Chapter 2.7, Verses 11–22

Yoga Vashishtha 2.7.11–22

(proactive, self-reliant approach to life)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

शास्त्रतो गुरुतश्चैव स्वतश्चेति त्रिसिद्धयः ।

सर्वत्र पुरुषार्थस्य न दैवस्य कदाचन ॥ ११ ॥

अशुभेषु समाविष्टं शुभेष्वेवावतारयेत् ।

प्रयत्नाच्चित्तमित्येष सर्वशास्त्रार्थसंग्रहः ॥ १२ ॥

यच्छ्रेयो यदतुच्छं च यदपायविवर्जितम्।

तत्तदाचर यत्नेन पुत्रेति गुरवः स्थिताः ॥ १३ ॥

यथा यथा प्रयत्नो मे फलमाशु तथा तथा ।

इत्यहं पौरुषादेव फलभाङ् न तु दैवतः ॥ १४ ॥

पौरुषाद्दृश्यते सिद्धिः पौरुषाद्धीमतां क्रमः ।

दैवमाश्वासनामात्रं दुःखे पेलवबुद्धिषु ॥ १५ ॥

प्रत्यक्षप्रमुखैर्नित्यं प्रमाणैः पौरुषक्रमः।

फलितो दृश्यते लोके देशान्तरगमादिकः ॥ १६ ॥

भोक्ता तृप्यति नाभोक्ता गन्ता गच्छति नागतिः ।

वक्ता वक्ति न चावक्ता पौरुषं सफलं नृणाम् ॥ १७ ॥

पौरुषेण दुरन्तेभ्यः संकटेभ्यः सुबुद्धयः।

समुत्तरन्त्ययत्नेन न तु मोघतयानया ॥ १८ ॥

यो यो यथा प्रयतते स स तत्तत्फलैकभाक् ।

न तु तूष्णीं स्थितेनेह केनचित्प्राप्यते फलम् ॥ १९ ॥

शुभेन पुरुषार्थेन शुभमासाद्यते फलम्।

अशुभेनाशुभं राम यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु ॥ २० ॥

पुरुषार्थात्फलप्राप्तिर्देशकाल वशादिह ।

प्राप्ता चिरेण शीघ्रं वा यासौ दैवमिति स्मृता ॥ २१ ॥

न दैवं दृश्यते दृष्ट्या न च लोकान्तरे स्थितम् ।

उक्तं दैवाभिधानेन स्वर्लोके कर्मणः फलम् ॥ २२ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said:

2.7.11: Success is achieved through three means—scriptures, the guidance of a teacher, and one’s own effort. Never is it due to fate alone.

2.7.12: When the mind is immersed in unwholesome states, it should be directed toward wholesome ones through effort. This is the essence of all scriptural teachings.

2.7.13: Whatever is beneficial, noble, and free from decay—pursue that diligently, O son, as advised by the Wise teachers.

2.7.14: The more effort I put forth, the quicker and greater the results I achieve. I attain success through human effort, not through fate.

2.7.15: Success is seen through human effort; the progress of the Wise comes from effort. Fate is merely a consoling notion for the weak-minded in times of distress.

2.7.16: The path of human effort, supported by evident proofs, is seen to yield results in the world, such as traveling to distant lands and other achievements.

2.7.17: The eater is satisfied, not the non-eater; the traveler reaches the destination, not the one who stays still; the speaker communicates, not the silent one. Human effort brings success to people.

2.7.18: Through effort, the Wise overcome even the most formidable difficulties effortlessly, not through futile inaction.

2.7.19: Whatever effort one makes, one reaps the corresponding fruits. No one achieves results by remaining idle.

2.7.20: Through virtuous effort, one attains auspicious results; through unwholesome effort, inauspicious results follow. Therefore, act as you wish, O Rama.

2.7.21: The attainment of results through human effort depends on time and place. Whether achieved quickly or after a long time, this is what is called fate.

2.7.22: Fate is not something seen with the eyes, nor does it exist in some other world. What is termed fate is simply the result of one’s actions in this world.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.7.11 to 2.7.22, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Rama, emphasize the paramount importance of human effort (paurusham) over the concept of fate (bhagya) in achieving success and shaping one’s life. The teachings assert that success is derived from three primary sources: the wisdom of scriptures, the guidance of a teacher, and one’s own diligent effort. Fate, as traditionally understood, is dismissed as a mere consolation for those lacking resolve, underscoring that human agency is the true determinant of outcomes. This perspective empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions and their consequences, rejecting passivity or reliance on external forces.

Central to these verses is the idea that the mind can be transformed through conscious effort. When caught in negative or unwholesome states, one should strive to redirect it toward positive, virtuous paths, as this encapsulates the core of spiritual and practical Wisdom. The teachings encourage the pursuit of what is noble, beneficial, and enduring, advising diligence in actions that align with these qualities. This focus on intentional effort highlights the transformative power of disciplined action, aligning with the broader philosophical framework of self-improvement and mindfulness found in the Yoga Vasishta.

The verses further illustrate that effort directly correlates with results. Whether it is the act of eating to satisfy hunger, traveling to reach a destination, or speaking to communicate, tangible outcomes arise from active engagement, not from inaction. The Wise, through persistent effort, can overcome even the most daunting challenges, while idleness leads to no progress. This principle is reinforced with the assertion that the nature of one’s effort—whether virtuous or unwholesome —determines the quality of the results, urging Rama (and the reader) to choose actions wisely.

The concept of fate is redefined in these verses as the outcome of one’s actions, shaped by the context of time and place, rather than an independent, predetermined force. What is commonly called fate is merely the fruition of past efforts, demystifying it as a product of human endeavor rather than a mystical or external power. This redefinition shifts the focus from fatalism to accountability, encouraging individuals to see their actions as the seeds of their future circumstances.

In essence, these teachings advocate for a proactive, self-reliant approach to life, rooted in the belief that human effort is the primary driver of success and fulfillment. By emphasizing the role of personal agency, the guidance of wisdom, and the rejection of passivity, the verses inspire a disciplined, purposeful pursuit of goals. They serve as a call to action for individuals to cultivate their minds, align their efforts with virtuous aims, and recognize that their destiny lies within their own hands, shaped by the choices they make and the efforts they undertake.

Chapter 2.6, Verses 1–10

Yoga Vashishtha 2.6.1–10

(transformative potential of human action)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

तस्मात्प्राक्पौरुषाद्दैवं नान्यत्तत्प्रोज्झ्य दूरतः ।

साधुसंगमसच्छास्त्रैर्जीवमुत्तारयेद्बलात् ॥ १ ॥

यथा यथा प्रयत्नः स्याद्भवेदाशु फलं तथा ।

इति पौरुषमेवास्ति दैवमस्तु तदेव च ॥ २ ॥

दुःखाद्यथा दुःखकाले हा कष्टमिति कथ्यते ।

हाकष्टशब्दपर्यायस्तथा हा दैवमित्यपि ॥ ३ ॥

प्राक्स्वकर्मेतराकारं दैवं नाम न विद्यते ।

बालः प्रबलपुंसेव तज्जेतुमिह शक्यते ॥ ४ ॥

ह्यस्तनो दुष्ट आचार आचारेणाद्य चारुणा ।

यथाशु शुभतामेति प्राक्तनं कर्म तत्तथा ॥ ५ ॥

तज्जयाय यतन्ते ये न लोभलवलम्पटाः ।

ते दीनाः प्राकृता मूढाः स्थिता दैवपरायणाः ॥ ६ ॥

पौरुषेण कृतं कर्म दैवाद्यदभिनश्यति।

तत्र नाशयितुर्ज्ञेयं पौरुषं बलवत्तरम् ॥ ७ ॥

यदेकवृन्तफलयोरथैकं शून्यकोटरम् ।

तत्र प्रयत्नः स्फुरितस्तथा तद्रससंविदः ॥ ८ ॥

यत्प्रयान्ति जगद्भावाः संसिद्धा अपि संक्षयम् ।

क्षयकारकयत्नस्य ह्यत्र ज्ञेयं महद्बलम् ॥ ९ ॥

द्वौ हुडाविव युध्येते पुरुषार्थौ परस्परम् ।

य एव बलवांस्तत्र स एव जयति क्षणात् ॥ १० ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said: 

2.6.1: Therefore, there is no such thing as fate apart from one’s own effort; casting aside the notion of fate far away, one should uplift the soul through the company of the virtuous and the study of true scriptures.

2.6.2: The more effort one exerts, the quicker the results manifest; thus, effort alone exists, and what is called fate is nothing but that very effort.

2.6.3: Just as one laments “Oh, what misery!” during times of suffering, the term “Oh, fate!” is merely another expression for that same lamentation.

2.6.4: There is no such thing as fate apart from the actions performed in the past; like a child overcoming a strong man, it can be conquered here through effort.

2.6.5: Just as a person of bad conduct can swiftly attain virtue through good conduct today, so too can past actions be transformed through present effort.

2.6.6: Those who strive to overcome fate but are swayed by greed and attachment remain lowly, ordinary, and deluded, clinging to the idea of fate.

2.6.7: If an action performed through effort is destroyed by what is called fate, it should be understood that the effort of the destroyer is stronger.

2.6.8: Just as one fruit on a branch may be full while another is empty, effort determines the outcome, like the taste experienced by the one who strives.

2.6.9: Even perfected things in the world perish due to destructive efforts; the great power of the effort causing destruction should be recognized here.

2.6.10: Two efforts (fate and paurash), like two rams, clash against each other; the one that is stronger prevails instantly.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.6.1 to 2.6.10 emphasize the supremacy of human effort (paurusha) over the concept of fate (bhagya). The text firmly rejects the notion of an external, predetermined force called fate, asserting that what is often labeled as fate is merely the outcome of one’s past actions. By aligning oneself with virtuous company and studying true scriptures, an individual can actively shape their destiny, uplifting their soul through conscious effort. This teaching underscores personal responsibility and the power of self-determination, urging one to discard passive reliance on fate.

The verses further illustrate that the fruits of one’s actions are directly proportional to the effort invested. The more diligently one strives, the sooner and more effectively results manifest. The text uses vivid analogies, such as likening cries of “fate” to expressions of misery, to show that attributing outcomes to fate is a misinterpretation of the consequences of one’s own deeds. This perspective empowers individuals to take control of their lives, emphasizing that effort is the true driving force behind success or failure.

The teachings also highlight the malleability of past actions through present effort. Just as a person can transform their character from negative to virtuous through conscious behavior, past karma can be reshaped by current actions. The text warns against succumbing to greed or delusion, which keep individuals trapped in a cycle of blaming fate rather than taking action. Those who fail to exert effort and remain attached to desires are described as ordinary and deluded, unable to break free from the notion of an external fate.

The verses use metaphors to convey the competitive nature of effort. For instance, the comparison of efforts to fruits on a branch—one full, another empty—illustrates that outcomes depend on the quality and intensity of effort. Similarly, the clash of efforts is likened to two rams fighting, where the stronger prevails. This reinforces the idea that the power of one’s effort determines the outcome, whether it leads to creation or destruction. Even seemingly perfected things can perish if met with a stronger opposing effort, highlighting the dynamic interplay of actions.

In essence, these verses advocate for a proactive, effort-driven approach to life, dismissing fate as an illusion born of misunderstanding. They encourage individuals to cultivate discipline, associate with the Wise, and engage in persistent effort to shape their destiny. By emphasizing the transformative potential of human action, the Yoga Vasishta inspires a mindset of empowerment, where one’s present efforts can overcome the inertia of past deeds, leading to spiritual and worldly success.

Chapter 2.5, Verses 10–21

Yoga Vashishtha 2.5.10–21

(Supremacy of personal effort over predetermined destiny)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

प्राक्तनः पुरुषार्थोऽसौ मां नियोजयतीति धीः ।

बलादधस्पदीकार्या प्रत्यक्षादधिका न सा ॥ १० ॥

तावत्तावत्प्रयत्नेन यतितव्यं सुपौरुषम् ।

प्राक्तनं पौरुषं यावदशुभं शाम्यति स्वयम् ॥ ११ ॥

दोषः शाम्यत्यसंदेहं प्राक्तनोऽद्यतनैर्गुणैः।

दृष्टान्तोऽत्र ह्यस्तनस्य दोषस्याद्य गुणैः क्षयः ॥ १२ ॥

असद्दैवमधःकृत्वा नित्यमुद्रिक्तया धिया।

संसारोत्तरणं भूत्यै यतेताऽऽधातुमात्मनि ॥ १३ ॥

न गन्तव्यमनुद्योगैः साम्यं पुरुषगर्दभैः।

उद्योगस्तु यथाशास्त्रं लोकद्वितयसिद्धये ॥ १४ ॥

संसारकुहरादस्मान्निर्गन्तव्यं स्वयं बलात् ।

पौरुषं यत्नमाश्रित्य हरिणेवारिपञ्जरात् ॥ १५ ॥

प्रत्यहं प्रत्यवेक्षेत देहं नश्वरमात्मनः ।

संत्यजेत्पशुभिस्तुल्यं श्रयेत्सत्पुरुषोचितम् ॥ १६ ॥

किंचित्कान्तान्नपानादिकलिलं कोमलं गृहे ।

व्रणे कीट इवास्वाद्य वयः कार्यं न भस्मसात् ॥ १७ ॥

शुभेन पौरुषेणाशु शुभमासाद्यते फलम्।

अशुभेनाशुभं नित्यं दैवं नाम न किंचन ॥ १८ ॥

प्रत्यक्षमानमुत्सृज्य योऽनुमानमुपैत्यसौ।

स्वभुजाभ्यामिमौ सर्पाविति प्रेक्ष्य पलायते ॥ १९ ॥

दैवं संप्रेरयति मामिति दग्धधियां मुखम्।

अदृष्टश्रेष्ठदृष्टीनां दृष्ट्वा लक्ष्मीर्निवर्तते ॥ २० ॥

तस्मात्पुरुषयत्नेन विवेकं पूर्वमाश्रयेत् ।

आत्मज्ञानमहार्थानि शास्त्राणि प्रविचारयेत् ॥ २१ ॥

Maharishi Vashishta said: 

2.5.10: The notion that past actions (prarabdha karma) compel me must be forcefully subdued, as it is not superior to direct experience.

2.5.11: One should strive with persistent effort and resolute will until the negative effects of past actions subside naturally.

2.5.12: Undoubtedly, the flaws of past actions are neutralized by the virtues cultivated in the present, just as the defects of a past life are diminished by current virtuous qualities.

2.5.13: By consistently rejecting the notion of a false destiny with an elevated mind, one should strive to transcend worldly existence for ultimate prosperity.

2.5.14: One should not fall into inaction, becoming like a beast among men; instead, effort aligned with scriptural wisdom should be pursued for success in both worldly and spiritual realms.

2.5.15: One must escape the trap of worldly existence through determined effort, relying on personal resolve, like a deer breaking free from a hunter’s cage.

2.5.16: Daily, one should reflect on the impermanent nature of the body, abandon beastly tendencies, and adopt the conduct befitting a noble person.

2.5.17: Life should not be wasted on fleeting pleasures of food, drink, or comforts at home, like a worm relishing a wound; instead, it should not be reduced to ashes.

2.5.18: Through virtuous effort, positive results are quickly attained, while negative actions yield negative outcomes; there is no such thing as destiny.

2.5.19: One who ignores evident Truth and relies on mere inference, mistaking their own arms for snakes, flees in fear.

2.5.20: Those who claim, “Destiny controls me,” with their deluded minds, find that even the goddess of fortune turns away upon seeing their reliance on an unseen fate over clear perception.

2.5.21: Therefore, one should first embrace discernment through persistent effort, deeply contemplating the scriptures to attain Self-Knowledge and the Highest Goals.

Summary of the Teachings:

The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.5.10 to 2.5.21, spoken by Sage Vasishta, emphasize the supremacy of personal effort (purushartha) over the notion of predetermined destiny (daiva). 

The teachings challenge the belief that past actions or fate dictate one’s life, asserting that such a view is inferior to direct experience and conscious effort. Vasishta urges the practitioner to reject passivity and actively counter the effects of past karma through present virtuous actions. This proactive stance empowers individuals to take control of their spiritual and worldly journey, dismissing fatalistic ideas as obstacles to progress.

The text underscores the importance of persistent effort in overcoming negative tendencies inherited from past actions. By cultivating positive qualities and engaging in righteous endeavors, one can neutralize harmful karmic influences. The analogy of a deer escaping a hunter’s cage illustrates the need for determined, self-reliant action to break free from the cycle of samsara (worldly existence). This highlights the 

transformative power of human will when aligned with Wisdom and discipline, positioning effort as the key to Realization.

Vasishta further advises daily self-reflection on the impermanence of the physical body to cultivate detachment from fleeting pleasures. He warns against indulgence in sensory comforts, likening such behavior to a worm reveling in a wound, and encourages adopting noble conduct instead. The teachings reject a life wasted on trivial pursuits, advocating for a purposeful existence driven by higher aspirations. This call to mindfulness reinforces the need to prioritize spiritual growth over transient worldly gains.

The verses also debunk the concept of destiny as an independent force, asserting that outcomes are shaped by one’s actions. Vasishta uses vivid imagery, such as mistaking one’s arms for snakes, to illustrate the folly of ignoring evident truth in favor of unfounded beliefs. Those who attribute their circumstances to fate are depicted as misguided, unable to attract prosperity or progress. This critique emphasizes the importance of rational discernment and reliance on observable reality over speculative notions of predestination.

Finally, the teachings culminate in a call to embrace discernment (viveka) and scriptural wisdom to attain Self-Knowledge (atma-jnana). By prioritizing intellectual clarity and contemplative practice, one can achieve the Ultimate Purpose of life—liberation from samsara 

and Realization of the Self. These verses collectively inspire a proactive, discerning, and disciplined approach to life, where personal effort, guided by Wisdom, becomes the cornerstone of spiritual and worldly success.

Chapter 2.5, Verses 1–9

Yoga Vashishtha 2.5.1–9

(emphasizing supreme effort rooted in positive intent)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

प्रवृत्तिरेव प्रथमं यथाशास्त्रविहारिणाम्।

प्रभेव वर्णभेदानां साधनी सर्वकर्मणाम् ॥ १ ॥

मनसा वाञ्छते यच्च यथाशास्त्रं न कर्मणा ।

साध्यते मत्तलीलासौ मोहनी नार्थसाधनी ॥ २ ॥

यथा संयतते येन तथा तेनानुभूयते ।

स्वकर्मैवेति चास्तेऽन्या व्यतिरिक्ता न दैवदृक् ॥ ३ ॥

उच्छास्त्रं शास्त्रितं चेति द्विविधं पौरुषं स्मृतम् ।

तत्रोच्छास्त्रमनर्थाय परमार्थाय शास्त्रितम् ॥ ४ ॥

द्वौ हुडाविव युध्येते पुरुषार्थौ समासमौ।

प्राक्तनश्चैहिकश्चैव शाम्यत्यत्राल्पवीर्यवान् ॥ ५ ॥

अतः पुरुषयत्नेन यतितव्यं यथा तथा।

पुंसा तन्त्रेण सद्योगाद्येनाश्वद्यतनो जयेत् ॥ ६ ॥

द्वौ हुडाविव युध्येते पुरुषार्थौ समासमौ।

आत्मीयश्चान्यदीयश्च जयत्यतिबलस्तयोः ॥ ७ ॥

अनर्थः प्राप्यते यत्र शास्त्रितादपि पौरुषात् ।

अनर्थकर्तृ बलवत्तत्र ज्ञेयं स्वपौरुषम् ॥ ८ ॥

परं पौरुषमाश्रित्य दन्तैर्दन्तान्विचूर्णयन्।

शुभेनाऽशुभमुद्युक्तं प्राक्तनं पौरुषं जयेत् ॥ ९ ॥

Maharishi Vashisht said:

2.5.1: Action is the foremost requirement for those who follow the path of the scriptures, just as light is essential for distinguishing colors; it is the means to accomplish all endeavors.

2.5.2: Whatever the mind desires, if pursued according to scriptural injunctions but without proper action, becomes mere playful delusion, enchanting but ineffective in achieving True Goals.

2.5.3: The results one experiences are in accordance with the actions performed; there is no separate fate or destiny apart from one’s own efforts.

2.5.4: Human effort is of two kinds: unscriptural and scriptural. Unscriptural effort leads to harm, while scriptural effort leads to the Highest Good.

2.5.5: Like two rams fighting, past and present efforts clash equally; the weaker one succumbs in this struggle.

2.5.6: Therefore, one must strive with human effort in every possible way, following the right path, so that present effort overcomes past tendencies.

2.5.7: Like two rams fighting, one’s own effort and that of another clash equally; the stronger of the two prevails.

2.5.8: When harm arises even from scriptural effort, it should be understood that the stronger force is the effort causing the harm.

2.5.9: Relying on Supreme effort, like crushing teeth with teeth, one should overcome negative past efforts with positive, virtuous effort.

Summary of Teachings:

The teachings of Yoga Vasishta verses 2.5.1 to 2.5.9 emphasize the primacy of human effort (paurusha) in shaping one’s destiny and achieving meaningful outcomes, grounded in scriptural guidance. The verses assert that action is fundamental for those who adhere to spiritual or ethical principles, likening it to light that reveals distinctions. Without purposeful action, even desires aligned with scriptures remain illusory and unproductive, underscoring that intention alone is insufficient without practical effort.

The text dispels the notion of an external fate, asserting that outcomes are solely the result of one’s actions. This highlights personal responsibility, as there is no separate destiny dictating results beyond what one creates through effort. The verses stress that the quality and alignment of actions determine their fruits, emphasizing the importance of conscious, deliberate effort over passive reliance on external forces.

Human effort is categorized into two types: unscriptural, which leads to negative consequences, and scriptural, which aligns with Higher Truth and leads to Ultimate Good. This distinction urges individuals to pursue actions that are ethical and aligned with Spiritual Wisdom, as misguided efforts can lead to harm. The emphasis on scriptural effort reflects the need for actions to be informed by wisdom and righteousness to yield positive outcomes.

The metaphor of two rams fighting illustrates the conflict between past and present efforts, or between one’s own efforts and external influences. 

The stronger effort prevails, suggesting that present, conscious effort can overcome past tendencies or weaker influences. This encourages persistent, disciplined striving to shape one’s path, reinforcing the idea that current actions hold the power to transform one’s trajectory, even against ingrained habits or external challenges.

Finally, the verses advocate for resolute, virtuous effort to counteract negative past actions, likening it to crushing teeth with teeth. This imagery conveys the need for intense, focused effort to overcome obstacles or harmful tendencies. By emphasizing supreme effort rooted in positive intent, the teachings inspire individuals to take charge of their spiritual and practical lives, using disciplined action to achieve liberation and fulfillment.