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Yoga Vashishtha 2.14.1–10
Chapter 2.14: Power of Self-Inquiry
(Self-Inquiry as a wish-fulfilling tree that yields both material and Spiritual rewards)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
शास्त्रावबोधामलया धिया परमपूतया ।
कर्तव्यः कारणज्ञेन विचारोऽनिशमात्मनः ॥ १ ॥
विचारात्तीक्ष्णतामेत्य धीः पश्यति परं पदम् ।
दीर्घसंसाररोगस्य विचारो हि महौषधम् ॥ २ ॥
आपद्वनमनन्तेहापरिपल्लविताकृति ।
विचारक्रकचच्छिन्नं नैव भूयः प्ररोहति ॥ ३ ॥
मोहेन बन्धुनाशेषु संकटेषु शमेषु च ।
सर्वं व्याप्तं महाप्राज्ञ विचारो हि सतां गतिः ॥ ४ ॥
न विचारं विना कश्चिदुपायोऽस्ति विपश्चिताम् ।
विचारादशुभं त्यक्त्वा शुभमायाति धीः सताम् ॥ ५ ॥
बलं बुद्धिश्च तेजश्च प्रतिपत्तिः क्रियाफलम् ।
फलन्त्येतानि सर्वाणि विचारेणैव धीमताम् ॥ ६ ॥
युक्तायुक्तमहादीपमभिवाञ्छित साधकम् ।
स्फारं विचारमाश्रित्य संसारजलधिं तरेत् ॥ ७ ॥
आलूनहृदयाम्भोजान्महामोहम तङ्गजान् ।
विदारयति शुद्धात्मा विचारो नाम केसरी ॥ ८ ॥
मूढाः कालवशेनेह यद्गताः परमं पदम्।
तद्विचारप्रदीपस्य विजृम्भितमनुत्तमम् ॥ ९ ॥
राज्यानि संपदः स्फारा भोगो मोक्षश्च शाश्वतः ।
विचारकल्पवृक्षस्य फलान्येतानि राघव ॥ १० ॥
Maharishi Vasishta said:
2.14.1: With a Pure and clear intellect, one who knows the Cause must constantly engage in Self-Inquiry through the understanding of the scriptures.
2.14.2: Through inquiry, the intellect becomes sharp and perceives the Supreme State; indeed, Inquiry is the great remedy for the prolonged disease of worldly existence.
2.14.3: The endless forest of calamities, with its unblossomed forms, when cut down by the saw of Inquiry, never sprouts again.
2.14.4: In delusion, in the loss of kinsmen, in difficulties, and in times of peace, everything is pervaded by Inquiry, which is the path of the Wise.
2.14.5: For the Wise, there is no other means except Inquiry; through Inquiry, the intellect of the virtuous abandons the inauspicious and attains the auspicious.
2.14.6: Strength, Wisdom, energy, resolve, and the fruit of actions—all these flourish for the intelligent through Inquiry alone.
2.14.7: Relying on the expansive lamp of Inquiry, which discerns what is proper and improper, one who seeks Truth can cross the ocean of worldly existence.
2.14.8: The Pure Self, like a lion named Inquiry, tears apart the elephants of great delusion that afflict the lotus of the heart.
2.14.9: The Supreme State that fools attain by the force of time is surpassed by the brilliance of the lamp of Inquiry.
2.14.10: Kingdoms, vast wealth, enjoyments, and eternal liberation—these are the fruits of the wish-fulfilling tree of Inquiry, O Raghava.
Summary of the Teachings:
The teachings of these verses from the Yoga Vasishta, as spoken by Sage Vasishta to Rama, emphasize the paramount importance of Self-Inquiry (vichara) as the foundation for Spiritual growth and Realization.
Vasishta instructs that a Pure and clear intellect, guided by the Wisdom of the scriptures, must constantly engage in Self-Inquiry to understand the Ultimate Cause or Truth of Existence. This practice is not a one-time effort but a continuous process that refines the mind, enabling it to perceive the Supreme State beyond the illusions of the material world. The verses establish inquiry as a transformative tool, essential for those seeking to transcend the cycle of birth and death.
Vasishta portrays Self-Inquiry as a powerful remedy for the "disease" of samsara, the endless cycle of worldly existence marked by suffering and delusion. By sharpening the intellect, Inquiry allows one to see through the transient nature of worldly phenomena and attain the Supreme State of Realization. The metaphor of a forest of calamities being cut down by the "saw" of Inquiry illustrates its ability to eradicate the root causes of suffering, ensuring they do not resurface. This underscores the idea that Inquiry is not merely intellectual but a profound practice that uproots Ignorance permanently.
The verses further highlight the universal applicability of Inquiry, noting its relevance in all circumstances—whether in times of delusion, loss, adversity, or peace. For the Wise, Inquiry is the only path, as it enables the discernment of what is auspicious and the rejection of what is harmful. It is described as the guiding force that leads the virtuous to clarity and righteousness, suggesting that no other method can match its efficacy in leading to spiritual awakening. This universal quality of Inquiry makes it accessible and necessary for all seekers, regardless of their external conditions.
Inquiry is also celebrated as the source of all positive attributes and outcomes, including strength, Wisdom, energy, resolve, and the successful fruition of actions. It is likened to a lamp that illuminates the path through the complexities of life, helping one distinguish between what is proper and improper. By relying on Inquiry, the seeker can navigate the "ocean" of worldly existence and attain Realization. The vivid imagery of Inquiry as a lion tearing apart the elephants of delusion emphasizes its dynamic and purifying power, capable of cleansing the heart of Ignorance and attachment.
Finally, the verses culminate in a vision of Inquiry as a wish-fulfilling tree that yields both material and spiritual rewards, from wealth and kingdoms to eternal Realization. This underscores the holistic nature of Self-Inquiry, which not only leads to Spiritual Freedom but also enhances worldly success by fostering Clarity and Wisdom. Vasishta’s teachings to Rama emphasize that Inquiry is the ultimate practice for attaining the Highest Goals of life, offering a clear and practical path for those who aspire to transcend the limitations of the material world and Realize the Eternal Truth.
