Posts
Yoga Vashishtha 2.20.7–15
(Spiritual progress is a harmonious blend of Wisdom and Ethical living)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
ज्ञानं सत्पुरुषाचाराज्ज्ञानात्सत्पुरुषक्रमः।
परस्परं गतौ वृद्धिं ज्ञानसत्पुरुषक्रमौ ॥ ७ ॥
शमप्रज्ञादिनिपुणपुरुषार्थक्रमेण च ।
अभ्यसेत्पुरुषो धीमाञ्ज्ञानसत्पुरुषक्रमौ ॥ ८ ॥
न यावत्सममभ्यस्तौ ज्ञानसत्पुरुषक्रमौ।
एकोऽपि नैतयोस्तात पुरुषस्येह सिध्यति ॥ ९ ॥
यथा कलमरक्षिण्या गीत्या वितततालया ।
खगोत्सादेन सहितं गीतानन्दः प्रसाध्यते ॥ १० ॥
ज्ञानसत्पुरुषेहाभ्यामकर्त्रा कर्तृरूपिणा ।
तथा पुंसा निरिच्छेन सममासाद्यते पदम् ॥ ११ ॥
सदाचारक्रमः प्रोक्तो मयैवं रघुनन्दन।
तथोपदिश्यते सम्यगेवं ज्ञानक्रमोऽधुना ॥ १२ ॥
इदं यशस्यमायुष्यं पुरुषार्थफलप्रदम्।
तज्ज्ञादाप्ताच्च सच्छास्त्रं श्रोतव्यं किल धीमता ॥ १३ ॥
श्रुत्वा त्वं बुद्धिनैर्मल्याद्बलाद्यास्यसि तत्पदम् ।
यथा कतकसंश्लेषात्प्रसादं कलुषं पयः ॥ १४ ॥
विदितवेद्यमिदं हि मनो मुनेर्विवशमेव हि याति परं पदम् ।
यदवबुद्धमखण्डितमुत्तमं तदवबोधवशान्न जहाति हि ॥ १५ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.20.7: Knowledge arises from the conduct of a Virtuous person, and the conduct of a Virtuous person stems from Knowledge. Knowledge and virtuous conduct mutually enhance each other.
2.20.8: A Wise person should practice both Knowledge and Virtuous conduct through Tranquility, Discernment, and the pursuit of meaningful Goals with skill.
2.20.9: Until Knowledge and Virtuous conduct are practiced equally, neither alone can lead a person to success in this world.
2.20.10: Just as a song, with its rhythm and melody, combined with the expulsion of breath, produces the joy of singing, so too do Knowledge and Virtuous conduct together bring fulfillment.
2.20.11: Through Knowledge and Virtuous conduct, a person without selfish desires, acting both as the doer and non-doer, attains the Ultimate State.
2.20.12: I have explained the sequence of Virtuous conduct, O delight of the Raghu dynasty. Now, I will correctly teach the sequence of Knowledge.
2.20.13: This Knowledge, which brings fame, long life, and the fruits of human endeavor, should be learned by the Wise from trustworthy sources and sacred scriptures.
2.20.14: By hearing this Knowledge, through the Purity of your intellect and strength, you will attain that State, just as turbid water becomes clear with the touch of a clearing nut.
2.20.15: When the mind of a Sage understands what is to be known, it inevitably reaches the Supreme State. That which is Realized as whole and Supreme never leaves one through the power of Awakening.
Summary of Teachings:
The teachings of Yoga Vasishta verses 2.20.7 to 2.20.15 emphasize the symbiotic relationship between Knowledge (param jnana) and Virtuous conduct (sadachara) as essential for spiritual and worldly success.
The verses, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Rama, highlight that these two elements are interdependent, each nurturing and strengthening the other. Knowledge informs Virtuous behavior, and Virtuous behavior deepens understanding, creating a cycle of mutual growth. This interplay is foundational for a Wise person seeking to live a meaningful life, as neither Knowledge nor conduct alone is sufficient to achieve true fulfillment or Realization.
The verses stress the importance of balanced practice. A wise individual must cultivate both Knowledge and Virtuous conduct with equal diligence, using qualities like Tranquility, Discernment, and purposeful action. The metaphor of a song in verse 2.20.10 illustrates this harmony, comparing the combination of Knowledge and conduct to the rhythm, melody, and breath that together produce the joy of singing. This suggests that spiritual progress requires an integrated approach, where intellectual understanding and ethical living work in tandem to elevate the practitioner toward the Ultimate Goal of Self-Realization.
Vasishta further explains that Virtuous conduct is a prerequisite for understanding Higher Knowledge, and he promises to elaborate on the sequence of acquiring Knowledge after having outlined the importance of conduct. This structured approach underscores the systematic nature of spiritual growth in the Yoga Vasishta, where disciplined practice and learning from reliable sources—such as trustworthy teachers and sacred texts—are vital. The teachings are presented as not only spiritually transformative but also conducive to worldly benefits like fame and longevity, appealing to both the spiritual aspirant and the practical individual.
The transformative power of Knowledge is likened to a clearing nut purifying turbid water, suggesting that intellectual Clarity and Purity of mind enable one to attain the Supreme State. This State is described as an unshakeable Realization of the Ultimate Truth, where the mind, once awakened to the whole and Supreme Reality, remains steadfastly connected to it. The verses emphasize the role of a pure intellect and persistent effort in achieving this state, reinforcing the idea that Realization is accessible through dedicated practice and understanding.
Overall, these verses encapsulate the Yoga Vasishta’s core teaching that spiritual progress is a harmonious blend of Wisdom and Ethical living. By practicing both with sincerity and balance, one transcends selfish desires and attains the Ultimate State of Realization. The teachings encourage learning from authentic sources, cultivating Inner Purity, and integrating Knowledge with action, offering a practical yet profound path to Self-Realization that is both accessible and transformative for the dedicated seeker.
End of Chapter–2
