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Chapter 2.13: Peace and Tranquility of Mind
Yoga Vashishtha 2.13.1–10
(Enlightened are those who live in harmony with the Self, free from the bindings of duality and ego)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
एतां दृष्टिमवष्टभ्य दृष्टात्मानः सुबुद्धयः।
विचरन्तीह संसारे महान्तोऽभ्युदिता इव ॥ १ ॥
न शोचन्ति न वाञ्छन्ति न याचन्ते शुभाशुभम् ।
सर्वमेव च कुर्वन्ति न कुर्वन्तीह किंचन ॥ २ ॥
स्वच्छमेवावतिष्ठन्ते स्वच्छं कुर्वन्ति यान्ति हि ।
हेयोपादेयतापक्षरहिताः स्वात्मनि स्थिताः ॥ ३ ॥
आयान्ति च न चायान्ति प्रयान्ति च न यान्ति च ।
कुर्वन्त्यपि न कुर्वन्ति न वदन्ति वदन्ति च ॥ ४ ॥
ये केचन समारम्भा याश्च काश्चन दृष्टयः ।
हेयोपादेयतस्तास्ताः क्षीयन्तेऽधिगते पदे ॥ ५ ॥
परित्यक्तसमस्तेहं मनोमधुरवृत्तिमत्।
सर्वतः सुखमभ्येति चन्द्रबिम्ब इव स्थितम् ॥ ६ ॥
अपि निर्मननारम्भमव्यस्ताखिलकौतुकम् ।
आत्मन्येव न मात्यन्तरिन्दाविव रसायनम् ॥ ७ ॥
न करोतीन्द्रजालानि नानुधावति वासनाम् ।
बालचापलमुत्सृज्य पूर्वमेव विराजते ॥ ८ ॥
एवंविधा हि वृत्तय आत्मतत्त्वावलोकनाल्लभ्यन्ते नान्यथा ॥ ९ ॥
तस्माद्विचारेणात्मैवान्वेष्टव्य उपासनीयो ज्ञातव्यो यावज्जीवं पुरुषेण नेतरदिति ॥ १० ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.13.1: Adopting this vision, those with awakened intellects who have Realized the Self move through the world like Great Beings, as if radiant with enlightenment.
2.13.2: They neither grieve nor desire, nor do they seek good or evil; they perform all actions yet, in Essence, do nothing at all.
2.13.3: They abide in Purity, act with Purity, and move in Purity, free from notions of acceptance or rejection, firmly established in their own Self.
2.13.4: They come without coming, go without going, act without acting, and speak without speaking.
2.13.5: Whatever endeavors or perspectives arise, all notions of acceptance or rejection dissolve upon attaining the Ultimate State.
2.13.6: Having abandoned all sense of ego and with a mind sweetened by tranquility, they attain Bliss everywhere, like the Serene orb of the moon.
2.13.7: Even without initiating mental activity or being entangled in worldly curiosities, they abide solely in the Self, like nectar within the moon.
2.13.8: They do not create illusions nor chase desires, and, relinquishing childish restlessness, they shine forth as they always have.
2.13.9: Such States of Being are attained through the vision of the Self’s Essence, and not otherwise.
2.13.10: Therefore, through inquiry, one must seek, contemplate, and know the Self throughout life, and nothing else.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.13.1 to 2.13.10 articulate the qualities and state of being of enlightened individuals who have Realized the Self, offering a profound vision of Spiritual Realization. These verses describe the behavior and inner disposition of those who have transcended worldly dualities and abide in the non-dual Essence of the Self. By adopting a vision rooted in Self-Realization, these awakened beings navigate the world with Wisdom and Equanimity, appearing radiant as if illuminated by an inner light. Their actions, free from attachment or aversion, reflect a state of effortless existence, where they engage in the world yet remain untouched by it, embodying a paradox of doing without doing.
Central to these teachings is the idea of freedom from desire, grief, and the pursuit of good or evil. The enlightened do not cling to outcomes or reject experiences, as they see all phenomena as transient and illusory compared to the Eternal Self. Their purity of mind allows them to act spontaneously, without being swayed by dualities such as gain or loss, acceptance or rejection. This State of Being is marked by a serene detachment, where their actions align with the natural flow of existence, untainted by ego or personal motives. The verses emphasize that such individuals are not bound by conventional notions of movement, action, or speech, as their Awareness rests in the unchanging Reality of the Self.
The teachings further highlight the dissolution of ego and mental restlessness as essential to attaining this State. By relinquishing the sense of “I” and calming the mind’s fluctuations, the enlightened experience Universal Bliss, likened to the tranquil glow of the moon. This metaphor underscores their serene and unchanging nature amidst the flux of worldly life. The verses suggest that the enlightened do not create illusions (like a magician’s tricks) nor chase fleeting desires, having outgrown the impulsive tendencies of an immature mind. Instead, they shine in their inherent glory, rooted in the Eternal Truth of the Self.
The path to this Realization, as outlined in the verses, is through direct contemplation and Inquiry into the Nature of the Self. This process involves moving beyond superficial engagements with the world and cultivating a vision that pierces through illusions to perceive the underlying Unity of Existence. The teachings stress that such a State is not achieved through external means or rituals but through an inner transformation driven by Self-Inquiry. The final verse underscores the lifelong commitment to this pursuit,
urging individuals to focus solely on Realizing the Self, as it is the Ultimate Purpose of human life.
In essence, these verses encapsulate the Yoga Vasishta’s non-dual philosophy, portraying the enlightened as those who live in harmony with the Self, free from the bindings of duality and ego. Their existence is a testament to the power of Self-Knowledge, which liberates one from the cycles of desire and suffering. The teachings encourage a disciplined inquiry into the Self, promising a state of unshakable Peace and Bliss that transcends the transient nature of the world. This vision serves as both an inspiration and a guide for spiritual aspirants seeking to attain True Realization.
