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Yoga Vashishtha 2.14.30–36
(Transformation through Self-Inquiry and Spiritual discipline)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
स्वविचारमहौषध्या साधुश्चित्तनिषण्णया ।
तयोत्तमत्वप्रदया नाभिवाञ्छति नोज्झति ॥ ३० ॥
तत्पदालम्बनं चेतः स्फारमाभासमागतम्।
नास्तमेति न चोदेति खमिवातिततान्तरम् ॥ ३१ ॥
न ददाति न चादत्ते न चोन्नमति शाम्यति ।
केवलं साक्षिवत्पश्यञ्जगदाभोगि तिष्ठति ॥ ३२ ॥
न च शाम्यति नाप्यन्तर्नापि बाह्येऽवतिष्ठति ।
न च नैष्कर्म्यमादत्ते न च कर्मणि मज्जति ॥ ३३ ॥
उपेक्षते गतं वस्तु संप्राप्तमनुवर्तते ।
न क्षुब्धो न च वाऽक्षुब्धो भाति पूर्ण इवार्णवः ॥ ३४ ॥
एवं पूर्णेन मनसा महात्मानो महाशयाः ।
जीवन्मुक्ता जगत्यस्मिन्विहरन्तीह योगिनः ॥ ३५ ॥
उषित्वा सुचिरं कालं धीरास्ते यावदीप्सितम् ।
ते तमन्ते परित्यज्य यान्ति केवलतां तताम् ॥ ३६ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.14.30: With the great medicine of Self-Inquiry and the virtuous calming of the mind, which bestows the Highest State, one neither desires nor rejects anything.
2.14.31: The mind, resting in that Supreme State, becomes radiant and expansive, neither setting nor rising, like the vast sky within.
2.14.32: It neither gives nor takes, neither rises nor subsides, but remains as a mere Witness, beholding the world’s play.
2.14.33: It neither becomes still nor moves, neither abides within nor without, neither embraces inaction nor is immersed in action.
2.14.34: It lets go of what is gone, accepts what comes, neither agitated nor unagitated, shining like the full ocean.
2.14.35: With such a fulfilled mind, great-souled Beings and Noble Yogis, Realized while living, move freely in this world.
2.14.36: After dwelling long in this State, as desired, these steadfast ones ultimately abandon all and attain Pure Oneness.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.14.30–2.14.36, spoken by Sage Vasishta, articulate the state of a mind transformed through Self-Inquiry and spiritual discipline. The teachings emphasize the power of Self-Inquiry as a "great medicine" that pacifies the mind, leading to a State of Equanimity where desires and aversions dissolve. The initial verse (2.14.30) highlights the importance of introspection and virtuous mental discipline, which guide the individual toward the Highest Spiritual Realization. By cultivating a calm and reflective mind, one transcends the dualities of craving and rejection, achieving a Balanced State of Being that is neither swayed by external circumstances nor bound by internal turmoil.
The subsequent verses (31–33) describe the nature of this transformed mind, which rests in the Supreme Reality, radiant and boundless like the sky. This mind is characterized by its non-attachment and non-identification with the fluctuations of the world. It neither clings to nor rejects experiences, nor does it oscillate between action and inaction, inner and outer realms. Instead, it assumes the role of a detached Witness, observing the world’s unfolding without being entangled in its dynamics. This State of Pure Awareness reflects a profound Inner Freedom, where the mind remains untouched by the polarities of existence, embodying a Serene and expansive Presence.
Verse 34 further elaborates on the mind’s Equanimity, likening it to a full ocean—steady, unshaken, yet receptive. It does not resist the flow of life, allowing what has passed to depart and embracing what arrives without disturbance. This balance between non-resistance and non-attachment illustrates a state of dynamic Stillness, where the mind is neither perturbed by change nor rigidly fixed in passivity. The imagery of the ocean conveys a sense of completeness and depth, suggesting a mind that is whole, undisturbed, and in harmony with the natural flow of Existence.
Verse 35 introduces the concept of jivanmukti (Realized while living), describing how great-souled yogis, with minds fully established in this State, live freely in the world. These Enlightened Beings, referred to as mahātmās (great souls), navigate life with a sense of inner fulfillment and detachment, unburdened by worldly concerns. Their Realized State allows them to engage with the world without being bound by it, embodying the ideal of living in the world while remaining Spiritually Free. This verse underscores the practical application of Spiritual Realization, where liberation is not deferred to an afterlife but experienced in the present.
Finally, verse 36 speaks to the culmination of this spiritual journey, where, after living in this Realized State for as long as desired, the yogi ultimately transcends all limitations and merges into Pure Oneness (kaivalyatā). This State of Absolute Unity signifies the dissolution of all dualities and the attainment of complete mergence with the One God. The teachings collectively outline a path from disciplined Self-Inquiry to a State of detached Awareness, culminating in the Ultimate Freedom of non-dual Consciousness. They present a vision of spiritual life that is both practical and transcendent, guiding the seeker toward liberation while living and, ultimately, Union beyond all worldly Existence.
