Chapter 2.15, Verses 15–20

Yoga Vashishtha 2.15.15–20

(Contentment attracts Purity, Tranquility, and Equanimity)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

संतोषाऽमृतपूर्णस्य शान्तशीतलया धिया ।

स्वयं स्थैर्यं मनो याति शीतांशोरिव शाश्वतम् ॥ १५ ॥

संतोषपुष्टमनसं भृत्या इव महर्द्धयः ।

राजानमुपतिष्ठन्ति किंकरत्वमुपागताः ॥ १६ ॥

आत्मनैवात्मनि स्वस्थे संतुष्टे पुरुषे स्थिते ।

प्रशाम्यन्त्याधयः सर्वे प्रावृषीवाशु पांशवः ॥ १७ ॥

नित्यं शीतलया राम कुलङ्कपरिभिन्नया ।

पुरुषः शुद्धया वृत्त्या भाति पूर्णतयेन्दुवत् ॥ १८ ॥

समतासुन्दरं वक्रं पुरुषस्यावलोकयन्।

तोषमेति यथा लोको न तथा धनसंचयैः ॥ १९ ॥

समतया मतया गुणशालिनां पुरुषराडिह यः समलंकृतः ।

तममलं प्रणमन्ति नभश्चरा अपि महामुनयो रघुनन्दन ॥ २० ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.15.15: With a mind full of contentment, like a vessel filled with nectar, and cooled by calm intelligence, the mind naturally attains eternal stability, like the moon’s serene radiance.

2.15.16: A mind nourished by contentment is attended by great virtues, just as loyal servants humbly serve a king, ready to fulfill his wishes.

2.15.17: When a person is content and established in the Self, all afflictions vanish swiftly, like dust settling after the rainy season.

2.15.18: O Rama, a person with a Pure and Tranquil disposition, untainted by impurities, shines with fullness, like the radiant moon.

2.15.19: Observing the beauty of a person’s balanced and equitable nature brings greater satisfaction to people than the accumulation of wealth.

2.15.20: O delight of the Raghu dynasty, a virtuous person adorned with Equanimity is Pure and revered, even by Celestial Sages who bow to such a Noble Being.

Summary of Teachings:

The teachings in these verses from the Yoga Vasishta, as conveyed by Sage Vasishta to Rama, center on the transformative power of Contentment (santosha) and Equanimity in achieving mental peace, spiritual stability, and a virtuous life. The first verse (2.15.15) emphasizes that a mind imbued with contentment and guided by calm, clear intelligence attains a state of enduring stability. This stability is likened to the serene, eternal glow of the moon, suggesting that contentment acts as a nourishing force that brings lasting Tranquility, free from the fluctuations of external desires. The metaphor of nectar underscores the idea that contentment is a Divine, sustaining quality that fulfills the mind completely.

In the second verse (2.15.16), contentment is portrayed as a foundation that attracts virtues, which serve the mind like devoted attendants to a king. 

This imagery highlights that a content mind naturally draws positive qualities such as wisdom, compassion, and integrity, which align themselves to support the individual’s inner sovereignty. The verse suggests that contentment is not merely a passive state but an active force that cultivates a virtuous character, enabling one to live in harmony with higher ideals and principles.

The third verse (2.15.17) elaborates on the healing power of contentment, stating that when one is established in the Self and content, all mental and emotional afflictions dissolve rapidly, much like dust settling after rain. This teaching underscores the therapeutic effect of inner satisfaction, which eliminates the root causes of suffering—such as desire, attachment, and restlessness. By anchoring oneself in the Self, one transcends external disturbances, achieving a State of Inner Peace that is both profound and immediate.

The fourth and fifth verses (2.15.18–2.15.19) focus on the radiance and appeal of a person who embodies Purity, Tranquility, and Equanimity. Such an individual shines like the moon, unblemished and full, attracting admiration not for material wealth but for their balanced and noble disposition. The emphasis on Equanimity as more satisfying than wealth reflects the Yoga Vasishta’s core teaching that true fulfillment lies in inner virtues rather than external acquisitions. This Equanimity fosters a universal appeal, drawing respect and contentment from others who witness such a harmonious state.

The final verse (2.15.20) elevates the discussion by describing a person of Equanimity and virtue as a rare and exalted being, worthy of reverence even from celestial sages. This verse underscores the universal respect earned by those who embody purity and balance, portraying them as spiritual exemplars. Collectively, these verses teach that Contentment and Equanimity are not only personal virtues but also transformative qualities that align an individual with the highest ideals of existence, fostering Inner Peace, attracting virtues, and earning universal admiration. They guide the seeker toward a life of spiritual fulfillment, free from the transient allure of material gains.

Chapter 2.15, Verses 8–14

Yoga Vashishtha 2.15.8–14

(Mind restless with desire and devoid of contentment is like a dirty mirror) 

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

संतोषशीतलं चेतः शुद्धविज्ञानदृष्टिभिः ।

भृशं विकासमायाति सूर्यांशुभिरिवाम्बुजम् ॥ ८ ॥

आशावैवश्यविवशे चित्ते संतोषवर्जिते।

म्लाने वक्रमिवादर्शे न ज्ञानं प्रतिबिम्बति ॥ ९ ॥

अज्ञानघनयामिन्या संकोचं न नराम्बुजम् ।

यात्यसावुदितो यस्य नित्यं संतोषभास्करः ॥ १० ॥

अकिंचनोऽप्यसौ जन्तुः साम्राज्यसुखमश्नुते ।

आधिव्याधिविनिर्मुक्तं संतुष्टं यस्य मानसम् ॥ ११ ॥

नाभिवाञ्छत्यसंप्राप्तं प्राप्तं भुंक्ते यथाक्रमम् ।

यः सुसौम्यसमाचारः संतुष्ट इति कथ्यते ॥ १२ ॥

संतुष्टिपरतृप्तस्य महतः पूर्णचेतसः ।

क्षीराब्धेरिव शुद्धस्य मुखे लक्ष्मीर्विराजते ॥ १३ ॥

पूर्णतामलमाश्रित्य स्वात्मन्येवात्मना स्वयम् ।

पौरुषेण प्रयत्नेन तृष्णां सर्वत्र वर्जयेत् ॥ १४ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.15.8: The mind cooled by contentment, illuminated by pure understanding, blossoms greatly, like a lotus under the rays of the sun.

2.15.9: In a mind overwhelmed by the restlessness of desire and devoid of contentment, Knowledge does not reflect, just as a face does not reflect clearly in a dirty mirror.

2.15.10: The human lotus does not wither in the dense darkness of Ignorance when the sun of contentment perpetually shines within.

2.15.11: Even if destitute, a person whose mind is content enjoys the happiness of an emperor, free from mental and physical afflictions.

2.15.12: One who does not crave what is unattained, enjoys what is obtained in due course, and conducts themselves with gentle behavior is called content.

2.15.13: The face of a great soul, fully satisfied with contentment and Pure like the ocean of milk, radiates with the brilliance of prosperity.

2.15.14: Relying on the Purity of fulfillment, one should, through self-effort and by the Self within the Self, abandon craving everywhere.

Summary of Teachings:

The teachings of Yoga Vasishta verses 2.15.8 to 2.15.14 center on the transformative power of contentment (santosh) as a cornerstone of spiritual growth and Inner Peace. These verses, spoken by Sage Vasishta, emphasize that a mind imbued with contentment becomes a fertile ground for Wisdom and Realization, contrasting sharply with a restless, desire-driven mind that obscures clarity and understanding. Contentment is portrayed as a cooling, nurturing force that allows the mind to flourish, much like a lotus blooming under sunlight, highlighting its role in fostering mental purity and receptivity to Higher Knowledge.

The verses draw a vivid analogy between a content mind and a clear mirror, capable of reflecting True Knowledge, while a mind consumed by unfulfilled desires is likened to a tarnished mirror, unable to grasp Wisdom. This underscores the idea that contentment is not merely a passive state but an active condition that dispels the darkness of Ignorance. By cultivating contentment, one ensures that the mind remains untainted by the turmoil of craving, allowing it to remain open to spiritual insight and free from the distortions caused by restless desires.

Furthermore, the teachings emphasize the universal accessibility of contentment, portraying it as a source of profound happiness that transcends material wealth. Even a person with nothing can experience the joy of an emperor if their mind is content, liberated from mental and physical suffering. This highlights the inner nature of true happiness, which depends not on external possessions but on an internal state of satisfaction and freedom from want, making contentment a great equalizer in the pursuit of well-being.

The verses also define the characteristics of a content individual: one who accepts what comes naturally without yearning for the unattained and maintains a gentle, balanced demeanor. 

Such a person is depicted as radiating purity and prosperity, their inner fulfillment manifesting outwardly as a serene and luminous presence. This external radiance is not tied to material wealth but to the inner wealth of a mind at peace, fully satisfied and aligned with Spiritual Purity.

Finally, the teachings advocate for self-effort in cultivating contentment by consciously abandoning craving. This process involves relying on the Purity of one’s own inner fulfillment, achieved through disciplined effort and Self-Awareness. By emphasizing personal responsibility and the rejection of desire, the verses guide the seeker toward a state of complete self-sufficiency, where the Self rests in its own nature, free from external dependencies. Collectively, these verses present contentment as both a practice and a State of Being that leads to Realization, Wisdom, and enduring happiness.

Chapter 2.15, Verses 1–7

Yoga Vashishtha 2.15.1–7

(Necessity of cultivating inner contentment to uproot the causes of suffering)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

संतोषो हि परं श्रेयः संतोषः सुखमुच्यते संतुष्टः परमभ्येति विश्राममरिसूदन ॥ १ ॥

संतोषैश्वर्यसुखिनां चिरविश्रान्तचेतसाम्।

साम्राज्यमपि शान्तानां जरत्तृणलवायते ॥ २ ॥

संतोषशालिनी बुद्धी राम संसारवृत्तिषु ।

विषमास्वप्यनुद्विग्ना न कदाचन हीयते ॥ ३ ॥

संतोषामृतपानेन ये शान्तास्तृप्तिमागताः ।

भोगश्रीरतुला तेषामेषा प्रतिविषायते ॥ ४ ॥

न तथा सुखयन्त्येताः पीयूषरसवीचयः ।

यथातिमधुरास्वादः संतोषो दोषनाशनः ॥ ५ ॥

अप्राप्तवाञ्छामुत्सृज्य संप्राप्ते समतां गतः ।

अदृष्टखेदाखेदो यः स संतुष्ट इहोच्यते ॥ ६ ॥

आत्मनात्मनि संतोषं यावद्याति न मानसम् ।

उद्भवन्त्यापदस्तावल्लता इव मनोबिलात् ॥ ७ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.15.1: Contentment is the highest good; contentment is called true happiness. One who is contented attains Supreme Peace, O destroyer of enemies.

2.15.2: For those whose minds are ever at Peace, endowed with the wealth of contentment, even an empire seems as insignificant as a blade of grass.

2.15.3: A mind imbued with contentment, O Rama, remains undisturbed even amidst the painful fluctuations of worldly life and never falters.

2.15.4: Those who are Tranquil and satisfied, having drunk the nectar of contentment, find that worldly pleasures and riches become like poison to them.

2.15.5: Even waves of nectar-like pleasures do not bring as much joy as the supremely sweet taste of contentment, which destroys all faults.

2.15.6: One who relinquishes desires for what is unattained, remains equipoised with what is obtained, and is free from sorrow over unseen losses is called contented here.

2.15.7: As long as the mind does not find contentment within itself, afflictions arise like creepers from the cave of the mind.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.15.1 to 2.15.7, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Lord Rama, extol the virtue of contentment (santosh) as the cornerstone of true happiness and spiritual Realization. Contentment is presented as the highest good, a state of inner fulfillment that surpasses all external achievements or pleasures. It is described as the source of Supreme Peace, enabling one to remain unperturbed by the ups and downs of worldly existence. By emphasizing contentment as the essence of joy, these verses set the stage for a deeper exploration of how inner tranquility outshines fleeting material gains.

The teachings highlight the transformative power of contentment in reshaping one’s perspective on worldly desires. For those who cultivate a contented mind, even the grandeur of an empire loses its allure, appearing as trivial as a blade of grass. This reflects the idea that true wealth lies not in external possessions but in the inner richness of a peaceful mind. Contentment detaches one from the endless pursuit of material success, fostering a state of enduring calm that renders external achievements insignificant in comparison.

These verses further emphasize the resilience that contentment brings to the mind. A contented intellect remains steady and undisturbed, even in the face of life’s challenges and adversities. 

Unlike a mind swayed by desires or external circumstances, the contented mind is unwavering, never succumbing to distress or agitation. This steadfastness underscores contentment as a shield against the volatility of samsara (worldly existence), enabling one to navigate life’s difficulties with equanimity.

Moreover, contentment is portrayed as a nectar-like elixir that not only satisfies but also neutralizes the allure of worldly pleasures. Those who embrace contentment find that material enjoyments, which might otherwise captivate the mind, lose their appeal and even become distasteful, akin to poison. This shift in perception highlights the purifying nature of contentment, which eradicates the flaws of craving and attachment, replacing them with a profound sense of fulfillment that no external pleasure can match.

Finally, the verses define the truly contented person as one who is free from longing for the unattained, balanced in what is received, and unaffected by unseen sorrows. The absence of contentment, conversely, breeds mental afflictions, likened to creepers growing uncontrollably from the mind’s depths. This teaching underscores the necessity of cultivating inner contentment to uproot the causes of suffering. Collectively, these verses advocate for contentment as the path to lasting peace, urging one to seek fulfillment within rather than in the transient pleasures of the external world.