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Yoga Vashishtha 2.18.11–17
(Clear and Tranquil Mind is like a serene lake)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
केवलं समवेक्ष्यन्ते विवेकाध्यासनं धियः।
न किंचन फलं धत्ते स्वाभ्यासेन विना क्रिया ॥ ११ ॥
मनः प्रसादमायाति शरदीव महत्सरः।
परं साम्यमुपादत्ते निर्मन्दर इवार्णवः ॥ १२ ॥
निरस्तकालिमारत्नशिखे वास्ततमःपटा।
प्रति ज्वलत्यलं प्रज्ञा पदार्थप्रविभागिनी ॥ १३ ॥
दैन्यदारिद्र्यदोषाढ्या दृष्टयो दर्शितान्तराः ।
न निकृन्तन्ति मर्माणि ससंनाहमिवेषवः ॥ १४ ॥
हृदयं नावलुम्पन्ति भीमाः संसृतिभीतयः।
पुरःस्थितमपि प्राज्ञं महोपलमिवेषवः ॥ १५ ॥
कथं स्यादादिता जन्मकर्मणां दैवपुंस्त्वयोः ।
इत्यादिसंशयगणः शाम्यत्यह्नि यथा तमः ॥ १६ ॥
सर्वदा सर्वभावेषु संशान्तिरुपजायते।
यामिन्यामिव शान्तायां प्रजालोक उपागते ॥ १७ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.18.11: The intellect, through mere observation and practice of Discernment, does not yield any fruit without consistent effort in action.
2.18.12: The mind attains Clarity like a great lake in autumn, and it reaches Supreme Equanimity, like an ocean without a churning rod.
2.18.13: When the darkness of Ignorance is dispelled, the jewel-like flame of Wisdom shines brightly, clearly distinguishing the True Nature of things.
2.18.14: Perspectives tainted by misery, poverty, and faults, once purified by insight, no longer pierce the heart like arrows armed with poison.
2.18.15: The terrifying fears of worldly existence do not disturb the heart of the Wise, just as arrows cannot pierce a great rock standing before them.
2.18.16: Doubts regarding the origin of birth, actions, destiny, and human effort dissolve completely, as darkness vanishes at the break of day.
2.18.17: In all circumstances and at all times, Perfect Tranquility arises, like the calm that follows the quieting of the night when the light of dawn arrives.
Summary of the Teachings:
The teachings of Yoga Vasishta verses 2.18.11 to 2.18.17 emphasize the transformative power of Discernment, consistent effort, and Wisdom in achieving mental clarity and liberation from worldly suffering. The first verse underscores that intellectual observation and Discernment alone are insufficient without disciplined action. This highlights the importance of practical application in spiritual growth, suggesting that true progress requires active engagement in practices that cultivate understanding and Self-Awareness. Mere contemplation, without effort, yields no lasting results, setting the foundation for the subsequent verses that explore the outcomes of such disciplined practice.
The second and third verses describe the fruits of a mind refined through Discernment and practice. A mind that engages in consistent effort becomes clear and tranquil, likened to a serene lake in autumn or a calm ocean undisturbed by churning. This Clarity allows Wisdom to shine forth, dispelling Ignorance and enabling one to perceive the True Nature of Reality. The imagery of a jewel-like flame suggests the brilliance and purity of enlightened understanding, which distinguishes truth from illusion, a central theme in Advaita Vedanta, the philosophical underpinning of the Yoga Vasishta.
The fourth and fifth verses focus on the resilience that arises from such Wisdom. A mind purified by discernment is no longer vulnerable to the afflictions of worldly existence, such as misery, poverty, or fear. These negative states, likened to poisonous arrows, lose their power to harm the Wise, whose hearts remain steadfast like an unyielding rock. This resilience reflects the inner strength that comes from understanding the transient nature of worldly phenomena, aligning with the text’s broader teaching of detachment from material and emotional disturbances.
The sixth verse addresses the dissolution of existential doubts—questions about the origins of birth, karma, destiny, and human agency. Through the practice of Discernment, these doubts vanish as naturally as darkness fades at dawn. This metaphor emphasizes the illuminating power of wisdom, which resolves confusion and brings clarity to life’s deeper questions. The verse reinforces the idea that intellectual clarity, grounded in spiritual practice, leads to liberation from the cycle of doubt and suffering, a key goal in the Yoga Vasishta’s teachings.
Finally, the seventh verse encapsulates the ultimate outcome of these practices: a state of perpetual Tranquility that pervades all circumstances. This Serene State, likened to the calm following a quiet night at dawn, represents the culmination of spiritual practice—where the mind remains undisturbed regardless of external conditions. Collectively, these verses teach that disciplined effort, discernment, and Wisdom lead to a Realized State of Clarity, Resilience, and Peace, freeing one from the fears and doubts of worldly existence and fostering an unshakable inner calm.
