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Yoga Vashishtha 2.16.11–20
(Four essential practices — Contentment, Association with the Virtuous, Contemplation, and mental Tranquility )
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
नीरागाश्छिन्नसंदेहा गलितग्रन्थयोऽनघ।
साधवो यदि विद्यन्ते किं तपस्तीर्थसंग्रहैः ॥ ११ ॥
विश्रान्तमनसो धन्याः प्रयत्नेन परेण हि ।
दरिद्रेणेव मणयः प्रेक्षणीया हि साधवः ॥ १२ ॥
सत्समागमसौन्दर्यशालिनी धीमतां मतिः ।
कमलेवाप्सरोवृन्दे सर्वदैव विराजते ॥ १३ ॥
तेनामलविचारस्य पदस्याग्रावचूलिता ।
प्रथिता येन धन्येन न त्यक्ता साधुसंगतिः ॥ १४ ॥
विच्छिन्नग्रन्थयस्तज्ज्ञाः साधवः सर्वसंमताः ।
सर्वोपायेन संसेव्यास्ते ह्युपाया भवाम्बुधौ ॥ १५ ॥
ते एते नरकाग्नीनां संशुष्केन्धनतां गताः।
यैर्दृष्टा हेलया सन्तो नरकानलवारिदाः ॥ १६ ॥
दारिद्र्यं मरणं दुःखमित्यादिविषयो भ्रमः।
संप्रशाम्यत्यशेषेण साधुसंगमभेषजैः ॥ १७ ॥
संतोषः साधुसङ्गश्च विचारोऽथ शमस्तथा ।
एत एव भवाम्भोधावुपायास्तरणे नृणाम् ॥ १८ ॥
संतोषः परमो लाभः सत्सङ्गः परमा गतिः ।
विचारः परमं ज्ञानं शमो हि परमं सुखम् ॥ १९ ॥
चत्वार एते विमला उपाया भवभेदने ।
यैरभ्यस्तास्त उत्तीर्णा मोहवारिभवार्णवात् ॥ २० ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.16.11: If there are Noble Saints, free from attachment, with doubts dispelled and knots of the heart undone, what need is there for austerities or pilgrimages?
2.16.12: Blessed are those with Tranquil minds who, with great effort, seek the company of such Saints, as rare and precious as gems are to the poor.
2.16.13: The mind of the Wise, adorned with the beauty of association with the virtuous, shines always like a lotus amidst a cluster of celestial nymphs.
2.16.14: By the one who never abandons the company of the virtuous, the Pure State of contemplation is attained, its pinnacle reached, and glory established.
2.16.15: The Saints, whose knots are cut and who are Wise and universally revered, should be served by all means, for they are the means to cross the ocean of existence.
2.16.16: Those who casually disregard the Saints, who are like rainclouds extinguishing the fires of hell, become like dry fuel consumed by those flames.
2.16.17: The delusion of poverty, death, sorrow, and the like is completely calmed by the remedy of association with the virtuous.
2.16.18: Contentment, association with the virtuous, contemplation, and mental Tranquility are indeed the means for people to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
2.16.19: Contentment is the greatest gain, Association with the Virtuous is the highest refuge, Contemplation is the Supreme Knowledge, and Tranquility is the Ultimate Happiness.
2.16.20: These four Pure means— Contentment, Association with the Virtuous, Contemplation, and Tranquility —enable one to cross the ocean of delusion and worldly existence.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.16.11 to 2.16.20, spoken by Sage Vasishta, emphasize the paramount importance of associating with virtuous and enlightened beings (saints or sadhus) as a means to Spiritual Realization. The teachings highlight that such association surpasses the need for external practices like austerities or pilgrimages. Saints, described as free from attachment, doubt, and inner conflicts, serve as living embodiments of wisdom and tranquility. Their presence is a rare and precious gift, akin to priceless gems for those seeking Realization, underscoring that True Spiritual progress lies in seeking their guidance with sincerity and effort.
The verses poetically illustrate the transformative power of a wise and virtuous mind shaped by the company of Saints. Such a mind is likened to a radiant lotus, standing out even among celestial beauties, suggesting that association with the virtuous elevates one’s Consciousness to a state of Purity and Clarity. This association is not merely a casual interaction but a deliberate and continuous commitment that leads to the Highest State of Contemplation. The teachings stress that abandoning such company is akin to inviting spiritual downfall, as Saints are the guiding lights who help extinguish the fires of suffering and delusion.
Vasishta further elaborates that the company of Saints acts as a remedy to dispel worldly delusions, such as fears of poverty, death, and sorrow. By aligning with their Wisdom, one can transcend the mental afflictions that bind individuals to the cycle of existence. The verses emphasize that Saints, revered by all, are the ultimate means to navigate the metaphorical ocean of samsara
(worldly existence), offering a direct path to Realization through their teachings and Presence.
The teachings culminate in identifying four essential practices— Contentment, Association with the Virtuous, Contemplation, and mental Tranquility —as the Pure means to overcome the delusions of worldly life. Each is extolled as a supreme quality: Contentment as the greatest gain, Association with the Virtuous as the Highest Refuge, Contemplation as the Ultimate Knowledge, and Tranquility as the pinnacle of happiness. These practices are presented as interconnected, forming a holistic approach to Spiritual Realization, with the company of Saints serving as the foundation for cultivating the others.
In essence, these verses convey that Realization is not achieved through external rituals alone but through the Inner Transformation facilitated by Virtuous company. By embracing Contentment, seeking the guidance of Enlightened Beings, engaging in deep Contemplation, and cultivating mental Peace, one can transcend the ocean of worldly existence. The teachings underscore the timeless wisdom of prioritizing inner growth and the invaluable role of Wise mentors in guiding individuals toward Ultimate Freedom from delusion and suffering.
