due to our patience and strength.

> Leaving aside agitation, with a balanced and clear mind, along with practical behavior, a wise person achieves their purpose.

> Whether the work succeeds or not through one's own efforts, it is all due to great destiny. What room is there for delusion or worry?

> Tell me what you desire. What do you ask for, O seeker? Even in dreams, no one who seeks from us goes away without getting what they want.

3.78.28–33

> Thus addressed by him, the demoness then thought: Oh, how pure is the conduct and goodness of these lion-like men!

> I do not think these two are ordinary. This is a wonderful marvel. Through their speech, facial expressions, and glances, they express inner conviction.

> Through words, expressions, and glances, the minds of wise people become united with each other, just as rivers merge their waters through windings.

> From these two, I have mostly understood my own feelings and those of the others. These two should not be destroyed by me; they are indestructible by themselves.

> I believe they may be Knowers of the Self. Without Knowledge of the Self, such composure does not arise. Having wiped out the sense of Real and unreal, one becomes fearless even in death.

> Therefore, I will ask them a little about the doubt that has arisen. Those who do not ask questions upon meeting a wise person are the lowest of men.

Summary of the Teachings:

The minister advises the demoness against excessive agitation, pointing out that true strength lies in calmness rather than emotional outbursts. This teaches that great souls handle situations with dignity and restraint, avoiding unnecessary excitement even in serious matters. It contrasts the behavior of the wise with that of the weak, who panic over trivial things.

A key teaching is the role of destiny and equanimity in action. One should perform duties with a balanced mind, accepting outcomes as per Cosmic order without delusion or worry. Practical intelligence combined with inner peace leads to success. This encourages detachment from results while engaging fully in life's responsibilities.

The verses praise the subtle communication of enlightened Beings. Through words, expressions, and glances, wise individuals convey deep understanding and connect minds effortlessly. This shows how true wisdom fosters harmony and mutual recognition beyond ordinary interactions, like rivers joining naturally.

The demoness recognizes the spiritual greatness of the two men, Realizing they possess Self-Knowledge that makes them fearless toward death. This underscores that Self-Realization erases dualities of existence and non-existence, leading to profound fearlessness. Such beings are indestructible in essence.

Finally, the importance of seeking Knowledge from the wise is emphasized. Approaching enlightened persons with questions to resolve doubts is the mark of a genuine seeker. Those who fail to do so are considered inferior, promoting humility and the pursuit of truth through dialogue.